This year’s Wytheville Chautauqua Festival’s Creative Writing Contest is taking submissions.
The contest is open to amateur writers, in these age groups: students in grades 6-9, students in grades 10-12, and adults (which includes college students).
The categories are: fiction (750-4000 words), nonfiction (750-4000 words), and poetry (under 50 lines).
Prizes will be awarded in each category if the judges determine that the quality of the entries merits recognition.
Submission Guidelines:
1. Submit only one manuscript per category (i.e., only one poem, one piece of fiction, one piece of nonfiction), but enter as many categories as you wish.
2. Include an entry cover sheet with each submission, which contains your name, address, phone number, email address, age group, and the literary category.
3. Your name should not appear on your manuscript.
4. All submissions should be typed in 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial), double spaced, with 1-inch margins.
5. Do not submit works that have been previously published. This includes online publications.
6. Email submissions preferred. Attach cover sheet and manuscript as separate Word or PDF files. If mailing, send only one typed copy of manuscript. Please retain a copy of your manuscript, as none will be returned.
7. Payment (adult entries only): Enclose a check or money order for $15 for the entry fee. Make checks payable to Wythe Arts Council.
8. No entry fee for 6-12th grade students.
9. Email entries with the subject line “Chautauqua Creative Writing,” the age group, and the category to [email protected]. Or mail to Julia Tomiak, Chair, Chautauqua Creative Writing Contest, P.O. Box 967, Wytheville, VA, 24382.
10. Entries must be postmarked by May 27, 2024.
Awards: Winners will be notified prior to June 14. Non-winners will not be notified. Winners will be recognized and awards presented at the Chautauqua Festival’s Creative Writing Day on Friday, June 21. Our guest author presenter will be David Joy, and we encourage everyone to attend.
