Of course, we don’t know what kind of promised free “critique” one will get by entering this contest, but still, there’s something enticing about hearing something, anything, beyond the tiny piece of paper that starts, “We appreciate having had the opportunity to read your work….”
Plus, I generally avoid contest with a fee that don’t offer either prestige, a copy of something, or the potential for big bucks.
So, if I haven’t scared you away, do read on. And if you enter, I’d be curious to hear about the outcome, so please keep us posted. (And get cracking—the deadline is July 31.)
Amazing Story Fiction Contest
What do we mean by "Amazing Story," you ask? A story which grabs us by the throat, demanding we pay attention. A story that tugs at our heart strings. Beautiful words with a lyrical quality. A well-written tale, showing the author is a master storyteller. These are some of the elements we're looking for in an Amazing Story.
Guidelines
Every entry will receive a free critique! (Optional: To receive a thorough line edit, enclose an additional $5 per story, plus 9 X 12 SASE with enough postage for returning your story. If entering online, click on one of the options at the bottom of the page.)
DEADLINE: Postmarked by July 31, 2008.
ENTRY FEE: $5 per entry, maximum of three entries.
Checks payable to: The Write Helper. Submissions without entry fee or inadequate fee will be returned to contestant if SASE is provided.
PRIZES:
1st Place $100
2nd Place $50
3rd Place $25
RULES:Open subject, open genre. (No erotica or gratuitous violence.)
Unpublished at time of submission, original work of contestant.
Standard manuscript form: 81/2 x 11 paper, typed and double-spaced, pages numbered, 12 point Times New Roman.
No more than 2,000 words, excluding title. Paper clip your story, no staples. Cover sheet for each story, with contestant’s name, address, phone number, email (if you have one), and title of entry. (Name may only appear on cover sheet, not manuscript.)
Postmarked no later than July 31, 2008. DO NOT SEND BY CERTIFIED MAIL!
Mail in 9X12 or large envelope with sufficient postage to:
Amazing Story Contest
c/o Amy Harke-Moore
104 Harke Lane
Old Monroe, MO 63369
Checks payable to: The Write Helper. For electronic submission instructions, go here.
For free critique, enclose either a business-sized SASE or email address so we can get your critique to you. For optional $5 line edit, enclose 9 X 12 SASE with enough postage to return your story.Contest is open to everyone. For a list of winners, check our website: www.thewritehelper.com after September 1, 2008.Decision of the judges is final. Not responsible for lost or misdirected entries. Winning entry has the opportunity to be published on our website. Manuscripts will not be returned (unless additional line edit was purchased).