Entering the Nonfiction Short Story Contest requires TWO (2) Steps.

Complete BOTH steps before midnight on September 17, 2025, in order to be eligible for judging.

Step 1 – Entry Form (below)

1. FIRST, read the Contest Rules and Judging Rubric Overview.
2. Members of Gold Country Writers are eligible regardless of residence.
3. Non-members must reside in one of these counties to enter: Placer, Nevada, Yuba, Sutter, Sacramento, and El Dorado.
4. All entry fields are required.
5. Upload your story as a .pdf, .doc, or .docx file (size less than 5 MB).
6. Do not include any personal information in your story; judging will be “blind”, so all entries are treated anonymously.
7. See below for the 2025 Nonfiction Short Story Contest Entry Form.
8. Double-check, then click Submit.

Step 2 – Pay Entry Fee

1. Entry fees are $15 for General Public and $10 for Gold Country Writers members.
2. Pay online using PayPal (which accepts major credit cards).
3. If unable to pay online, the fee may be paid by check at a Gold Country Writers meeting or mailed to P.O. Box 5991, Auburn, CA 95604.
4. Story and entry fee must BOTH be received before contest closes.

Ready?…

2025 Nonfiction Short Shory Contest Entry Form