CHRISTIAN MARKET
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.
Articles / Short Pieces
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 – series
- Two consecutive columns from a minimum of five pieces that appeared on a regular schedule in a publication
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
Short Story
- A fictional story with a fully developed theme but significantly shorter and less elaborate than a novel
Song Lyrics– Best Song Lyrics
An original song released to the public in year related to awards via either
- 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.
- Proof of performance is required for this choice
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.
Scripts
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
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.
Articles/Short Pieces
Blog
- 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 – series
- Two consecutive columns from a minimum of five pieces that appeared on a regular schedule in a publication
Column – single / Standalone Article
- 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 Story
- A fictional story with a fully developed theme but significantly shorter and less elaborate than a novel
Scripts
Short Script
- 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.**