2017 Contests
All entries must be postmarked and mailed to Audrey Stallsmith at 87 East Pines Road, Hadley, PA 16130 by April 10, 2017. There is no charge if you have registered for the conference. You must attend the conference to enter the contests.
Your envelope and entries should be clearly marked CONTEST. You must include a cover sheet with your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address (if you have one). The cover sheet should also list your entry categories, and manuscript titles. Please do not put your name on your manuscripts.
You may enter as many categories as you’d like, but enter each category only once.
Poetry Contests
Poetry: You may enter one poem, in any poetic style, with a total of 40 lines or less (not counting the title and byline).
Light Verse: You may enter one poem, with a total of 40 lines or less (not counting the title and byline). Make us laugh.
Poetic Forms: From the poetic forms listed at this link, choose one and write a poem which follows the guidelines for that particular form. When typing it up for submission, indicate in the title line which form you are using, followed by a colon and the actual title. You may enter one poem, with a total of 40 lines or less (not counting the title and byline).
Fiction Contests
Novel Beginning: You may send one entry, of 1,000 words or less, which is the beginning of a novel in any genre. This may be aimed at either adults or young adults.
Short Story: You may enter one complete short story, of 1,500 words or less, in any genre. This may be aimed at either adults or young adults, but must be fiction.
Children’s Story: You may enter one picture book or children's story for a magazine, complete in 1,000 words or less.
Nonfiction Contests
Devotional: You may enter one devotional of 250 words or less. A scripture and/or prayer are optional, but should be included in the word count if used.
Creative Nonfiction/Memoir: You may enter one real-life incident, of 1,000 words or less, on the theme of "The Biggest Mistake I Ever Made." The piece can be either light or serious, but should be a true story.
Blog: You may enter one blog posting of 500 words or less on any subject.
Contest Information
You can see the list of last year's prize-winners displayed in the right-hand column. Keep in mind that our judges don't always award all of the prizes in all of the categories. We require that the first-place piece be publishable as it is, that the second-place piece be publishable with only some minor revisions, and etc. So please send only your best work!
If you are unsure of the correct manuscript format for some entries, you can easily find that information online. Except for poetry, manuscripts should always be double spaced.