• The eight finalists in each category will be notified June 2012 prior to the PNWA Summer Conference July 19 - 22, 2012.
  
• Award Winners will be announced at the conference.
  
• Every entry accepted in the contest will receive two –critiques—a useful tool for any writer.
  
• Finalists who attend the PNWA Summer Conference will receive a Finalist ribbon for their name badge, giving them high visibility to the agents and editors at the conference. Finalists’ manuscripts will be made available to agents and editors during the conference.
  
• In addition, finalists entries are read and judged by an agent or editor to determine the top TWO in each category.
• Winners are given the opportunity to attend the Agents and Editors Reception at the PNWA Summer Conference.

• First Place: $700 and the Zola Award (The Zola Award honors founding member Zola Helen Ross for her vision in creating a writing community more than 50 years ago.)
• Second Place: $300

• The entry must follow the PNWA Literary Contest Rules.
• The contest category number must appear on the outside of the mailing envelope your entry is sent in.
• All pages of the submission must have the category number, manuscript title, and page number listed in the upper right-hand corner. (Category number, manuscript title and page number DO NOT need to fall within the 1” margin requirement.)
• Do not type your name on any page of the submission. Your name should only appear on your registration form, envelope, and return envelope.

Category 1: Mainstream
Category 2: Historical
Category 3: Romance (electronic only)
Category 4: Mystery/Thriller
Category 5: Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
Category 6: Young Adult/Middle Grade
Category 7: Non-Fiction Book/Memoir/How-to (no pictures)

• Maximum length: 28 pages. The 28 page limit includes the synopsis and the first and consecutive chapters (beginning with chapter one or prologue). The entire entry must be double-spaced, in 12point Times New Roman or Times (Mac).
• Synopsis: One page. Must be double-spaced. The synopsis page number must be listed with your manuscript entry. Synopsis begins page one. Click here to download materials on writing a synopsis.
• Category 3: Romance (electronic submissions)
• Synopsis and manuscript must be emailed as a single .doc (word document) to pnwa@pnwa.org.
• Scan the first page of your contest entry form and attach it to your electronic entry.
• Mail your original entry form, SASE and payment to the listed on the entry form.

• Use standard industry format for screenplays. For more information, click here.
• Submit the complete manuscript for full-length motion picture or teleplay.
• Use 12point Courier.
• Secure using 2 brads.

• Maximum length: 3 pages. Each new poem must begin on a new page.
• Single-space within each stanza, double-space between stanzas.
• Use 12point Times New Roman or Times (Mac).

• Maximum length: 14 pages.
• Submit one complete fiction short story.
• Use standard double-spaced manuscript format.
• May be mainstream or genre fiction.
• Use 12point Times New Roman or Times (Mac).

• Maximum length: 14 pages.
• Submit one of the two listed below:
1. Text for a picture book (no illustrations/images of any kind); use standard double-spaced manuscript format.
2. The first 14 pages of a children’s chapter book.
• Use 12point Times New Roman or Times (Mac).

• Maximum length: 10 pages.
• Submit one complete article, essay or short memoir.
• Use standard double-spaced manuscript format.
• Use 12point Times New Roman or Times (Mac).

1. All entries must be ORIGINAL and NOT PREVIOUSLY ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION OR PRODUCTION at the time of submission.
2. Entries must be received by FEBRUARY 17, 2012.
3. A completed CONTEST REGISTRATION FORM, together with the FULL ENTRY FEE and a #10 SASE (Regular business size, Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) must accompany each entry. The Registration form, envelope, and SASE are the ONLY places the author’s name should appear (SASE will be used to return the two completed critiques.) NOTE: International Entries must enclose either one International Reply Coupon or sufficient US postage on the SASE (used to return the two completed critiques). Foreign currency will not be accepted.
4. THREE clean copies of your entry, including THREE copies of any required synopsis must be included. Each copy must be separated with a colored sheet of paper. Each submission is judged and critiqued by two separate qualified readers. The written critiques will be sent to the author. ENTRIES WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO AUTHOR, THEY WILL BE SHREDDED.
5. Category Restrictions:
• An author may enter more than one submission per category provided they are two separate works (i.e. two mysteries with different plots, characters, etc.).
• An author may enter separate works in more than one category.
• Entries from previous PNWA contests may be revised and re-entered (except for winning entries from previous years).
6. Each entry must use a separate entry form. The entry fee is required for each entry.
7. All entries MUST:
• Be typed or computer-printed.
• Single-sided printing only (no staples).
• Typed or printed on standard 81/2 x 11” WHITE paper (one sided).
• Have 1” margins all around.
• 12 point Times New Roman or Times (Mac). If you are using a typewriter, you may use either Elite or Pica type. (Exception: for Screenwriting,12 point Courier font.)
• Each page of your submission must have the category number, manuscript title and page number located in the upper right-hand corner (except Screenwriting).
8. All categories (EXCEPT Category 8: Screenwriting and Category 9: Poetry) must:
• Be double-spaced.
• Use an unjustified (ragged) right margin.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph.
• Indicate scene breaks (such as: POV/Location/Time change) by three spaced asterisks.
9. Your name must NOT appear on any page of the submission. Your name should only be located on your envelope, registration form, and return SASE.
10. Non-refundable fee for each entry:
• PNWA member: $35.00
• Non-member: $50.00
11. Failure to follow instructions will result in disqualification. Should your entry be disqualified, you will receive a letter stating the reason for disqualification and, time permitting, an opportunity to resubmit at no additional charge.