Call for submissions:

2012 Travel Essay Contest

The Writer, in collaboration with Gotham Writers' Workshop, invites writers to enter The Writer 2012 Travel Essay Contest. Have you learned something surprising about another culture – or your own? Met a memorable character who altered your world view in some way? Seen something monumental or simple that left an indelible impression? It’s time to write about your unforgettable experiences as a traveler, whether your travels took you to an exotic destination or a hometown treasure. We’re looking for personal stories of up to 1,200 words that convey readers to distant lands – or the park around the corner – to share the traveler’s experience and insight.

PRIZES: • First Place: $1,000 (USD); enrollment in a 10-week online writing workshop offered by Gotham Writers' Workshop ($420 value); publication in The Writer and on WriterMag.com; and a one-year subscription to The Writer. • Second Place: $300 (USD); enrollment in a four-week How to Get Published seminar taught online by a literary agent and Gotham Writers' Workshop ($150 value); publication on WriterMag.com; and a one-year subscription to The Writer. • Third Place: $200 (USD); enrollment in a four-week How to Get Published seminar taught online by a literary agent and Gotham Writers' Workshop ($150 value); publication on WriterMag.com; and a one-year subscription to The Writer. HOW TO ENTER: All entries must be submitted online using the Gotham Writers' Workshop submission system. Click HERE to go to the Gotham website to enter your essay. OFFICIAL RULES: To see the official rules for the contest, click here. ENTRY FEE: $10 (USD) per entry, payable to Gotham Writers’ Workshop. Payments must be in U.S. funds. Entry fees are nonrefundable. DEADLINE: Entry deadline is 11:59PM (EDT) June 15, 2012. JUDGING: Editors at The Writer will read and judge each of the entries and select 15 finalists. Finalist judge Larry Habegger will read the finalist entries and select the top three winners. Larry Habegger is cofounder and executive editor of Travelers’ Tales publishing company. He is a writer, editor, journalist, and teacher who has been covering the world since his international travels began in the 1970s. As a freelance writer for more than 30 years and syndicated columnist since 1985, his work has appeared in many major newspapers and magazines, including the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Travel & Leisure, and Outside.  HELP: • Looking for tips about essay writing and travel writing? Click here.  • Official Rules for the contest • FAQs • Have a question? Send an email to contest@writermag.com.