All entries must be original writing by the entrant that has not been previously published and must not infringe the rights of any third party. You may submit up to three entries in each category, but each entry must be submitted separately and an entry may not be submitted in more than one category. For example, you may submit three entries in the Adult Short Story category but those three entries may not be submitted in the Memoir/Creative Non-fiction category. Entry forms are available during regular business hours at the Kalamazoo Gazette; Kalamazoo Gazette Customer Service Center at The Crossroads mall; Kalamazoo Public Library, its branches and the Bookmobile; the Portage District Library; Hidden Room Book Shoppe (through December only); Kazoo Books; Lowry’s Books; and Michigan News Agency.

Click here to download the official entry form.

Click here to download the official guidelines.

Entries will be accepted December 16, 2007 through February 8, 2008. Submit TWO copies of your original work typed or hand-printed in blue or black ink on 8 ½ “x 11” standard white paper and the official entry form (or a copy thereof) for each entry. Author’s name should appear only on the entry form. Entries become the property of the Sponsors and will not be acknowledged or returned.

Entries must be received in person during regular business hours or by mail at one of the following locations by 5 p.m. EST on February 8, 2008:

·  Joyce Pines, Kalamazoo Gazette, 401 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

·  Kalamazoo Gazette Customer Service Center at The Crossroads mall

·  Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 S. Rose, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

·  Kalamazoo Public Library branches and the Bookmobile

·  Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane, Portage, MI 49002

·  Hidden Room Book Shoppe, 518 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI 49090 (through December)

·  Kazoo Books, 407 N. Clarendon, Kalamazoo, MI 49006

·  Kazoo Books II, 2413 Parkview, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

·  Lowry’s Books and More, 22 N. Main St., Three Rivers, MI 49093

·  Lowry’s Books, 107 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091

·  Michigan News Agency, 308 W. Michigan, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Note: Please include "Community Literary Awards" on the face of the envelope of all mail entries. Sponsors are not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, postage due or illegible entries.

Persons submitting entries must be U.S. residents and live in the Kalamazoo Gazette circulation area. Employees (and their immediate families) of Kalamazoo Gazette; MLIVE.com, Kalamazoo Public Library; the Portage District Library; Hidden Room Book Shoppe; Kazoo Books; Lowry’s Books and Michigan News Agency are ineligible.

All entries in each category will be judged based on plot (25%), structure (25%), originality (25%) and correct grammar usage (25%) by a panel of judges representing each Sponsor in each category.  One (1) potential winner and two (2) finalists will be chosen in each category.  In the event of a tie, the chief judge will make the final determination.  Potential winners and finalists will be notified by telephone or mail on or about March 14, 2008. If any potential winner or finalist cannot be contacted, does not respond within one (1) day, or the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to any prize and an alternate winner may be chosen.  Decisions of the judges are final and binding in all respects.

The first prize winner in each age group for each category will receive a $50 gift certificate redeemable at any of the four sponsoring bookstores. The two finalists will receive a $25 gift certificate redeemable at any of the four sponsoring bookstores. Gift certificates are subject to certain restrictions including expiration dates.  Prizes are not transferable. No substitution for prizes except by Sponsors, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be substituted.  Acceptance of the prize constitutes consent to use winners’ and finalists names (and likenesses) and entry(ies) for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes without further compensation, except where prohibited. Income and other taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winners.

Winning entries will be published in the Gazette during the second quarter of 2008. Winners and finalists will be honored at a reception at the Kalamazoo Public Library on March 30, 2008. The Kalamazoo Gazette acquires first publication rights to the winning entries, which may then be published in any medium. Winners may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility and a liability/publicity/copyright permission release, which must be returned within one (1) day from date of notification or an alternate winner may be chosen. Prizes to minors will be awarded to their parents or legal guardians who must sign any necessary affidavits and releases. For a list of prize winners, please send a SASE to Joyce Pines, Literary Awards Contest Winners, Kalamazoo Gazette, 401 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007. No substitutions for prizes except by sponsors in case of unavailability.

Contest is subject to all federal, Michigan state and local laws and regulations. Void outside Michigan and where prohibited. Any violation of these rules may result in disqualification.  Sponsors are not responsible for errors in the administration or fulfillment of this contest, including, without limitation, mechanical, human, printing, distribution or production errors, and may modify or cancel this promotion based upon such error at its sole discretion without liability.

For more information, please call Joyce Pines at (269) 388-2736.

SPONSORS: Kalamazoo Gazette 401 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007; Kalamazoo Public Library 315 S. Rose, Kalamazoo, MI 49007; the Portage District Library 300 Library Lane, Portage, MI 49002;  Hidden Room Book Shoppe 518 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI 49090;  Kazoo Books 407 N. Clarendon, Kalamazoo, MI 49006;  Lowry’s Books 22 N. Main St., Three Rivers, MI 49093;  and Michigan News Agency 308 W. Michigan, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.