Writers of the Future International Contest by L. Ron Hubbard
Welcome to the Writers of the Future International Contest by L. Ron Hubbard, the most enduring and influential contest in the history of science fiction and fantasy. This prestigious competition offers aspiring writers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the literary world. With no entry fee required and participants retaining all publication rights, it's a truly remarkable platform for both new and amateur writers.
Overview
Participating in the Writers of the Future Contest provides writers with a chance to have their work evaluated by esteemed authors and reach a wide audience. This international free writing competition has been created by L. Ron Hubbard with the aim of fostering creativity and discovering exceptional talent in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. It has become renowned for its commitment to supporting emerging writers and providing them with the exposure they need to launch their careers.
Competition Details
The competition is open to students of all levels, from pre-school to senior school, encouraging young minds to explore their imaginative capabilities. As part of this writing contest for students, outstanding entries have the opportunity to win quarterly prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500, respectively. These prizes serve as a testament to the quality of the work submitted and provide financial support to aspiring writers.
Moreover, from the pool of quarterly winners, a distinguished panel of judges selects the grand prize winner. The writer of the grand-prize-winning story not only receives an additional cash prize of $5,000 but also earns the prestigious L. Ron Hubbard Golden Pen Award. This recognition highlights their exceptional talent and sets them apart as a rising star in the field of speculative fiction.
Entry Requirements
The Writers of the Future Contest is exclusively open to new and amateur science fiction and fantasy writers, providing them with a unique opportunity to make their mark in the literary world. To participate, entrants must submit original works in English, with a maximum length of 17,000 words. It's important to note that plagiarism, excessive violence, explicit content, and offensive language are strictly prohibited.
Additionally, entries must be in prose format and should not have been previously published in professional media. By adhering to these guidelines, participants ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of the contest. Entrants retain all rights to their work, granting them the freedom to pursue publication opportunities outside of the contest.
Eligibility
The contest is specifically designed for individuals who have not professionally published a novel or short story. This eligibility criterion ensures that the Writers of the Future Contest remains a platform for undiscovered talent to shine. If submitting a hard copy, participants should ensure their work is typewritten or printed in black ink on white paper, double-spaced, and features numbered pages. For electronic submissions, the work should also be double-spaced, and the author's information should be provided separately.
Participants should be aware that manuscripts will only be returned if the author includes return postage with a self-addressed envelope. This precaution ensures the safe handling and potential return of the physical submissions.
Prizes and Recognition
Throughout the year, the contest awards quarterly cash prizes to the top three entries: $1,000 for the first-place winner, $750 for the second-place winner, and $500 for the third-place winner. These prizes not only recognize the talent and hard work of the winners but also provide financial support to fuel their writing journey.
At the end of the year, the first-place winners from each quarter compete for the grand prize. This additional $5,000 cash prize, along with the esteemed title of Grand Prize winner, brings recognition and further validation to the writer's exceptional abilities. All winners receive trophies as a symbol of their achievement and are honored at the highly anticipated L. Ron Hubbard awards ceremony, a gathering of literary professionals and enthusiasts.
Important Dates
The current contest period runs from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2023. For those aiming to participate in the 3rd Quarter 2023, the submission deadline is June 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. It's crucial for interested writers to mark these dates in their calendars and submit their entries on time to be considered for the competition.
How to Enter
Entering the Writers of the Future Contest is a straightforward process. Participants can submit their work online through the official contest website in this online writing competition for students. The website provides clear instructions and guidance on submitting the entries electronically.
For those preferring hard copy submissions, manuscripts should be mailed to the following address:
L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest
7051 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90028
By following these submission guidelines, aspiring writers can take their first step toward recognition and success in the literary world.
For further details and the latest updates regarding the contest, please visit the official website to submit for this online writing competition for students. The website provides comprehensive information about the competition, its rules, and any updates or changes that may occur.
