The Gen 3 Contest (2023)

FAQ

Do I have to use all 3 keywords?

Yes.

Do the keywords have to be used directly?

You can use them however you want: literally, metaphorically, altered to fit your needs, whatever. For example, if you need to use the word "bridge" you don't have to mention or describe an actual single bridge. There can be multiple bridges. It can be used like a verb or a metaphor. You may conjugate it however you like ("bridging," "bridged," etc.), but you can't use a synonym, you can't describe the word without actually using it, and you can't use a similar word that has a different meaning (like "abridged"). Basically, you can do whatever you like, as long as you use the actual word in whatever form suits your needs. All we ask is that all 3 keywords are easy to find or recognize. Not including them will result in your story being disqualified.

What is the required word count?

Between 7.5K and 20K. A few words under or over is okay, but don't go overboard.

Can I write [x] genre?

You can write whatever you like, as long as it complies with Wattpad's guidelines.

Do I have to write a new story?

Yes. You're not allowed to submit an old or repurposed story.

Can I tell anyone about my story? Can I talk about it in the server?

Yes! Since we are doing away with the anonymity, you are welcome to talk about your story, but we do have to ask that all contest-related conversation stays in the #contest channel.

There will be a public thread for this year's contest where you can chat to your heart's content. Please use the #contest channel itself for conversations about the contest (i.e. questions about rules, etc.) and the thread for conversations about the content of your entries.

If you are submitting an entry and you also have a corner in the server, you can talk about your entry there like any of your other works. However, it will mean judges will not be visiting your corner until the end of the judging period. We will let them know whose corners to avoid.

Why can't judges be in the same channels as the contestants talking about their entries?

Conversations between writers often elicit all kinds of details, elements, motivations, backstories, etc. that may or may not make it to the final version. While we aren't worried about knowing who the authors of entries are this year, we do still want our judges to be able to judge the entry based on what made it onto the submitted version.

Can I co-write a story?

Yes.

Can I write more than one story?

Absolutely! The more stories the better.

Do I need to let anyone know I'm participating?

Nah. Just make sure you publish your first chapter on time for round one and drop a link in the #contest channel or our DMs so we can add it to our reading list. That will automatically let us know you're participating!

What if I drop out after submitting for round one?

Please let us know. We'll remove your story from the list.

What if I want to join after round one?

Unfortunately, you can't participate in the contest if you're too late with submitting your entry for round one. Make sure you have something to publish on the day of the deadline as your first chapter.

Okay, so what counts as a chapter?

Your first chapter has to be at least 500 words long.

Will my first chapter be judged?

Once you've started posting your story, it may be read by judges at any time, so the answer is... maybe? Depends on how eager the judges are to start reading.

Why do I have to submit a copy of my story if the judges can read it on Wattpad?

We need to be able to verify your word count, your use of keywords, and make sure that no large changes happen after the submission deadline. Furthermore, some judges may wait until the official judging time to read all the entries. That means any changes or additions made after the deadline will not be included in judging.

Do I have to post my story on Wattpad?

Yes. It must be posted in full by the final submission date. Once the judging period is over, you are required to have it on Wattpad for 3 months. After that, the world is your oyster.

Can I post it elsewhere?

As long as it's on Wattpad, you're free to do whatever you please.

Will the stories be published on the LL account or anything like that?

We'll make a reading list with all the entries.

Can I edit my story after submitting?

It's important to remember that the judges could start reading any time after you've started posting. If you want to edit your story while you're publishing it on Wattpad, we can't stop you, but please refrain from making any large changes. Consider it an ongoing final draft. But if you just can't stand that typo in chapter 3, feel free to fix it!

(After the judging is over, you are free to make changes as you wish, but please add a note to let everyone know it's different from the story you submitted.)

How do I submit my story?

Send a docx file, a pdf file, or a Google Doc link to Glyn or Haley in a private message on Discord. If your story is co-written, put the username of your co-writer in your message and/or document. If you're not sure how to do any of this, please message Glyn or Haley (NerdOfAllTrades).

How do I format my story?

Please use a readable font (eg: Times New Roman, Georgia, Arial) and proper line spacing and/or indentation. There's an image with examples pinned to the #contest channel.

Do I need a blurb/cover?

Once you post it on Wattpad for the end of round 1, yes. This will not be judged.

When does the contest start/end?

You can find all the dates in the first part of this book (the introduction). We'll be posting announcements in the server for each and every starting/ending point, but you can always come back here for the full schedule.

Any other questions? Just shoot 'em at us in the #contest channel in LL!