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SLNC »   Blind & Print Disabled »   Book Groups and Reading Programs »   Writing Contest

Writing Contest

Open laptop with writing contest on screen.

The State Library of North Carolina Accessible Books and Library Services (SLNC-ABLS) will host our second Writing Contest! We are accepting entries from SLNC-ABLS patrons starting September 1st until December 15th.

Writing Contest Description

Contestants' entries can be the following: short stories, novel excerpts, poems, songs, fiction/nonfiction, auto/biographies, or something entirely different; be creative!

All submissions will be judged by the following criteria: Clarity, Spelling, Grammar, and Creativity.

Each contestants' entry has the potential to be added to our collection. If we select your entry to be added to the collection, we will notify you before it is published. Before a contestant's submission is added to the library's collection, it will be subject to proofreading.

The contest will be divided into four separate age groups: ages 8 and younger, ages 9 to 12, ages 13 to 17, and 18 and older. Your submission will automatically be entered to your age group.

Writing Contest Rules

  • Your entry must be an original work.

  • Contestants must be a patron of Accessible Books and Library Services

  • Only one entry per contestant will be allowed.

  • All mail-in entries must be typewritten, at least 14-point font, double-spaced with numbered pages, and include a cover page with a title and the author’s name.

  • There is a 5,000-word count limit for all submissions.

  • If your entry is in Braille, a word file will be required.

  • If you enter a song, please send include the lyrics as a word file.

  • If your entry contains images, please include the alt text.

  • If your submission is in a different language, an English translation will be required.

Acceptable Submission Formats

All writing contest submissions should be in one of the following formats: Word File, Audio File, Braille File, Mail-In Type-written.

Prizes

The following prizes will be available to each age group:

1st Place - Submission will be added to the library’s collection and made available for download. In addition, the contestant will receive a certificate, and the first-place prize.

2nd Place - Submission will be added to the library’s collection and made available for download. In addition, the contestant will receive a certificate, and the second-place prize.

3rd Place - Submission will be added to the library’s collection and made available for download. In addition, the contestant will receive a certificate, and the third-place prize.

Honorable Mentions - Submission will be added to the library’s collection and made available for download. In addition, the contestant will receive a certificate.

All other contestants will receive a certificate for their entry.

Submit Your Entry

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https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/blind-print-disabled/book-groups-and-reading-programs/writing-contest