FAQ
How do I enter?
Simply click the Enter button on the home page.
How much is the entry fee?
Currently, £5.00. You can pay on-line through Paypal.
I don't like using credit cards or on-line payment processors, can I still enter?
Yes. You can send a cheque for £5.00 to: Writelink, 7 Melbourne Road, Newbold, Coleorton. Leicestershire. LE67 8JH. You will then be sent a link to upload your entry.
Are there any special formatting requirements?
No story will be penalised for not being formatted correctly, but it will read better if you follow these instructions - DO NOT indent paragraphs or new speech lines! Use single spacing and insert a double line between paragraphs and new speech lines.
Will you correct my errors?
Ordinarily, no! It is assumed you have read through the rules and help information on the site and understand the submission procedure including the formatting requirements. We may reformat some entries on request if time allows, but make no guarantees! We will not under any circumstances correct typos, grammatical or other author generated errors.
When is the closing date?
Please check the rules here: click here
What are the prizes?
We always offer cash prizes and sometimes have additional prizes in kind offered by appropriate sponsors. The current prize list can be seen here: click here
Can I edit my entry once I've posted?
No! This is a bona fide writing competition. You should check and double check before submitting and preferably get a fresh eye to give it look before submitting. You can also use the Submit later link if in doubt.
Why are there no names next to the entries?
We think comments are much more likely to be constructive and useful if the authors remain anonymous. Also, the judges prefer not to know who has written the entry.
How is the competition judged?
The competition is ultimately judged by a human editor from a shortlist of up to twenty. This shortlist is drawn up from the top 10 entries on the site receiving the most votes, (Site Shortlist) and up to 10 “cherry picked” entries selected by the contest judge. This is to ensure no quality entries slip through the net through lack of votes.
So even if my entry doesn't get any votes I could still make the shortlist?
Yes, if the contest judge considers your entry good enough.
Then why is it necessary to vote on entries?
Firstly, the Site Short List is compiled by popularity which is derived through our voting system. All entries making the Site Short List will be considered for final judging whereas only 10 from the non-site short listed entries can go forwarded.
Secondly, you will gain valuable feed back from the comments posted by site visitors which should help you hone your work for other contests should you not be successful in this one.
How do I ensure my entry gets lots of votes?
By letting everyone you know that you have entered the competition and inviting them to come and vote! This could be your family and friends, business colleagues or other writers.
Can you help me to do this?
Yes! When you post an entry to the site you will see a Tell a Friend button at the top of your entry. Click this and you will be able to send an email to as many friends as you like. The email will contain a direct link to your entry. You can also post this link up on any appropriate forums or blogs and of course you should include it in any emails that you send out.
Some of my friends say their votes are not being recorded?
Votes are not added to a story until the voter's email address has been verified. We use an automation email service requesting verification which some servers interpret as spam. Please tell your friends to check their spam box for this email. Once the link it contains has been clicked, their vote will be added to your story.
I notice that some entries have been illustrated with a photograph, how do I add an illustration to my entry?
When you complete your entry registration you will see that there is an option to upload an image from your own computer. This must be either a jpg or gif file under 10mb Once uploaded, the site will automatically place your graphic alongside your text. DO NOT UPLOAD ANY GRAPHIC THAT COULD IDENTIFY YOU AS THE AUTHOR!
I do not know how to format a graphic to those proportions.
Use this on-line editor. Foto Flexer
I do not have a suitable graphic to illustrate my entry.
We have a gallery of images from which you can select an image. You will see this when you have completed your registration.
What if I am not ready to submit my entry at the time of registration?
No problem! You will be given the option to submit now or later. If submitting later you will receive an email with a special link to allow you to submit any time up until the contest expires.
Can I vote for my own entry?
No! Our clever site programmer has prevented you from doing this! You can vote for other entries on the site and also comment on them.
Can I comment without voting?
Yes, but please remember, only constructive comments! Personal attacks or cruel remarks will be deleted and you run the risk of being banned from the site.
How fair is the voting system?
As fair as current technology can make it! Voters can vote as many times as they like, but are only allowed to vote once on individual entries. Again, due to our clever programmer, the site has measures in place to combat fraudulent votes.
How do I keep up to date with the progress of my entry?
We send out a daily email detailing the activity your entry has received and what position it occupies on our list.
What happens after the competition ends?
We usually get results out within two weeks of the contest finishing. Prizes are paid out immediately and a full judge′s report is sent to all entrants.
Will you let me know about other contests?
Yes, but to ensure you do not miss out on any of our competitions you may like to sign up to our Writers newsletter. This lists all our open competitions and also our free members contests. Click here
How safe is my personal data?
Very safe! We do not share email addresses or any other personal data with any third parties.
Getting help
Before contacting us please check FAQs as you will probably find that most of the common queries have been answered there.
If you still can not find what you are looking for please complete the form opposite. We try to respond within 24 hours.