Announcing the Short List for the 8th Annual Geist Literal Literary Postcard Story Contest!

Postcard Story Contest FAQ

We've made it even easier to enter with this helpful list of FAQ!

Can I enter the contest more than once?

Yes. You may enter the contest as many times as you like. The entry fee is $25 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 the Postcard Story Contest, 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.

For the postcard image, can I use a picture or drawing that I created?

Yes. Please do not submit drawings of trademarked characters or reproductions of someone else’s work, unless you have obtained permission.

Do I need to make an actual postcard, or can I just send the image?

You can just send the image.

Can I get my postcard back after submitting?

Yes. If you would like your postcard returned, please include an SASE and mention in your cover letter that you would like your postcard returned.

When will the winners be announced?

It can take up to six months after the deadline to judge contest entries and select our winners. Non-winners will receive an email from Geist, and a shortlist will be published on geist.com.

Comments (19)

Comment Feed

Postcard

I am so sorry- I forgot to add my postcard image! Is there anything I can do?

Angie Ellis more than 6 years ago

Re: Postcard

Shouldn't be a problem! Email us at geist@geist.com and we can work something out.

Geist.com more than 6 years ago

Format of File

I was wondering what format is preferred for story? .pdf or .doc

Thanks

C.K. Twight more than 6 years ago

Re: Format of File

Either is fine with us! Whichever suits you.

Geist.com more than 6 years ago

Sending by mail

Does the story for the Postcard Story Contest need to be sent by registered or ordinary mail?

Miriam more than 7 years ago

Re: Sending by mail

Any type of mail is perfectly fine. Thanks for asking.

Geist.com more than 7 years ago

Mailed entries

Must the mailed entries simply be postmaked by the Early Bird Entry date? Or do they have to be in your office on that day?

Also, when is the regular deadline. I can't seem to find it in the info you have posted.

Thank you!

Brad more than 7 years ago

Re: Mailed entries

Entries should just be postmarked by the Early Bird Entry date, they can arrive later. The regular contest deadline is February 1, 2016. Thanks!

Geist.com more than 7 years ago

margins

Hey Geist, being all Canadian, how come we're using 1.25 inches for margins, and not 3.2 cm? or 3 cm?

Hilary Jenkins more than 9 years ago

What if we are already Geist subscribers...

Can we then continue our subscription for the future?

Lisa more than 9 years ago

Geist

Absolutely. We'll just extend your subscription.

Geist.com more than 9 years ago

Titles and Naming Files

Hello!

1) Does the submitted story need to have the title included in the actual document? If so, is the title included in the word count?

2) Should the submitted file's name be the same as the story title?

3) I have chosen copyright-free images, however they must be attributed to their source. Is there a space to do this on the submission form or should I save the image file with that information in the name?

Thank you!

Jessica more than 9 years ago

Geist

Thanks for your questions, Jessica.

1) The title isn't included in the word count, but it does help if you put the title at the top of the page.

2) It's helpful, but not necessary.

3) You can included the attribution information below your story.

Geist.com more than 9 years ago

Images from Wikimedia Commons

If we use an image from Wikimedia Commons, how do we credit the original photographer/artist?

Kim Downey more than 9 years ago

Re: Images from Wikimedia Commons

Hi Kim,

Wikimedia Commons often has credit information that you should include when citing an image. If that isn't available, credit Wikimedia Commons.

Thanks and happy writing!
The editors

Geist.com more than 9 years ago

Answers

Thanks for all the questions.

No, you do not have to be a Canadian citizen to enter.

Yes, the story can be creative non-fiction.

No, Geist does not accept international money orders. You can send a cheque with your mailed entry, or pay via credit card when you enter online here: https://geist.submittable.com/submit

Web Editor more than 10 years ago