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Readers Digest Competition
I was wondering whether anyone had entered the Readers Digest 100 word story competition? The top prize is a whopping £5,000 - not bad for 100 words :-)
http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/magazine/179-Reader's-Digest-Main/1382-Web-Exclusives-100-word-story.html
You can submit more than one entry, and the closing date is January 2011!
Comments
Still, if the prize is £5,000, would you worry?
Perhaps if I send one a day, I can bore them into submission...
Seriously though, I haven't had a go at writing anything that short before, so I think I may find it quite challenging to create an interesting story!
Still, if the prize is £5,000, would you worry? [/quote]
they can buy me off with five grand, no problem.
Reading some other examples, it looks like the majority of writers put a twist in the tale at the end. Maeve nicked my idea too ;-)
50 Word Story
thread I've upped.
I had a good chuckle at your giraffe one!
Common Plots to Avoid (Take A Break magazine): The heroine/narrator is revealed to be a cat, dog, fox, car, tree . . . or whatever. This is a complete no-no.
I agree with your tutor, Jenny, the dream is the biggest cop-out of all.
There was quite a funny one about mobile phone applications - boys toys type of thing.
I work for Reader's Digest and just wanted to touch base and say, if you have any questions about the 100 Word Story, feel free to ask them on this forum and I will post the answers.
We're enjoying reading your entries so keep sending them in. We look forward to hearing from you.
readersdigest.co.uk/100wordstory
Good luck,
Shade
I would like to know why you (RD) consider it neccesary to take the copyright of all entrants?
The rules state: "Contributions become world copyright of Vivat Direct Ltd (t/a Reader's Digest)."
Carol asked about copyright. If we own the copyright it gives us the flexibility to use stories in the magazine / online / in advertising / on videos, etc. Basically we can be confident of being able to use the stories in any format necessary without having to worry about obtaining permission.
Girl Friday asked about contracted words. The Editor tells me she will be using 'Word's' word count to check whether stories are the correct length. 'Word' counts contracted words such as isn't, I'd, would've etc as one word.
Hope that helps.
Shade
I don't want to cause an argument, but such conditions in Terms and Conditions/ Rules of Entry exploit writers. I'm sure you expect to be paid for the job you do.
If a writer chooses to enter and is happy to give up their copyright that is up to them.
But personally I'm not, so won't enter.
I did try to warn you!
Over to you, Shade!
Shade - I'd appreciate it if you could clarify the above question?
What if they use my entry somewhere to point out how not to write?
:)