Guildford Book Festival’s new story competition goes digital

Short story writers are being encouraged to enter a competition that organisers are calling the first of its kind.

This year, the Guildford Book Festival launches a Short Story Competition, inviting submissions from both new and published authors in any genre. Unlike many other contests, there is no restriction on the nationality or geographical location of entrants, and the fee to submit is just five pounds - all of which goes towards funding the annual literary festival.

The theme is to inspire readers to live their lives to the full. The word limit of 7,000 words or less, has been set so that the story can be read in full on a return train journey between Guildford and Waterloo stations. 

The winning short story will be converted into a multimedia iPhone application and have a  professionally recorded audio track so it can either be read or listened to on a commute via the App. 

It will be available for download in the Apple iTunes store from January 2011. The author will also win an ePublishing contract with Commutabooks worth over £2000.

Glenis Pycraft, Director of Guildford Book Festival noted, “We are thrilled that this year’s competition brings the Festival right into the forefront of publishing in the 21st century. We look forward to many entries”.  

For competition details and to submit a story, visit www.tinyurl.com/gbfcomp. 

The Guildford Book Festival takes place between 14 – 23 October.