WRITING CONTEST
2026 WRITERS CONFERENCE
This annual contest is for original, unpublished submissions by attendees (both in-person and online). We define “published" as anything self-published (print) or 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 Entries can be pages from a completed (but unpublished) work, a work in progress, or something uniquely new just for WCCW. Entries are reviewed anonymously and judged by rubric. No comments or feedback will be provided. First-, second-, and third-place winners in each category will be awarded at the final general session on Friday, November 6 and later listed on our website.
Step 1
SELECT A CATEGORY
Choose a category from the list below for your contest entry. Limit one entry per person. (The "bad writing" category does not count as an entry - it's just for fun!)
Step 2
FORMAT YOUR ENTRY
Entries should be 1000 words or fewer* in the following format: Times New Roman, 12 point; double spaced; one-inch margins. Include the title and category in the header of your document. Do not include your name anywhere in the manuscript.
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*Bad writing category is 250 words
Step 3
SUBMIT FOR JUDGING
Submit your entry by clicking the button below to complete the entry form. Deadline to enter is October 12.
FICTION
NONFICTION
MEMOIR
POETRY
CHILDREN/YA
BAD WRITING
Permission granted to break every writing rule you've ever learned! Overuse adverbs! Mix metaphors! Make your characters sob dramatically while their eyes sparkled like diamonds in a hurricane! Have fun with it!
GOLDIE AWARDS
Each year, 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.
2024 Recipient: Shelley Adina Senft
2025 Recipient: Chris Morris
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MENTOR OF THE YEAR
An author who demonstrates the WCCW value for mentorship by supporting and encouraging other writers.
2024 Recipient: Joseph Bentz
2025 Recipient: Jan Kern
THE ENCOURAGER AWARD
A WCCW conference attendee who demonstrated warmth and encouragement. Selected from among the notes written at the conference.
2025 Recipient: Joy Michelle Austin
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UNSUNG HERO
A writer who demonstrates selfless service to the Christian writing community.
2024 Recipient: Debbie Jones Warren
2025 Recipient: Derrell Thomas
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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.​
2024 Recipient: Hannah Muldery
2025 Recipient: Tessa Burns
Selection for these awards is made by our leadership team.