Contests & Exhibits
Dorothy Shoemaker Literary Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Dorothy Shoemaker Literary Awards Contest launched?
The Awards began in 1967 as a Centennial project of the Kitchener Public Library and are named for Miss Dorothy Shoemaker, the former Chief Librarian, who was an ardent support of aspiring writers throughout her career.
How many entries are received?
Submissions fluctuate yearly between 300 and 1500. The number of actual participants is somewhat lower, since some contestants submitted more than one entry.
Is there any age restriction?
There is no age restriction.
Is there any country restriction?
Yes, this contest is open to Ontario residents only.
Are my entries judged anonymously?
Yes, your entry is judged by its excellence, not your past achievements, current fame, or relationship to anyone involved with the contest.
Are my entries judged separately from one another (if I enter more than one)?
Yes, entries are judged separately.
Can a contestant win more than one prize in a year?
Yes, more than one prize can be won by an individual contestant.
How many entries may I enter?
One prose, and up to 2 poems, per entrant. Entries are accepted in date order. If more than the maximum number are submitted, the entries received last are excluded.
What is considered a professional writer?
For the purpose of this contest, a professional writer is anyone who derives more than 50% of their income from writing.
May I submit a paper copy?
No, email with attachments, are the only acceptable form.
How should I submit entries with complex formatting (e.g., italics, centered text)?
By using and sending a Word document as attachment, your formatting should be maintained.(WordPerfect cannot be accepted.) Do not paste into the body of the email.
May I include illustrations or photos with my entry?
No, illustrations and photos may not be included.
May I submit an entry by someone who has died?
No. The authors of all submissions must be living.
May I submit an entry for an age category that I am not currently in?
No, your work must be current to the age category you are currently eligible for.
May I submit my entry simultaneously to you and to other contests and publishers?
Yes, you may certainly do so.
May I submit a work that has been published elsewhere or won an award?
Yes, all such work is acceptable, provided you own the online publication rights. Work that has been entered in previous Dorothy Shoemaker Contests is also acceptable, provided you did not win a cash prize. However, if your work was commended or short-listed in our previous contests, we recommend that you revise it before re-submitting.
Will you return my entry after the contest?
No - please keep a copy of your work.
What format is acceptable for publication in the Changing Image?
All entries must conform to submission guidelines. Winning entries will be printed as received. The library will not do any editing for grammar, spelling or punctuation, but may alter winning pieces for font and spacing to maintain a consistent look for the Changing Image publication.
What are the submission guidelines?
Prose:
Font size & type: Arial 12
Spacing: double
Alignment: left (no indentations)
Style guide: 2 spaces at end of sentence
Poetry:
Font size & type: Arial 12
Alignment: author’s choice.
Style guide: variations may be discussed with editor
Will I keep the copyright to my work?
Yes. You keep the copyright to your submission. If your entry wins any cash prize or honourable mention, you agree to give both the Kitchener Public Library and the Dorothy Shoemaker Literary Awards Contest, a nonexclusive license to publish your work in our annual Changing Image publication and possibly online. You retain all other rights. You are free, for example, to publish your work in print or online elsewhere, and to enter it into other contests, whether or not you win a prize in this contest.
Do you forward any contestant information to third parties?
No, The Kitchener Public Library does not release contest entrant information to third parties. Information is used only to the extent necessary to contact you in relation to this Contest.
“Collection of information for the Dorothy Shoemaker Literary Awards Contest is subject to the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Personal Privacy Act. The Library will not divulge this information to outside parties unless required to do so by law.”
How can I find out more?
Please email literary contest administrator.
