As in years prior, Just Write Books will be sponsoring the Maine-Related Nonfiction Award for the Joy of the Pen Literary awards! First place in this category will win a $50 prize, and the runner up will net a $25 prize! And we’re asking all of our writers to consider entering this local contest in any category! Maine has a storied history of being home to writing talent, from fiction writers to poets to historians. Hosted by the Topsham Public Library, The Joy of the Pen brings local writers together and provides a platform for a wide range of talent. |
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Nonfiction
- Maine-related Nonfiction
- Teen Fiction
- Teen Poetry
- Kids Fiction
- Kids Poetry
Rules of Entry:
- Residents of Maine only
- Unpublished work only (work that has been self-published or has appeared online, on a personal blog for example, is NOT eligible)
- Writers are limited to one piece in each category (5 pieces total for adults and 3 pieces total for teens and kids – a collection of poetry counts as 1 piece)
- Work that does not adhere to word/page limit will not be read/considered
- Joy of the Pen is judged anonymously. Please do not put your name on the work itself, only on the application. Likewise, the judges will remain anonymous until the awards are announced.
- Topsham Public Library retains first publication rights to the work of the winners and runners-up (all other rights automatically return to the author after publication)
- Submissions in the Maine-Related Nonfiction category must be between 2,000 and 5,000 words
Preferred Manuscript Format for Fiction, Nonfiction and Maine-Related Nonfiction
- Include the word count in top right corner of page 1
- Always use 12-point, Times New Roman or similar font.
- Double-space paragraphs
- Keep text justified to the left (Word default)
- Indent new paragraphs (use tab button) rather than leave a line space
- Use 1-inch margins (standard Word margins are fine)
- Include a top-header with the story title and the page number in top right corner, beginning on page 2
- Use a pound sign (#) to separate any line breaks
- Please number your pages (it makes it easier for judges to read!)
If you’ve ever thought about submitting your writing into a competiton, now’s your chance. Between now and the last weekend in September, if you write approximately 60 words a day, you’ll have a draft ready and five days to proofread, edit it, and have someone read it over before you submit it on October 4th. If you’ve been writing as a hobby, or if you’ve wanted to start writing but always felt you needed an extra push, consider this your invitation. Pick your topic, pick your story, and get writing, even if only for the joy of the pen.
We look forward to reading your work!
Just Write Books LLC, offers publishing consulting and coaching for writers. JWB uses its proprietary High Point Publishing System with state-of-the-art technology mixed with old-fashioned writing, editing, publishing, and marketing skills to help writers become authors and authors reach their publishing goals. |