Bourbon City Steam
Steampunk Writer of the Year

All entries are subject to the rules of the contest.

*Short stories should reflect the current theme and be shorter that 5000 words. Longer entires are acceptable with a penalty.

*Each submission will be reviewed by a copy editor to determine if it is ready for publication and it meets editorial policy, two pros and one highly experienced fan will evaluate the accepted submissions.

*The highest rated writers will be given a thirty minute opportunity to present their story to an audience, who will then vote with a five star system. (you do have to be present to win, but you will be given a thirty minute window for a virtual presentation)

*The highest scoring stories (a combination of scores from each judge and the public) will be recognized and may be offered a publication contract (at con committee discretion)for North American Serial Rights at the rate of $.05 per word,

*The overall highest scorer will have their name added to our traveling BLS Steampunk Writer of the Year trophy. They will be offered the same rate for their work plus will be invited to be a guest author, and judge, next year. Badge and hotel room supplied by Bourbon City Steam. And they will present the traveling trophy to the new winner. Trophy belongs to Bourbon City Steam and may be given to the winner for display purposes only.

*Submissions should be in the form of a .pdf or a Word document. No identifying information in the actual submission file (to anonymize for the judges)

* Stories must be submitted no later than February 1, 2025

The goal is to create an anthology for publication. All offers given to finalists will be at the discretion of the Con committee. Offers will be at the rate of $.05 per word for North American Serial Rights. Once published, or released, by the convention, all other rights revert to the author.
Open to self-published and small press authors as well as traditional authors (Only dealing with the author themselves). Previously published items will be permissible as long as the rights are clear. Guests and attendees are invited to submit, but no work by anyone involved in the judging process will be accepted. All judge's decisions are final.