For Students

2015 Young Authors’ Competition and Awards Reception For Students:

What is it?

The 2015 UAE University Young Authors’ Competition is a writing competition open to all students aged 7 to 18 currently enrolled in any primary or secondary school located in Al Ain.

What do I write about?

For the 2015 Competition, the writing theme is “Journeys”; be they physical, mental, emotional and/or philosophical. Each submission should, in some way, creatively and imaginatively address the theme of the competition. Submissions may be fiction or non-fiction and should contain scholastically and culturally appropriate language. Illustrations are optional in all divisions but if included, they must be original works created by the author.

What language should I write in?

Entries must be submitted in English and must be original works written/illustrated entirely by the contestant. Submissions deemed by the judges not to be entirely original and/or not created solely by the author will be disqualified.

What are the age divisions?

The competition has 4 age divisions based on your age as of August 31, 2015.

Division A is 7 to 9 year olds.
Division B is 10 to 12 year olds.
Division C is 13 to15 year olds.
Division D is 16 to18 year olds.

Remember, your age division depends on your age as of August 31, 2015.

Are there word limits?

Yes!

For Division A (7-9 year olds), the maximum word count is 250.
For Division B (10-12 year olds), the maximum word count is 500.
For Division C (13-15 year olds), the maximum word count is 750.
For Division D (16-18 year olds), the maximum word count is 1000.

Entries which exceed the maximum word count will be disqualified from the competition.

What format should I use?

Submissions must be typed, double spaced, in 12 point “Ariel” font and in MS Word format. Each submission should include a title and a cover page (see below). If selected, your entry will be submitted to the competition electronically. Only contestants in Division A (7-9 year olds) are allowed adult assistance, if needed, for typing and formatting their submissions. Otherwise, works MUST be written/illustrated and formatted entirely by the author.

Can I illustrate my story?

Yes! (but you don’t have to). Authors are welcome to illustrate their stories but illustrations must be kept within the following limits:

For Division A (7-9 year olds), illustrations must not exceed the printable margin of one (1) A4 page.
For Division B (10-12 year olds), illustrations must not exceed the printable margin of two (2) A4 pages.
For Division C (13-15 year olds), illustrations must not exceed the printable margin of three (3) A4 pages.
For Division D (16-18 year olds), illustrations must not exceed the printable margin of three (3) A4 pages.

Remember, illustrations MUST be original works created entirely by the author. Illustrations completed by anyone other than the author of the submission are NOT acceptable.

Are there prizes?

Of course! The purpose of the Competition is to encourage and REWARD excellence in writing. The top 25 entries in each age division will be invited to attend an Awards Reception at UAEU on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 between 8:00AM and 11:30AM. Each author invited to attend the Awards Reception will receive a certificate of excellence in writing. Authors penning the top 3 stories in each age division will receive CASH prizes. The best illustrator for each division will also receive a CASH prize. In total, 16 CASH prizes will be awarded.

Brunch will be served and local authors and dignitaries will address the audience and award prizes.

How much does the Competition and/or Awards Reception cost?

Absolutely nothing!!!! The Competition and Reception are provided completely free of charge thanks to generous donations from UAEU and local sponsors.

When is the deadline?

November 5, 2015 at 11:59PM. Late entries will not be accepted.

How do I submit my story?

Submissions for the Competition are accepted only through your school. You can not submit independently. Each school will devise their own method for selecting the top 2 stories per age division to submit to the competition. Ask your school for more information.