For complete guidelines and a required entry form, see www.prescottwriters.com/2009Contest.html

Entries must be original writing that has never been published in any format. Sorry, no erotica or children’s stories.

Fiction and *non-fiction entries are not to exceed 3,000 words. Works in excess of 3,000 words will be disqualified. Word count must appear on the first page of the manuscript. Poetry must not exceed 5 poems with a five page total.

*Non-fiction includes: literary journalism, travel writing, essay, humor writing, feature writing, and memoir.

An entry fee of $10 must accompany each entry with an additional $10 if you wish to have that entry critiqued. Make checks or money orders payable to Professional Writers of Prescott.

Format: Fiction & non-fiction manuscripts must be double-spaced. All entries including poetry must be typed with one-inch margins using standard 12 point typefaces such as Times New Roman or Courier. The header on every page must contain only the title and the page number. Do NOT use the author’s name anywhere on the manuscript. Names should only appear on the contest entry form.

Three copies of the manuscript must be submitted. Include SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) in order to have your manuscript or your critique returned or to find out the results of the contest. Be sure to use sufficient postage for return mail.

Finalist Judges are Susan Lang (fiction) and Laraine Herring (poetry) of Yavapai College and Melanie Bishop (nonfiction) of Prescott College, all widely published MFA-credentialed English instructors.

No e-mailed manuscripts will be accepted. We will not print them out for judges.

Deadline: Entries must be postmarked on or before Saturday, May 30, 2009. Winners will be announced by the end of September.

Prizes: The following prizes will be awarded in each category: First place, $100, second place $50, third place $25. Winners will be announced by September 15, 2009. Winner names will be published in the PWP newsletter, on the PWP website, and in general PWP publicity. Winners are invited to read their entries at the November PWP meeting in Prescott, Arizona.

For complete guidelines and a required entry form, see www.prescottwriters.com/2009Contest.html

All writers welcome.