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RULES & GUIDELINES

It's not cool to break the rules, even on accident. Please read the rules and guidelines in their entirety BEFORE submitting your work so you can decide if this competition is right for you!​​

RULE ONE: Author is limited to ONE entry in each category

​​BOOK CATEGORY:

~ Full-Length

~ Short Novels/Novellas

~ Short Stories

~ Fiction Only

POETRY CATEGORY:

~ Poetry Collections

~ Individual Poems

~ Free Verse

~ Formal Verse

~ Epics/Long Poems

RULE TWO: Submissions MUST Follow Content Guidelines

​​NOT ALLOWED:

~ Open-Door/On-Screen Sexual Situations

~ Sexual Innuendos

~ Explicit Language Or Cursing

~ Excessive or Graphic Violence

~ Taking The Lord's Name In Vain

~ Glorification of Sin Such as Homosexuality, Fornication, Witchcraft, Murder, Abuse, Self-Harm, Etc. (These things CAN be portrayed, but ONLY if they are shown in a negative light and are not graphic or gratituous.)

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ALLOWED

~ Closed-Door/Mild Romance (Mild Physical Affection - Kissing, Hugging, Holding Hands. It cannot go further than that.)

~ Violence (As It Pertains To The Plot)

~ Heavy/Dark Themes (As Long As They Are Portrayed Carefully & Tactfully.)

~ Non-Occult Magic (Portrayed Positively)

PLEASE NOTE:

You will not be considered for the competition if your submission does not follow the guidelines.

SUBMISSION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

RULE THREE: Submissions MUST Be Postmarked or Submitted By March 1st, 2025

The winner for each category will be announced on May 1st, 2025. The authors will then be contacted and informed of our decision regarding their entry before this date. 

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RULE FOUR: Physical submissions of books will not be returned unless return postage is provided.

Due to shipping costs, we cannot return physical submissions unless return postage is provided by the author/entrant. Just email dhkcreations@outlook.com to request your physical copy.

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RULE FIVE: Award Seal Applies Only To Work(s) Submitted.

The winner will receive the rights to use The Wordsmith's Edge Book & Poetry Award seal(s) digitally (on their website, newsletter, social media, etc.) and on the physical/digital cover of the winning work(s). Unpermitted use will be subject to litigation.

Now That You've Read The Rules, Are You Ready To Submit Your Work?

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