Calling All Kids! New Writing Contest for You!

I received an e-mail from an author who found me online through an interview I did. She mentioned that she is a judge for a writing contest. I visited the site of the contest, and pasted some of the guidelines below, as well as the link.

Welcome to the 2009 Fiction Competition sponsored by Girls Horse Club. Since 2001 we’ve published blogs, stories, poetry, artwork, and photography created by and for horse girls around the world.

This year we’re raising the bar with a competition judged by popular horse fiction authors and award-winning media experts. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners in two age groups—11 and younger, and 12 – 17. Please read the entry requirements, meet our judges, and learn how to enter below.

Let the competition begin!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
At least one of the main characters must be a horse, and that character must play a key role in the storyline.
The story can be an adventure, a mystery, a fantasy or even science fiction — the entry must be narrative fiction, but all genres are welcome.
Entries are limited to 6000 words or less. Shorter stories are also welcome.
The competition is open to anyone age 17 or younger.
Entries will be judged in two age categories: 11 and younger, 12 through 17.
Stories previously published at GHC are eligible for entry as long as they meet the requirements.
Entries must be original, written by the submitting author.
Entries will not be edited prior to judging. To assure the judges are not distracted by incorrect spelling, grammar, etc., the author is responsible for polishing her story prior to entry.
Only one entry per author.
All entries remain the property of the author. By entering, the author grants Plan B Enterprises, Inc., the parent company of Girls Horse Club, the right to publish the story at GirlsHorseClub.com and in related promotional materials.
COMPETITION INFORMATION
Only the winning entries will be published.
Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place stories in each age group (6 total prize packages).
A mailing address is not required for entry, but is required to award prizes. Please check with a parent before entering to make sure it’s OK to provide a mailing address if you win a prize. Winners who are not able to provide a mailing address may choose to donate their prize package to a horse-related non-profit organization.
TIMELINE

ENTRY FORM OPENS: Saturday June 27, 2009 ENTRY DEADLINE: Sunday August 23, 2009 at noon Pacific Time WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Saturday September 12, 2009
Please use the email link at the bottom of any page to contact us for sponsorship rates or to arrange a prize donation.