I’m a bit worried about the fantastic Flash Fiction competition Reader’s Digest are running – and I’m not sure if I should be
Reader’s Digest are holding their annual short story competition for the eighth year. There are lots of good things about it.
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It’s free to enter
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Short stories have to be exactly 100 words – that’s a really interesting challenge
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There are three categories—one for adults and two categories for schools: one for children aged 12–18 and one for children under 12
But I think I should flag up this sentence in the rules.
Contributions become world copyright of Readers’ Digest.
As far as I can see, that sentence doesn’t apply just to winning contributions, but all entries. I’ve asked for clarification on their website but haven’t heard back. I decided to post anyway as time is running out: the deadline is 5pm on February 19th.
So, you decide…apart from that it’s a great competition, open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland.
The three best stories in each category will be posted online on February 27. Then we can all can vote for our favourite, and the one with the most votes wins the top prize. Voting will close at 5pm on March 19 and the winning entries will be published in the June issue of Reader’s Digest.
You will find all the details (including the sentence I’m having sleepless nights over) HERE.
You will see some people have been experiencing difficulties posting online so don’t leave it to 4.55pm on February 19th.
And if you do decide to enter, massive loads of good luck.
14 comments on “I’m a bit worried about the fantastic Flash Fiction competition Reader’s Digest are running – and I’m not sure if I should be”
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Like you I’m not happy with that comment, Bridget. Too inclusive until fully explained. I did enter one year with exactly 100 words, loved the challenged but that got me nowhere.
It’s a great competition but I really resent their demanding copyright for all entries, because I think that’s what they are doing. It’s not an isolated example either.
Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
Thanks Chris
Welcome, Bridget 😃
Noticed last year they give Readers Digest away free on Victorria Station on a stand with mags full of adverts. .Wonderd how they make there dosh? Who are there readers? Years ago used to subscribe. Not sure if I ever had anything published.in it! But anyone keeping copyright in this day and age seems well out of order.
A lot of publications make their money from advertisers rather than sales and that’s always been the case, Ann. I think some organisations are greedy for copyright because they want the chance to use it for web content (although the reality is that very little is ever used in that that way). Seems to me to be an unfair clause and which doesn’t respect the writer’s work.
Interesting comment. Perhaps better to assume they have the rights and then there’s no disappointment.
You’re right, best to assume the worst! There doesn’t seem to be any monitoring of the RD 100 word competition website at the moment. I haven’t seen any queries being answered in the last few weeks…
Reblogged this on Its good to be crazy Sometimes and commented:
I have a lot of authors and writers following my blog (my grammar and spelling must drive them nuts) but I thought this might be useful if you are planning on entering this at all
Thaks for reblogging & glad you feel it’s useful. Wish Reaader’s Digest would reply & clarify.
Most welcome and yes it would be helpful, if they could say
Thanks for the heads up! @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
It’s something to watch out for – they are no means alone.