Competition Rules
- The start date for the Short Story Competition will be 1st May 2014.
- All entries must be received by midnight on 30th September 2014.
- The competition is open to anyone aged 17 years and over.
- Entries can be from anywhere in the world.
- Overseas entries must be submitted online.
- Postal entries can only be accepted from within the UK.
- Postal entries must be accompanied by an entry form and the appropriate entry fee and addressed to The Administrator, Bedford Writing Competition, 28 Miller Road, Bedford, UK, MK42 9NZ.
- One postal entry form may cover up to three entries. Multiple forms may be submitted.
- Postal entries requiring an acknowledgement should enclose a stamped addressed envelope/postcard.
- Online entries will generate an automatic confirmation of receipt at the time of submission.
- There is no limit to the number of entries an individual may submit.
- The standard entry fee is £5 per story.
- Three stories entered on the same form will be £10.
- For full time students the entry fee is £3 per story.
- Cheques must be made payable to Bedford Writing Competition.
- Stories must be no more than 3000 words.
- Stories must be written in English.
- Stories must be typed, double-spaced, on single-sided sheets and in readable, 12 point font.
- Stories must not have been published, self-published, published on a website, broadcast or featured amongst the winners in another competition.
- Each page must be numbered and the complete set held together with a paperclip.
- The title of the story must appear at the top of each page.
- Nothing must appear on any page which would identify the author.
- Stories will not be returned, so please retain a copy.
- Stories cannot be altered once entered.
- All entries will be considered anonymously by a panel of readers and the judge.
- The members of the organising committee and the panel of readers are not eligible to enter the competition.
- Any plagiarised work will be disqualified along with any other work submitted by the entrant.
- The winner of first prize will receive £100, second prize £70 and third prize £30.
- Prize winners and entrants of short-listed stories will be notified in week beginning 15th December 2014.
- Results will be announced in week beginning 22nd December 2014.
- A condition of entry is that prize winning and shortlisted stories will be published on the Bedford Writing Competition website after the results have been announced.
- The competition organisers reserve the right not to award prizes if, in the judge's opinion, such an action is justified.