RFW Writing Contest — Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: January, 2026

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern participation in the writing contest(s) hosted by RFW Enterprise Publishing (“Sponsor,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By submitting an entry, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Entry deadline

The closing date for entries is 23:59 on the 10th of each month. Entries received after the deadline will not be eligible.

Prizes

  • First Place: $50 USD
  • Second Place: $25 USD
  • Third Place: $15 USD
  • Honorable Mention: Not a guaranteed category, and no cash prize. If judges select an honorable mention, the author will be contacted along with the first through third place winners.

Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value if necessary. Prizes are not transferable.

Who can enter?

  • Entries are welcome from writers writing in English in the USA and Canada.
  • Age: 18 and over
  • Ineligible: RFW Enterprise employees and their families

How to enter

  • Entries must be submitted online via the official contest entry page at https://rfw-enterprise.com/writing-contest/

  • Multiple entries: Are allowed. Each entry must be submitted as a separate transaction/submission.
  • Entrants will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt to the email address used when entering.

Formatting your entry

  • File format: PDF
  • Font: Minimum of 12 pt
  • Cover Page: Title, Subtitle (if applicable), Pen name, and real name,
  • File name: The file name must only include the title of the story. Do not include your name in the title or file name.
  • Word count: Entries must be a single, work of 3000 to 10,000 words.
  • Language: Entries must be written in English.

Exclusivity

Submission of your manuscript in the monthly writing contest grants us a non-exclusive right to publish. We prefer to to publish first, but will allow prior published works on a case-by-case basis.

    What does it cost to enter a story?

    • Entry fee: $15 per entry
    • Refunds: If entrants subsequently withdraw their entries, or if we deem the entry does not meet the requirements or guidelines the entry fee will NOT be refunded. Entry fees are not refundable.

    Terms and conditions

    • Entries must be original works of a category or genre that matches the genre for that month written by the person submitting.
    • Entries must not infringe upon anyone’s copyright or other rights.
    • Entries that are deemed to be works of plagiarism will be disqualified.
    • Entries must contain nothing obscene, libellous, unlawful, defamatory, or anything Sponsor may deem to be inappropriate.
    • Translations: Not eligible
    • We are unable to provide feedback about individual entries.
    • Sponsor reserves the right not to award a prize.

    Copyright

    Copyright in the story remains with the entrant, subject to the license granted below for judging, promotion, and publication.

    Publication

    • Sponsor may edit entries and share changes with the authors for approval. Authors may be involved in proofing.
    • Publication timing: Winning entries will be published on our website in the second week of the month following entry and in the POD anthology at the end of the year.
    • Author credit: Authorship of entries will be fully acknowledged in all related material.
    • Real name / pseudonyms: Works must be entered under a real name. If you wish your work to be published under a pseudonym, place the pseudonym directly under the title of the work on your cover page, and your real name underneath that. You will be contacted for clarification if your entry a winner and if we have questions.

    Rights Granted (License)

    • You retain full ownership of your submitted work.
    • By entering, you grant Sponsor a non-exclusive license to:
      • Review, judge, and evaluate the submission
      • Announce winners and finalists
      • Display excerpts of winning/shortlisted entries for promotional purposes (with author credit)
      • Anthology: If your winning entry requires minor edits for the anthology, Sponsor will consult the author(s) for approval.

      The Judging Process

      • Announcements: Winners announced on website during week 1 of the following month, and published on week 2 of that month.
      • The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into about the judging process.

      Limitation of Liability

      By participating, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor from any claims arising out of participation in the contest or acceptance of any prize, to the extent permitted by law.

      Privacy

      Personal information collected will be used solely for contest administration and in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
      Privacy Policy: https://rfw-enterprise.com/privacy-policy/

      Sponsor

      This contest is sponsored by:

      RFW Enterprise Publishing
      rachel@rfw-enterprise.com