Nonfiction Short Story Contest Submissions Open Aug 6 – Sep 17

Gold Country Writers is excited to announce a contest for nonfiction stories of 1,500-words or less. The contest aims to give local authors the opportunity to gain experience and build their credentials. All three winning stories will be published on the Gold Country Writers website and in the Gold Country Media newspapers and online issues.

Winners will be awarded the following prizes:

First Place        $100

Second Place     $75

Third Place        $50

Entries will be accepted between Wednesday, August 6, 2025, and midnight (PT) Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

CONTEST OVERVIEW

• The short story must be true, original, and not published in any format.
• Poetry, essays, or opinion pieces will not be eligible.
• No violence, sex, racism, political, or religious doctrine, please.
• One submission per entrant. Must be 18 years old or older.
• Writers must live in Placer, Yuba, El Dorado, Nevada, Sutter, or Sacramento counties.
• All stories must be submitted between August 6 and midnight on September 17, 2025.
• Gold Country Writers reserves the right to make the final determination of eligibility.

Contest Rules and Guidelines to come, but meanwhile…

• This is a blind judging using a Short Story Rubric posted on the GCW website.
• Winning stories will be published in the Gold Country Media family of newspapers.
• Winning stories will be included in the Gold Country Writers Anthology Ink Spots II.
• Winning stories will be printed on the Gold Country Writers website.
• The author retains ownership rights for all other future publications.
• The winners’ event will be taped for playing on local television, ACTV.

Entry fee $15 for non-members, $10 for GCW Members.

CELEBRATION!

Winners will be announced at a celebration hosted by Gold Country Writers on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Auburn City Hall in the Council Chambers theater. After that, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., we will gather for refreshments downstairs in the Rose Room.

Stay Tuned…

Entry details will be posted closer to the date.