Make Your Mark: 2012 Student Writing Contest

As a former editor, believe it or not, I like critiquing manuscripts.  While I’m no C.S. Lewis, I have learned a few things about analyzing and coaching writers over the years.  I also remember what it was like to be a writer with no substantive Christian input as to how I might accomplish my goals.  With that in mind, we’ve decided to hold a writing contest here at Redeemedreader this fall. And we hope you’ll join us!

The Genres: While I’d love to cover a number of genres, this first year I think it best to stick to two types of writing: 1) Short stories (no more than 2,500 words) and 2) Book reviews (also no more than 2,500 words).  If all goes well, maybe next year we’ll do novels.  The topic of the writing should be focused on children or young adult protagonists, books or themes.  (We’re pretty flexible here, so use your imagination.)

Age Limit: There is no age limit for authors, though we will choose a winner from each of three age groups: 1) 9-12 year olds, 2) 13-18 year olds, and 3) 18+.

Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee, but if you would like to support the endeavor, you may click through our site to Amazon to buy anything and we will receive a small kickback.  See below for an ad to click.

Prizes: Top overall winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.  The winners of each category will receive professional feedback from Janie and Emily, as well as an opportunity to publish your story on our website.

Due Date: Submissions must be emailed to emily@redeemedreader.com by Dec. 15th.  We will announce winners the first or second week of January.

The Judges: Janie Cheaney is a novelist with Random House and a Senior Writer for World Magazine.  Emily Whitten is a former assistant kids’ book editor at Peachtree Publisher and a homeschool mom.  She also writes movie reviews for World.  We’ll also have our two intrepid interns, both of whom are literature majors in college, helping us with the winnowing process.

We’re looking into setting up a separate Facebook page for folks involved in the contest and for aspiring writers who’d like to network and stay in touch.  Will let you guys know about that asap.  In the meantime, here’s a link to our regular FB page, www.facebook.com/redeemedreader.

Since this is the first time we’ve tried this, I hope I haven’t forgotten anything.  Feel free to let me know below if you have any questions or suggestions, and let the fun begin!