Christopher Newport University

Writing Contest

Friday, August 30, 2024 — Submission deadline

For a flat fee of $25, registrants may submit up to one entry in one or more of the four categories.

First, second and third place will be awarded at the closing ceremony.

• First-place prize: $100
• Second-place prize: $50 discount to the next Writers Conference
• Third-place prize: $25 discount to the next Writers Conference

Judges

• Fiction: Heidi Hartwiger
• Nonfiction: Joanna Eleftheriou
• Poetry: Serena Fusek
• Children's & Young Adult Fiction: Kevin Shortsleeve

Writing Contest Entry Submission

Entries may be emailed to lifelonglearning@cnu.edu or mailed or delivered to:

Writing Contest Rules

1. All entries must be original, unpublished manuscripts (work that appears in on-campus publications or online publications is considered published and may not be submitted).
2. All entries must be double-spaced in 12-point, Times New Roman font on 8.5x11-inch white paper.
3. There must be a removable title page (e.g. paper clipped) with the author’s name, address, category, and title.
4. Title and page number must appear on each page of all entries. 
5. The word count for each category is:
   • Fiction, Children's & Young Adult Fiction: one story or book chapter, not to exceed 3,000 words
   • Nonfiction: one article or book chapter, not to exceed 3,000 words
   • Poetry: one poem, not to exceed 50 lines
6. Judges have been requested to comment in writing (length at their discretion).
7. Failure to follow contest rules or cancellation of registration will disqualify entry.
8. Entries may be picked up at the close of the conference or within 30 days at the LLS office.