Members' Competitions 2026 Rules
Competition opens: 1st December 2025.
Closing date: midnight on 31st March 2026.
Please read and obey these rules and instructions or your entry may be rejected!
- Scripts must be entirely the work of the entrant, or entrants, for anthologies.
- Entries must not have been published outside your group: scripts must not be entered in any other competition while this competition is running, or, have won any other competition.
- One entry only for each category: entries cannot be returned. The administrator cannot accept changes to a submitted script and substitute entries are not allowed.
- Identifying names, words or marks must not appear on the script.
- Covering sheets are unnecessary and will not be sent to the judge.
- All scripts to be in Times New Roman, 12 point or typewriter script (does not apply to group anthologies).
- No photos or illustrations.
- Entries to be in English.
- Line count to be included on the poetry scripts and word count on prose.
Electronic Entries
This is the preferred way as it saves time and costs.
Either:
Enter on-line at the National Association of Writers' & Groups website.
Or:
Download or print the entry form. When you have filled the form in, save and/or scan it.
Save scripts as Word or PDF files. Attach the form and scripts to an email sent to: #Y29tcC1tZW1iZXJzQG5hd2cuY28udWs=#.
Please include all your entries in one mailing.
Postal Entries
Use one entry form only for your entire entries. Enclose two copies of each script with the entry form.
Please staple the pages of each entry together at the top left corner. Do not use paperclips.
Put your name and address on the rear of the envelope. Send by first or second class mail and not by special or recorded delivery. If the postage is incorrect the envelope will not be accepted. If you do not have an email address, include a stamped addressed postcard if you want to check that your entry has been received.
Please include all your entries in one mailing. Post to:
Liz Ashcroft Darzona Quenchwell Road Carnon Downs Truro TR3 6LZ
Category Specific Rules
Open Poetry
Any form or style.
40 lines maximum. Lines single spaced.
Formal Poem – A Sonnet
For those who may not already know it, there's a definition on Wikipedia.
Single spaced.
Short Story with Included Object
The object is a rusty chisel.
Up to 2,000 words. The object must be referred to in the text. Lines double spaced.
Historical Fiction
Entry should be based on actual historic events or set in a particular historical era.
Up to 1,500 words. Lines double spaced.
Ghost / Horror Story
Up to 1,500 words. Lines double spaced.
Science Fiction / Fantasy
Up to 1,500 words. Lines double spaced.
Romantic Fiction
Up to 1,500 words. Lines double spaced.
Comedy Writing
Up to 1,500 words. Any form. Lines double spaced.
Science & Nature Article
Any subject suitable for a general readership.
Up to 1,000 words. Lines double spaced.
A “How to…” Guide
May be serious (how to write a blockbuster novel), satirical (how to trash the economy in one mini budget) or comic (how to murder your husband).
Up to 1,200 words. Lines double spaced.
Crime Fiction
Up to 1,500 words. Lines double spaced.
Memoir
An actual happening.
Up to 1,500 words. Lines double spaced.
10 Minute Play or Monologue
One page equals one minute of a play.
Lines double spaced.
Short Story or Poem by Sponsored Child
Up to 1,500 word story or up to 40 line poem.
The age of the child must be included and will be taken into consideration by the judge. Please put the sponsor's relationship after the child's name ("friend" or "teacher" is acceptable). Up to 3 children may be sponsored by one member, but please fill in a separate form for each child.
Group Anthology
Two copies required.
Minimum presentation standards are that it is in book form, or, suitable for presentation to a publisher in a binder.
Judging will be on content alone and not presentation. In addition send a Word or PDF version to assist the judges.
Nothing in the anthology must have been published in any publication outside the confines of the group. The winning group must agree to judge the competition in 2027.