Monday, December 2, 2013

2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference Contests


2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference Contests

Get Ready, Get Set, Write! 

It’s almost time again—for the 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference contests, that is—so get ready, get set, write! Below are the current categories for the President’s, Chapter, and Sponsor contests. This year we have two new additions to the contests—a YA Short Story contest, and a Sci Fi Short Story contest. Also new this year is an increase in the entry fee to $10 for all contests. Along with this increase in fees is an increase in awards. Winners of the President’s contests will receive $100/$50/$25 for First, Second, and Third place, respectively. Awards for First, Second, and Third place winners for the Chapter and Sponsor contests will be $50/$25/$15.

2014 President’s Contests
1. Walter Williams Major Work Award – Sponsored by Missouri Center for the Book
2. Best Newspaper Article or Column – Sponsored by Missouri Press Association
3. Best Magazine Article – Sponsored by Missouri Life Magazine
4. Best Anthology – Sponsored by Blank Slate Press
5. Best Poem – Sponsored by Mozark Press
6. “Show Me” Best Book Award – Sponsored by Blank Slate Press

2014 Chapter Contests
1. Flash Fiction – Sponsored by Saturday Writers
2. Inspirational Essay – Sponsored by Saturday Writers
3. Free Verse Poem – Sponsored by St. Louis Writer’s Guild
4. Short Story – Sponsored by Southeast Missouri Writers’ Guild
5. YA Short Story – Sponsored by Southeast Missouri Writers’ Guild (NEW CONTEST)

2014 Sponsor Contests
1. Humorous Short Story – Sponsored by Jo Anna Dale
2. Sci Fi Short Story – Sponsored by Walrus Publishing (NEW CONTEST)

All contest categories will accept entries beginning January 1, 2014. The President’s contest will accept entries until January 31, 2014, and entries to the Chapter and Sponsor contests will be accepted until March 1, 2014. Also, no later than January 1, the names and bios of each contest judge will be listed on the conference website.

And last, but not least, the MWG conference committee is still seeking contest sponsors for several Chapter and Sponsor contests. Also, if you, your chapter,or someone you know is interested in sponsoring a new contest, email Donna Essner at mwgsecretary@gmail.com. Write “Contest Sponsor” in subject line. Contact Donna with any contest questions as well.

Complete contest guidelines and contest descriptions will be available on the MWG website within the next few days. So, keep your eyes peeled, your pens poised, and your fingers nimble, then get ready, get set, write! 

In the meantime, check out our great lineup of agents, editors, speakers, workshops, and Sunday Master classes at the 2014 Missouri Writers' Guild Conference site. Best selling USA Today author Mary Buckham will also be our luncheon keynote and will teach several workshops. Also on board is Margie Lawson of Lawson's Writing Academy and Architect and author, Matthew Frederick.  Chuck Sambuchino of Writer's Digest will present several workshops, and will conduct one-on-one critique sessions. He will also present the keynote at the Saturday night Awards Banquet.

And don't forget about pitch sessions!  Click on the agents' websites below to review their bios and see what they are looking for from writers.


Ken Sherman, Ken Sherman & Associates www.kenshermanassociates.com 
Danita Allen Wood, Missouri Life www.missourilifecom
Laura Biagi, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency Inc. www.jvnla.com
Sorche Fairbank, Fairbank Literary Representation www.fairbankliterary.com
Gina PanettieriTalcott Notch Literary Services talcottnotch.net

Until next time. . . .

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