Any questions about these rules/guidelines? Please e-mail me at jaq855@hotmail.com

Format: The font size should be around size 10-12 in a simple font (Arial, Times New Roman...).  Pages should be numbered.  The authors name may be included on the text.  A e-mail address or phone number should be included on the text.  If you are mailing in your entry only one copy is needed and no cover page is required as long as the Author/Title info are on the work.

Length: There is a 5000 word suggested-maximum.  There is no minimum limit, but you will likely need at least 1500 to provide a complete story.

Genre: All appropriate fiction genres are acceptable, for example: Acceptable: (horror, romance, sci-fi, inspirational, crime, drama, comedy);  Not acceptable: (Swearing that is unessential to the plot, unnecessary pornographic and/or adult situations, any generally vulgar material).  No poetry will be accepted unless it is of full story length and has a complete plot, such as an epic poem.  No non-fiction (essays or reports) will be accepted.  Historical fiction or story derived from real events/situations are acceptable.  True-life narratives and personal experiences are acceptable as long as the reality aspect is not a focal point; feel free to embellish and exaggerate that summer vacation story before submitting.  Excerpts from novels or longer pieces are acceptable as long as they stand alone without any additional explanation of the novel they come from. 

Payment: Mail-in submissions should include $6 per entry.  Payment can be made with cash or check.  A check made out to (John Eisenhower) is preferred for the security of all parties.  No checks will be cashed until the contestant is informed of their qualifying in the contest.  You have the right to cancel your check and withdraw from the contest; this should be done within a week of submission to assure the return of your money.  Improper submissions may be declined with a refund.  Improper submissions sent reasonably before the deadline will be notified and given a chance for revision or refund.  Online submissions must be paid for through Paypal.  Paypal will accept anyone instantly with a savings or checking account or credit/debit card.  Paypal has a history of outstanding security.  I will be billing contestants after submission with an invoice if you want.  Bills will be sent out approximately within 48 hours.  Otherwise you may send the payment directly to me using me email address: jaq855@hotmail.com.  Once I receive payment contestants will be notified of qualification into the contest.

Deadlines: The official entry deadline is August 15, 2008. This year's contest does not have a late entry period. All entries must be submitted postage marked by August 15, 2008 to be eligible.  Entries will be read as they are received, but high rated stories will be reread during the final judging period after the deadline assuring fairness entries received at varying times.  Updates about the contest will be posted on the main page.

Prizes: The prize money derives directly from the received entry fees.  75% of all money received will go into the prize pool.  65% of the prize money goes to the first place winner; 20% to 2nd place; 15% for 3rd place.  Honorable mention entries will be noted on the website, but not rewarded with cash prizes.  All the top three winners and any other story deemed good enough can be included in the contest anthology.  Authors who are included in the anthology will not receive royalties.  All authors have the right to decline being included in the anthology.  Prize money info and info on the anthology will be announced shortly after the submission deadline.

Other notes: Previously published work will be accepted, however this contest is to promote the work of new writers.  If you are already an established writer, please submit an original work for this contest.