Competitions

The Society operates a varied competitions programme throughout the year, with all trophies, certificates and cash prizes now awarded at an annual prize-giving ceremony in London.
The majority of our competitions are open to Professional and Professional Associate members only, although we do occasionally open up entry to selected competitions to Friends and non-members. Full details of how to enter each competition are published in The Journal magazine and may also appear on our facebook and twitter pages. 

Before entering, please read the rules. Please direct any queries to the Competitions Co-ordinator vivienhampshire@btinternet.com.

Current
Past

Rules
SWWJ COMPETITION RULES from 2025.
These rules have been updated to accommodate recent changes to our submission processes.
Please read them carefully. Failure to comply could lead to your entry being invalidated.

  1. SWWJ competitions are open to Professional, Associate and New Writer members only. Unless specifically stated, Friends, Honorary members and non-members are not eligible to enter.
  2. Please ensure that any maximum word count or number of lines set for the competition is strictly adhered to. Shortlisted entrants may be asked to supply an electronic copy of any entry originally submitted by post so these details can be verified before prizes are awarded.
  3. Your membership number (NOT your name or any other identifying information) should be clearly marked on your entry. This ensures that all entries are anonymous when they are sent to the judge.
  4. When submitting on paper, please type or print on one side of plain white A4 paper only, and number the pages. For both paper and emailed entries, please use a clear font, ideally Times New Roman, 12pt or similar. No handwritten entries please.
  5. Please use double spacing for all prose entries. Poems may be spaced as the poet requires.
  6. Every postal entry must have a detachable cover sheet showing the title, your name, membership number, address, and email address and/or phone number so we can contact you. For emailed entries, please include this information in the body of your email or in a separate attachment.
  7. When posting, take note of the envelope size and weight so the correct postage is paid. The Society will not pay any fees due or arrange collection of undelivered items when postage has been underpaid. Submit emailed entries as a word .doc or .docx attachment, not as a PDF file please.
  8. The appropriate entry fee must be paid before the closing date. Payment methods will be as advertised for each competition. Cheques are accepted, but bank transfers are preferred.
  9. Entries received after the closing date may be disregarded with no return of fee.
  10. If you would like to receive a copy of the judge’s report, please enclose a self-addressed envelope of suitable size and bearing the correct postage. Alternatively, reports can be requested by email.
  11. Entries MUST not be previously published (including online) or have been read or performed in any public domain. They should not have won or be currently entered into any other competition.
  12. Please do not send your entry by recorded/special delivery or registered post. Enclose a stamped self-addressed postcard if you wish us to acknowledge safe receipt of a postal entry.
  13. Keep a copy of your work as the Society cannot be held responsible for the loss of your entry, in the post or otherwise. Manuscripts will not be returned after judging.
  14. Cash and other prizes vary per competition and will be as advertised.
  15. In the event of a large number of entries, or if the judge requests it, the Society reserves the right to appoint a shortlisting panel.
  16. Winners retain copyright but winning entries may be published in full, or in part, in The Journal. Please keep any advertised prize-giving date free in your diary and book a ticket to attend if possible.

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