Students may submit one or more stories (within the page limits) or a self-contained section of a longer work (for example, from a novel). Submissions may be “conventional” or “experimental” and may represent any creative non fiction tradition. However, the best work will demonstrate compelling literary merit. Open to high school and both college levels.
High School Creative Non-Fiction Writing Award Competition is open students currently enrolled in a high school accredited by the US. Students may submit one or more pieces of writing as one file, maximum 10 single-spaced pages, endorsed by a teacher and released by a parent or guardian. Winner will receive the following:
• Cash award of $2,500
• *Travel and lodging to attend the Colony’s National Award Ceremony
Community College Creative Non-Fiction Writing Award Competition is open to full-time students enrolled in two-year colleges, junior colleges, and technical colleges. Maximum 15 single-spaced pages. Winner will receive the following:
• Cash award of $2,500
• *Travel and lodging to attend the Colony’s National Award Ceremony
Four-Year College Creative Non-Fiction Writing Award Competition is open to current full-time undergraduate students. Maximum 15 single-spaced pages. Winner will receive the following:
• Cash award of $5,000
• *Travel and lodging to attend the Colony’s National Award Ceremony
College Poetry Award open to full time students enrolled in four-year colleges, two-year colleges, junior colleges, and technical colleges. Students may submit one or more poems, to a maximum of 10 pages. The winner will receive:
• Cash award of $5,000
• *Travel and lodging to attend the Colony’s National Award Ceremony
*Funding for travel to the awards ceremony for the award winner is limited to coach airfare within the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Outside of the US, a $500 USD payment toward travel will be allowed. Hotel/lodging at the awards event will be covered.
Entries accepted March 1–April 30, 201, Noon CST.
Formatting Guidelines
The writing you upload must include a title, your name, and page numbers within your file. Please use a plain, common, and easily readable font, such as Times New Roman, 11- or 12-point. Accepted file types: .pdf, .doc, .docx, and .txt (maximum file size: 8 megabytes).
Prizes
One winner in each category will receive a cash award and will be an honored guest at the Colony’s National Award Ceremony in New York City on October 4, 2012. Winners will be notified in September. Four finalists in each category will be awarded trophies. Up to fifteen semifinalists in each category will be awarded certificates.
Judging
Submissions will be read by national panels of teachers and will be judged by how well they achieve the following qualities:handling of image, plot, character, or other elements; originality; insight, voice, and style; and overall aesthetic, emotional, or intellectual effect. Stories that receive high ratings from the teacher panels will be submitted to a distinguished panel of authors selected by the Norman Mailer Center, who will choose the winning entry. Authors retain copyright of their work.
Email your questions to nmw@ncte.org