The competition is open to any writer, professional or non-professional, aged 17 (by March 15, 2010) or older, residing within a 35-mile radius of Dixon, Illinois.

CATEGORIES:  (One entry per category)
Poetry:  Any form, 30-line limit.

Fiction:  3,500-word limit.

Non-fiction:  3,000-word limit.

ENTRY DEADLINE:  March 15, 2010.

ENTRY FEE:  $8.00 per manuscript included with each entry. Checks should be made payable to Phidian Art Club.

Please click on SEE MORE for all rules and regulations!

RULES:  All entries must be original and unpublished, typed and double-spaced on one side of 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper. Writers may submit one entry in each category.

Each entry must have a cover sheet listing title, category, author’s name, address, phone number and email address.

Because the judging is “blind” (the judge does not know who wrote the work), the author’s name must be omitted from manuscript pages, which should have only title and page number at top of each page. Fiction and non-fiction entries must have word count in upper right-hand corner of page one.

A self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage must be enclosed for return of manuscripts. This is recommended. Judges often include helpful remarks with the manuscripts. Entrants should keep copies of manuscripts. The Phidian Art Club is not responsible for lost or damaged material.

PRIZES:  $50 for first place in each category; $35 for second in each; $25 for third in each.  At least three entries must be received in each category for awards to be given, unless the work merits award. Decisions of the judges are final. Winners will be contacted in April and invited to the May 4 spring luncheon with the Phidian Art Club in order to receive awards. The luncheon will include readings by the writers of the first place winners in fiction and nonfiction and all winners in the poetry category. Winners also will be announced in May in area media.

MAIL OR HAND DELIVER MANUSCRIPTS TO:

Phidian Art Club, c/o Dixon Public Library

221 S. Hennepin Ave.

Dixon, IL  61021  

Additional copies of rules may be obtained at area libraries. A bound volume of winning entries from previous competitions may be read at Dixon Public Library.