Writing Competition Rules
2023DWAA Contest Rules 2023
Eligibility
- The contest is open to all writers, editors, publishers, photographers, artists and others whose work falls into the designated competition categories.
- Members and non-members may apply.
- Member fees accepted for members in good standing by May 1, 2023.
- Only original work published during the competition period from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023 will be accepted.
- Reprints, revisions, updates of previously published work are not eligible.
- An entry may be submitted in only one regular category, but as many special award categories as you wish. Exception: Any entry in a book category 39-49 may also enter graphics categories 22-25. This requires a separate entry form and entry fee.
- Magazines, newsletters and blogs must be published at least quarterly.
- Submissions begin September 11, 2023. The contest closes October 31, 2023. All entries must be submitted online no later than Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Entry Fees
Discounted Member entry fees are accepted for members in good standing as of May 1, 2023
REGULAR CATEGORY ENTRY FEE
- Member: $15.00
- Non-Member: $20.00
SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORY ENTRY FEE
- Member: $10.00
- Non-Member: $15.00
Submission Format
- Only online submissions are acceptable.
- Publication name and date must be visible on each entry.
- All information must be legible.
- Online entries will receive email confirmations.
Special Award Entries
- Special Awards are made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations, and consist of cash grants as noted in the Special Award list.
- Special Award Sponsors are not involved in selecting winners.
Special Award entry MUST ALSO BE entered in a regular category.
To Enter
Instructions For Online Entries:
ONLINE ENTRY FOR REGULAR AND SPECIAL CATEGORIES:
- Everyone must fill out the entry form online.
- Submissions for entries are submitted digitally on the entry form.
- Payment of entry fees will be collected via credit card with all online entry forms.
- If you wish to avoid online payment, choose the "Pay by Check" payment option, and then mail a check payable to DWAA. CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. DO NOT SEND CASH. You must send a copy of your entry form with the check to:
Marsha Pugh
DWAA Treasurer
P.O. Box 787
Hughesville, MD 20637
Enter the Contest
Entrant Responsibilities
- Entrant is responsible for complying with all rules and guidelines. Deviation may result in entry rejection and forfeiture of the entry fee.
- DWAA maximum liability is limited to refund of the entry fee.
- If the work is entered in the wrong category, DWAA reserves the right to make the correction, at the discretion of the Contest Chair, upon notification to the entrant.
- Entries may be made on behalf of someone else, but the name of the person creating the work must be listed as the entrant. The entrant’s and submitter’s address and contact information are required.
- All names and contact information of co-creators are required.
Judging and Awards Information
- A panel of three judges scores each entry. Judges consist of DWAA members and non-members who are professional writers and editors. Judges’ scores determine the finalists and winners. Judges may enter the contest, but will not judge entries in categories they enter.
- Judges’ decisions are final. A list of judges will be posted October 31, 2023.
- Finalists will be announced shortly.
- Finalists in the regular and special categories receive certificates. Winners of regular categories receive the DWAA Maxwell Medallion, named in honor of the late Maxwell Riddle. Winners of special categories receive cash awards as listed.