Short Grain Contest: Rules

1. SHORT CATEGORIES: The basic entry fee is $25 for a maximum of two entries in one category. For every additional $5 you may enter up to three more pieces in the category (ies) of your choice. You may divide additional entries among any of the short categories. For example, to enter two monologues ($25) plus a postcard story, and two prose poems ($5) costs $30.

LONG CATEGORY: The basic entry fee is $25 for two creative nonfiction entries. For an additional $10 you may enter a third nonfiction piece.

Make your cheque or money order payable to Short Grain Contest. US and international entrants: Pay in US funds; add $4 postage for a total of $29 for the basic entry fee.

2. Your entry fee of $25 includes a one-year subscription to Grain. For entries received by January 15, subscription begins with the Spring 2004 (February) issue. For entries received after January 15, subscription begins with the Summer 2004 (May) issue.

3. All entries must be postmarked by January 31, 2004.

4. Each entry must be original, unpublished, not submitted elsewhere for publication or broadcast, nor accepted elsewhere for publication or broadcast, nor entered simultaneously in any other contest or competition for which it is also eligible to win a prize.

5. All entries in this contest will be judged anonymously, on merit alone. The judges' decisions are final.

6. A separate covering page must be attached to the text of your entry. On the covering page please provide the following information:

a) Your name, complete mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

b) Title of your entry (ies).

c) Category or categories you are entering: Postcard Story, Prose Poem, Dramatic Monologue, or Long Grain of Truth. If you do not indicate the category you are entering, the contest logger will arbitrarily decide for you.

d) Word count. An absolutely accurate word count is required. Entries in the short category with more than 500 words (not including the title, but including -- in Dramatic Monologue -- set-up and stage directions) will be disqualified. In the Long Grain of Truth category, entries with more than 5000 words (not including title) will be disqualified. Do not print, type, or write your name on the text pages of your entry.

7. Your entry should be typed, double-spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. It must be legible. It may be photocopied or printed from a word processor (letter quality mode, please). Faxed and/or electronic entries not accepted.

8. Entries will not be returned. Keep a copy of your entry. We will notify you of the final results at the end of the contest IF YOU ENCLOSE AN SASE OR EMAIL ADDRESS FOR THAT PURPOSE ONLY. US and International entries please send an IRC or CANADIAN POSTAGE. A list of winners will appear on our web site. Winners will be announced in April 2004.

Make your cheque or money order payable to Short Grain Contest. Send your entry or entries to:

If using a courier, send entries to:

Suite 719
Delta Bessborough Hotel
601 Spadina Cresent East
Saskatoon, SK
Canada, S7K 3G8

NOTE: Entries by email or fax will not be accepted.