Writing Contest
Welcome to the first Bebo Author Short Story Competition! Read the following for more details. Email me with any problems or questions, if you would like to sponsor a new prize, if you would like to join the judging panel or if you have gotten involved in the contest by advertising it on your own blog or site.
It’s free to enter. When you email me your submission, please be sure to give me some information about yourself. Let me know if you are over 18 or below (because the two groups might be judged separately depending on the number of entries), where you heard about this contest and whatever information you would like me to add to your story including a link to your website, blog or profile page elsewhere. I will verify all entries within two to three days so if you have not heard back from me, comment here and send your entry again.
Rules:
Anyone can enter this contest. You don’t have to join a group, you don’t have to leave a comment, you don’t have to subscribe and you don’t have to be registered on any website. This is for everyone to take part in. It could be your first time entering a writing competition, it doesn’t matter - take part and have fun!
All you need to do is write a short story of at least 1,000 words and send it to me. I’m flexible with the maximum word limit - just don’t send me a 300 page manuscript, k?
Email the entries to me in the body of the email. No attachments please. Do NOT reference yoursef, your name or your website in the middle of your story - the judges should have no idea who owns the story they are reading. If you have any specific formatting requirements, feel free to discuss further with me through email.
You must agree to allow me to publish your story on my blog (with full credit and a link back to you, of course.)
As this is our first contest, I have decided it can be a bit of a free for all, genre wise. I don’t want to restrict you but I don’t want literotica or gore with the sole intention of making me sick.
If your entry has been published elsewhere beforehand, please make sure that you own full rights and are entitled to publish it online or otherwise.
Do NOT copy another writer’s work. This will get you disqualified.
Prizes:
The prizes are subject to change so check back often. Winners will more than likely be able to choose their prize - for example, an Amazon voucher OR an equivalent paypal payment. Feel free to suggest new prizes. Here are some of the prizes on offer although some of these are bonus prizes - for example, the best entry from Entrecard will receive Entrecard credits. I hope to add more prizes. Please don’t forget to let me know if you are coming from Entrecard, Bebo or any other site.
A year’s free hosting including domain name for a wordpress blog (subject to certain conditions.)
$50 Amazon voucher
$30 Amazon voucher
$20 Amazon voucher
One year Flickr Pro account
Books
Entrecard Credits - some of which have been kindly donated by My Den.
Creative Vision have been generous enough to offer a Bookwise bookstore voucher to the value of $30. Check out the website to find out a lot more about Bookwise and what the lucky winner can purchase with their voucher!
TEN lucky winners will receive a firstwriter.com voucher worth $15 / £10 / €15, allowing them to take out a free subscription to firstwriter.com, providing access to details of hundreds of publishers, literary agents, writing competitions, and magazines! Firstwriter.com have kindly donated these vouchers as prizes in the contest.
Scribophile have generously offered to sponsor prizes of year long Pro Membership accounts to their site. Each membership is worth $35.
Yet another excellent prize has been donated! And I quote:
“The Script Department, a story notes and analysis service for aspiring and established screenwriters, is honored to sponsor the Bebo Short Story Competition by donating a Basic Coverage service worth $150 to the winner. Script Department employees are not eligible and the winner must take advantage of this offer within 3 months of winning.”
Other Information:
This contest will run for six weeks. The deadline for this contest is the 21st of March, 2008. Please have all of your entries in before then. The judging panel will read and discuss the entries and will decide on winners within a month.
I reserve the right to change the rules at any stage. The prizes and the rules depend on the amount of entries. The decisions made by the judges are final and no correspondence will be entered into unless you have specific proof that any of the entries have not been written by the author who has claimed them.
Judges:
Samantha Priestley - Samantha is a full time writer. Her short stories have been published in magazines in the UK, USA and Canada, and anthologies ‘39 Emergency Exits’ and Late Night River Lights. She was runner up in the Mike Hayward competition and The Pages short story contest, highly commended in the Shrewsbury prize for journalism and short listed for the Sid Chaplin award. Samantha’s first novel, ‘Despite Losing it on Finkle Street’ was chosen as the launch title for the new imprint, Pioneer Readers, at Fygleaves Publishing. Here is a sample chapter as well as a review of her published novel.
Catherine Sharp - Catherine is a technical writer who runs her own blog, Sharp Words, as well as the blog set up for Irish people who take part in NaNoWriMo, Irish Wrimos. She has taken part in NaNoWriMo herself a whopping five times so far and is an avid reader.
The next judge comes from a blog that has consistently been the most popular on Entrecard. Saphrym has turned his blog into an overnight success.
And those that helped…:
This is a list of people who took the time to help promote this contest. Thank you very much! If you helped and your name isn’t here, please let me know. I want to thank everyone who gets involved in this.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Comments links could be nofollow free.
February 7th, 2008 at 12:01 am
[...] Writing Contest [...]
February 7th, 2008 at 3:09 am
Wow… this should be good.
Roberto Villegas’s last blog post..Greatest Hits..
February 7th, 2008 at 3:46 am
[...] plus it’s a great reason to write and with a deadline in place, it should keep you motivated. Check it out. Sphere: Related [...]
February 7th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Sounds likes fun and sent you an email already.
Can we submit more than one??
Wendy’s last blog post..Coming soon My Series of How To
February 7th, 2008 at 4:24 am
You can indeed Wendy.
February 7th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Oh, this sounds like fun. I hope I’ll remember it so that I can participate when creativity hits me.
Manictastic’s last blog post..The bridge
February 7th, 2008 at 9:02 am
[...] new writing contest has been started at Beboauthor.com To enter the contest all you need to do is write a short story [...]
February 7th, 2008 at 9:32 am
hmmmm. new story that’s been banging around in my head … or one of my two stand-bys ….
February 7th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Nice one Ender
February 7th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
This sounds like an adventure…
Most of my short stories are on my website, does that make them previously published? Well, lets try anyway!! Happy day to you!
Regards,
Traci Wilcox/Rusti Fae
February 7th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
[...] short story contest has been launched over on Bebo Author - it’s free to enter, and there are a number of prizes including Amazon vouchers and [...]
February 7th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Traci - that’s fine, as long as you are allowed to publish the story on my blog then it doesn’t matter.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:33 am
[...] a bunch of prized ranging from Amazon gift certificates to web hosting and lots of others! See the official rules for more [...]
February 8th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I’ll have to enter! Will write about it on my blog too.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
That’s great Alison! Let me know if you do
February 9th, 2008 at 1:38 am
Hi Claire,
This is an absolutely great venture by you! I too would like to participate and join in the fun! Best wishes!
meghnak’s last blog post..Newton And The Apple Tree!
February 9th, 2008 at 1:52 am
That’s great meghnak
February 9th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
February 9th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Jane, I haven’t slept all week! I’m way too excited about this…
February 11th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
[...] Do you have a story in you that is itching to get out? Now is the time to act. Get to work and enter the Bebo Author Short Story Competition. [...]
February 12th, 2008 at 5:25 am
[...] Writing Contest [...]
February 12th, 2008 at 8:55 am
[...] Claire, at Bebo Author, is holding a short story writing contest on her site. The detailed rules about the contest can be seen here . [...]
February 13th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
[...] Writing Contest [...]
February 14th, 2008 at 1:07 am
Some great entries showing up here. This is going to be a toughy.
Michael White’s last blog post..A Quick Update
February 14th, 2008 at 1:37 am
[...] Writing Contest - Bebo Author - I’m a huge fan of this site so when I was accepted as a judge for the writing contest there I immediately accepted. The only problem is I don’t get to enter. Such a shame (like anyone wants to read my writing anyway). Oh, and if you’re doubting your own writing abilities, make sure to check out this post too: What Is A Writer Anyway? So make sure to enter the contest and subscribe to the blog. You’ll thank me for it later. [...]
February 14th, 2008 at 7:55 am
It really is going to be tough!
February 15th, 2008 at 1:52 am
i want to try this…..it might be fun…
February 15th, 2008 at 7:29 am
It will be fun
February 15th, 2008 at 7:36 am
[...] presents Writing Contest | Bebo Author posted at Bebo [...]
February 15th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I just recently became aware of this site existence. I am glad to see that is somewhere I can place my literary psycobabble from time to time. Thank you for taking tthe time to create such a place.
Mangus
February 16th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Wow,good thing I chanced upon your blog. Your top prize is such a great incentive for me to start writing for the contest. I just want that free hosting/domain for a wordpress blog. Still, best of luck to all who will join.
Ernesto’s last blog post..Earn Money Online Jobs: Look for in Search Engines
February 17th, 2008 at 9:51 am
You’re welcome, Mangus
Good luck Ernesto!
February 18th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
MayI submit more than one entry?
February 19th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Yes you can Tunji.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
So I can submit more than one entry and for free!
You make my day. I am on the way.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
You can indeed Tunji.
February 21st, 2008 at 7:06 am
WHAT EMAIL ADDRESS SHOULD WE USE TO SUBMIT ENTRIES?
February 21st, 2008 at 10:56 am
claire@beboauthor.com
February 25th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I have been writing short stories and poem right from my 8th standard.. however, did not how to find readers for this.. wow now at least I know that I will be read by someone…
February 28th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
[...] presents Writing Contest | Bebo Author posted at Bebo Author, saying, “Writing Contest - free to enter, lots of great prizes. Anyone [...]
February 29th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Hi, are we free to explore any types of genre with this writing competition? Thanks!
February 29th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Yes - any genre is accepted.
February 29th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
What is your address, the link doesn’t work for me
March 1st, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Hi there,
would you consider a story that is 15-20 A4 pages long for the contest??? Thanks
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Hey Claire!
… I was going to enter… But than someone said in one of your posts that they can’t enter because they’re too busy with their book…
So I got put right off.
… But now I’ve decided to enter out of spite… Just to make your reading that much longer…
I’m sure you’ll recieve some great entries but mine will be mind numbingly boring. Think Citizen Kane boring.
March 5th, 2008 at 4:35 am
[...] blogged in a while, but I have been racking my head trying to write this short story for the short story competition on Bebo Author. Originally, I figured I would start off with a small project that would force me to [...]
March 10th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Thesman, I’m sure it won’t be
As for the above questions - the email address is claire@beboauthor.com
I will accept that length yes.
March 16th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
[...] Go to the Bebo Author Short Story Competition » [...]
March 19th, 2008 at 4:20 am
[...] Well, I have completed the finishing touches and completed the final draft for Claire’s short story contest. It was possibly the strangest and most cathartic writing experience to date. I will not publish it [...]
March 21st, 2008 at 1:38 am
Hi - just to be sure, is the closing time, mdnight on Friday UK time zone?
Have posted a twelfth hour reminder and link to you on my new blog.
March 21st, 2008 at 1:54 am
I have emailed my short story. It totals 4001 words exactly.
BradyFrost’s last blog post..Be Back Soon!
March 21st, 2008 at 7:23 am
Hi Claire. I’ve posted a last call over on my blog - can you confirm to me if it’s midnight UK time or midnight according to Bebo’s clock where you live etc?
ABB’s last blog post..Cinderella’s Closing Call for Bebo Shorts
March 21st, 2008 at 8:08 am
Thanks Brady.
Midnight GMT
March 21st, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Looks like lots of good entries - hope mine winds it way to you on time.
March 27th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Hi, i entered my story in the contest, but no one ever got back to me. I sent it again, but i wanted to be sure it got in okay.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
What was it called and when was it sent?
April 1st, 2008 at 9:46 am
Not to nag, but I’m just curious as to when the results of the contest will be announced. I know it just ended a few days ago, but I’m just wondering.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I can safely say I have absolutely no idea.
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Fair enough…
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:18 am
I’m looking forward to reading the winning entry.
Tam’s last blog post..Vocabulary Quiz - 002
April 18th, 2008 at 3:24 am
omg.. a few more days, and it’s a month since the writing contest closed. **excited**nervous** :o)
April 18th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Me too and can’t wait to read some of the other entrants.Exciting time for us I guess.
April 18th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
yay! all the best to us! i can’t wait to read the other entries either! it’s quite possible i’m going to read ALL of them!
April 27th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Oh boy, this blog hasn’t been updated for so long. I wondered whether or not it’s still active.
Manictastic’s last blog post..Outrageous
April 27th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Yes seems like the judges got a lot more entries than they expected so it will take a little longer to judge it which is fair.I wouldn’t like to wade through 130 plus entries and then make a decision, especially when I see the standard of the work out there.Looking forward to hearing what the judges have got to say though and finding some new writers.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:12 am
It’s still active - at least for the sake of the contest, I just don’t have the energy or the brainpower for writing posts at the moment what with the child with a mystery illness and the pregnancy from hell…
I am still waiting to hear from the judges and as Jane said there are lots of entries and a good few very long ones too but as soon as I know anything, I’ll post about it.
Thank you for being patient.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Oh dear Claire, not so good.Hope the little one get’s well soon and your pregnancy settles down.Take care.janex
April 28th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Claire, here’s wishing you and the little one well.. :o)
April 28th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Dear Claire,
I hope that your pregnancy is going smoothly and that your other little child is well again. Also that you are able to get enough rest. It was very adventurous of you to hold this short story competition in your present circumstances … thanks so much for doing so and giving many aspiring authors something to look forward to!
Cheers,
April 28th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Best wishes Claire.
Hang in there, eh?
Ken’s last blog post..Blessed Martin and the Fridge
April 29th, 2008 at 3:29 am
I was so looking forward to discussing my story on my blog. I have been quite sad that I don’t feel free to expand upon it, but all things in time.
Please do take care of yourself. I hope everything starts looking up soon.
-Brady
Brady’s last blog post..Be Back Soon!
April 30th, 2008 at 3:10 am
Hi Claire,
Best wishes. I really agree with Beryl. We all can wait for the results.
meghnak’s last blog post..Time To Tag
April 30th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Claire - hang in there. It never rains but it pours. Lots of rest really is tricky second time around with an active tot, but probably what you need. How about temporarily nominating a few trusted frequent bloggers to be your ‘maternity cover’? Then you can rest up and still feel your “other baby” is taken care of, and fed here online.
I’m sure you know all the tricks - ginger biscuits and decaf black tea did wonders for me, lying down.
April 30th, 2008 at 7:17 am
I hope your child gets better and your pregnancy will run smoothly from now on. It must be difficult times for you right now. I hope the skies will clear up soon for you.
Manictastic’s last blog post..Outrageous
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 am
thanks everyone, unfortunately things aren’t going as planned but hopefully it won’t be long now.
This is actually my third time around so that might explain it.
Every blogger I know is busy with their own blog unfortunately.
May 8th, 2008 at 3:26 am
Claire- We have seven kid each is its own way from start to finish. Hang in and keep in mind each sunset is a day closer to God’s gift.
May 11th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Hello Claire,
Isn’t it about time for the results?? I’d be glad to know when they’ll be revealed
meghnak’s last blog post..To My Mother ….
May 12th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Hope everything is fine! I’ll be praying for you
meghnak’s last blog post..To My Mother ….
May 13th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Claire, as JP33 says, hang in there, but “hang loose”! All things end, even difficult pregnancies.
All the best.
June 25th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Hi Claire hope you have managed to get your laptop sorted out and you are keeping better.It seems a long time since the competition deadline and I was wondering if we were any further forward in getting a peek at some of the entries.Would be great if we could get an inkling of whats out there..so to speak.all the best jane
July 12th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I will tell about this contest my sister, who is writer and probably you can have one or two submissions
All the best and best health to you and your baby!
July 14th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
if you could email me and let me know when the next one is, i have over 4,000 art students, while they are learning to draw and paint with us I still like to keep them abreast of other activities in different mediums of art. Whether it be drama or writing, the more they are involved with the arts the better their visual art skills become.
July 30th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Hi Claire, please, post a comment concerning when the results of the short story contest may be out!!!!!!!!!. Best wishes, Claire.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
I have posted about it. Multiple times.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
please email if you are going to have this contest again, i have over 3,000 art students, i am sure many of them would have interest in branching out from the visual arts into the literary arts.