Faq For the Once Upon A Time Contest

Okay in THE WRITERS CLUB some good questions had come up about the contest so we thought we would try to answer some of them here.

Do I need to be a member of THE WRITERS CLUB?

No, you do not. You do however need to like and follow the Booknet Authors Facebook Page found @booknetAuthors We will most likely invite you to join us in THE WRITERS CLUB when you do but it is completely up to you if you would like to accept that invite.

I have a story I want to edit and use for the contest is that okay?

It is so long as the story is not one that was previously published on Booknet or another platform. We are looking for new short stories for this contest.

I'm confused you only accept unpublished stories but I have to publish my story to enter?

When we say unpublished we mean it in the context of not previously published on Booknet or any other writing platform prior to 8/29/19. You will need to publish your (NEW) story on Booknet in order to enter the contest. 

I entered my previously published book by mistake, now what?

No worries, it can happen. We have several moderators handling this contest. We are on the lookout for books that have been previously published and those stories will be declined. 

Once the contest is over can I then expand my story?

Since Booknet is offering to promote the short story as part of the prize of winning the contest it is best you write a story can stand alone as to expand it after the contest would be an exploitation of the rules that it is a short story max 50,000 characters.

Do I still own the rights to my story?

Yes, as with all stories posted on Booknet the author retains the right to any story posted on the platform.

Will my story be published as an Ebook by Booknet?

No. Booknet Authors and The Writers Club are running this contest, therefore, the publication of your story is not an option. You will receive exposure for your writings through an interview and story review by Booknet Authors / The Writers Club, and marketing promotion by Booknet itself.

Exactly how many words are 50,000 characters?

Now, remember its CHARACTERS not WORDS that count. 50,000 characters average about 10,000 words that would be 2,000 words approx. by chapter for a total of 5 chapters. You can see the number of characters your chapters have when you post them. Just keep a close eye to make certain you do not go over the max 50,000 characters.

That seems way less than 25 Booknet pages?

It may possibly be. That was the average given to us by Booknet, but so long as you are not over 50,000 characters you’ll be just fine.

Is there a minimum number of characters?

No, but do keep in mind to tell a well-rounded tale you may want to make the most of the words you have to tell it in.

English is not my Native Language will that work against me when being judged?

We all understand this is the English Language version of Booknet and so that covers quite a large number of countries where English is spoken and written but not a native language. We will take that into account when reading your story, but we do ask that you keep in mind also that Booknet will be promoting this story as part of the prize for winning. So please, try and edit your story so that you are presenting your most polished work or as close as possible.

Do I need a cover for my story?

Yes! Entering the contest makes you eligible for the promotion of your story and you as a writer. Promotion will occur through Booknet Authors, The Writers Club, and Booknet so in order for us to do that properly you should put forward your best work, including a cover. 

What will get my book disqualified or declined?

1. Gratuitous sex, language or violence NO Mature 18+ stories.
2. The annotation of your book must clearly show how your story is a fairytale.
3. You did not Like and Follow the BOOKNET AUTHORS facebook page. (we will notify you of this before your story is declined so you can join and have your story accepted)
4. You have gone over the word limit for the story.
5. You did not complete your story by the deadline Nov. 30th, 2019 and marked it complete.

If I write a Myth, Folklore, Fable, or Legend does that count as a Fairytale?

Yes.

Does it have to be a retelling of an old tale or can I write something completely new?

You can do a retelling of an old story OR create something brand new. We are looking for creative out of the box thinkers. So no matter your genre or style of writing you can create a tale that fits your style.

So would something like a retelling of Alice and Wonderland count as a fairytale?

Yes, fairytales are stories that have elements of a strong Hero or Heroine, a Villain, a problem to be overcome, a lesson to be learned, most often times a happy ending (but not always) and often have magical components or creatures (but also not a necessity).

Does it have to be set in Olden Times?

No. You can make it a present-day tale set in a modern city or even futuristic. So long as it has the elements of a Fairytale as mentioned above.

Does it have to be written like a Narrative?

No, you don’t have to start your story with ‘Once upon a time…’ or ‘A long, long time ago…’ , none of that. You can even write in 1st person POV if you’d like, so long as it contains the elements of a Fairytale.

When must I have my story completed by?

November 30th, 2019 completed stories must be received and marked complete before or on that date to be considered for the prize.

Can I submit more than one story?

Yes, you can but the limit is 2 stories for this contest.

What if I have more questions?

You can ask them here, on Booknet Authors Facebook page, in THE WRITERS CLUB or in the comments on the Contest page and we will be certain to answer them for you.