The deadline for the Mid South Writers Fiction Contest is rapidly approaching.

Any unpublished or self-published writer in Barry County 18 years of age or older is eligible to enter, and entries are due by Sept. 1, 2023.

The contest is intended for short stories or the beginning of a novel. A 3,000 word limit will be strictly enforced. Writers may submit more than one entry, but the contest is limited to the first 25 entries.

“We still have a number of spaces available,” said Susan Eschbach, president of the Mid South Writers. “We’re eager to find undiscovered local talent.”

Based in Cassville, Mid South Writers is a critique group dedicated to helping writers polish their manuscripts for publication.

“Our purpose is to help writers improve their writing skills, whether they are seeking to self-publish or plan to pursue traditional publishing,” Eschbach said. “To that end, this contest is unique in providing feedback on every manuscript accepted for the contest.”

All genres are accepted except work containing graphic depictions of sex, blood and gore, or stories depicting adult or child abuse.

The fee for the contest is $5, payable via PayPal. In addition, all submissions must be in standard manuscript format, Times New Roman 12-point type, oneinch margins, in Word (.doc or .docx) format.

Entries should be attached and emailed to midsouthwriters@gmail. com Those submitting works should not put their name on the manuscript. The body of the email should include the author’s name, address, email, phone number, title of the story and the PayPal account used for payment.

Entries will be judged by a panel of traditionally published authors. Copies of the contest rules may be obtained at the Cassville, Eagle Rock, Monett and Shell Knob libraries.

Information is also available on Facebook.com/midsouthwriters. For more information, people may contact midsouthwriters@gmail.com.