Contest Rules & Info
The rules for the Bulwer Lytton Fiction Contest are childishly simple:
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Each entry must consist of a single sentence.
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Sentences may be of any length but we strongly recommend that entries not go beyond 50 or 60 words.
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Entries must be “original” (as it were) and previously unpublished.
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Due to the volume of submissions, if your entry is more than one sentence or is missing a name or location it won't be considered.
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Our contest year runs from one summer to the next. All entries submitted by June 30th are eligible for the winners announced that August.
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We post the winners in mid August, give or take a natural disaster or mild inconvenience. To receive an announcement email, sign up for our mailing list down there in the footer.
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In keeping with the gravitas, high seriousness, and general bignitude of the contest, the grand prize winner will receive … a cheap certificate (and bragging rights).
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Please submit your entries for the 2025 contest using our form below. NOTE: Dr. Rice is getting a little long in the tooth (his words) and we haven't decided if we'll be able to continue the contest for 2024/2025. You're welcome to submit if you like and we'll update the site + send an announcement with our decision before the end of the year (2024).