BOOKS and CREATIVE WRITING
Categories 56 through 64Books, novels, short stories, poetry, and drama must have been written by the entrant (except where noted below) and published during the contest year. The year of publication (not the copyright date) governs eligibility. If the year of the copyright date (issued when an ISBN is assigned) printed inside the book or online is not the year of publication, please furnish documentation from the publisher verifying the publication date.
Books may have been issued as hard-copy books, eBooks, or audio books, but entrant must submit a hard-copy edition or printout for judging. If the book was issued only as an electronic or audio book, entry should also include the published book on a CD or DVD, or the URL of a website where the full text is published. A book may be professionally published or self-published, but it must have an ISBN. Submitted books must be first editions or, if a later edition (not a reprint) must not have been submitted previously in this competition.
Books that are ghostwritten or written under a pseudonym and do not include the entrant’s name on the book must be accompanied by BOTH a ONE (1)-page written statement describing the entrant’s role AND proof of the entrant’s role (for example, a copy of the book contract or written certification from the editor, publisher, or subject of the book).
Entries in this division are judged on the principles of writing for each specific category. In general, judges will consider quality of writing, organization of thought, expression of ideas, and originality.
NOTE: The entry deadline for Books/Creative Writing entries may be different from the general contest deadline. Check the rules for details.
BOOK-RETURN POLICY: Books will not be returned unless the entrant requests so at time of entry by checking the Book Return Requested box on the entry form and paying the $10 return fee. All first-place-winning books will be displayed at the annual conference. Winners attending the conference may retrieve books at the end of the conference. Books slated for return will be mailed to entrants after the conference.
56. Novels for adult readers (full-length, 40,000 words and up)
57. Nonfiction books for adult readers
- Biography or autobiography
- History
- Humor
- Cookbooks
- General nonfiction
58. Children’s books
Entrant must be the author but does not have to be the illustrator of picture-book entries. Judging is based on text only.- Fiction
- Non-fiction
59. Young-adult books
(Generally describes works aimed primarily at readers who are about 11 to 16 years old)- Fiction
- Non-fiction
60. Short stories
Short stories must have been published in print or electronic form, but hard-copy versions are required for judging all short stories. Submit tear sheets for stories published in print.
For stories published on the web, submit printouts from the site, with the URL written or circled at the top of the printout.
For eBooks and audiobooks, submit the story on a clearly labeled CD or DVD if appropriate, in addition to the hard copy
- Single story
- Collection of short stories (Written by the entrant and published together in book form, including electronic books)
61. Creative verse
Poetry must have been published in print or electronic form, but hard-copy versions are required for judging all poetry entries. Submit tear sheets for poems published in print.
For poems published on the web, submit printouts from the site, with the URL written or circled at the top of the printout.
For eBooks and audiobooks, submit the story on a clearly labeled CD or DVD if appropriate, in addition to the hard copy.
- Single poem
- Book or chapbook of poetry (written by the entrant and published together in book form, including electronic books)
62. Script or screenplay
Submit ONE (1) script or screenplay that has been published. Entry must include a hard copy, which can be either the published script (for a script published in book or magazine form) or a web printout with the URL printed or circled at the top of the page (for a script published online and accessible to the public on the web).
63. Essay, chapter, or section of book
This category is for entrants who have written a section of a larger, published book written by someone else. For example, the entrant may have written one entry in an encyclopedia that was otherwise written and compiled by others, or one essay in an anthology of essays by various authors. It may be a hard-copy or electronic book, but it must have an ISBN. Follow the same submission guidelines as for other books, but make sure the entrant’s essay, chapter, or section is well marked.
Judges will consider quality of writing, organization of thought, expression of ideas, originality, and fit with the overall theme of the book.
81. Book edited by entrant
Open competition for editing of any type of book.
Entry MUST include a ONE (1)-page written statement about the entrant’s role in the project and the extent or type of editing done.
