Close Visit the newly redesigned AKC.org website by clicking here.

Dog Writers Association of America
2004 Writing Competition Rules and Entry Information

Please read! There are changes made from year to year.

Eligibility

  1. The contest is open to all writers, editors, publishers, photographers, artists and others whose work falls into the designated competition categories.
  2. The work must be original and must be published during the competition period from September 1st, 2003 through August 31st, 2004.
  3. All entries must be published work. Self-published work offered for sale through professional outlets is acceptable; however, vanity publications are not.
  4. Revisions are not eligible.
  5. There is no limit as to the number of times an individual or entity may enter; however, the same material may be entered only once in a regular category.
  6. Entries must be postmarked by September 30th, 2004. Late entries will not be accepted. No exceptions.

Submission Format
  1. Submit regular categories in triplicate with one entry form for each entry.
  2. For columns and series, submit three sets of copies.
  3. Submit one additional copy of each entry for each Special Award entry. Attach an additional entry form to each Special Award entry.
  4. Work may be photocopied or tearsheets may be submitted. No unpublished manuscripts or print-outs are acceptable except for syndicated newspaper work where original tearsheets are unavailable.

Entry Fees
  1. Each regular category entry must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee for current DWAA members and $15 for nonmembers.
  2. Each Special Award entry must be accompanied by a $2 entry fee.
  3. Please combine all entry fees in a single check or money order.
  4. Make check or money order payable to "DWAA."

Mailing Instructions
  1. Entries must be postmarked by September 30th, 2004. No late entries will be accepted.
  2. Mail entries to Liz Palika, DWAA Contest Chair, 825 College Blvd., Ste 102, PMB 524, Oceanside, CA 92057.
  3. Do NOT require a signature for delivery of your entry; the contest chair cannot be available all day every day to sign for packages.
  4. Entries cannot be returned and the association is not responsible for entries lost during transit.
  5. Arrival of entries cannot be personally acknowledged; Im sorry but the contest is simply too large.

Entrant Responsibilities
  1. It is the responsibility of the entrant to comply with all rules and guidelines. Deviation may result in rejection of the entry and forfeiture of the entry fees.
  2. The maximum liability of the Association is limited to the refund of the entry fee at the Contest Chairs discretion.
  3. Entries may be made on the behalf of someone else, but the name of the writer, photographer or the person creating the work must be listed as the entrant and the person submitting the work is listed as the submitter. The submitter is responsible for receiving permission to submit the work prior to making an entry.

Judging and Awards Information
  1. Each award will be judged by a panel of three judges with a composite of the judges scores determining the nominees and winners.
  2. The decisions of the judges are final.
  3. Nominees will be notified by mail in late December 2004.
  4. Names of nominees will be published in the DWAA newsletter and on the website in January 2005.
  5. Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Feb 13th, 2005.
  6. Nominees in the regular categories will receive certificates; winners will also receive the DWAA Maxwell Medallion, named in honor of Maxwell Riddle.

Special Awards
  1. Special awards are made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations; and consist of certificates, plaques and/or cash grants.
  2. An entry must be entered in a regular category to be considered for a special award.
  3. Nominees and winners are chosen by experts appointed by the contest chair.
  4. Nominees will be notified by mail in late December 2004. Winners will be announced at the Awards banquet.

Entry Checklist


____ All entries have been submitted in triplicate with an entry form.

____ Check that the entry form is completed with the appropriate category marked for each entry.

____ An additional copy of each entry submitted for a special award has been enclosed, along with an additional entry form.

____ All entry fees have been totaled and a check or money order is enclosed, made payable to "DWAA."

____ If you have questions, email the contest chair Liz Palika.

The DWAA is also offering the DWAA JUNIOR WRITER AWARD to writers under 18 years of age. The award recognizes and encourages young writers who exhibit talent, resourcefulness, dedication, and integrity in their writing about dogs and dog-related topics. The award consists of a $250 cash grant and the Associations Maxwell Medallion.