I am having troubles logging in?
Be sure that you are attempting to log in to the correct place. The general log in in the top right corner of the Samuel Writers, Inc website is NOT the log in area for competition entries. To access a competition’s sign-up/log-in page, follow either the ENTER HERE link (if this is your first visit this year) or MANAGE YOUR ENTRY link (if you have already entered this year). Log-ins are unique to the specific competition and only apply to the current year.
Are there any restrictions regarding content, language, subject matter etc.
We do not have any restrictions or preferences in terms of content or subject matter, but all entries must be in English.
Is it okay to have illustration or pictures?
Please submit text only.
What category does my entry fall into?
Some of the competitions offer various category options, here are a few category options for you to consider. Select the category from the list of options in your competition (if offered) that best represents your entry. If the judge feels that another category is more appropriate, we will switch the category for you, on your behalf. (Entries in the Monthly Short Story Competition need not select a genre/category.) Please visit the Preparing your entry page for category descriptions.
What are the word count requirements for each competition/category?
Please refer to the Preparing your entry page for specific competition details. If a competition has word count requirements, the word count (or line count, or page count, as specified) must be listed on entry form and entries over the maximum amount will be disqualified.
· Do not count your contact information or entry title in the word/line count. Word count includes all text, no matter the length of the word. Do not count blank lines or stanzas in line count for poetry.
· For story entries, this refers to all words making up the story (no matter the number of letters in the word). Do not count the title or contact information in the word count.
· For poetry entries: count the lines containing text. Do not count blank lines between stanzas and do not count the title or contact information.
What are your formatting requirements – any other tips?
To best present your work, we suggest that you select a font that is easy to read; 12-point type size is preferred but not mandatory. We have no requirements as to the number of words per page. It is preferred that an entry be formatted to or printed on 8.5 x 11 white paper, single sided, 1 inch margins. We prefer any standard-formatting styles (although non-conforming entries will not be disqualified). Poems may be either double-or single-spaced; all other documents must be double-spaced (these are only suggestions & not mandatory).
Are pen names allowed?
You may enter under a pen name (please indicate in the entry form that the name used is a pen name). Write your pen name on all forms etc. so there are no mistakes on credits. Please be advised that we only need your real name if you are chosen as a winner (in order to issue prizes).
What if I wanted to submit only part of my story into the competition (to stay within the maximum number of words)?
If you submit a portion of a larger work or novel, please understand that it will be judged as a complete story, not part of another work; it needs to read as a complete story in and of itself.
Can the same title be entered in multiple categories, if the competition offers a choice?
Yes, we have no restrictions as to how many times you can enter a piece within a competition.
What if I would like to edit the entry that I have already submitted?
Edits should be done prior to entering. Once an entry has been submitted, we do not accept edits, replacements or exchanges. If you wish to re-enter an edited piece, it is certainly acceptable & common practice. These entries are considered new entries. You may wish to slightly alter the entry titles in these cases, so that you are able to identify them-should you be selected as a winner.
Is the competition specific to particular country residents?
Depending on the competition, most of our competitions are not country specific. There are three country specific competitions: Children Writing Competition for Swazis (Swaziland), Swazis Best Novella Writing Competition (Swaziland), Grand African Novel writing Competition (African countries). The rest of the competitions are open to all countries in the world.
How do I submit my entry fees?
All entry fees, except for Swaziland specific competitions, are due in U.S. Dollars. Entry fees can be paid by credit card/debit card (MC, V, AMEX & DISC). All entry fees should be paid before the deadline to complete your entry to the competition.
Is there an age limit for entrants?
Generally, for most of our competitions, contest entrants must be aged 18 years or older or over the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside. The only exception is on the children’s writing competition. Minors are allowed to join any competition but a parental permission form should accompany the child’s entry. This is the case for all our competitions, even those specific for children. If a minor enters the competition but lies about their age, we reserve the right to decide if we confer the award or not, but that is strongly discouraged.
When will winners be notified?
Please refer to the Judging and Notifications page for details. Entrants not selected as winners will not be notified at this time; non-winners will be emailed a competition status update in the weeks following the winner notification date. If you enter multiple times, please excuse duplicate emails as you may receive an email for each individual entry. In all monthly and weekly competitions, only the winners will be notified, due to limited availability of time.
Once the competition is over, will you return my entry?
Entries are not returned; please keep a copy for your records. Non-winning entries are destroyed.
What if I would like to edit the entry that I have already submitted?
Edits should be done prior to entering. Once an entry has been submitted, we do not accept edits, replacements or exchanges. If you wish to re-enter an edited piece, it is certainly acceptable & common practice. These entries are considered new entries. You may wish to slightly alter the entry titles in these cases, so that you are able to identify them-should you be selected as a winner.
