The Bay Area Writers League

Manuscript Competition Guidelines - Novice Contest

The 2003 contest is closed. The deadline for entries was March 31.

The purpose of this competition is to encourage beginning writers. A beginning writer is one who has not had a book-length work published in the category he or she is entering, or more than five short stories, articles, essays or poems published, and who has not previously won this contest in the category.

"Published," for the purpose of this contest, means that your work appeared in a print or online medium (such as a CD or Web site) and that you were paid for it. Publication in B.A.W.L.'s Galaxy and b.a.w.l. point pen and publications such as school newspapers do not disqualify you from this contest.

You may submit a work in any category in which you are a beginning writer. For example, if you have published book-length fiction, you may enter a book in the nonfiction category and vice versa.

Manuscripts will be accepted for the following categories:

Fiction, novel - first chapter, 20 pages maximum, plus synopsis, 10 pages maximum.
Fiction, short story - 5,000 words maximum.
Nonfiction, book-length - first chapter, 20 pages maximum, plus outline, 10 pages maximum.
Nonfiction short article or essay - 5,000 words maximum.
Poetry - Up to 100 lines (per poem).

Manuscripts must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2003. This deadline will not be extended.

You must register for the conference to enter the manuscript contest. See the Conference page for registration information.

Your entry must not have been accepted for publication.

Manuscripts must be double-spaced, with 25 lines per page and minimum one-inch margins (standard manuscript format).

Your name, address, phone number, title and category must be on the cover sheet. Your name must not appear anywhere else on the manuscript. Put title and page number only on all subsequent pages.

No staples or binders.

Send three copies of each entry, but only one cover sheet.

Entry fees::

Fiction and nonfiction: $15
Poetry: $10 for first entry, $5 for each subsequent entry (maximum 3)

Entry fees are nonrefundable.

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee or fees.

IMPORTANT:

Manuscripts will be returned at the end of the conference.
If you wish a manuscript returned by mail, include an S.A.SE. with adequate postage.

Judging:

Stacy Boyd will judge the novel category.
All other judges will remain anonymous to prevent bias.
Judges may provide comments but they are not required to do so.
Contest decisions are final.
Cash prizes will be awarded for first through third places.

To submit an entry or entries, mail manuscript(s) plus entry fee(s) plus early conference registration fee according to the directions on the registration form.

How to get more information

Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to
B.A.W.L. Conference
P.O. Box 580007
Houston, Texas 77058

or e-mail con@bawl.org.

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B.A.W.L. is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit corporation chartered by the state of Texas.