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that when nurtured,
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2009 Writers Contest


General Information


Oklahoma City Writers, Inc. conducts an annual writing contest for its members. All entries should be brought to the September meeting or mailed to the Contest Chair. If mailed, the postmark deadline is midnight of the day the group meets in September. The 2009 deadline is September 19.

Any category with fewer than six (6) entries will not be judged. However, if a member's only entry is not judged, that member's entry fee will be refunded.

Contest winners will be announced at the regular November meeting. First, second, and third place winners in each category will receive certificates and cash awards. Awards for contest winners are as follows: $25 for first place, $15 for second place, and $10 for third place. Honorable Mention Certificates (no cash awards) may be awarded at the discretion of the judge. The club will not pay any monetary stipend or payment for the services of judging entries in the Oklahoma City Writers, Inc. contest.

The position of the Contest Chair is appointed by the President and, at the President's discretion, a co-chair may be appointed. No one working on the contest, including the President, is permitted to enter the contest.

The cover sheet is removed before the manuscript is delivered for judging, and retained by the Chair to identify the winners when the manuscripts are returned.

To protect the integrity of the writing contest, any manuscript that is not the original work of the entrant will be disqualified. The Contest Chair is also required to disqualify anyone not adhering to the rules. An ad hoc committee consisting of the Contest Chair and the President will resolve any questions arising during the contest. (If possible, the Contest Chair should try to qualify every entry.)

Causes for disqualification:
* Not meeting deadline requirements
* Failure to include the entry fee
* Failure to have current dues paid
* Manuscripts that are decorated, written by hand, or typed in unusual fonts
* Entries longer than the maximum length or less than the minimum length
* Entries without cover sheets
* Entries containing any author identification within the manuscript
* Any manuscript submitted without return instructions or a stamped self-addressed envelope
* Any manuscript found not to be the original work of the entrant

OKC Writers Contest Categories

1. Humor-Fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. Maximum length is 3,000 words.

2. Inspirational-Fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. Maximum length is 5,000 words.

3. Juvenile-Includes all juvenile fiction, non-fiction, or poetry for readers 18 years of age or younger. For the maximum word count, refer to the applicable contest genre category. Example: Juvenile-Young Adult Novel; Juvenile-Poetry; Juvenile-Inspirational.

4. Essay-Any subject in which the manuscript informs, entertains, or persuades. Maximum length is 3,000 words.

5. Poetry-Any length, style, or theme. The poetry may be traditional or free verse.

6. Short Story-Short fiction for adult readers. Maximum length is 5,000 words.

7. Play, Film, or Script-One, two, or three acts. Submit 10 to 30 consecutive pages following accepted industry standards, plus a separate synopsis not to exceed 750 words.

8. Feature Article-Non-fiction article on any subject. Maximum length is 5,000 words. Formerly called the Henry Carlton Jones Memorial.

9. Book-Includes all adult fiction and non-fiction. Each entry must have the first two chapters (maximum 45 pages) and a separate synopsis for fiction, or outline for non-fiction, not to exceed 750 words.

10. Nostalgia Prose-Factual, down-home stories reflecting present and past everyday occurrences. Maximum length is 1,200 words. Category established by the Naomi T. Casey estate.

11. Crème-de-la-Crème-All first place winners will compete for a $50 best-of-the-best award.

OKC Writers 2009 Deadlines and Contact Information


Contest Deadline: Saturday, September 19, 2009
CONTEST RULES
Entries may be brought to the September meeting, or mailed to the Contest Chair. If mailed, entries must be postmarked by midnight on September 19.

Winners Announced: Saturday, November 21, 2009
2009 Contest Chair:  Maria Veres
E-mail: mpveres@yahoo.com
(Please allow a few days for response)
The Contest Chair's mailing address can be found in the OKC Writers Directory.
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