Announcing our next Contest

Summer Writing Contest: Coachella Valley 

About
Submit a maximum 2,500 word short story, non-fiction essay, play or poem specific to or loosely inspired by the environs and/or denizens of the Coachella Valley. Compete for recognition or pay extra to receive edits and written feedback from a professional editor! There may be a winner in each above listed genre. 

PLEASE SEE THE RULES AND JUDGING CRITERIA BELOW.

We look forward to reading your entries!

Entry Submission Rules

Be sure to comply with all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the rules. Questions? Please contact: kvhoffman@att.net.

1. Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current, active status.
2. Entries accepted between the opening date and submission deadline posted above.
3. Please enter contest by registering online with a $40 entry fee for each entry; you can enter up to 3 times. Submit multiple entries separately.
4. Each entry is 2,500 word maximum
5. Must be submitted as a MS Word document
6. One inch margins, double-spaced
7. 12-point Times Roman or Times New Roman
8. Indented paragraphs
9. Title must be included in the document header. 
10. Pagination must be included in the document footer.
11. Do not include your name anywhere on the submitted document, only in the body of your e-mail.
12. Please submit your entry as an email attachment and send it to kvhoffman@att.net, no hard copies accepted. 
13. The subject line of your email will read PSWG Summer 2026 Contest submission.
14. Blind submission entries are critiqued by a professional editor.
15. For an additional $35.00 entries will be returned with edits and feedback on your story and presentation.
16. There are no refunds for this event.

Winners Will Receive

1. $100.00 and a digital laurel.

2. Announcement in Tuesday Tidings, PSWG Social Media and May Writers Forum.

Judging Criteria

1. Adherence to all rules above.
2. Adherence to the theme or prompt.
3. Compelling and original plot:
   a. Traditionally consists of a beginning (exposition), middle (development), and end (climax and resolution).
4. For fiction and play: compelling and original characters
   a. At a minimum, the viewpoint character has dimension, with a substantial stake in the story’s resolution, making the reader care.
   b. Dialogue is believable and suited to each character.
5. For non-fiction essay: compelling topic, supporting material and actionable conclusion.
6. Consistency of narrative voice:
   a. Point of view; first, second, or third person.
   b. Level of omniscience: omniscient or all-knowing narrator, limited-omniscient narrator, or non-omniscient “objective” narrator.
7. Fundamental writing skills:
   a. Spelling. Punctuation. Grammar. Usage.       
8. The writer’s “secret sauce” that, when blended with the above criteria, makes the story stand out. For example:
   a. Artistry and clarity of language.
   b. Creation of mood through setting, description, and detail.
   c. Distinctness of voice.