The Charlotte Writers' Club hosts six annual contests. Writers may enter more than one contest and submit multiple entries. However, contest entries that have placed in any CWC contest are no longer eligible for future submission, regardless of calendar year. For example, if you win honorable mention or first, second, or third place in The Board Prize, you may not submit that piece again for the CWC Nonfiction Contest.

For guidelines, deadlines and area restriction, see general contest eligibility information below, or click on each individual contests for specific guidelines.

Click here for Manuscript Requirements, Eligibility & Submission Information

(Details for the 2011-2012 contest to be determined.)

 
Emerging Writers Prize (poetry, fiction & nonfiction)
Deadline: October 18, 2011
For members only.

CWC Nonfiction Contest (article/essay)
Deadline: November 15, 2011
Submission address, judge information, past winners.

Children's Story Contest (for readers 8-12 years old, open to NC/SC residents of all ages)
Deadline: January 17, 2012
Submission address, judge information, past winners.

Anthony Abbott Undergraduate Poetry Competition
Deadline: February 1, 2012
For North Carolina full-time or part-time undergraduate students
 
Deane Ritch Lomax Poetry Prize
Deadline: March 20, 2012
Submission address, judge information, past winners.

Elizabeth Simpson Smith Contest
Deadline: May 15, 2012
For a Short Story between 1500-4000 words.

AWARDS

• See specific contest for individual awards.
• Awards will be presented at a monthly CWC meeting.

ENTRY FEES

• See individual contests for fees.
• To become a member, attach $30 check payable to Charlotte Writers Club to manuscript. Membership year runs from September to May.

SUBMISSIONS

• Mail submissions may be sent to the P.O. Box as stated below.
• Online submissions are preferred and should be sent to contests@charlottewritersclub.org. All author contact information should be included in the email only; the attached submission in MSWord or RichText must remain anonymous.
• Online payments of submission fees should be made at the time the submission is made and using the Donate button in the left column.

MANUSCRIPTS (mailed or as attached by email)

• Multiple entries are allowed, but a separate fee must accompany each.
• Name must NOT appear on manuscript. Entries must be original and unpublished.
• Entries must be typewritten, double-spaced (except poetry, which must be single-spaced) and on one side of paper only. Submit two copies, 12-point Times Roman font, Please enclose a cover sheet or 3x5 index card with submission title, author's name, "member" or "non-member," address, phone number, and e-mail address. (NOTE: For the Members Prize, members and members-to-be ONLY can submit manuscripts).
• Title and word count (or lines of poetry) must appear in the upper left of first page of manuscript.
• Enclose a SASE with adequate postage if you wish entry returned by mail.
• BOARD PRIZE ONLY: Your statement that you are not a former winner (First, Second, Third) of a CWC contest.
• BOARD PRIZE ONLY: Your request for critique of your work by the judging panel if you receive Honorable Mention.

ELIGIBILITY

• Two successive first prizes in any one category make the winner ineligible for that category for one year.
• Any single work can be winner or runner-up in one CWC Contest only, regardless of calendar year.

DEADLINE
Deadlines are "postmarked by." Mailed submissions must be postmarked by the deadline listed. Submissions may be given to the Contest Chair at the CWC meeting on or before the evening of the deadline. Failure to comply with the rules may cause entry to be disqualified. Send inquiries with SASE or email Contest Chair.

First Place winner(s) will be invited to read the winning entry at a club meeting.

Send contest submissions to:

CONTEST NAME Submission
Charlotte Writers' Club
P.O. Box 220954
Charlotte, NC 28222

If you have questions, email contests@charlottewritersclub.org.