Previous first-place winners are not eligible. No person may win more than one prize.

Submissions may be in any genre, but must be a short story with all of the elements defined below.

All stories must be original and may not have been previously published in any newspaper, magazine, or book, whether for pay or not.

Each entry must be typed (typewriter or word processor) and double-spaced, using 12-point font.

Use standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Do not use legal size.

Use standard formatting for pages: 1 ¼-inch margins on both sides, 1-inch margins top and bottom.

All stories must be 10 pages or less. (Allows approximately 3,500 words.)

Indent the first line of each paragraph, and number all pages, top or bottom.

Put the story title at the top of each page.

On a separate cover page, include the title of the story along with the writer's name, address, and telephone number. Do not put the writer's name on any other pages.

Submit three copies of the story.

Entries will be judged on the basis of plot (25 pts.), character development (25 pts.), intent/focus (15 pts.), reader interest (15 pts.), style/voice (10 pts), grammar/punctuation (5 pts), and title (5 pts).

You may enter as many stories as you like, as long as each story is accompanied by a separate entry fee.

For members of VCWC, the entry fee is $15.00. For non-members, the entry fee is $25.00.

Please make checks payable to VCWC. Please do not send cash.

Entries must be postmarked no later than September 1, 2007 to be eligible.

All decisions of the judges are final. Entries not following contest rules will be disqualified. No entries will be returned.

Winners will be notified by telephone prior to November 11, 2007.

Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded at the general meeting of the Ventura County Writers Club on November 13, 2007