February, 2001

Jump to: Contest Rules, Frequently Asked Questions, Panel of Judges

See Also: 2000 Contest Winning Entries

Introduction

Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons, announces The 2001 Affirmation Writing Awards Contest, recognizing writers of non-fiction prose on subjects of importance relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender - and Mormon community. The Affirmation Writing Awards Contest is funded from the Affirmation Endowment Fund and is administered by the Affirmation Endowment Fund Administrative Committee.

Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons is committed to improving and enhancing the lives of its gay and lesbian membership, their families and friends. A description of Affirmation and its mission, goals, and activities can be found on this website at www.affirmation.org.

The Affirmation Writing Awards Contest is open to any writer, of any age, gender, sexual orientation, creed or religion. Our interests are in discovering, recognizing, and encouraging non-fiction writing excellence in support of the gay, lesbian, and Mormon experience. Both personal and scholarly essays are welcome.

Articles published on or after August 1, 2000, and unpublished manuscripts are eligible.

For the year 2001 three cash awards are being offered. In addition, the judges may grant awards of honorable mention. The cash awards offered are:

One First Place award of $1,000
One Second Place award of $500
One Third Place award of $250

Winners of awards will be announced on September 15, 2001, at Affirmation's National Conference in Long Beach, CA. Winners do not need to be present to win.

Entries should not be submitted earlier than June 1, 2001. Entries must be postmarked no later than August 1, 2001, by First Class mail or faster delivery.

A panel of judges has been selected representing established authors and distinguished gay and lesbian activists and supporters. The judges will determine the winners of awards. A list of judges with a brief biography is available below. Submissions, whether personal experiences or scholarly research, will be judged based on: (1) appropriateness of the topic relevant to the gay, lesbian and Mormon community, (2) quality and excellence of writing, (3) power, eloquence, and vividness in conveying message, (4) significance of work and validity of conclusions, and (5) compliance with Contest Rules.

Copyright remains with the authors. It will be in the interest of Affirmation, and likely the author, to distribute the winning entries as broadly as practical. See Contest Rules which make provision for subsequent publication and the use of the material by Affirmation.

This contest will be administered according to the Contest Rules available below. The required Affirmation Writing Award Contest Entry form is also available on this web site. Contest rules, entry forms and additional information can also be requested by an E-mail, or by writing to Affirmation - AWA, PO Box 69384, Portland, OR 97201.

Contest Rules

1. There is no limit on the number of entries an individual can submit. A separate AWA Entry Form must accompany each entry.

2. Entries should be no fewer than 500 words nor should they exceed article length (approximately 30 double-spaced pages when in type-written form or print-out). However, you may submit an article of any length that has been published during the eligible time period in a newspaper, magazine, scholarly journal, or in a book of essays, or as a pamphlet. No books. Do not use single spacing or 1-1/2 spacing format when submitting an unpublished entry.

3. Previously published articles may be submitted so long as the publication date is not before August 1, 2000.

4. Copyright remains with the authors. It will be in the interest of Affirmation, and likely the author, to distribute the winning entries as widely as practical, accordingly, winners must agree to the following:
   • For all entries. Affirmation will have the right, free of charge, to reproduce the article or essay in full or in part on its Internet web page.

   • For previously published entries. For Affirmation to have the right, free of charge, to reproduce the article or essay in full or in part, for inclusion in the Affirmation newsletter, Affinity, or inclusion in pamphlets or other publications. Affirmation will give appropriate credit to the author and the original publisher. If a publishers release is required, this should be obtained by the author after notification of award.

   • For unpublished manuscripts. If the author chooses to seek a publisher for the article or essay, Affirmation will cooperate by withholding its own publication of the entry for up to one year from the contest submission date. If published, the provisions of the preceding paragraph will apply. If the author chooses not to seek publication, or if after one year from the August 1, 2001 submission date the article has not been published or accepted for publication, winners must then allow (free of charge) their work to be published by Affirmation in full or in part in the Affirmation newsletter Affinity, in Affirmation pamphlets or in other materials and publications. Appropriate copyright notice will be given in each instance. If a winning entry is published subsequent to receiving an award, the publication should note that the article or essay was a winner of an Affirmation Writers Award.

5. All entries must be original works of non-fiction. Entrants may enter their own work, or the entrants may submit a piece which is identified as written by someone else. If a manuscript or publication is that of another person, the AWA Entry Form must be signed by both the original author as well as by the person making the submission. All rules apply to both first and second party entries.

6. Manuscripts articles or essays may be submitted only once for an AWA award even if the manuscript has been re-titled or revised since submission in a previous year.

7. Submissions may be made under an assumed name (nom de plume). However, the AWA Entry Form must include the author's actual name and personal information.

8. To be considered for an Honorable Mention non-cash award, the writer must give permission in advance and agree to Affirmation=s use of the manuscript. A provision for granting permission is included on the Application Form.

9. Writers of non-winning papers may be asked by Affirmation for permission to use their works. They are not required to grant permission.

10. On or about September 7, 2001, winners will be informed, by phone and/or e-mail that they have been selected to receive an award or honorable mention. The actual award (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, or honorable mention) will not be announced or awarded until the Affirmation National Conference in Long Beach, CA on September 15th. Winners do not need to be present to win. Winners not attending the Conference will receive their awards through the mail promptly thereafter.

11. Additional or substitute judges may be appointed as appropriate.

12. All decisions made by the judges are final. Judging will be based on: (1) appropriateness of topic relevant to the gay, lesbian, and Mormon community, (2) quality and excellence of writing, (3) power, eloquence, and vividness in conveying message, (4) significance of work and validity of conclusions, whether personal experience or scholarly research, and (5) compliance with Contest Rules. Judges will disqualify themselves with respect to an entry if a conflict of interest exists.

13. Manuscripts must be submitted in a standard easy-to-read font (10 point or 12 point), printed out (or typewritten) and double spaced with numbered pages. Each entry must have a cover page with the title of the work, the author's name or nom de plume, address, and phone number/e-mail address. The manuscript or printed work should be titled and numbered on every page. This can be done by handwriting for photocopies of published articles or essays. Points will be deducted in judging print-outs or typed entries with single spacing or 1-½ spacing. Also, points will be deducted for tiny-font or smaller-than-standard type size. Entries should be spell-checked and proof-read.

14. Five copies of each entry must be submitted so that each judge may receive a copy. An electronic version of manuscript entries on a diskette in Word format (or WordPerfect) is also requested if available.

15. All manuscripts and published entries should be in English. English translations of articles published in non-English languages may be submitted.

16. Entries for the Year 2001 Award cycle will be accepted only at the following address:

    Affirmation - AWA
    0547 S.W. Florida Street
    Portland, OR 97219
    

17. Entries must be postmarked no later than August 1, 2001 by First Class mail or faster delivery. Entries should not be submitted prior to June 1, 2001.

18. One self-addressed postcard with correct postage should be included so submitters can be notified of receipt. Alternatively, notification can also be made via e-mail.

19. In no case will entries of award or honorable mention winners be returned. These manuscripts become the property of Affirmation. If you wish your non-winning entry to be returned, include an envelope with appropriate postage. Entries will not be returned without a self-addressed stamped envelope.

20. Affirmation agrees that it will use the personal contact information of the submitters and authors, (or disclose the actual names of pseudonymous authors) only in connection with the contest. Affirmation will provide confidential information only to those needing such information. Affirmation agrees that it will not share with any other organization the personal contact information of the submitters or authors.

21. Affirmation reserves the right to change or re-configure the Affirmation Writing Awards Contest, including adjusting the number of judges, extending deadlines for award submissions, increasing or decreasing award amounts, not giving an award in any given year, and holding no award contest in any subsequent year.

22. Affirmation will not be under obligation to publish or distribute winning entries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early may I submit?

To avoid the possibility of a submitter wishing to re-submit an "improved" version, please wait until June to submit your entry. Once submitted, it is final.

May a writer submit in consecutive years?

Yes. However, a manuscript may be submitted only once (even if re-titiled or revised), and published entries are eligible only for one year.

Is their any limitation on topics?

There is no specific limitation; however, entries should be relevant to the gay, lesbian, and Mormon community. For example, essays may be written in response to recent comments from church leaders, articles recently published, current events, or personal experiences. Entries must be non-fiction.

What about quotations used in the entry?

To insure the accuracy of each quotation (rather than relying on an author's memory of something once read or read about), the article/essay must cite a specific source for each quotation - unless the words were stated directly to the author. Since most quotations in non-fiction are from published sources, the citation should include the specific page on which the quote appears. Do not submit entries with "creative"dialogue, even if these fictionalized conversations are based on actual people or actual events. This is a non-fiction contest.

Can I submit more than one entry for an annual contest?

There is no limit on the number of entries an author may submit during the contest. A separate AWA Entry Form is required for each submission, however. How you organize your submission is up to you — our judges are looking for quality of work.

How long should it be?

Entries should be between 500 words and article length (approximately 30 double-spaced pages in typed form or print-out). Do not use 1-½ space format. However, you may submit an article of any length that has been published during the eligible time-period in a newspaper, magazine, scholarly journal, or in a book of essays, on as a pamphlet. No books nor book-length typescripts will be accepted.

What format should I use for manuscript entries?

All manuscript entries should be typewritten or printed out, double-spaced, and have a cover page. The cover page should provide basic information: title of work, author's name, address, phone number, and email address (if available). The manuscript should be titled and numbered on every page. Points will be deducted in judging print-outs or typed entries with single spacing or 1-½ spacing. Also, points will be deducted for tiny-font or smaller-than-standard type size. Entries should be spell-checked and proof-read.

How do I submit previously published entries?

For articles and essays published during the eligible period, submit five copies of the title page and table of contents of the main publication (if applicable), along with five copies of the article or essay itself. This must include information about the name and date of publication. If you are submitting an op-ed or letter-to-the-editor that was published in a newspaper or magazine during the eligible time period, submit five full-page photocopies of the work as published, including information about name and date of publication on each photocopy.

What constitutes a submission?

A manuscript or article relevant to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Mormon experience.

What do I need to include with my entry?

Include our AWA Entry Form. The form can be copied from our web site, www.affirmation.org. We are also asking for a self-addressed postcard with correct postage so we can acknowledge receipt of your entry. Follow the Contest Rules. Important note: Your personal contact information will not be sold or used for any other purpose outside of Affirmation.

Are there any limitations or restrictions on persons who may submit AWA applications?

No, the Affirmation Writing Awards contest is open to any writer, of any age, gender, sexual orientation, creed or religion. Our interest is in discovering, recognizing, and encouraging writing excellence on subjects beneficial to the gay, lesbian, and Mormon experience. All manuscripts and published entries must be in English. English translations of articles published in non-English languages may be submitted.

Can Applicants send manuscripts via email or on computer disk?

We are unable to accept manuscripts or published entries via email at this time. All entries must be in hard copy. We do, however, request that you include a computer disk containing your submission if one is available. This should be Word format (or WordPerfect). Please contact TheWritersAward@yahoo.com if there are special circumstances requiring further consideration.

What happens if my submission wins a prize?

On or about September 7, 2001 all cash and honorable-mention award winners will be informed, by phone and/or email, that they have been selected to receive an award. The actual award (1st, 2nd, 3rd place, or honorable-mention) will not be announced or awarded until September 15th at the Affirmation National Conference in Long Beach, CA. Winners not attending the Conference will receive their awards through the mail shortly thereafter.

How does the selections and judging process work?

On about August 8th, 2001 all submissions will go to the AWA panel of judges. Judges will vote and select winners of cash and honorable-mention awards. The decision of the judges is final.

What happens if my manuscript is damaged en route?

While we all have faith in the US Postal Service, accidents do happen. We ask that you include a self-addressed, stamped postcard and e-mail address with your submission. Postcards or e-mail messages will be sent out to acknowledge receipt of your submission. If you have not received verification of receipt within a reasonable period of time, please contact us at TheWritersAward@yahoo.com.

How long do I have?

All entries must be sent by First Class mail or faster delivery and postmarked no later than August 1, 2001.

What about copyrights?

Authors retain copyright. We believe it will be in the interests of both Affirmation and the author to distribute the winning entries as widely as practical; accordingly, winners are asked to agree to the following:

• For all entries. Affirmation will have the right, free of charge, to reproduce the article or essay in full or in part on its Internet web page.
• For previously published entries. Affirmation will have the right, free of charge, to reproduce the article or essay in full or in part, for inclusion in the Affirmation newsletter, Affinity, or in pamphlets or other publications. Affirmation will give appropriate credit to the author and the original publisher. If a publisher's release is required, this should be obtained by the author after notification of award.
• For unpublished manuscripts. If the author chooses to seek a publisher for the article or essay, Affirmation will cooperate by withholding its own publication of the entry for up to one year from the contest submission date. If published, the provisions of the preceding paragraph will apply. If the author chooses not to seek publication, or if after one year from the August 1, 2001 submission date the article has not been published or accepted for publication, winners must then allow (free of charge) their work to be published by Affirmation in full or in part in the Affirmation newsletter Affinity, in Affirmation pamphlets, or in other materials and publications. Appropriate copyright notice will be given in each instance. Affirmation publications will use pseudonym (nom de plum), when applicable for an author. If a winning entry is published subsequent to receiving an award, the publication should note that the article or essay was a winner of an Affirmation Writers Award.

One copy is needed for each of the five judges who will make the awards selection. Each judge will review your work.

Are manuscripts returned to applicants after the judging process is complete?

In no case will award or honorable-mention winner entries be returned. The manuscripts become the property of Affirmation. If you wish your non-winning entry to be returned, include a self-addressed envelope with appropriate postage. Entries will not be returned otherwise. Affirmation will retain one copy of all entries for it's files as a precaution against re-submission of entries. One copy will be returned. The remaining copies will be disposed of in an environmentally appropriate manner. Non-winning entries will not be used for other than administrative purposes by Affirmation without permission.

More questions?

E-mail us at Affirmglm@aol.com, (Alan Blodgett) or write to Affirmation - AWA, 0547 S.W. Florida Street, Portland, OR 97219.

Best wishes in your writing experience.

Panel of Judges

D. Michael Quinn, Chair

Highly acclaimed and respected author with numerous published works. Student of Mormon and Western United States history. Resident of California.

Lavina Fielding Anderson

Accomplished writer and editor. Observer and commentator on LDS Church governance. Trustee of The Mormon Alliance and co-editor of its publication, Case Reports of the Mormon Alliance. Resident of Utah.

Alan Blodgett

Retired. Formerly financial officer for several organizations. Treasurer of Affirmation and member of Affirmation Endowment Fund Administrative Committee. Resident of Oregon.

Cindy Le Fevre

Teaches in a college school of business. Student of History, Education and English Studies. Experienced in editing, curriculum production and television programming. Resident of California.

Kathryn Steffensen

Retired elementary school educator. Speaker. Original board member and organizer of the Family Fellowship organization. PFLAG - Utah board member. Resident of Utah.