Short Story Competition 2008

Our 2008 competition is now formally open.

Stories can be submitted on any theme, but entries should be subject to the following conditions:-

1.     The length of the story should be no more than 5000 words.  It would be helpful if writers could include a word-count with their submission. The story must be original work and should never have been published before. This includes publication on the internet.

2.     The closing date for submissions is 31^st May 2008.  Entries received after midnight on this date will be ineligible.

3.     Submissions must be made on plain, white A4 paper, using one side only, with pages numbered. A simple font should be used and no use made of pictures, photographs or any other visual material. Stories must be written in English, and there should be no identifying marks, e.g., name or address, on the submitted work.

4.     Entries should be submitted either by post using the address as given below, in accordance with the instructions given with our entry details, or by using the online method described on the same page. Entries cannot be returned – please keep a copy of your work.

5.     Each entry should be accompanied by a UK cheque or postal order, or paid for online as described on our Entry page.  Please note that in 2008 in order for us to augment this year's prize money (£500 top prizes) there is an inevitable increase in costs - for a single entry there is a fee payable of £4, but any subsequent entries from the same writer will be charged at £3. For overseas entrants who are unable to pay by cheque or online it is acceptable to send cash by post with your entry, but only in US dollars ($5 per entry) or Euros (€5 per entry) - no coins, please.  If paying by cash we would recommend that you send details of an email address to which we can confirm that your submission has been received.  Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to the City of Derby Short Story and Poetry Competition.

6.   The judge’s decision is final.

7.   The first, second and third prizes in the short story competition are £500, £250 and £150 respectively.

8.   Worldwide copyright for submitted stories remains with the author. The City of Derby Short Story Competition reserves the unrestricted right to publish winning stories on this website.

9.   Acknowledgement of receipt of an entry will only be made if a stamped, addressed envelope accompanies a submission.  Likewise, if the results of the competition are required in a written format , this will only be sent if a stamped, addressed envelope is sent to the address below.  If you wish to receive an email message confirming receipt of your work, please make this known and we will respond accordingly.

10.  Entry to the competition is regarded as acceptance of all of the above rules.

The City of Derby Short Story and Poetry Competition

PO Pox 7065

Derby DE1 OAD

Telephone +44 (0)1332 725362