Guidelines: https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/chapbookcontest.html 

What is a Chapbook?
For the purposes of this contest, a chapbook is a small publication of no more than 50 pages, not including cover. Expected entries could fall into two categories:

1. Craft Chapbooks: “Homemade,” limited-edition chapbooks using printers or copy machines or hand-lettering and design or other forms of print making. Hand-binding techniques (including stapler) and custom cover designs and artwork (including collaborations) are encouraged. (32 pages is common)
2. Published Chapbooks: Printed for distribution via a small press, local printer, or Print-on-Demand (POD) such as KDP, Ingram, or other.

 
Please keep in mind that a chapbook should have some unifying thread, yet each poem should be strong enough to stand on its own. Criteria for judging will include content (50%) and package/overall presentation (50%).

Only chapbooks published in the last two years (since January 1, 2021) are eligible for entry.

This special contest will require an entry fee of $4.00 per entry (same rate for members and state of Kansas residents), payable at the Submittable website. Instructions for mailing chapbooks to the contest manager will be provided upon payment.

Note: This is not a “blind” contest. It is expected that Chapbooks will contain author names and credit any collaborators.  

This contest is open to members of Kansas Authors Club (regardless of residence) AND non-members who are residents of the state of Kansas. Awards will be presented at the 2023 state awards event in October. The top winner in each category (Craft and Published) will be given $25 with additional honorable mentions or other recognition based on merit as determined by the judge.

Each entrant may enter up to 5 entries.

Mail entries with copy of entry fee receipt to:
Kansas Authors Club
PO BOX 333
Emporia, KS 66801

Final postmark date for entry: June 15, 2023

*Note: Contestants need not go to excessive expense on mailing services to deliver these chapbooks. Media mail rates or standard first class mail in a regular envelope is fine. We will confirm receipt via the details you supply with your entry at Submittable.
​

Classic forms include the sonnet, blank verse, and the sestina.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

FREE VERSE: Poems without a set rhyme or rhythm requirement. 40-line limit.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines prior to entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Poems that tell a story. 40-line limit.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Light, humorous poetry, including limericks, shaped poems, and nonsense poems. 20-line limit.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Japanese forms include haiku, tanka, and renga.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering. https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Review the complete guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html

Video entries for spoken word poetry should be no longer than 3 minutes, performed by the writer, with no more than one minute of singing (or one-third of the total entry time). Submissions by video need to be filmed in landscape format and uploaded to the Submittable website in video format. Acceptable formats include MPV, AVI, 3GP, WEBM, MKV, MOV, MPG, FLV, WMV, M4V.

1.       Pieces should be no more than 3 minutes long.

2.       Pieces must be of original work, written by the person who is performing the piece.

3.       Singing is allowed, but for no more than 1 minute of the piece.

4.       Pieces should be filmed in landscape format (not portrait)

5.       Have fun! 

A category for poets who are beginning to write poetry. Entries are limited to poets who have not previously won a top-three place in the KAC State Poetry Contest. All forms accepted; 40-line limit.
 

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html 
2. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
    

Any written poem that utilizes and expands this theme may enter. 40-line limit. Note that contest guidelines prohibit the same entry being entered in multiple categories. 

Rural people and life are often stereotyped and overlooked in writing and other forms of media, but rural life is more complex and diverse than what is often portrayed. We want to change that with the addition of this category in our contest. Write a piece that tells a story about rural living and that represents the many diverse ways of being and living rural.

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete contest guidelines prior to entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font, and
3. is no longer than 1,500 words
4. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Limit 1,500 words. May be written in any genre so long as it relates to the conference theme. Demonstrates creativity in the form of new viewpoints, fresh writing techniques and captivating content.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete contest guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font, and
3. is no longer than 1,000 words
4. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Humor (fiction or non-fiction) - Limit 1,000 words. A story that produces amusement or laughter using any number of established or invented literary devices, styles and tones. 

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete contest guidelines prior to entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font, and
3. is no longer than 1,500 words
4. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Memoir or Inspirational (non-fiction) - Limit 1,500 words. A story based on personal experience that tells of a significant experience in one's life. The piece evokes a special time, place and memory, and is told in literary rather than merely chronological fashion. The piece should demonstrate an intellectual, spiritual or emotional turning point. 

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete contest guidelines before entering.   https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font, and
3. is no longer than 500 words
4. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Flash Fiction (fiction) - Limit 500 words. A complete story in a much-abbreviated form, often told in vivid scenes. Usually involves three or fewer characters engaging in inner or outward conflict. Some aspects remain unspoken or imply a larger story. The ability to show, rather than merely tell, is one of the form's literary qualities. 

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete contest guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font, and
3. is no longer than 1,000 words
4. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete contest guidelines prior to entering.   https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font, and
3. is no longer than 1,500 words
4. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

Short Story (fiction) - Limit 1,500 words. An invented narrative shorter than a novel but with a fully developed theme, usually including only a few characters involved in the plot. All genres are allowed.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete contest guidelines before entering.   https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.

Playwriting (fiction or non-fiction) – A total of four pages for Act 1, Scene 1 and additional information (can be single-spaced). Script must include title and descriptions of cast, scenes, time/era, settings, curtain rise, dialogue, actions, stage directions and more. See details on format under Guidelines for Entering online. (Category sponsored by Roy Beckemeyer, KAC State Past President .)

Prior to entering:
 

1. Review the complete contest guidelines before entering.    https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Make sure that your manuscript is double-spaced and in a standard 12 point font
3. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.

 First Chapter of a Book (fiction or non-fiction) – Limit 2,000 words. Must be from an unpublished work, e.g., a manuscript or work-in-progress. Author may include a separate 500-word book synopsis. (Category sponsored by Mike and Monica Graves, D2 members.)


 

Limit 1,500 words. Rural people and life are often stereotyped and overlooked in writing and other forms of media, but rural life is more complex and diverse than what is often portrayed. We want to change that with the addition of this category to our contest. Write a piece (fiction or nonfiction) that tells a story about rural living and that represents the many diverse ways of being and living rural.

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.  https://www.kansasauthorsclub.org/adult-literary-contest-guidelines.html
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

800 word limit; short story or chapter of a novel.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is fiction. Fiction is NOT a true story. It is a made up story from your imagination. If your story is a true story, something that actually happened to you or a report based on fact, it belongs in the non-fiction category.

800 word limit; essay, research paper, factual narrative or drama based on real events and real people.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is non-fiction. Non-fiction is a true story. If your story is not something that actually happened, or not a report based on fact, it belongs in fiction category.

40-line limit, any form, including rhymed verse, free verse, haiku, classical form, or song lyric.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before you enter.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

800 word limit; short story or chapter of a novel.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is fiction. Fiction is NOT a true story. It is a made up story from your imagination. If your story is a true story, something that actually happened to you or a report based on fact, it belongs in the non-fiction category.

800 word limit; essay, research paper, factual narrative or drama based on real events and real people.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is non-fiction. Non-fiction is a true story. If your story is not something that actually happened, or not a report based on fact, it belongs in fiction category.

40-line limit, any form, including rhymed verse, free verse, haiku, classical form, or song lyric.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

800 word limit; short story or chapter of a novel.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is fiction. Fiction is NOT a true story. It is a made up story from your imagination. If your story is a true story, something that actually happened to you or a report based on fact, it belongs in the non-fiction category.

800 word limit; essay, research paper, factual narrative or drama based on real events and real people.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is non-fiction. Non-fiction is a true story. If your story is not something that actually happened, or not a report based on fact, it belongs in fiction category.

40-line limit, any form, including rhymed verse, free verse, haiku, classical form, or song lyric.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines prior to entering.    

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   

800 word limit; short story or chapter of a novel.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is fiction. Fiction is NOT a true story. It is a made up story from your imagination. If your story is a true story, something that actually happened to you or a report based on fact, it belongs in the non-fiction category.

800 word limit; essay, research paper, factual narrative or drama based on real events and real people.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your story is in a standard 12 point font.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.
   
3. Before you enter, ask yourself if this story is non-fiction. Non-fiction is a true story. If your story is not something that actually happened, or not a report based on fact, it belongs in fiction category.

40-line limit, any form, including rhymed verse, free verse, haiku, classical form, or song lyric.

Prior to entering:

1. Review the complete guidelines before entering.   

https://kansasauthorsclub.weebly.com/youth-contest-guidelines.html

1. Make sure that your poem is in a standard 12 point font and fits on one page.
2. Your name should NOT appear on the manuscript or in the file name of the document you submit.