Aikman Opportunity Award for young Christian writers is accepting article submissions. Articles will be 1000-1500 words in length, and should “…be a complete story in itself, one that might be found in magazine or other publication, while still leaving the reader wanting a fuller narrative.”
The goal of the award, say the organizers (Patrick Henry College, Guildford Media Ltd., and reporter / writer Dr. David Aikman), is to identify, encourage, and support a new generation of Christian writers to tell the true stories of how God has worked transformatively in the lives of individuals and communities.
Deadline for article submission is May 1, 2013.
A carefully selected panel of judges will then short-list the applicants and create a list of finalists by June 1, 2013. Upon notification, the finalists will be required to prepare a 2,000-4,000 word proposal outlining their version and offering verification of the authenticity of their story. These proposals will be submitted by Sept. 1, 2013, and the winners will be announced Oct. 1, 2013.
Not a typical writing content
Most writing contests award prizes for already completed manuscripts. The Aikman Opportunity Award is different. It promises a $20,000 prize to the writer who can compose the most compelling and best-reported article and (ultimately) book proposal of the Christian nonfiction story he or she wants to write. The prize, of course, will provide a solid financial base for the writer as the manuscript is being assembled.
To qualify, contestants must reside in Canada, the USA, the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland and be between 18 and 35 years of age.
Grand Prize: $20,000 plus potential for publication
First runner-up award: $1,500 plus potential for publication
Second runner-up award: $1,500 plus potential for publication
Third runner-up award: $1,500 plus potential for publication
“…today it’s more important than ever to tell people what God is doing in the world. At the end of the day, writing, especially Christian writing, is a God-given calling. In this writer’s contest I want to provide a spark of inspiration and a real practical incentive for Christian writers to be started telling the most wonderful story we will ever hear: what God is doing in the lives of ordinary people.” – Dr. David Aikman
To read more about the contest guidelines and general information see www.aikmanaward.com
