Get all your questions answered here!

Where do I get my CanLit premises?

The CanLit premise generator lives at canlitgenerator.com.

What is the CanLit premise generator?

The CanLit premise generator uses JavaScript to randomly output event, location and character combinations, drawn from a database of crowdsourced suggestions. At present, 900,000 premises are available. It was built by Adam Brady.

Do I have to write on the first CanLit premise I generate from the premise generator?

No. You can generate as many premises as you'd like.

Do I have to include the original premise I used to write my story in my submission?

Yes.

When is the contest deadline?

August 1, 2016.

Can I enter the contest more than once?

Yes. You may enter the contest as many times as you like. The entry fee is $20 for the first entry, and $5 each for each additional entry. Click here to enter online.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Cover letters should include your name, mailing address, phone number, email, title of entry and a note about how you found out about the contest.

Do I need a cover letter for each additional entry?

Just one cover letter for all entries is fine.

How can I pay the entry fee?

If you are entering the contest through our Online Submission Manager, you can pay online by credit card or by PayPal.

If you are sending your entry by mail, you can pay by cheque or money order. Please do not send cash in the mail.

Why is the entry fee in US dollars?

Submittable, the Online Submission Manager Geist uses for contests, is an American company, and requires that fees be paid in USD.

If I send my entry by mail, can I still pay by credit card or PayPal?

Yes. But please contact us before you do. We can be reached by email at geist@geist.com, or by phone at 604-681-9161.

Can I email my entry?

No. If you would like to enter electronically, please use our Online Submission Manager.

If I mail my entry, who do I make a cheque out to?

Cheques can be made out to the Geist Foundation.

Does the word count include the title?

No, the "500 words or less" word count does not include the title of your entry.

When will the winners be announced?

It can take up to six months after the deadline to judge contest entries and select our winners. Both winner and non-winners will be contacted by Geist.