Contests: Delacorte Press Teen Novel, Ghost Stories

By Gillespie and Queen

Delacorte Press Contest for a First Young Adult Novel

So you think you're up on the teen scene? If you can keep up with the biters, the skaters and the trendies and your words be full of grooviness and butter, then this contest is for you.

Delacorte Press Contest for a First Young Adult Novel

This contest is held annually to encourage the writing of contemporary young adult fiction, which is defined as a book-length manuscript suitable for readers ages 12 to 18.

The prize is a book contract for a hardcover and a paperback edition with $1,500 cash award and a $7,500 advance against royalties. It is open to any U.S. and Canadian writers who have not published a young adult novel.

Manuscripts should be between 100 and 224 pages and include a cover letter with a brief plot summary. Multiple submissions are not allowed. Manuscripts must be postmarked after October 1, 2004, but no later than December 31, 2004. Contest winner will be announced no later than April 30, 2005.

There was no prize awarded last year, so they're ready for your winning entry! For more information and a complete set of rules, go to www.randomhouse.com/kids/games/delacorte.html. And the best news is: there's no entry fee.

--KG

In-house contests running currently

Ghost stories, running now through Oct 27, 2004. Ten thousand words or less, fiction or non-fiction. More info.

Darklight anti-fanfic, running now through Jan 31, 2005. Retell the terrible sci-fi channel movie to share among fellow (anti)fans or come up with an original idea based on the demoness Lilith for possible publication in the Press. More info.

--AQ