OCWW Manuscript and Contest Guidelines
One of the outstanding benefits to being an OCWW member is the opportunity to have your work critiqued by some of our highly qualified speakers. To check if a speaker is accepting manuscripts please scroll down to the list below.
Plan Ahead to Get Feedback on Your Writing
Manuscript Critiques and Contests are for 2021-2022 OCWW members only
Contests are Free to Enter!
For all Speakers, unless otherwise indicated. Manuscripts and Contest Submissions should be sent as an attachment to email: ocww.info@gmail.com. Please make the email subject OCWW Manuscript. Manuscripts and Contest Submissions should be in Word, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font with one inch margins, pages numbered, with name and email on the front or in the header. They should be received and paid for by the deadline found in the list posted below. Your manuscript critique will be returned by email the evening before or the day of the speaker’s session, with the exception of Fred Shafer, who will return manuscripts by September 23. If you haven't received confirmation of receipt of your contest entry within 24 hours please email us at ocww.info@gmail.com. Contest winners will be announced at the session (of the judge).
PLEASE NOTE: Different speakers may have additional requirements or guidelines for manuscript submission. See the list below for complete details.
3. Mandatory $10 Speaker Session Fees for Critique and Contests:
In addition to the manuscript critique fee, a single $10 session fee is required to submit a manuscript for an OCWW speaker’s critique. This $10 fee pays for the attendance of the session; this fee is due even if the member does not attend the speaker’s session.
4. Speaker’s Critique Fee:
$3 per page, with a 20 page maximum. *Please note there is a $15 minimum (even if you submit less that 5 pages) *
5. How to Pay for Your Critique:
ยท Once your manuscript is received, you will be sent an invoice to allow for quick and easy online payment. Manuscripts cannot be passed on to the speaker without advance payment. Please contact ocww.info@gmail.com if you haven't received your invoice within 24 hours of submission.
All OCWW Contests are member only and FREE to enter!
Manuscripts, Speakers and Deadlines:
Manuscripts Speaker Due Date
All genre Fred Shafer September 2
For all ages Fred Shafer September 9
Prose any genre Samantha MacLeod October 6
First 20 pg of novel Susan Scarf Merrell Accepting first 5 submissions
No line editing October 27
Sole purpose to
ID core question
Prose any genre Ian Belknap December 15 ` `
Prose Michael Zapata Accepting first 2 submissions
January 20
Poetry and Prose John McCarthy March 9
Query Letter Rick Kaempfer and David Stern March 23
First 10 pages
Prose Joseph Scapellato March 30
Prose Goldie Goldbloom Accepting first 2 submissions
April 6
Prose Jennifer Solheim April 27
Contests, Judges, and Due Dates:
Best Sex Scene Contest Samantha MacLeod September 29
5 page maximum
1st Place wins a 20 page critique from an upcoming speaker accepting manuscripts
2nd Place wins a 10 page critique from an upcoming speaker accepting manuscripts
3rd Place wins a 5 page critique from an upcoming speaker accepting manuscripts
Children’s Lit Contest Alice B. McGinty November 18
Through Middle Grade
5 page maximum
1st Place wins a 20 page critique from an upcoming speaker accepting manuscripts
2nd Place wins a 10 page critique from an upcoming speaker accepting manuscripts
3rd Place wins a 5 page critique from an upcoming speaker accepting manuscripts
High Drama Scene Contest Mary Ruth Clarke December 23
6 page maximum.
Please see session info
for specifics
Winners get their scenes read by actors at the session.
Flash Contest Kathleen Rooney April 13
500 word limit
First Place wins 2 books from Rose Metal Press
Second Place wins 1 signed book from Rose Metal Press
Third Place wins 1 signed book from Rose Metal Press