The Society of Southwestern Authors 2010 Writing Contest
Entry Deadline: June 1, 2010

Categories: Short Story - 2,500 words max Short Story for Children Ages 6-12 - 1,500 words max Michael LaCapa Award presented to First Place Winner Personal Essay/Memoir - 2,500 words max Poetry - 40 lines max

Prizes Awarded In Each Category: 1st: $250 2nd: $125 3rd: $75 Honorable mentions: $25 1st place through Honorable Mention winning stories printed in The Story Teller Commendation - non-monetary only author's name and submission title will be printed in The Story Teller

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS/CONTEST RULES PLEASE READ CAREFULLY TO AVOID DISQUALIFICATION

1. "Entry" means one individual piece of work. Send three (3) copies of each entry. (See #13)
2. Multiple entries are accepted. Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry forms (copies are okay) and $10. You may send one check or money order to cover all entry and appraisal fees - see #13.

3. Entries must be double-spaced on one side of white, 8 1/2" x 11" (or A4 or similar) typing or copy paper, with one-inch margins, using 12-point Times New Roman or Courier font, in black ink only. Poetry stanzas may be single-spaced. This contest does not accept e-mail, hand-written, or illustrated submissions.
4. The title of the submission must be in the upper left-hand corner of every page.
5. Consecutive page numbers must be in the upper right-hand corner of every page.
6. The word count (strictly observed) of each entry must be in the upper right-hand corner of page 1 only.
7. DO NOT put your name on any part of the manuscript. DO NOT include a cover sheet.
8. Staple the pages of each copy of each entry. DO NOT use paper clips.
9. All entries must be your original work and previously unpublished. NO simultaneous submissions.

10. Entries must be post marked on or before June 1, 2010. Entries post marked later than June 1, 2010 will be disqualified and returned to sender unopened.
11. Use regular mail. Certified or Special Delivery mail will be returned to the sender unopened. If you want a receipt, enclose a self addressed, stamped post card.
12. Entries will not be returned.

13. Appraisals are available for an additional $25/entry. For each entry for which you request an appraisal, include a stamped, self-addressed business-size envelope, an extra copy of the entry (4 total), and an extra copy of the entry form (2 total).

Winners will be notified by October 1, 2010. If you have not been notified that you are a winner, you may market your entry elsewhere. First Place through Honorable Mention winning stories will be published in the 2010 edition of SSA's The Story Teller. After October 17, 2010, the names of all winners and the titles of their entries will be posted on the SSA Website.