BEDFORD WRITING COMPETITION

Competition Rules

Competition Rules

  1. The start date for the Short Story Competition will be 1st May 2014.
  2. All entries must be received by midnight on 30th September 2014.
  3. The competition is open to anyone aged 17 years and over.
  4. Entries can be from anywhere in the world.
  5. Overseas entries must be submitted online.
  6. Postal entries can only be accepted from within the UK.
  7. 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.
  8. One postal entry form may cover up to three entries. Multiple forms may be submitted.
  9. Postal entries requiring an acknowledgement should enclose a stamped addressed envelope/postcard.
  10. Online entries will generate an automatic confirmation of receipt at the time of submission.
  11. There is no limit to the number of entries an individual may submit.
  12. The standard entry fee is £5 per story.
  13. Three stories entered on the same form will be £10.
  14. For full time students the entry fee is £3 per story.
  15. Cheques must be made payable to Bedford Writing Competition.
  16. Stories must be no more than 3000 words.
  17. Stories must be written in English.
  18. Stories must be typed, double-spaced, on single-sided sheets and in readable, 12 point font.
  19. Stories must not have been published, self-published, published on a website, broadcast or featured amongst the winners in another competition.
  20. Each page must be numbered and the complete set held together with a paperclip.
  21. The title of the story must appear at the top of each page.
  22. Nothing must appear on any page which would identify the author.
  23. Stories will not be returned, so please retain a copy.
  24. Stories cannot be altered once entered.
  25. All entries will be considered anonymously by a panel of readers and the judge.
  26. The members of the organising committee and the panel of readers are not eligible to enter the competition.
  27. Any plagiarised work will be disqualified along with any other work submitted by the entrant.
  28. The winner of first prize will receive £100, second prize £70 and third prize £30.
  29. Prize winners and entrants of short-listed stories will be notified in week beginning 15th December 2014.
  30. Results will be announced in week beginning 22nd December 2014.
  31. 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.
  32. The competition organisers reserve the right not to award prizes if, in the judge's opinion, such an action is justified.