2009 Competition
Welcome to Patrick Henry College’s second short story competition! Students ages 12-18 are invited to pen original works of fiction, in accordance with the guidelines below, that thoughtfully reflect a Christian perspective.
Entrants will participate in one of two separate divisions. Below are further details concerning the divisions, rules, submission format, and other pertinent information.
If you have any questions, please contact Crista Richey at shortstory@phc.edu.
Prizes, Fees, Deadlines & Dates
Four distinct prizes exist in each division: first place ($225), second place ($125), third place ($75), and honorable mention ($50). Entrants in both divisions should submit their manuscripts with their entry fee(s) by December 30th for their work to be considered by the judges. The entry fee for one manuscript is $10; for two manuscripts, $20. Only two entries per person are allowed.
Winners will be announced in March, 2010.
|
The First Division Theme: Love Never Fails Age group: 12-15 Word limit: 1,500 |
The Second Division Theme: Joy in Humility Age group: 16-18 Word limit: 2,500 |
Rules on Format & Content:
- Submissions must be written in narrative prose fiction. No poetry.
- Entries should be double-spaced.
- The text should be in a regular font and size (for example, 12-point Times New Roman).
- No handwritten entries! Please type.
- The pages should be numbered, preferably in the upper right corner.
- Please do NOT put your name or phone number on the entry.
- The content must be original and unpublished, and edited only by the entrant.
- Submissions should reflect a Christian worldview.
Hints:
- The theme “Love Never Fails” is not really asking for a love story. Think more in terms of 1 Cor. 13 (but don’t feel pressured to quote it).
- Avoid being overly didactic or, on the flip side, sentimental.
- Pay attention to grammar and spelling, and edit your manuscript several times before submitting it.
- Have fun with it and be creative! Be sure to email the coordinator at shortstory@phc.edu if you have any questions.
Submitting Your Entry:
Be sure to fill out the entry form and send it in with your manuscript.
You can either submit a stapled, printed copy of your manuscript, or you can email it to shortstory@phc.edu as a MS Word document. (Please be aware that if you choose to email it, it will be “put on a shelf” until your entry form and fee are received in the mail.)
Submit all fees, entry forms, and printed manuscripts to the following address:
| Patrick Henry College ATTN: PHC Short Story Competition 10 Patrick Henry Circle Purcellville, VA 20132 |
If you’d like to receive notification when your entry is received, please include a stamped, self-addressed postcard.
Manuscripts will not be returned, so don’t submit your only copy.
Legal Stuff
Once you submit your manuscript, Patrick Henry College has the right to publish all or part of it. The college is not responsible for any manuscripts that have been lost, damaged, misdirected, etc. Entrants must be U.S. citizens and must agree to abide by the rules and accept the judges’ decisions. All profits from the contest will be given to PHC’s Annual Scholarship Fund.
