Writing Contest
2024 WRITERS CONFERENCE
WCCW is pleased to announce The Goldie Awards & Writing Contest for 2024. This annual contest is for original, unpublished submissions by attendees (both in-person and virtual). We define “published" as anything published for payment. Our panel of judges is comprised of professionals in writing and publishing. Entries can be pages from a completed (but unpublished) work, a work in progress, or something uniquely new just for WCCW. Here’s your chance to let your literary light shine!
Writing Contest Categories
MEMOIR
CHILDREN/YA
FICTION
POETRY
NONFICTION
BAD WRITING*
Please choose one category for your submission. One entry per person, (with the exception of the bad writing category) . Remember this is unpublished work. Please avoid explicit descriptions or language.
* Yes, we want you to write a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad story on purpose, but in a clever way. You can include story inconsistencies, tired clichés, appalling dialogue, plot issues, and the like. Anyone can enter this contest—even if you entered one of the other categories.
FORMAT
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Please include your name, title, and word count at the top of your submission.
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Submit as a Word doc. No PDFs.
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Times New Roman, double-spaced, 12 pt font, with 1 inch margins.
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Clearly mark which category you are entering.
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Put “WCCW Writing Contest” in the subject line of your email.
WORD COUNT
Poetry or Bad Writing: up to 250 words
​All other categories: up to 2500 words
Send your submission to:
Entry Submission Window: July 1 - Oct 11
PRIZES
All winners will receive a certificate and digital group photo (if physically present), along with recognition on the WCCW website, social media, and press release.
Winners in each category will receive:
1st place – Goldie Awards trophy & other goodies
2nd and 3rd place – Personalized Goldie Awards certificate
The Call Me Ishmael award is awarded to the entry with the best opening line.
The Best in Conference award is selected from the category winners. Recipients of this special award receive a certificate & FREE registration to the WCCW conference 2025, plus a free pitch session/consultation with a faculty member.
Goldie Awards
Each year, the West Coast Christian Writers recognizes outstanding contributions to Christian writing and publishing in the following categories:
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
An outstanding author in the WCCW community, distinguished by excellence and innovation. This author must be published within the last 2 years.
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MENTOR OF THE YEAR
An author who demonstrates the WCCW value for mentorship by supporting and encouraging other writers.
GOD'S WORD IS ALIVE
An author who has published an excellent Bible study, devotional, or book that brings the Bible to life in a unique way.
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UNSUNG HERO
A writer who demonstrates selfless service to the Christian writing community.
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PROMISING NEW WRITER
This “wild card” award for standout writing is selected based on faculty recommendations drawn from the Coaching & Critique appointments during the conference.
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* You may not nominate yourself*
