Following are the 33 contest categories to which you may submit your entries. The first 29 are for unpublished works (must be unaccepted for publication at the time they are entered into the contest.) Categories 30 through 33 are trophy awards given for books published in the previous year. In addition, a Creme-de-la-Crème award winner is chosen from among all the first place entries of the unpublished categories.
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner of each of the unpublished categories receives $50, $35, and $20, respectively, plus certificates. The Honorable Mention winners also receive certificates. The "creme-de-la-creme" winner (best of all the 1st place recipients) receives $500. The published (trophy) book awards receive a commemorative award.
1. Mainstream Novel: Fiction-- Mainstream is a ‘genre-less’ category. A successful mainstream novel tackles subjects of universal appeal, driven by characters and plots that find acceptance in the “mainstream” of readers. A mainstream novel can be a romance (Nora Roberts), a horror novel (Stephen King), fantasy (J.R.R. Tolkien), mystery/suspense (Robert Parker), historical novel (Patrick O’Brian), and even young adult (J.K. Rowling). Traditionally, this category is large and diverse. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less).
2. Contemporary Romance Novel: Fiction-- Contemporary romance novels take place ‘present-day,’ following strong, vivid characters on their journey of discovery and emotional conflict to a shared and satisfying conclusion. No plot point, setting, or current event takes precedence over the one central theme: the relationship between the two main characters. The end must leave the reader believing the protagonists' love will endure the rest of their lives. This category includes romantic suspense and Christian romances. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less).
3. Historical: Novel-- Historical encompasses novels set anytime in the recent or distant past (pre-1900) including Ancient Greece, the Old West, knights or cave people. These novels are time capsules of an era and/or culture--the setting serves as a character itself. However, “Historical romance” focuses on the relationship between the two main characters as they fall in love, not the world events happening around them. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less).
4. Mystery/Suspense Novel: Fiction-- This category is made up of two broad categories. Mystery Novels are all about the ‘whodunit.’ These books have a strong hook/murder and a cast of suspicious and compelling characters, and readers compete to solve the puzzle before the author reveals the answer. Whether told in first person or third, mystery novels showcase the main character as he/she follows a maze of clues and incidents leading to the Big Reveal. Detective and police procedural, espionage/spies, amateur sleuth, series or stand-alones, a winning mystery novel is a tightly-woven question from beginning to end. Suspense Novels and related Thrillers also require a strong hook that often includes a murder/death involving a strong main character and compelling cast. But unlike mysteries, suspense/thrillers more often focus on ‘how-dunit.’ The antagonist may be an individual, organization (government), or thing (virus) known to readers from the beginning but often hidden from the protagonist. Suspense novels and thrillers may be first person but more often third person, and often employ more than one viewpoint character. The main character may be the good guy or the bad guy. Whether a medical, psychological, techno, legal, or other sub-genre, the winning suspense novel is action-driven from beginning to end. Help the judge by noting “mystery” or “suspense/thriller” on your mss. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less).
5. Western Novel: Fiction-- Novels in this category exemplify the flavor, drama, and resilience of the people who populated the wild frontier of the western United States between the 1700’s and 1800’s, as well as Contemporary themes of the modern West today. Cowboys, Indians, pioneers, gun battles, ranch life, western novels can be either epic or intimate in scope. If the story revolves around the relationship between two characters that only lived in the old west, move up two categories to Category 3 (Historical).Western novels are time capsules of an era and/or culture, the setting a character itself. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less).
6. Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Novel: Fiction--This category is made up of three totally different genres: Science Fiction, A novel in which futuristic technology or otherwise altered scientific principles contribute in a significant way to the adventures. Often the novel assumes a set of rules or principles or facts and then traces their logical consequences; Fantasy, Any novel that is disengaged from reality, often set in nonexistent worlds, such as under the earth, in a fairyland, on the moon, etc. The characters are often something other than human or include nonhuman characters; Horror, fiction in any media intended to scare, unsettle or horrify the reader. Historically, the cause of the "horror" experience has necessarily been the intrusion of an evil, or occasionally misunderstood, supernatural element into everyday human experience. Any fiction with a morbid, gruesome, surreal, exceptionally suspenseful or frightening theme has come to be called "horror." Help the judge by noting “sci-fi” or “fantasy” or “horror” on your mss. Submit first consecutive chapters including prologue, if any, and synopsis. Complete submission limited to 45 pages (or less).
7. Nonfiction Book: (Any non-fiction book)--This category is made up of an enormous range of divergent genres, composed of two broad categories which typically are presented/pitched very differently in the marketplace; however, all seek to educate, inform, and/or entertain and sometimes inspire. Narrative Nonfiction follows the form and style of various fiction genres (think The Perfect Storm and First, Do No Harm). Depending on style, biographies and autobiographies or family histories may fall under the narrative nonfiction umbrella, which basically consists of any “true” subject told in a narrative form. The author often has a personal stake or shared experience in the story. This form requires strong viewpoint character(s), story problems and satisfying resolutions. Length of complete work parallels similar works of fiction. General Nonfiction more commonly presents technical, self-help, how-to information, inspirational works, or otherwise fact-based material derived from an author’s own expertise, author research, and outside expert sources. Style varies widely but in all cases content must be presented in a pleasing and accessible format. Chapters typically are broken up with sidebars, bulleted lists, photos/illustrations, tables and other value-added materials and may include direct quotes, footnotes, etc. Length of finished work varies widely, from short (under 20,000 words) illustrated gift books to encyclopedia-length reference books over 150,000 words. Help the judge by noting “narrative” or “general” on your mss. For Narrative Nonfiction submit first consecutive chapters (and prologue, if any) with full synopsis. For General Nonfiction submit any representative chapters, and include a chapter outline OR book proposal per industry standard (overview, market analysis/competition, table of contents, etc). Submission limited to 45 pages.
8. Picture Book: Fiction or non-fiction (for ages 1-8)-- Picture books are large art-filled books for children, which are primarily targeted to ages 0-8, but are also appealing to older kids and even adults. They are designed to bring information and/or entertainment to life for young eyes, and the text must be minimal. These books have a beginning, middle, and end. Picture books do not necessarily feature a character, but when they do, he/she/it must solve his or her own problem and the problem should be something significant. Often a picture book portrays a concept such as numbers, letters, weather, colors, etc. They may also evoke a mood, such as a bedtime story. These books should be engaging and present the topic in a fresh, child-like way. In addition, the well-conceived picture book should allow plenty of room for the illustrator to portray the action without author intrusion. (Show, don’t tell). Ten pages maximum.
9. Middle Reader Book: Fiction or non-fiction (for ages 8-12)—Same as Category 10, yet written for younger age children. For fiction, think Hank The Cow Dog. Submit first two chapters, complete synopsis or outline, prologue if any and/or nonfiction proposal (per industry standard). Submission limited to 35 pages.
10. Young Adult Book: Fiction or non-fiction for ages 11 and older-- This category has the same rules as all books: for novels, write compelling stories with beginnings, middles, and ends. For nonfiction, provide accessible and interesting content that informs, inspires and/or educates. YA books are written primarily to the older teen audience (15-18). For novels, think Harry Potter; the main character should have an important problem he/she struggles to solve. The story should engage the reader in caring whether the character achieves that goal by story’s end. These often deal with the tribulations of growing up. Non-fiction should focus on providing information that educates and informs the reader. Review the various novel and nonfiction book categories for further descriptions. Help the judge by noting “novel” or “nonfiction” on your mss. Submit first chapters and prologue, if any, with complete synopsis or outline, and/or nonfiction proposal (per industry standard). Submission limited to 35 pages (or less).
11. Poetry, Unrhymed-Short-- Any theme, any style. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. 16 lines and shorter. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line count.)
12. Poetry, Unrhymed-Long-- Any theme, any style. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. l7 lines and longer. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line count.)
13. Poetry, Rhymed-Short-- Any theme, any rhyming form. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. 16 lines and shorter. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line count.)
14. Poetry, Rhymed-Long-- Any theme, any rhyming form. Poetry deals with the poet’s voice, with images, with ideas, but set in strict forms dictated by poetry conventions/standards and the author’s imagination. Poetry may tell a story, present a single idea, paint a picture or feeling with words, etc. In all cases, it is an art form and should go beyond plain prose to evoke something deeper. 17 lines and longer. (Epigraphs and spaces are not part of the line count.)
15. Short-Short Story (Adult): Fiction-- Same description as a Short Story (see summary in Category 16), but shorter. Not more than 2000 words.
16. Short Story (Adult): Fiction-- A short story is a brief piece of fiction pointed and more economically detailed as to character, situation, and plot than a novel. They often revolve around a single theme, one climactic event developing a single character in depth. Narrower than a novel, a short story contains these basic elements: characters, setting, plot, conflict, resolution, climax, dialogue, protagonist, and antagonist. All short stories should present the major character with an important problem that the character must struggle to solve, and engage the reader in caring about whether the character achieves that goal by story’s end. 2000 to 4000 words.
17. Juvenile Short Story: Fiction-- Same description as a Short Story (Category 16), yet with a subject matter aimed at readers ages 3-7. 600 words max. For readers 8-12, 1000 words maximum. Must put age range with word count on page one of manuscript.
18. Young Adult Short Story: Fiction-- Same description as a Short Story (Category 16), yet with subject matter aimed at readers 12-18. Limit 1200 words.
19. Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Story: Fiction-- Same description as a Short Story (Category 16), yet with subject matter aimed at readers interested in the three genres represented (see Category 6 for details). Help the judge by noting “sci-fi” or “fantasy” or “horror” on your mss. Limit 5000 words.
20. Prose Humor: Fiction or Nonfiction-- Prose humor is exactly that: a piece of writing meant to evoke humor. Everyday experiences can resonate with the reader, or common interest stories when written in a clever and entertaining voice bring forth a smile. The humor piece should also meet the criteria of its form; column, short story, article/feature or essay. Limit 2000 words.
21. Essay (Any subject of contemporary interest.)-- Essays are personal opinion pieces using narrative form to convince the reader of a certain point of view, or at least to better understand that writer’s view. There are formal, fact-driven essays (George Will), and informal, lighter essays (Erma Bombeck). Bear in mind the quality and logic of the argument and how well the author uses facts, reasoning, and literary tools such as analogy to convince. Sometimes an opinion can be presented, a point of view expressed, an argument driven home, in a novel or unusual way: by telling a story or seeming to take the opposite point of view, or a fable with a clear moral at the end. Limit 2000 words.
22. Play, Film, or TV Script-- One, two, or three acts. As in all categories, must be unaccepted and unproduced at time of submission. Help the judge by noting “play” or “film” or “TV script” on your mss. Format should follow accepted industry standards. Submit 10 to 30 consecutive pages and complete synopsis.
23. Technical and/or How-To Article (Any subject.)— This category is made up of two different genres that both aim to educate readers in different ways. Each style presents a problem, describes why it matters, then provides the solution--and sometimes offers a call to action. Technical Articles generally are longer, and cover a narrow but serious subject in great depth and rely on more than one expert (often including the author) to provide information that educates and informs a specific target audience. While the article may be scientific, it should also be readable and easy to understand and absorb. The reader should come away with useful information. How-To Articles often are shorter info-tainment (1500 words may be too long!) lighter fare that may rely on the expertise of the author alone. These articles not only educate and inform, they also provide specific and detailed steps for the reader to accomplish the stated goal (how to bake cookies, make a craft, prepare a devotional, write a novel). A central theme follows through to the end. Help the judge by noting “technical” or “how-to” on your mss. Not more than 3000 words.
24. Feature Article: Non-fiction-- (Any subject.) These are the articles listed prominently in a publication (magazine, newspaper, online, etc) covering a subject of great interest to that venue’s target audience. The article must clearly have a reason to exist and not simply serve as a vehicle for advertising. Nor should it be a vehicle for presenting the author’s opinion about a particular topic (For opinion pieces, see the “how-to” or “inspirational” or “essay” category descriptions). More than just-the-facts, a feature article uses a great hook, expert quotes, and a bang-up conclusion to convey its topic. The author’s style or “voice” gives the piece life. Not more than 2500 words.
25. Western Article: Non-fiction—Whether dealing with some historical aspect/person, or just the best little dude ranch in Texas, the western article needs to always retain its distinctive flair. Refer to descriptions for technical article and feature article--and incorporate the western flavor. 1000-5000 words.
26. Inspirational Article-- Should concern a personal experience or struggle, which provides inspiration or hope to others. A profile or personal story should touch the reader in some way and/or impart a valuable message and/or educate the reader in some way. Not necessarily religious in nature, the piece should strive to inspire and motivate the reader. It may be a vehicle for presenting the author’s opinion about a particular topic that has personally affected him or her, and may also include a call to action. The author’s style or “voice” gives the piece life. Limit 3000 words.
27. Mazie Cox Reid Column Award—A column is a reoccurring piece that would commonly run with a byline and photo (think Dave Barry, Hints From Heloise). These are theme pieces—whether humorous, political, or how-to, the overall theme, author’s style and column format remains the same for each installment. The column should be consistently useful, and should have a clear reason for existing. Columns usually are assigned to writers with expertise in the subject, because an author’s credentials lend credence to the words. Columnists present a distinctive voice; you should feel you are getting to know the columnist and have a reason to read him or her again and again. Submit three different columns (newspaper or magazine) of no more than 600 words each.
28. Confession Story: First person fiction—The thing to remember when writing a confession is that these stories are strictly formulaic: sin, repent, reform. The characters begin with a problem (sin), go on to confront the problem (repent), then take steps to fix it (reform). While all endings needn’t be happy, stories should be uplifting and encouraging. Above all, a confession story is a short story (see Category 16). Beginnings, middles and ends are required. Limit 5000 words.
29. Nostalgic Prose—Short stories that focus on down-home occurrences reflecting the past, these pieces evoke a fond remembrance of a time gone by, or memories of childhood. Common interest is the goal here. 1200 words maximum.
30. Best Juvenile Book Award: Published book of fiction or non-fiction. Ages 1-18.
31. Best Nonfiction Book Award: Published non-fiction book.
32. Best Book of Poetry Award: Published book of poetry
33. Best Book of Fiction Award: Published book of fiction (novel or short story collection)
The Creme-de-la-Creme Award is chosen by a panel of judges from all first place winners in other categories. Your contest entry is automatically entered for the Creme-de-la-Creme Award if your entry is chosen as the first-place winner in its category. The only categories not included are numbers 30 through 33--the best, published-book categories.