Member-Sponsored Self-Publishing Challenge Contest

Details

This is a new form of contest, in which the public will, in effect, be the jury. It is also a "timed" challenge, to test a writer's ability to meet publishing deadlines. It will take advantage of the current ease of publication on Amazon.com.

On July 8, the theme of the contest will be announced in the Member-Sponsored Self-Publishing Challenge Group. The theme will be broad enough that works of different categories and genre can be written while addressing the theme. In view of the contest’s nature, interested writers are encouraged to spend some time before July 8 looking into which genre would be most likely to sell well. Entrants are encouraged to try a genre they would not normally write in. Remember, all fiction genres (including erotica) are suitable for this contest. Writing a good story is always important—but this contest will be won by the person who targets a profitable market and effectively addresses that market.

Entries are to be uploaded on Amazon KDP on July 22, at midnight Greenwich Mean Time. All entrants must use a pen name (pseudonym) they have not previously published under, in order that all stories compete on a level playing field. Although a cover is not mandatory, it is recommended as this will help sales. There is a $10 maximum for commissioning a cover. Entries must be 3,000 words or more.

At midnight September 2 2013 Greenwich Mean Time, all entrants must send a PM to either Mary Burnett or Free Falconer, advising their total number of sales. PLEASE NOTE: The person who advises the highest number of sales will be required to furnish an Amazon Sales Report screenshot (July, August and September) so the contest organisers may confirm their world-wide sales numbers. Should a participant not be able to furnish such a report, their entry will be disqualified. The person reporting the next highest sale numbers will be ruled the winner, and be contacted with a request for confirmation of their sales.

The winner will be the writer whose work sells most often over the six-week period. If you decide to use the free promotion days, then twenty free downloads are counted as equivalent to one sale.

Remember—the objective of this contest is to get a realistic appraisal of your writing’s popular appeal in the absence of specific marketing measures.

For more details, please see this forums thread.

Winning entries

Winners have been announced! Log in to see them.

Prizes

Rules

• All entries must address the theme announced on July 8, 2013.

• Entries must be at least 3000 words, with no upper limit.

• All entries must be submitted using a pseudonym the writer has not used before.

• Entries may be entered in KDP Select—20 borrows will be counted as 1 sale.

• All entrants should either join the Self-Publishing Challenge Group, or check the postings of that Group to familiaries themselves with updates regarding the contest.

• All entries must be offered on Amazon for $0.99 USD.

• Entrants are not to canvas friends, family or other Scribophile members for reviews on Amazon. The work must stand or fall on its own merits.

Submission guidelines

• All entries must be uploaded to Amazon KDP at midnight GMT, July 22, 2013.

• Covers for ebooks have a maximum budget of $10. Commissioning a cover is not obligatory but a default cover may harm sales. Remember, marketing is part of the challenge.

• Any genre is acceptable, including erotica. Part of the challenge is to locate, and write for, a profitable market.

• Entry to this contest is free.