NEO•GRIOT

Writing Contest

The Motherhood Muse WRITING CONTEST

Contents

I.                   Writing Guidelines

II.                Prizes

III.             Deadlines

IV.             Submission Guidelines

V.                Terms & Conditions

I. Writing Guidelines

1. There are two categories that you may choose from: Fiction Short Story and Non-Fiction Literary Essay.

2. The story and characters of the fiction short story must be fiction.

3. Entry must be between 500 – 1,200 words. (The title is not included in the word count.)

4. Use Times New Roman (size 12 font) or Arial (size 11 font), double-space in the email.

5. Word count should be noted at the end of the entry with your personal information.

6. Open prompt for both categories. Any genre is accepted.

7. Each entry will be evaluated for key components of literature (voice, figurative language, original approach to the story or essay, engaging character development, strength of opening and ending, mechanics and structure).

II. Prizes

1. Four total winners will be chosen.

2. First Place for Fiction Short Story and Non-Fiction Literary Essay (each winner will receive): $100 + publication in the e-Zine + interview on the blog

3. Second Place for Fiction Short Story and Non-Fiction Literary Essay (each winner will receive): $50 + publication in the e-Zine + interview on the blog

III. Deadlines

1. SPRING Contest – Deadline is May 1, 2010 (Midnight PST)

2. FALL Contest – Deadline is November 1, 2010 (Midnight PST)

IV. Submission Guidelines

STEP 1: Complete the ENTRY FORM with your name, email address, title of entry, and in comments if your PayPal name/email is different.

STEP 2: Make your payment of $10 by PayPal.

STEP 3: Email your submission to contest@themotherhoodmuse.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

·         DO NOT submit your entry as an attachment. Copy it into the body of the email.

·         In the subject of your email write “fiction” or “non-fiction” for the type of entry.

·         Use the following order for your email entry:

o   Title

o   Entry

o   Your FIRST and LAST name

o   Address

o   Phone number

o   Email address

o   PayPal Transaction ID #

o   WORD COUNT

V. Terms & Conditions

1. The Motherhood Muse Writing Contest is open to all writers.

2. We do not accept published works, works accepted for publication or simultaneous submissions.

3. Each entry must be original, unpublished, and written by the submitting writer.

4. More than one entry per writer is accepted (Repeat Submission Guidelines for each entry).

5. All entries must be designated as either Fiction Short Story or Non-Fiction Literary Essay.

6. The Motherhood Muse will not be responsible for material misdirected or submitted after the contest deadlines.

7. The Motherhood Muse will not be held responsible for submissions that are a breach of copyright.

8. If for any reason The Motherhood Muse Writing Contest does not reach the expected response, the total prize money may be adjusted accordingly.

9. The entry fee is a fee charged for viewing, processing, and judging submission materials.

10. The Motherhood Muse retains first electronic rights with the right to archive indefinitely for the four winning entries, but the winners retain first print rights and any other rights such as anthology rights.

11. In the case you wish to republish your winning entry, we ask for credit to be given to The Motherhood Muse in the credit line of the reprint.

12. The content of each entry should not be overtly religious, political, sexual or violent in nature.

13. The Motherhood Muse will at no time without your express permission sell or share your information with anyone.

14. Entries received after the deadline will be rejected.

15. Entries that are under or over the word count will be rejected. (This DOES NOT include the title and personal information at the end of the entry email.)

16. Entries that are not accompanied with the $10 entry fee (paid via Pay Pal) will be rejected.

17. Entries that are sent as attachments will be rejected.

18. The Motherhood Muse will not disclose Personal Information (including full name) received from Contest entrants without their express permission.

19. The Motherhood Muse will use your Personal Information to notify you if you have won and to ask you about your submitted story. The Motherhood Muse may use your Personal Information to notify you about other events and similar contests The Motherhood Muse holds in the future.

20.  By submitting an entry to The Motherhood Muse Writing Contest, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.