terms & conditions

1. ENTERING A STORY
   • Stories must be no more than 5,000 words
   • Entries may only be made via the website
   • Illustrated stories will not be accepted


2. ELIGIBILITY
   • The competition is open to all UK residents, in the following categories:
     • Adult - over 17
     • Young adult - 12 - 17
     • Child - up to 11
     Please note that proof of age may be requested.
   • The story must not contain more than five thousand words.
   • The story submitted must:
     • Be original, entirely the author's own work
     • Not infringe the copyright or any other rights of any third party
     • Not be defamatory of any living person or corporate body
     • Comply with 5.4 below.
   • Stories must not have been published before
   • Entries are limited to stories written in English.


3. COPYRIGHT AND TERMS OF USE
   • By submitting a story for the competition, the Entrant acknowledges and agrees that the story may be printed or published in any Johnston Press or Novel Ideas Limited or Quince Books Limited publication or website.
   • In the event that an official author v author anthology containing the short-listed entries is published, the author will be deemed to have granted the rights for such publication and distribution and s/he or their agents will clear the necessary rights for such publication and distribution. The rights for publication will be non-exclusive, with no bar on publication rights elsewhere and the anthology will include full acknowledgement of any existing publication containing the winning story or stories.
   • Winning entrants will be invited to attend an award ceremony.


4. JUDGING
   • The winner in each section will be the author with the highest number of votes.
   • Winners will be contacted personally by email.
   • The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
   • The judging will be fair and independent. Any members of the general public who are eligible to register may become judges.


5. ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNICATION
   • Results will be announced via local papers and the Internet..
   • Entrants must provide their name, e-mail address and postal address. The competition will be administered by Novel Ideas Limited. Personal details will only ever be used for the purposes of administering this competition, and will not be published or provided to anyone without permission..
   • The Organisers will acknowledge receipt of entries by e mail but do not accept any responsibility for late, lost or damaged entries. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt..
   • Entrants must supply full details as required above, and comply with all rules to be eligible to enter. Ineligible, obscene, violent or fraudulent entries will be automatically disqualified. Only stories that are commonly acceptable in a family newspaper will be considered..
   • Please note that no stories entered can be returned..
   • The Organisers reserve the right to cancel the competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in their opinion or if circumstances arise outside of their control.
   • The Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry for any reason at their discretion.
   • Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.
   • These rules are governed by the exclusive laws of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.