How do I submit my writing/drawing as a general submission?

To submit your work as a general submission, just email it to us and share the document (if you are using Google Docs). By emailing, we mean opening up a new email, writing your message (ex: “Hello, my name is _____, I would like to enter this piece for the Belmont Times as a general submission.”), and attaching your document to the email. If your writing is in a Google Doc, you can find it in Google Drive when attaching. Otherwise, you may have to download the file first, before attaching it to the email.

How do I submit my writing/drawing for a contest?

To submit your work for a contest, just email it to us and share the document (if you are using Google Docs). By emailing, we mean opening up a new email, writing your message (ex: “Hello, my name is _____. I would like to enter this piece of writing for the _____ category of the Belmont Times contest.”), and attaching your document to the email. If your writing is in a Google Doc, you can find it in Google Drive when attaching. Otherwise, you may have to download the file first, before attaching it to the email. Also, you must name the title of your document “Contest/Category”. For example, “Contest/Poetry”.

What are general submissions?

General submissions do not have to follow any theme and will definitely be included in the magazine; however, they will not be specifically featured, and there will not be a chance to win prizes. 

Please note that you must fill in the proposal/idea form in order to enter a general submission. You must do this for each piece that you wish to enter.

What are contest submissions?

Contest submissions have the potential to be featured and win prizes, but pieces that do not receive a prize will not be included in the magazine. Also, contest submissions must follow the guidelines and themes we choose. If a contest submission breaks any of the rules (ex: word count limit), it will no longer be eligible to win a prize.

When submitting a contest submission, please make sure that you add “Contest/Category” in the title of the document containing your writing. (Ex: “Contest/Creative Writing”) Otherwise, we will not be informed that your piece is meant to be a contest submission.

Please note that you must fill in the proposal/idea form in order to enter a contest submission. You must do this for each piece that you wish to enter.

Can I enter a contest submission AND a general submission?

Yes, you have the option to submit your work as both a general submission AND a contest submission—of course, if a double-submission is awarded a prize, we will not be publishing it twice. You may also write two pieces—one for a contest submission and one as a general submission.

Can I enter submissions for multiple contest categories?

Yes, you may write multiple pieces for a contest and enter them for different categories. However, only one of your submissions can win an award. We encourage you to explore different types of writing though!

Can I write multiple pieces for one contest category?

No, unfortunately, you may only submit one piece maximum for each category. Of course, you can pick the same category again for the next contest!

Can I write multiple general submissions for one edition?

No, you may not write multiple general submissions for one edition. This is because we want to make sure everyone has a chance to see their writing in the magazine. You can always start writing for next month’s issue, though!

Can I submit the same piece multiple times (in different contests/issues)?

No, you may not submit the same work in multiple contests or editions of the magazine. The rule applies even if the piece you are looking to resubmit was never published (remember, contest submissions that don’t win a prize will not be published)!