Free contest, See Me Creative Writing Competition, short stories/ poems, top prize: $250 Amazon vouchers

Deadline: 10 December 2010

This year we take ‘support’ as our theme. We all give and receive support throughout our daily lives. Whether you’ve helped family, friends or neighbours. Or got assistance from teachers and colleagues. And, we’ve all had an experience of when that support has been key.

That’s why we want you to draw from these personal experiences or use your imagination in our ‘see me’ Creative Writing Competition 2010. Each winning entry from the three categories will get £250 of Amazon Vouchers to spend. The winners and runners up of each category will be published on our website. And, an anthology featuring the best work will be released next year.

So get your thinking caps on and tell us what it means to you.

Short stories (max 1,500 words)

You’ve got 1,500 words or less to interpret our theme in a novel way. Judged by children’s author and professional storyteller, Lari Don.

When submitting, please make sure your entry is double spaced, that every page is numbered, and the total word count at the top of the first page. Entries over 1,500 words will be disqualified. Please use a clear font (e.g. Arial 12pt). Only .doc files will be accepted. And, your entry can be in English or Scots.

Submit your story

Poem (max 42 lines)

With a maximum of 42 lines, you should be fine. Just express ‘support’, with your best thought. Judged by Gary Robertson the Dundee Street Poet.

Entries that are more than 42 lines won’t be accepted. When entering, please make sure your poem is single spaced and typed in a clear font (e.g. Arial 12pt). Only .doc files will be accepted. It can also be written in English or Scots.

Submit your poem

When can you enter?

The competition opens on 20th September and closes at 5.00 pm on 10th December 2010. No entries will be accepted after this deadline.

Who’s judging the submissions?

Experienced readers will assist our judges in selecting the shortlists. Our judging is fair and unbiased as all entries viewed by the judges are anonymous. Unfortunately judges are unable to comment on individual entries. In each category the judge’s decision is final

What can you win?

Each winning entry from the three categories will get £250 of Amazon Vouchers to spend. The winners and runners up of each category will be published on our website. And, an anthology featuring the best work will be released next year.

Terms and conditions

1. One entry per person per category.
2. If you are under 16 years old you need the agreement of your parent or guardian to enter the competition
3. All entries must be completely new pieces of work not entered into any other competition and not an extract from a larger piece.
4. Entries should not have been published in any form including website or broadcast.
5. Enter your personal details on the entry form only.
6. Entries are anonymous. Do not put your personal details on your piece. Your entry will be cross referenced with the title on your entry form.
7. You will be sent an acknowledgement email for poetry and short story entries.
8. Entries cannot be returned. Please keep a copy of your original work.
9. Competition closes at 5.00 pm on Friday 10th December, no entries will be accepted after this time.
10. The winners in each category will be decided by a panel of readers and judges.
11. Winners in all 3 categories must be resident in Scotland.
12. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
13. Winners will be notified by the email address on their entry form
14. Prize winners will be notified by email on 28th January, 2011
15. The results of the competition will be announced on 1st February, 2011 and will be published on the ‘see me’ website.
16. Copyright of each entry remains with the author, but ‘see me’ will have the unrestricted right to publish the shortlisted and winning entries in its own publications and for promotional purposes.
17. No payment will be made for any published work.
18. Winners agree to participate in publicity events in connection with the competition.
19. By entering the competition you accept all the rules.
20. Failure to comply with the entry requirements will result in disqualification.
21. ‘see me’ reserves the right to change the rules of this competition without notice.

More information here.