This contest is designed to encourage student writers in high school or college/university.

Eligibility

• High School (ages 14 – 18) OR
• College/University (ages 17-30)
• Contest is open to members and non-members of The Word Guild.
• Novice Writer (Definition: for the purpose of this contest, the entrant will not have been previously published in novella or book length fiction/nonfiction and/or have had more than three paid published articles. This includes print or online formats.)
• The content of eligible entries must be consistent with a Christian worldview and the historic Christian tradition reflected in the Apostles’ Creed.

How Will It Benefit You?

• Judging sheets are based on a point system and awards will be given based on the quality of writing.
• Valuable detailed comments and marks on your submission from those in the writing industry (for all entrants).
• Recognition for Winner & Finalists at The Word Awards Celebration.

Entry Fees:

Now Free for Students! To encourage more young writers, we’ve removed the entry fee for the Fresh Ink category, making it free for all high school and university students, whether they’re members or not.

Entry Categories

• Short story (1,500 words or less)
• Non-fiction piece (1,500 words or less)
• Poetry (1,500 words or less)
• First three chapters of an unpublished novel–does not have to be finished (15 pages or less)
• Short Script – Screen or Stage (45 pages or less)

Entry Rules

• There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted, however, a single manuscript may not be entered into multiple categories
• All judges will look for an underlying expression of the writer’s Christian worldview informing and influencing the writing. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards of the CBA as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

Entry Format

• Courier or Times New Roman 12-point font
• Number pages
• Double-spaced
• Margins of at least 1″ (2.5 cm) at left, right, top and bottom
• In the header, include title, category, and word count
• Do not include any pictures or graphics
• Do not justify the right margin

Extra formatting info for Short Scripts:

• first page should have the title, author, and the character names (this page is NOT included in the 15 page count).
• Stage instructions should be minimal, EG, “KWENE COLLAPSES. CROWD SURGES FORWARD.”

Extra formatting info for Screen Plays:

• FinalDraft(.com) is the industry standard software for automatic formatting screenplays, and it includes several (British & American) acceptable stage play manuscript formats in the same software. There are various competing softwares that are good. There are many websites which review what the manuscript should look like for meeting industry standards.
• UNIVERSAL SCREENPLAY MANUSCRIPT: 12pt courier type, 1” margins.
• Other resources you might find helpful:
  http://www.filmscriptwriting.com/script-formatting
  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=formatting+a+screenplay

Extra formatting info for Stage Plays:

• Courier or Times Roman fonts in 12 pt
• Double space separates each element
• No extra formatting (weird fonts, different font sizes, masses of stage directions) as this clutters the piece.
• examples of good formatting:
  http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/stageus.pdf (American) OR http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/stage.pdf (British)
• Title, character and setting page (approximately first 3 pages) do NOT count in your 15 page count.

This contest is designed for unpublished writers. Enter original works of fiction or nonfiction to a maximum length of 1500 words OR the first three chapters of a work in progress (up to 15 pages). Read on for more details.

Age of Entrants:
Ages 25-99

Genre Categories:

• Fiction short piece (1,500 words max)
• Non-fiction short piece (1,500 words max)
• Poetry (1,500 words max) May include more than one poem but total word count of all poems will be 1500. If more than one poem is submitted it shall be considered one submission with one judging form.
• First three chapters of a fiction or non-fiction piece (15 pages max)
• First 15 pages of a short script – Screen or Stage (up to 45 pages)

What are the prizes?

Grand prize (one overall winner):

• Awards Certificate
• Complimentary membership in The Word Guild for the following year.
• Cash Prize
• Valuable critique and marks on entry writing

Runner up (one for each genre category):

• Awards Certificate
• Complimentary membership in The Word Guild for the following year.
• Valuable critique and marks on entry writing

In the Beginning winners will also be recognized at The Word Awards Celebration.

Entry Fees:

Short Story, Non-Fiction Piece or Poetry:

• Members: $25 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $35 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Manuscript 1st Three Chapters, Script:

• Members: $35 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $50 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Who can participate?

• Contest open to any Unpublished Canadian Christian writers who affirm the Apostle’s Creed.
• Unpublished Writer Definition: For the purpose of this contest the entrant will not have been previously published and/or paid for in the category they have chosen. If entering in the First 3 Chapters category then the entrant can not have been published in either novella or full-length novel format (Print or Online).
• There is no limit to the number of entries that may be submitted; however, a single manuscript may not be entered into multiple categories.
• All judges will look for an underlying expression of the writer’s Christian worldview informing and influencing the writing, however, the entry does not have to be strictly for the Christian market. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards of the CBA (Christian Book Association) as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

What will you write about?

• Short pieces: poetry, fiction or non-fiction can be on any topic you would like.
• Short Script, Screen or Stage: Any genre. Any theme (Up to 45 pages).

Manuscripts for a book – First three chapters

What format should you use (short pieces and first three chapters)?

• Courier or Times New Roman 12-point font
• Number pages
• Double-spaced
• Margins of at least 1″ (2.5 cm) at left, right, top and bottom
• In the header include title, category, and word count
• Do not include any pictures or graphics

Submission Format for Short Scripts:

• First page should have the title, author, and the character names (this page is NOT included in the 15 page count).
• Stage instructions should be minimal, EG, “KWENE COLLAPSES. CROWD SURGES FORWARD.”

Extra Screen play formatting info:

• FinalDraft(.com) is the industry standard software for automatic formatting screenplays, and it includes several (British & American) acceptable stage play manuscript formats in the same software. There are various competing softwares that are good. There are many websites which review what the manuscript should look like for meeting industry standards. http://www.filmscriptwriting.com/script-formatting
• UNIVERSAL SCREENPLAY MANUSCRIPT: 12pt courier type, 1” margins.

Extra Stage Play formatting info:

• Courier or Times Roman fonts in 12 pt
• Double space separates each element
• No extra formatting (weird fonts, different font sizes, masses of stage directions) as this clutters the piece.
• Examples of good formatting: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/stageus.pdf (American) OR http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/stage.pdf (British)
• Title, character and setting page (first 3 pages) do NOT count in your 15 page count.Judging sheets are based on a point system and awards will be given based on the quality of writing.

This Award is Sponsored by Castle Quay Books (CQB) Canada and The Word Guild

Competition Purpose

To encourage Canadian authors to write nonfiction or fiction books expressing Christian faith/doctrine in a clear, original and inspiring way. To generate attention to the work of The Word Guild and excitement for authors through an association with these two organizations.

Eligibility

• The contest is open to any professional or non-professional writer (published or unpublished).
• The manuscript submitted may not be under contract with any other publishing company nor may it have been submitted to other publishers for consideration.
• The contest is open to all Christians.
• The contest is open to Canadian citizens (including Canadian citizens living abroad) and to non-Canadians living in Canada who have legal permanent resident status.
• The contest is open to original manuscripts only and works may not have been published previously, including self-published.
• Members of the Word Guild staff and a new judging panel (Best New Canadian
• Manuscript Contest), administrative committee and their immediate family members are not eligible.
• For the purposes of this competition, the author who has written and submitted a manuscript to the contest that was written for a company as part of his or her job will not qualify unless the person owns the copyright as the author’s own work.

Prize

• The winning manuscript will be acknowledged by Write Canada and The Word Guild at the annual gala awards evening and thereafter published by Castle Quay Books Canada the year following their win.
• The manuscript printing and publishing rights will become the property of Castle Quay Books for purposes of publishing and distribution in all hard copy and electronic forms.
• The author may be required to rewrite portions of the manuscript as determined by the editors of Castle Quay Books
• The author will receive a standard author’s contract with standard royalties for all versions of the work. Castle Quay Books retains the right to award a $1,000 cash prize in lieu of a publishing contract if in the judgment of CQB and The Word Guild the winning manuscript is not worthy of publishing.
• The winning author will receive publicity through media releases and other materials sent to Canadian Christian media, bookstores, church libraries, etc. The winner will be announced during The Word Guild Word Awards Celebration each year and will be published the following year.
• The official launch of the published manuscript will be part of the Word Guild Word Awards Celebration or the Write Canada conference the year following the win.

Entry Fee

• Members: $60 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $75 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Rules for submission

• Manuscripts are submitted through The Word Awards entry form.
• You must also submit a one-paged synopsis (see below for formatting)
• Only one entry per writer is permitted
• Must be an original, never-before-published, completed manuscript of book length (no less than 25,000 words and no more than 90,000 words) written in English by the contestant.
• All entries MUST follow standard format. Any entries that do not follow the following format will be disqualified, and entry fees will not be returned:
• May be in any genre except poetry or plays

Format for the Manuscript

• Submissions must be in Times New Roman 12-point font for all text including any footnotes or endnotes (titles, chapter headings, etc. are excepted)
• Pages should be numbered sequentially
• Double-spaced lines
• Margins of at least 1″ (2.5 cm) at left, right, top and bottom
• Include cover page listing manuscript title, word count, author name
• Target readership may be adults, young adults or children
• Target readership may be Christian believers or mainstream/secular/unchurched readers
• A manuscript that was previously submitted in this contest may be resubmitted one time if significant rewriting and revision has been done by the author. Please enclose an additional page describing the significant changes, or highlight them, so that judges can determine which sections have been rewritten.
• The manuscript may not be simultaneously submitted to another book publisher anywhere in the world while it is being considered for this contest. An entrant who is not named on the short list of finalists may submit the manuscript elsewhere after the short list is announced. Short-listed contestants who are not contacted by the publisher within seven days after the announcement of the winner may submit the manuscript elsewhere. Should employ a style that is positive (i.e., not destructive or accusatory) and objective (i.e., based on defendable facts and interpretation of biblical text; not highly subjective or ethereal) in presenting Christian faith.
• Should set forth Christian truths and biblical information in a manner that is both fresh and clearly expressed, avoiding religious jargon, poorly explained biblical allusions or Christian “shorthand” that may confuse non-Christians.
• May address complex and often ambiguous issues – such as the changing shape and structure of families, racism and prejudice, the search for spiritual fulfillment, evolving roles for men and women, poverty and unemployment, aging – in ways that are honest, open-minded and compassionate.
• Must not violate the rights of any third party.
• Must follow the Chicago Style Guide format
• All manuscripts must be submitted online.

Format for the Synopsis

• One page
• Single-spaced lines
• You can find an example of what should be included in your synopsis here (there are many more examples on the internet).

Faith elements will be woven in and grow out of the piece organically. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

Cost to enter

• Members: $30 CAD + HST (per short piece and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $45 CAD + HST (per short piece and/or category entered)
• NEW – Entry to the Fresh Ink contest is free.

Benefits to you

• All entrants receive judges’ objective critique
• Winners receive a certificate
• Winners receive recognition of excellence in their niche
• Winners receive promotional opportunities

Submission Guidelines

• Attachments to entry form cannot exceed 128 MB.
• Each piece may only be entered into one (1) category maximum.

Specialty Awards
Please specify if you wish to be considered for:

• Indigenous Writer of the Year
• Writer of Colour Award
• The Harvey/Mackey Award
• The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award

Categories

Blog – Personal

• An online article published by the author and judged on originality, readability and interest. It is similar to a column in that it may comment on a range of issues, including current events, faith and personal / spiritual growth, however the authorial voice may be stronger, more casual or intimate. The focus of a Personal Blog is on the individual writer’s experiences.

Blog – Topical

• An online article published by the author and judged on originality, readability and interest of topic. It is similar to a column in that it may comment on a range of issues, including current events, faith and personal / spiritual growth, however the authorial voice may be stronger, more casual or intimate. The focus of a Topical Blog is on the topic and is less personal.

Column – single

• One column from a series that appeared in a publication or a one-time “guest” column. Pieces are editorial, first person essay, opinion or persuasive writing; commentary on a timely subject

Inspirational/Devotional

• Content that encourages, strengthens, moves, uplifts readers or
• Content motivates readers to put their faith in God, or to deepen their trust in God
• Daily or weekly devotionals are part of this category

Long Feature (1,000 words or more)

• In-depth treatment of a trend, situation
• Explicitly aims to do more than inform (e.g. analyze, contextualize, equip, etc.)
• Research provides a variety of sources, quotations and references
• Writer does not include his/her own thoughts or opinion on issue
• Writer evidences neutrality, balance, evenness of tone and usually writes in third-person

News

• This may be coverage of a spot news event, such as an accident, or a more general event. It covers the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of the issue. The writer shows neutrality, balance and evenness of tone. It is written in 3rd Person voice and is a sharing of facts. Weight is given for the accuracy of information found from reputable and multiple sources.

Personal Experience

• First-person or as-told-to narrative in which the author writes about an incident or experience that provided significant personal meaning or a lesson learned

Personal Opinion

• A personal opinion piece about some topic or issue that is important to the writer

Poetry

• Rhymed or free verse; maximum of 40 lines

Profile/Human Interest

• Stories about people; aims to inform and usually also to inspire

Short Feature (under 1,000 words)

• Informs reader about a trend, situation or group of ideas
• Writer should provide some variety of sources and references
• Entry usually written in third-person

Song Lyrics– Best Song Lyrics

• An original song released to the public in year related to awards via either a CD recording available for sale to the public
• Public performance, including broadcast, concert, online concert, church or worship settings. Proof of performance is required for this choice. List venue, date, approximate number in audience, name and phone number of contact person. Include a scanned copy of printed program/church bulletin if available, highlighting your performance.
• In the online form each entrant must upload: a digital copy of typed lyrics with complete credits for lyrics and music and a digital copy of their song being performed. Ensure that the lyrics are clearly audible for judging. You may enter more than one song, but each song must be submitted separately. Song lyrics may be faith-related but are not required to be.

Short Scripts

• SHORT scripts for stage, film, TV or webisodes up to 45 pages in total (collected sketches allowed in aggregate up to the max. ) **Published for scripts means available in paper manuscript form with the intention of distribution to a larger audience it is NOT a requirement that it be performed.**

Full-length stage OR screen play

• A Script of 100 pages or less in standard format. The author has had a script professionally produced. **Published for scripts means available in paper manuscript form with the intention of distribution to a larger audience it is NOT a requirement that it be performed.**

General Market pieces have been published for mainstream audiences, in mainstream publications, while still having an underlying expression of the writer’s Christian worldview. These pieces may deal with more difficult topics involving human nature or the brokenness of the world and its people. They may be written in a grittier way and expressions of faith may be subtler. However, the writer’s faith still influences the work and the work may also still offer encouragement or a greater understanding of Christ and the Christian faith.

Faith elements will be woven in and grow out of the piece organically. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

Cost to enter

• Members: $30 CAD + HST (per short piece and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $45 CAD + HST (per short piece and/or category entered)
• NEW – Entry to the Fresh Ink contest is free.

Benefits to you

• All entrants receive judges’ objective critique
• Winners receive a certificate
• Winners receive recognition of excellence in their niche
• Winners receive promotional opportunities

Submission Guidelines

• Attachments to entry form cannot exceed 128 MB.
• Each piece may only be entered into one (1) category maximum.

Specialty Awards
Please specify if you wish to be considered for:

• Indigenous Writer of the Year
• Writer of Colour Award
• The Harvey/Mackey Award
• The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award

Categories

Blog – Personal

• An online article published by the author and judged on originality, readability and interest. It is similar to a column in that it may comment on a range of issues, including current events, faith and personal / spiritual growth, however the authorial voice may be stronger, more casual or intimate.
• The focus of a Personal Blog is on the individual writer’s experiences.
• The focus of a Topical Blog is on the topic and is less personal.

Column – single

• One column from a series that appeared in a publication or a one-time “guest” column. Pieces are editorial, first person essay, opinion or persuasive writing; commentary on a timely subject…. or
• An article that appeared in a publication targeted to the general public.

Long Feature (1,000 words or more)

• In-depth treatment of a trend, situation
• Explicitly aims to do more than inform (e.g. analyze, contextualize, equip, etc.)
• Research provides a variety of sources, quotations and references
• Writer does not include his/her own thoughts or opinion on issue
• Writer evidences neutrality, balance, evenness of tone and usually writes in third-person

News

• This may be coverage of a spot news event, such as an accident, or a more general event. It covers the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of the issue. The writer shows neutrality, balance and evenness of tone. It is written in 3rd Person voice and is a sharing of facts. Weight is given for the accuracy of information found from reputable and multiple sources.

Personal Experience

• First-person or as-told-to narrative in which the author writes about an incident or experience that provided significant personal meaning or a lesson learned, or it is a personal opinion about some topic or issue that is important to the writer.

Short Scripts

• SHORT scripts for stage, film, TV or webisodes up to 45 pages in total (collected sketches allowed in aggregate up to the max. ) **Published for scripts means available in paper manuscript form with the intention of distribution to a larger audience it is NOT a requirement that it be performed.**

Full-length stage OR screen play

• A Script of 100 pages or less in standard format. The author has had a script professionally produced. **Published for scripts means available in paper manuscript form with the intention of distribution to a larger audience it is NOT a requirement that it be performed.**

Faith elements will be woven in and grow out of the piece organically. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

Cost to enter

• Members: $55 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $75 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Benefits to you

• All entrants receive judges’ objective critique
• Winners receive a certificate
• Winners receive recognition of excellence in their niche
• Winners receive promotional opportunities

Co-Authored Books

• Canadian authors may submit co-authored books as long as 50% of the book is written by Canadian authors.
• If a book is co-authored that does not meet the 50% total Canadian authorship percentage, the Canadian author may submit their contribution(s) in the short piece section.

What you need to submit a book

• Include a pdf copy of the book.
• Include a pdf or jpg of the book cover.
• Include an author bio (100 words max).
• Include an author headshot (jpg or png).
• Maximum attachment size in submission is 128 MB.

Specialty Awards

All book entries are automatically entered in:

• Best Book Cover Award
• Best Book Prize

Please specify if you wish to be considered for:

• Indigenous Writer of the Year
• Writer of Colour Award
• The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award

Categories

Children

• Fiction, including children’s picture books whose primary audience is children

Contemporary

• Full-length novels whose characters, setting, and issues are within the context of the present time period (1960 – present)

Historical

• Fiction that weaves stories about characters in historical epochs or settings (up to 1960)

Middle-Grade

• Middle-grade fiction is written for readers aged 8-13 and centres on the experiences of characters in their pre-teens or early teen years. These stories are often told in a voice that resonates with this age group, and may span a variety of genres such as adventure, fantasy, contemporary, or historical.

Mystery

• Fiction where the element of mystery plays a controlling part. Often a story of solving a murder.

Novella

• a work of fiction intermediate in length and complexity between a short story and a novel. Typically between 10,000 and 40,000 words.

Romance

• Fiction whose characters and controlling theme focus on a romantic drama in a contemporary time period (1960 – present).

Speculative

• Imaginative fiction including allegory (fiction in the form of extended metaphor in which objects, person and actions are equated with meanings that lie outside the narrative itself), fantasy (fiction that deliberately breaks free from reality, setting the story in a nonexistent and unreal world or concerning incredible or unreal characters), futuristic (fiction whose action, plot, and characters occur in a future period of time), and science fiction (fiction, in which scientific facts or hypotheses form the basis of adventures, often in the future, on other planets, or in other dimensions of time).

Stories

• Any fictional story under 10 000 words.

Suspense

• Fiction that often focuses on a strange, frightening, or thrilling set of events
• Fiction where the element of terror plays a controlling part; often a tale of crime
• Includes adventure, and thrillers

Young Adult

• Fiction written for readers approximately aged 13-18. These may be stand-alone novels or novels written as part of a series and may encompass a range of sub-genres including but not limited to contemporary, fantasy, historical, biographical, and suspense.

General Market pieces have been published for mainstream audiences, in mainstream publications, while still having an underlying expression of the writer’s Christian worldview. These pieces may deal with more difficult topics involving human nature or the brokenness of the world and its people. They may be written in a grittier way and expressions of faith may be subtler. However, the writer’s faith still influences the work and the work may also still offer encouragement or a greater understanding of Christ and the Christian faith.

Faith elements will be woven in and grow out of the piece organically. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

Cost to enter

• Members: $55 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $75 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Benefits to you

• All entrants receive judges’ objective critique
• Winners receive a certificate
• Winners receive recognition of excellence in their niche
• Winners receive promotional opportunities

Co-Authored Books

• Canadian authors may submit co-authored books as long as 50% of the book is written by Canadian authors.
• If a book is co-authored that does not meet the 50% total Canadian authorship percentage, the Canadian author may submit their contribution(s) in the short piece section.

What you need to submit a book

• Include a pdf copy of the book.
• Include a pdf or jpg of the book cover.
• Include an author bio (100 words max).
• Include an author headshot (jpg or png).
• Maximum attachment size in submission is 128 MB.

Specialty Awards

All book entries are automatically entered in:

• Best Book Cover Award
• Best Book Prize

Please specify if you wish to be considered for:

• Indigenous Writer of the Year
• Writer of Colour Award
• The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award

Categories

Children

• Fiction, including children’s picture books whose primary audience are children

Contemporary

• Full-length novels whose characters, setting, and issues are within the context of the present time period (1960 – present)

Historical

• Fiction that weaves stories about characters in historical epochs or settings (up to 1960)

Middle-Grade

• Middle-grade fiction is written for readers aged 8-13 and centres on the experiences of characters in their pre-teens or early teen years. These stories are often told in a voice that resonates with this age group, and may span a variety of genres such as adventure, fantasy, contemporary, or historical.

Mystery

• Fiction where the element of mystery plays a controlling part. Often a story of solving a murder.

Novella

• A work of fiction intermediate in length and complexity between a short story and a novel. Typically between 10,000 and 40,000 words.

Romance

• Fiction whose characters and controlling theme focus on a romantic drama in a contemporary time period (1960 – present)

Speculative

• Imaginative fiction including allegory (fiction in the form of extended metaphor in which objects, person and actions are equated with meanings that lie outside the narrative itself), fantasy (fiction that deliberately breaks free from reality, setting the story in a nonexistent and unreal world or concerning incredible or unreal characters), futuristic (fiction whose action, plot, and characters occur in a future period of time), and science fiction (fiction, in which scientific facts or hypotheses form the basis of adventures, often in the future, on other planets, or in other dimensions of time)

Stories

• Any fictional story under 10 000 words.

Suspense

• Fiction that often focuses on a strange, frightening, or thrilling set of events
• Fiction where the element of terror plays a controlling part; often a tale of crime
• Includes adventure, and thrillers

Young Adult

• Fiction written for readers approximately aged 13-18. These may be stand-alone novels or novels written as part of a series and may encompass a range of sub-genres including but not limited to contemporary, fantasy, historical, biographical, and suspense.

Faith elements will be woven in and grow out of the piece organically. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

Cost to enter

• Members: $55 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $75 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Benefits to you

• All entrants receive judges’ objective critique
• Winners receive a certificate
• Winners receive recognition of excellence in their niche
• Winners receive promotional opportunities

Co-Authored Books

• Canadian authors may submit co-authored books as long as 50% of the book is written by Canadian authors.
• If a book is co-authored that does not meet the 50% total Canadian authorship percentage, the Canadian author may submit their contribution(s) in the short piece section.

What you need to submit a book

• Include a pdf copy of the book.
• Include a pdf or jpg of the book cover.
• Include an author bio (100 words max).
• Include an author headshot (jpg or png).
• Maximum attachment size in submission is 128 MB.

Specialty Awards

All book entries are automatically entered in:

• Best Book Cover Award
• Best Book Prize

Please specify if you wish to be considered for:

• Indigenous Writer of the Year
• Writer of Colour Award
• The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award

Categories

Academic

• Includes topics such as theology, ethics, philosophy, history, doctrine, academic or theoretical content and entries have more complex content, references and terminology than contained in books aimed at lay readers.
• Entries have a target market of, professors, scholars, church leaders, clergy, or seminary/post-secondary students

Apologetics/Evangelism

• Entries aim to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defending the faith against objections or relay information about the Christian faith to others with the object of conversion

Biblical Studies

• Entries promote a deeper understanding of biblical topics

Children

• Non-fiction, including children’s picture books whose primary audience are children

Christian Living – Personal Growth, or Inspirational

• Primary focus is reader’s personal growth; developing a relationship with God; helps readers to deepen their faith, become more mature as Christians, live a life that is pleasing to God
• May include accounts of overcoming adversity; reaching new levels of understanding; inspiring readers that similar changes are possible in their own lives
• Content that encourages, strengthens, moves, uplifts readers
• Content motivates readers to put their faith in God, or to deepen their trust in God

Culture / Contemporary Issues

• Content about spiritual formation; spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, study of Scripture, worship, and more
• Topics addressing contemporary issues

Devotional

• Daily or weekly devotionals

Life Stories – Biography & Memoir

• Biography, autobiography, or family history
• Memoir

Middle-Grade

• Middle-grade non-fiction is written for readers aged 8-13 and shares information, true stories, or real-world topics in ways that engage and inform pre-teen readers. They use an accessible voice and age-appropriate language, including clear explanations, examples, or visuals to make ideas easy to grasp. Topics may cover history, science, biography, faith, culture, or other subjects of interest to this age group.

Young Adult

• Fiction that often focuses on a strange, frightening, or thrilling set of events
• Fiction where the element of terror plays a controlling part; often a tale of crime
• Includes adventure, and thrillers

Speculative

• Young adult non-fiction is written for readers approximately aged 13-18. These works may be stand-alone titles or part of a series and may encompass a range of sub-genres, including but not limited to contemporary, faith, historical, biographical, personal development, and current issues relevant to teens.

General Market pieces have been published for mainstream audiences, in mainstream publications, while still having an underlying expression of the writer’s Christian worldview. These pieces may deal with more difficult topics involving human nature or the brokenness of the world and its people. They may be written in a grittier way and expressions of faith may be subtler. However, the writer’s faith still influences the work and the work may also still offer encouragement or a greater understanding of Christ and the Christian faith.

Faith elements will be woven in and grow out of the piece organically. The entry should not contain undue profanity, graphic sex, or other objectionable material, and must otherwise conform to generally accepted standards as determined by The Word Guild. Judges may request submissions not meeting this requirement be disqualified.

Cost to enter

• Members: $55 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $75 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Benefits to you

• All entrants receive judges’ objective critique
• Winners receive a certificate
• Winners receive recognition of excellence in their niche
• Winners receive promotional opportunities

Co-Authored Books

• Canadian authors may submit co-authored books as long as 50% of the book is written by Canadian authors.
• If a book is co-authored that does not meet the 50% total Canadian authorship percentage, the Canadian author may submit their contribution(s) in the short piece section.

What you need to submit a book

• Include a pdf copy of the book.
• Include a pdf or jpg of the book cover.
• Include an author bio (100 words max).
• Include an author headshot (jpg or png).
• Maximum attachment size in submission is 128 MB.

Specialty Awards

All book entries are automatically entered in:

• Best Book Cover Award
• Best Book Prize

Please specify if you wish to be considered for:

• Indigenous Writer of the Year
• Writer of Colour Award
• The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award

Categories

Children

• Non-Fiction, including children’s picture books whose primary audience are children.

Culture / Contemporary Issues

• Commentary or insights into culture and / or addressing contemporary issues.

Middle-Grade

• Middle-grade non-fiction is written for readers aged 8-13 and shares information, true stories, or real-world topics in ways that engage and inform pre-teen readers. They use an accessible voice and age-appropriate language, including clear explanations, examples, or visuals to make ideas easy to grasp. Topics may cover history, science, biography, faith, culture, or other subjects of interest to this age group.

Young Adult

• Young adult non-fiction is written for readers approximately aged 13-18. These works may be stand-alone titles or part of a series and may encompass a range of sub-genres, including but not limited to contemporary, faith, historical, biographical, personal development, and current issues relevant to teens.

Life Stories

• Biography, autobiography, memoir, or family history.

Cost to enter

• Members: $55 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)
• Non Members: $75 CAD + HST (per title and/or category entered)

Benefits to you

• All entrants receive judges’ objective critique
• Winners receive a certificate
• Winners receive recognition of excellence in their niche
• Winners receive promotional opportunities

Co-Authored Books

• Canadian authors may submit co-authored books as long as 50% of the book is written by Canadian authors.
• If a book is co-authored that does not meet the 50% total Canadian authorship percentage, the Canadian author may submit their contribution(s) in the short piece section.

What you need to submit a book

• Include a pdf copy of the book.
• Include a pdf or jpg of the book cover.
• Include an author bio (100 words max).
• Include an author headshot (jpg or png).
• Maximum attachment size in submission is 128 MB.

Specialty Awards

All book entries are automatically entered in:

• Best Book Cover Award
• Best Book Prize

Please specify if you wish to be considered for:

• Indigenous Writer of the Year
• Writer of Colour Award
• The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award

Types of Books Accepted

*Not Categorized. These are just the types of books accepted. If enough books of one type (e.g. Poetry) are entered, we may split the category.

• Gift books
• Poetry books

Books that include both fiction and non-fiction

• For either the Christian or General Market
• Singularly or Co-authored

This award recognizes a major career contribution to Christian writing and publishing in Canada.

Leslie K. Tarr

Named in honour of its first recipient, the late Leslie K. Tarr. Leslie K. Tarr; seminary professor, pastor, and journalist was one of the first editors of Faith Today, former Canadian Director of the Decision magazine, and a prolific contributor to a wide variety of secular and Christian publications.

The Reverend Tarr also authored a biography, Shields of Canada, and despite disability and many years of painful illness, Les Tarr was a much-published and respected writer who remains an inspiration to us all.

Prize:

Certificate, Specially Designed Glass Award, $500 Cash Award

How to apply:

Nominate a suitable candidate at any time of the year (March 31 deadline does not apply)

Criterion

• Canadian Citizen
• Affirms The Apostles Creed
• Demonstrated excellence in his or her own writing;
• Contributed to the development of Christian writing and writers in Canada;
• Helped position the church in Canadian society, leading to better understanding of Christianity.

*Candidates must meet all criteria.

Background

The Tarr Award was created and administered from 1988 to 2001 by Faith Today magazine and its publisher, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Word Guild assumed responsibility for administering the Tarr Award in 2002. Beginning in 2004, the engraved plaque was augmented with a cash prize. The Tarr Award was sponsored from 2005-20 by Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto.

Nomination Form

If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please fill in the online form indicating who you are nominating and giving details why/how you feel this person meets the requirements. Your entry should also include brief background information about yourself and your relationship, if any, to the person you are nominating. Feel free to enclose any supporting documentation, such as clippings, reviews, the nominee‘s CV, etc. Nominations are not restricted to members of The Word Guild.

Nominations may be submitted at any time for consideration for future awards.
Complete the Online Nomination Form and send any additional information as required above to:
Tarr Award, The Word Guild, Box 77001, Markham ON L3P 0C8

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS OF THIS AWARD

2025
Dr. Ross Hastings
Professor, Writer

2023
Flyn Ritchie
Publisher

2022
Licia Corbella
Columnist

2021
The Honourable David Kilgour
Writer and Parliamentarian

2020
Michael O’Brien
Novelist

The Wendy Elaine Nelles Memorial Award (the WEN Award) is a cash prize established by friends of Wendy Nelles (1955–2018) in partnership with The Word Guild—an organization of Canadian writers and editors who are Christian—which Wendy cofounded.

Prize:

Certificate, $750 Cash Award

How to apply:

• Fill out  an application and provide a reference letter.
• Click here to download the application form: (it should show up in your Downloads folder)
• Once completed the Application Form and Reference Letters can be uploaded here

“The WEN Award celebrates the life, career, and faith of a woman who cared passionately about teaching, mentoring, and encouraging writers,” says journalist Thomas Froese, who initiated the award in honour of his friend.

“Each year, we invite eligible young writers to apply who strive to emulate the virtues of leadership, perseverance, commitment to excellence, commitment to Christian faith, and good character,” adds writer and communications consultant Patricia Paddey, another of Nelles’ friends. “Those who knew and loved Wendy saw these virtues amply displayed in her life.”

Awarded to developing writers in Canada, submissions are open to post-secondary students majoring or minoring in Journalism, Literature, Media, and Communications programs. To apply, students must complete a written questionnaire, including a character reference.

More about Wendy Elaine Nelles
A co-founder of The Word Guild, there are countless Canadian Christian writers and editors today who can thank Wendy for having found their voice due to her tireless advocacy on their behalf, and efforts at encouraging excellence and creativity. An award-winning journalist, writer, editor, speaker and writing instructor, Wendy was a passionate supporter of the arts. Her faith in God was the driving force of her life.

This scholarship is intended to continue her legacy of helping young writers.

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS OF THIS AWARD

2026
The winner of the 2026 Wendy Elaine Nelles Memorial Award is Emma Siemens, a graduate of CMU, who will be attending a Journalism program Carlton university this fall. Congratulations. The announcement letter and video are available here.

Announcement 

Video

2025 
The winner of the 2025 Wendy Elaine Nelles Memorial Award is Owen Hebbert who is attending Redeemer University. Congratulations. The announcement letter and video are available here.

Announcement 

Video

2024
The winner of the 2024 Wendy Elaine Nelles Memorial Award is Annika Crum,  a student who will be attending UBC. Congratulations to her! To learn more about her and hear from her, here is a link to the presentation of the award.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7j2FWX2qYY

The Harvey/Mackey Award seeks to recognize and encourage excellence in journalism from a Christian worldview. Journalists gather, fact check, interpret and objectively report on current issues and people. Journalism can hold leaders accountability, distribute news of interest, and add a Christian voice to Canadian media.

Prize:

Certificate, Specially Designed Glass Award, $250 Cash Award

How to apply:

• Indicate eligibility with a contest entry of a published journalistic piece
• Submission form: Submission Form – Published Works

Bob Harvey
For close to 10 years, between the mid-1990s and mid-2000, two journalists who also happened to be serious Christ followers, were involved in the Ottawa media scene. One was the late Bob Harvey, who was faith/ethics writer for the Ottawa Citizen. The other was Lloyd Mackey, who wrote about the Ottawa political and government scene for a range of Christian faith-based publications and web sites across Canada.

Lloyd Mackey
Bob and Lloyd got to know each other and would often meet to consult, collaborate and some might say to “conspire” in identifying stories that would be of interest to their respective readers: Bob’s being those who read the news pages of the Citizen and its sister mainstream newspapers across Canada, and Lloyd’s being more specifically faith-based, in various streams of the Christian mileau.

Bob and Lloyd were jointly presented with the Leslie K. Tarr award for lifetime achievement at Write Canada in 2006. Bob passed away in 2014 after several years of ill health. Lloyd is living with his wife, Edna, in Surrey, BC, enjoying an active retirement.

DESCRIPTION

Those eligible for this award will have been shortlisted in their respective categories for their journalistic work and will not have won a national award for their journalism work.

This award celebrates the best of Canada’s up and coming Christian journalists. This award is meant to encourage and support those who are new to journalism and have never before won an award for their work.

Each entry is judged independently of the article category, so the winner of the Harvey/Mackey Award may or may not win the award they are shortlisted for.

** The piece must be a journalism piece. Wiki defines journalism as: The reporting on and interactions between events, facts, ideas, and people that are the “news of the day” and that informs society to at least some degree.**

The Debra Fieguth Social Justice Award recognizes and encourages writing that reflects a Christian commitment to social justice, compassion, and love for neighbour. This award honours work that engages issues affecting the most vulnerable, upholds the dignity of all people, and demonstrates Christ-like care through both words and action.

Established in 2017, the award commemorates Debra Fieguth—an accomplished journalist, editor, and social justice advocate. Throughout her career, Debra contributed to numerous Canadian Christian publications and served in editorial roles across the country. She was also deeply committed to hospitality and advocacy, welcoming and supporting refugees, immigrants, and international students from around the world.

This award continues her legacy by recognizing writing that gives voice to justice, mercy, and meaningful social engagement.

Prize:

Certificate, Special Recognition, $200 Cash Award

How to apply:

• Indicate eligibility with a contest entry of a published work that reflects themes of social justice and Christian compassion
• Submission form: Submission Form – Published Works

DESCRIPTION

Eligible submissions may be in any genre, including books, articles, poetry, scripts, or other written forms, provided the work has been published and aligns with the themes of social justice and love for neighbour.

Writers must be Canadian and writing from a Christian worldview. Entries must be submitted to at least one other appropriate category within The Word Awards to be considered for this award. There is no additional fee, but entrants must indicate their intent to be considered for this award within the submission form.

Social justice themes may include (but are not limited to):

• Advocacy for the poor and vulnerable
• Respect for the dignity and value of all people
• Compassion for those in need
• Living out faith through action and service

Each entry is judged independently, and receiving this award is separate from category awards.

The Best Book Prize recognizes the most outstanding book published in the previous year by a Canadian author writing from a Christian worldview. As one of Canada’s most significant literary honours in this space, the prize celebrates excellence in both storytelling and thought—highlighting books that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity, and impact.

Two honours will be awarded: Best Fiction Book and Best Non-Fiction Book.

This prize represents the highest distinction among book entries in The Word Awards, recognizing the work that stands out above all others.

Prize:

Certificate, Specially Designed Glass Award, Significant Cash Award

How to apply:

• Automatically considered with any contest entry of a published book
• Submission form: Submission Form – Published Works

DESCRIPTION

All eligible published books entered into The Word Awards and shortlisted in their respective categories are automatically considered for The Best Book Prize.

In a second stage of judging, a panel of independent judges evaluates shortlisted titles to determine the most outstanding book of the year. Winners are selected based on overall excellence, including writing quality, originality, and impact.

Two winners are selected annually:

• Best Fiction Book
• Best Non-Fiction Book

The prize is awarded at The Word Awards Celebration.

This award is intended not only to recognize excellence, but also to support authors in their continued work—helping them further develop their craft, expand their reach, and invest in future writing projects.

This award recognizes the best-designed book cover of the year.

Prize:

• Certificate

How to apply:

• Automatically considered with any contest entry of a published book
• Submission form: Submission Form – Published Works

DESCRIPTION

All eligible published books entered into The Word Awards and shortlisted in their respective categories are automatically considered for The Best Book Prize.

In a second stage of judging, a panel of independent judges evaluates shortlisted titles to determine the most outstanding book of the year. Winners are selected based on overall excellence, including writing quality, originality, and impact.

Two winners are selected annually:

• Best Fiction Book
• Best Non-Fiction Book

The prize is awarded at The Word Awards Celebration.

This award is intended not only to recognize excellence, but also to support authors in their continued work—helping them further develop their craft, expand their reach, and invest in future writing projects.

The Best Song Lyrics Award recognizes excellence in song writing and will constitute the top prize in The Word Guild’s annual song lyrics writing contest.

This Award is for:
An original song released to the public in the appropriate year, via either:

1. Recording available for sale to the public
2. Public performance, including broadcast, concert, church or worship settings. Proof of performance is required for this award. List venue, date, approximate number in audience, name and phone number of contact person. Include a scanned copy of printed program/church bulletin if available, highlighting your performance.

Prize:

• Certificate

How to apply:

• Automatically considered with any contest entry of a published book
• Submission form: Submission Form – Published Works
• Each entrant must upload a digital copy of typed lyrics with complete credits for lyrics and music
• Each entrant must submit a digital copy of their song being performed.
• Ensure that the lyrics are clearly audible for judging.
• You may enter more than one song, but each song must be submitted separately