Writing Contests

REGISTRATION CLOSED. Thanks for checking out the competition. 

The prose and poetry contests return for DemiCon 25.

Rules for the contest are: 

1) Stories and poems are to be written in the genre of science fiction or fantasy. The number “25" and the word “silver” need to be used in the story or poem.

2) Prose is limited to no more than 7,500 words.

3) Poetry is limited to no more than 100 lines. 

4) The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday, March 31, 2014.

5) Entrants may submit up to two items, i.e., a poem and a short story, or two short stories, or two poems.

6) A separate youth category will exist for writers under 18 years of age. The entry must include the writer’s age at the start of DemiCon 25.

All entries will be posted on-line after judging is completed and will be available for reading in print form at the convention. In addition to judges’ comments, members of the convention will be invited to give their feedback to the writers.

There will be first-, second- and third-place winners. Judging will be based on an overall ranking and on three broad categories. Winners will be selected based on total points, with any ties broken using the overall rankings.  The categories are Character, Description, and Continuity based on their effective use within the story or poem. Character includes growth of characters, use of dialogue, and believability of characters. Description includes the general use of description, how technological or fantastical items specific to the story are described, and description that sets the scene. Continuity includes consistency of writing, general adherence to the theme, and if the story or poem progresses true to the story’s world.

For DemiCon 25, a special prize will be given for best use of the number “25" and the word “silver” in a story or poem. Extra consideration will be given if silver is used with hi-yo (“hi-yo silver”).

Judges will be well-read individuals who are not professional writers or editors, and may include members of DMSFS. Please proofread your entries in addition to checking the spelling.  Judges do not deduct points for typographical errors, but misspellings and incorrect word usage do distract from the writing

Send your entries no later than March 31, 2014, to contests@demicon.org. RTF is preferred over .doc or .docx files. Entries should include, on the first page only,  the author’s name, the title of the story or poem, and contact information for the author.  The judging will be blind, i.e., the judges will not know who wrote which story or poem. Please mark the end of your stories and poems with “# # #.”

You will be sent an email to confirm your entry was received. If you have not received a confirmation within three days of submitting your entry, please contact contests@demicon.org or concom@demicon.org. If you prefer to submit your entry by U.S. mail, send it to: DMSFS - DemiCon Writing Contest at PO Box 7572, Des Moines, IA 50323.