TGI Friday, fellow readers and writers. Today I want to bring your attention to a contest which I discovered quite a few years ago (sophomore or junior year of high school, I believe). It’s called the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. It’s for new writers and illustrators of the fantasy and science fiction genres.
Before I get into the specifics of the contest itself, I wish to address its founder. Yes, it was started by that L. Ron Hubbard, renowned science fiction writer and founder of Scientology. As far as my research has turned up, that is where the connection between this contest and the controversial religion ends. Please do not let any negative conceptions you have of Scientology keep you from this contest. I have rather…mixed feelings about Scientology and L. Ron Hubbard myself but I still think the contest is a great opportunity for budding writers and illustrators who favor these genres.
Now, on to the contest. There are more details than I wish to cover here, so please follow this link for complete information on entering, prizes, etc. But here are some highlights:
- Science fiction, fantasy, and dark fantasy stories of up to 17,000 words in length may be submitted.
- Contestants retain all publication rights.
- NO ENTRY FEE
- The contest is quarterly with three winners each quarter.
- The first place winners for each quarter have a chance to win the grand prize at the end of the contest year.
- There’s also a branch of the contest for artists called the Illustrators of the Future Contest.
- Cash prizes and publication in the annual Writers and Illustrators of the Future anthology
- There’s a formal reception for the winners.
- Contestants CANNOT have professionally published a novel or short novel, more than one novelette, or more than three short stories in any medium. More information on what is considered “professional publication” is available on the site.
I entered the contest once (and lost) but have not returned to it due to other paths calling my name. However, if you’ve a hand for writing in these genres, I highly recommend submitting to Writers of the Future.
Best of luck!
