SLO NightWriters

SLO NIGHTWRITERS SHORT STORY & POETRY CONTEST RULES FOR 2010

Eligibility:

• * All writers are eligible except judges and contest director. Membership is not necessary for the contest, but is encouraged for writers in San Luis Obispo County, California.

• * To become a member of SLO NightWriters, visit our home page to download a membership form and either mail in payment or pay via PayPal, or visit our About page for more information.

Guidelines:

• * Entries must be based on the theme: TRUST/BETRAYAL. There are no limitations as to how this theme is interpreted. Use your imagination to create a unique entry.

• * You may submit more than one story or poem. Submit two copies by mail, or by Word attachment via email. Make sure attachment is formatted as a .doc or .rtf format only.

• * Short Stories are limited to a maximum of 500 words EXCLUDING TITLE. Your story may have fewer words. Remember that, except for the title, every word counts. Hyphenated words count as two words.

• * Poems are limited to 40 lines maximum.  Choose a form that compliments the subject.

• * Entries must be typed 12 point Courier or Times New Roman (English language only). Short stories double-spaced. Poems formatted as appropriate.

• * Write an identifying 4-digit number (such as the last four digits of your Social Security number) in the upper left hand corner of each page. (Names will disqualify.)

• * Hard copies: Include 2 copies of each story or poem. E-mail entries: Mail as attachment only (in Word, .doc or .rtf format only).

• * ON A SEPARATE PAGE (OR E-MAIL ATTACHMENT), type your name, mailing address, phone number, email address (if available), story/poem title, exact word count, and the FOUR NUMBER identification number.

How to Enter:

• * Entry fee: $10  for first story or poem; $5 for each additional story or poem.  Make checks payable to SLO NightWriters. Or pay via PayPal on our website. If adding a new membership to the entry, deduct $5.00 from the total (ex: Story/Poem entry, $10.00; membership, $30.00; Total, $40.00 – $5.00 discount = $35.00)

• * Mail submissions and/or checks to:

SLO NightWriters Contest

5458 Bolsa Road

Atascadero, CA 93422

• * E-mail submissions:  E-mail contest entry and cover letter as attachments to SLOnightwritersevents[AT]yahoo.com

• * Entries must be postmarked (and e-mails received) by April 30, 2010.

General Information:

• * Cash Prizes will be given for both Short Story and Poetry categories.

• * Prizes: 1^st Place: $75.00 -  2^nd Place: $50.00 – Finalists (up to 8 in each category): Finalist Certificates

• * All SLO NightWriters member entries will also be entered into a drawing for a Scholarship to the 2010 Central Coast Writers’ Conference at Cuesta College. (Prize donated by CCWC.) Winner will be drawn at the June 2010 NightWriters meeting. Must be present to win.

• * Judging decisions are final. Winners will be notified by May 25, 2010. Prizes will be awarded and winning stories read at the June 8^th SLO NightWriters general meeting.

• * Unless requested otherwise, winning entries will be published online in the NightWriter Newsletter. Sorry, manuscripts cannot be returned. Prizes will be mailed if necessary.

• * Both categories are blind-judged by qualified judges. Stories are rated from 1 to 5 on the following criteria: Hook; Conflict (Tension); Plot; Setting; Character Development; Dialogue; Point of View; Pace; Theme; Format; Language; Grammar; and Resolution. Poetry is rated from 1-10 on the following: Title; Rhythm; Rhyme; Clarity; Form; Depth; Ending; and Emotional Impact.

E-mail questions to SLOnightwritersevents[AT]yahoo.com.

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Scholarship for 2010 donated by the Central Coast Writers’ Conference XXV (Upcoming conference will be held Sept 17 and 18, 2010.)

For information, visit the Central Coast Writers’ Conference Website.