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Writer's Award Contest

The Jefferson County Historical Commission's (JCHC) Writers' Award Contest is an annual event with a submission deadline of May 1st. The purpose of the contest is to stimulate interest in research and writing about Jefferson County history. Entry forms are available here or by calling 303-271-8703.

Rules
1. All topics must relate directly to the factual history of Jefferson County, Colorado.

2. Compositions must be original, unpublished work of the person(s) in whose name the entry is submitted. The author?s name should appear only on the title page.

3. Entries shall consist of the following word limit by category (not including endnotes, footnotes and bibliographies):

• Youth Category - No More than 1,000 words
• Adult Short Essay Category - 1,000 to 1,500 words
• Adult Long Essay Category - No more than 2,500 words

Entries that are substantially oversized may be rejected, or cut to the appropriate length, by the editor of Historically Jeffco magazine.

4. Entries must be typed on 8-1/2" x 11" paper, double-spaced, numbered consecutively, with at least one-inch margins and held together by paper or binder clip, not staples. Photos and illustrations will add to the evaluation. References and a short biography (c. 30 words) should be included. The paper entry must be accompanied by a floppy disk or  CD-ROM with the article in Microsoft Word format only. Images, i.e. historic and/or recent photos, may be submitted on a CD-ROM or on paper to be scanned. Submitted articles will not be returned. Photos and other materials submitted with articles may be returned upon request.

5. Entries must not infringe on the rights of any third person, such as using material from another source without references.

6. Entries must be accompanied by a completed and signed entry form. There is no limit on the number of entries by a single author, but an individual may receive only one award per year.

7. By submitting the entry, the contestant gives JCHC permission to edit and publish award-winning and other entries in its publication, Historically Jeffco magazine, and on its Web site.

8. Contestants retain any copyright and may submit to other publications after publication of Historically Jeffco.

9. All contest rules must be followed explicitly.

Judging
The contest will be judged by a panel of three qualified judges whose decisions will be final.

The JCHC reserves the right not to present awards if the judges determine that no meritorious entries are received. Winners will be notified by June 15, and they will be honored at the Historical Commission's annual Hall of Fame Ceremony in the fall.

Eligibility Categories & Awards
The contest is open to all persons in the following categories:

• Youth (younger than age 18): No more than 1,000 words. First prize - $150; Second prize - $100; Third prize - $75
• Adults (18 years or older): Short Essay, 1,000-1,500 words. First prize - $200; Second prize - $100
• Adults (18 years or older): Long Essay, no more than 2,500 words. First prize - $300; Second prize - $150

Contestants chosen for special merit awards will be given a certificate.
Contestants do not have to be residents of Jefferson County.
Members of JCHC, appointed judges, and relatives of both are not eligible for prizes.

Past Winning Entries

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Last Modified: Feb 11, 2010 09:32 AM