Format & Submission
We do not have many requirements for the formatting of your piece: as long as it is written in 12-point font and double-spaced, it will be accepted.
Please keep in mind that, although there is no minimum word limit, there is a hard maximum of 1200 words. (we will be using Microsoft Word to count the number of words). You will be assigned a code number once you have registered as a contestant, and that code number will be used to identify you when you submit your story. The reason for the code is that all stories will be blind-judged, so please do not put your name anywhere on the document.
All submissions must be received by no later than midnight on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Submissions will only be accepted from people who have registered no later than 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Your story can be in any of the following formats: PDF, .docx (MS Word), .txt (text), or .rtf (rich text format). It must be submitted electronically through the submission form we will send all contestants once the contest has started.
Judging
Each story will be judged by a minimum of 3 judges. Stories will be judged on the basis of…
- Writing Craft (language use, style, grammar and sentence structure, structure of the story)
- Originality
- Character Development (as applicable)
- Plot Development (as applicable)
- Reader Engagement
Prizes
First Place – $100 CAD
Second Place – $75 CAD
Third Place – $50 CAD
Eligibility
This contest will be open to anyone in currently enrolled in Grade 9 through 12 and attending a school or homeschooling anywhere in the Capital Regional District. This includes Sooke, Colwood, Langford, View Royal, Esquimalt, Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney, Salt Spring Island, Pender Island, Galiano Island, Maine Island, or Saturna Island.
Rights
Your work is yours, and you will retain all rights to it. That said, by accepting the prize, you agree to have your work posted on this website and the official PSII website, as well as PSII’s social media.
FAQ
Can I submit multiple pieces?
No. We only want one entry from each writer for this particular contests.
Can I stray from the prompt?
Nope. We will be looking for meaningful inclusion of the three parts of the prompt:
- Emotion – You will be given a word that is related to an emotion. This emotion must show up in your story in a meaningful way.
- Phrase – You will be given a phrase that must appear in letter or in spirit in your story.
- Genre – You will be given a genre and this is the genre you must stick to for your story. (Challenging? Yes!)
What about nasty language?
If you need to use certain language – foul, technical, archaic, etc, – that’s OK, as long as it is integral to your story. We don’t need gratuitous F-bombs. There are enough of those out there in the world.
Are there any other content restrictions?
Yes. We do not accept any writing that promotes racism or any other hatred of any kind. if you are not sure, you will have a chance to ask us once the contest has started, using your secret code and submitting through this website.
We also ask that you write in English. This contest is being organized by people who speak English as a first language, and would be forced to use Google translate a lot if you wrote in any other language. Thank you for understanding!
What if I notice I made a mistake after submitting my story?
All submissions are final; but, if you made a mistake and there is enough time before the deadline, contact us at contact@psiiliterarycontest.learningstorm.org and we will figure out if we can accept a new submission on a case by case basis.