Instructions for all Writing Submissions:
- Submissions must be primarily in English.
- Use a clear, standard font that is not excessively large or small.
- The title should appear at the top of the first page; do not include a separate title page. Poems should be titled individually.
- No identifying information, including the student’s name, should appear anywhere on the manuscript.
- Please use fictional names for real people in non-fiction works.
- No illustrations, photographs, graphics or hyperlinks are permitted.
- Sources must be cited. Footnotes/works cited are not considered part of the word count.
- Collaborative works are not allowed in any writing categories.
Personal Essay or Memoir (Elements of Style)
do not choose critical essay for a personal narrative from Elements of Style!
Personal Essay & Memoir
Category Description
A non-fiction work based on opinion, experience, and/or emotion that explores a topic or event of importance to the author.
Special Instructions: Essays in which humor is the key element should be submitted to the humor category.
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Limit 500–3,000 words.
Short Story
Category Description
A fictional narrative written in prose.
Special Instructions: Short Stories in which humor or science fiction/fantasy are key elements should be submitted in those respective categories.
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Limit 500–3,000 words.
Poetry
Category Description
Writing in verse. May include but is not limited to prose poetry, free verse, formal poetry, song lyrics, and spoken word.
Special Instructions
Each submission may consist of 1–5 poems, which will be judged as a collection. Students may submit more than one collection, but must register each separately.
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Limit 20–200 lines (total for the entire collection)
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