*READ ALL THE RULES OR YOUR ENTRY WILL BE REMOVED!*
Do you have a story you think is "publishable" material? Enter it in this contest and find out!
While I'm by no means an expert on publishing short stories (*disclaimer*), I've got a pretty good idea of what can sell and what can't.
For this contest, I'm looking for short stories I would pay to publish, either on-line or in print. As I'm sure you all know, each market has its own guidelines on form, length, genre, etc, so here's the deal: I'm going to give you a list of guidelines for the "Bitter Irony 'Zine".
You're welcome to ignore any of the rules IF you can find and produce the URL for a magazine that has a different rule. For example, in this contest I want works no longer than 2,000 words: but if you find and give me the URL of a magazine in your genre that accepts works of 10,000 words, feel free to enter a 10,000 word story.
Now, the guidelines:
1. 2,000 words or under. I'll be flexible on this rule, accepting stories up to 2,200 words.
2. All genres welcome, though try to avoid Experimental or Slipstream. If you must write in those genres, I'm going to demand you give me the title and URL of a magazine that would accept your story, just so I can see what you're aiming for.
3. Use perfect grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That goes for your Author's Note as well. If you ever submit to a real editor, they will pay attention to the technical points of your cover letter as well as your story.
4. Be creative--there is no excuse for cliches! Also, take your time.
5. This is optional, but I would greatly appreciate it if in your Author's Note you could provide me with the type of magazine and possible titles of where you would submit the story.
6. So I can be sure you've read the rules, please put a haiku in your Author's Note. Any haiku, it really doesn't matter if you've written it or copied it from a Basho fansite.
7. If you win first place, you must solemnly swear to work with me as I try to find a place to publish you. If I message you with a question, for Pete's sake answer me. :-)
Judging
I will comment on each entry, saying reasons why I would and why I wouldn't publish each story. Be warned, I will not be gentle to spare your feelings: if harsh criticism bothers you, let me know in the Author Note and I will tone it down. I won't be rude, just honest.
Prize
Now, you're all probably wondering why first place has a lower point number than second. There's a good reason for that:
First Place wins 100 points AND my help in publishing a story, either in a web-zine or print journal. This story doesn't have to be the winning entry. Note, there are no guarantees, but I try my hardest to get you in print (and, if you're lucky, make a few bucks while you're at it).
Second Place wins 150 points. I might message you with a few markets that might accept your work.
Third Place might not happen. If there are enough good entries, I will create a third place prize at the time of judging.
Now, get out there and write me some publishable stories!
Do you have a story you think is "publishable" material? Enter it in this contest and find out!
While I'm by no means an expert on publishing short stories (*disclaimer*), I've got a pretty good idea of what can sell and what can't.
For this contest, I'm looking for short stories I would pay to publish, either on-line or in print. As I'm sure you all know, each market has its own guidelines on form, length, genre, etc, so here's the deal: I'm going to give you a list of guidelines for the "Bitter Irony 'Zine".
You're welcome to ignore any of the rules IF you can find and produce the URL for a magazine that has a different rule. For example, in this contest I want works no longer than 2,000 words: but if you find and give me the URL of a magazine in your genre that accepts works of 10,000 words, feel free to enter a 10,000 word story.
Now, the guidelines:
1. 2,000 words or under. I'll be flexible on this rule, accepting stories up to 2,200 words.
2. All genres welcome, though try to avoid Experimental or Slipstream. If you must write in those genres, I'm going to demand you give me the title and URL of a magazine that would accept your story, just so I can see what you're aiming for.
3. Use perfect grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That goes for your Author's Note as well. If you ever submit to a real editor, they will pay attention to the technical points of your cover letter as well as your story.
4. Be creative--there is no excuse for cliches! Also, take your time.
5. This is optional, but I would greatly appreciate it if in your Author's Note you could provide me with the type of magazine and possible titles of where you would submit the story.
6. So I can be sure you've read the rules, please put a haiku in your Author's Note. Any haiku, it really doesn't matter if you've written it or copied it from a Basho fansite.
7. If you win first place, you must solemnly swear to work with me as I try to find a place to publish you. If I message you with a question, for Pete's sake answer me. :-)
Judging
I will comment on each entry, saying reasons why I would and why I wouldn't publish each story. Be warned, I will not be gentle to spare your feelings: if harsh criticism bothers you, let me know in the Author Note and I will tone it down. I won't be rude, just honest.
Prize
Now, you're all probably wondering why first place has a lower point number than second. There's a good reason for that:
First Place wins 100 points AND my help in publishing a story, either in a web-zine or print journal. This story doesn't have to be the winning entry. Note, there are no guarantees, but I try my hardest to get you in print (and, if you're lucky, make a few bucks while you're at it).
Second Place wins 150 points. I might message you with a few markets that might accept your work.
Third Place might not happen. If there are enough good entries, I will create a third place prize at the time of judging.
Now, get out there and write me some publishable stories!
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on August 7, 2007
- Rewards: Gold: 100, Silver: 150, Bronze: 85, Honorable mention: 1 people
- Final notes: Congratulations to the winners!
Many different kinds of stories found their way into this contest, some very professional, others getting there. I'm a little surprised myself at how the finalists all fell out!
If anyone else is seriously considering publishing their work and needs help finding a market, writing a cover letter, or getting second opinions on the manuscript, I'm always willing to help.
Thanks for entering everyone, and good luck with your writing!
~Bitter Irony
Contest Winners
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Ahead of my small 1980 Buick, the Atlanta rush hour traffic stretched on for what seemed an endless line, miles and miles of vehicles movin• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
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Timothy hates opening his wallet. Every time he peels apart the Velcro, he sees failure. / It’s unavoidable, cringing in the front sleev• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
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A brief moment in the life of a man who can not concentrate on anything.by Xineph 1100 words, 27 comments, on Mar 27 2:19 PM 2007. In Death, Fiction, First person, Life, Other, Pain, Short story
Bronze trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
The church looked lovely. Beautiful arrangements of white lillies and fern leaves stood atop marble pillars. I should have felt proud to beby EmeraldDreams 300 words, 18 comments, on May 14 1:13 PM 2007. In Fiction, First person, Love
Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Entries [25]
1 - 25 of 25
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Toby the dog and Darla the cat are best friends. They love to chase butterflies and play in fields of daffodils together.by Little Blue Bird 300 words, 5 comments, on Apr 30 3:13 PM 2007. In Childrens, Fiction, Short story• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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All the cool kids are doing it.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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When my brother and I were nine and a half years old our dad was arrested, but unlike the previous times he was arrested this time he isn't• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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I lay sprawled on my stomach in my bed, cell phone clutched tightly in my already sweating hand. I glanced around the darkened room nervousby Jinxgirl 1500 words, 5 comments, on Jul 15 3:46 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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by miles of smiles 1500 words, 11 comments, on Apr 14 2:49 PM 2007. In Childrens, First person, Inspirational, Other• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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/ / Please, please… let this all be just a dream, just a really bad trip… don’t let this be real… / / But the dark-haired man still stumby Jinxgirl 1700 words, 4 comments, on Apr 22 2:13 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Jordan Walker sat in the passenger seat of her and her husband’s SUV. “Man he irks me sometimes!” She thinks as they drive in silence. / “I can’t believe you bought a two hundred dollar shirt! You know we are nextby vihde 1200 words, 1 comment, on Jul 22 10:36 PM 2007• Commented on by judge.
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On July 7th, 1947, a UFO crashed in Roswell, NM. Now, 60 years later, I am out to uncover its secrets, or discover my own...by Papyrus 1800 words, 10 comments, on Jul 22 10:08 PM 2007. In Humor, Journalism, Other, Science nonfiction• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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A soft breeze whisked through the air, darting between branches and blossoms which extended far from the trees. The air smelled sweet of spby Hope Marie 1400 words, 14 comments, on Jul 1 1:05 AM 2007. In Christian, Inspirational, Short story, Spiritual• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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The Arab priest had hung an oil painting of the Christ over the doorframe when he moved into the apartment. / In the painting a crown of light shone above his wounded head, and the words, "I have come into the world tby Stephanie44 1900 words, 2 comments, on Nov 29 9:30 PM 2006. In Fiction, Pain, Short story, Society, Spiritual• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Cramping pains jolted through my belly and up into my chest. I rolled over and pulled my legs up against me tightly, I could feel my hipbo• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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“You realise this might be the last time we ever do this?” Her soft voice teases me out of my star-filled euphoria. ‘This’ means sanctuary. ‘This’ means letting our souls loose under the stars, free to swim away. ‘This’ meansby ohemeegeeay 700 words, 16 comments, on Jun 1 2:31 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Cole was sitting in his favorite booth at Baker's Square, all alone as usual stirring one cream after another into his coffee, trying to ma• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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I let the sweet, milky piece of chocolate melt on my tongue, savoring every taste of it. The light breeze, carrying the heat of the blazing• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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A gut-wrenching cry startled the silence of the forest. A thud soon followed and a songbird began to chirp and sing. Three military officers stood over a body, one wiping the blood from his knife and shaking his head at the• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Tracy gazed around the newly furnished room and sighed. / Was this it? How it would be from now on, just her alone in an empty flat? / Could it really be only three months since Sam had died? /by Kelander 900 words, 4 comments, on Jul 31 2:49 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Comments
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Your ideas are so unique!! Very cool, I think LOADZ of people will be entering! I will too!
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Wow.. ^_^ you're like a queen of contests
another great contest 
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Oh my gosh! I'm so totally entering this! Amazing idea for a contest!!
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