Foster City International
Writer's Contest
Personal experiences developed as fiction, have proven to be popular favorites in this category. Not to exceed 3,000 words in length.
HUMOROUS STORY
Fictional or not, the story should be satirical, funny, whimsical, or joyous and Not to exceed 3,000 words in length.
CHILDREN'S STORY
Fiction or non-fiction is acceptable, provided that the target audience be children under the age of twelve. Stories in this category may be reality or fantasy based. Not to exceed 3,000 words in length.
PERSONAL ESSAY
A personal essay should reflect the writer's personal outlook on life as gained through personal experience, but it must not be an editorial/opinion piece, it a proposal to solve an existing geopolitical problem, or a dogmatic expression of opinion. Stories in this categories may be written in any narrative point of view and must not exceed 3,000 words in length.
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POETRY
Submissions to the Poetry; category may be rhymed, metered or free verse on any topic desired by the writer. Poems may be written in any narrative point of view. Typed manuscripts must use double-spacing between lines, quadruple-spacing between stanzas and must not exceed 500 words or two double-spaced pages using a 12 point font.
MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION GUIDELINES
Manuscripts must be original, previously unpublished, and in English. They must be double spaced on
8.5 x 11 inch white paper with the pages numbered at the top right hand corner. Contestant names must not appear on the manuscript. No graphics or illustrations on manuscripts,please. Judges reserve the right to place entries in more appropriate categories. Manuscripts not conforming to said guidelines will be reviewed only at the judging staff's direction. Neither Contest judges or Contest committee members are eligible to participate in this contest.
ENTRY FORMS AND FEES
Entry forms may be downloaded from the contest website at www.geocities.com/fostercity_writers/entryform.html or send a request for an entry form along with a self addressed, stamped envelope to the City of Foster City address (seen below).
A non-refundable entry fee of $20 must be submitted for each entry and made payable to "City of Foster City". If submitting multiple entries, please remit only one check. International entrants (including those from Canada and Mexico) must submit an international money order in US funds. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Mail your completed entry form and manuscript(s) to:
Foster City International Writer's Contest
c/o Foster City Parks and Recreation Department
650 Shell Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404 USA
ONLINE ENTRY SUBMISSION
Please send manuscript as an attachment (RTF, Word (DOC), PDF, or TXT format) to [email protected]. In the email subject line include: Writer's Contest Entry, Category, and your name. Please retain copies of your manuscripts as entries cannot be returned. Please mail the check along with your completed entry form to Foster City Parks and Recreation.
DEADLINES AND NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS
Manuscripts will be accepted through June 1, 2009 (postmarks acceted). Manuscripts without fees will not be accepted. Only winners will be notified. Each winner must provide a social security number of the equivalent in order to receive the cash prize.
visit: www.geocities.com/fostercity_writers/entryform.html or call (650) 286-3380.