What is the 3-Day Novel Contest, anyway?

The 3-Day Novel Writing Contest is a writing challenge on Labor Day Weekend. Entrants pre-register and then grit their teeth, lock their doors and try to produce a literary masterwork in 72 short hours. The three writers who write the most words win awesome prizes.

Can I submit a novel I’ve already written?

No! Submitted novels must be written only during Labor Day weekend (and follow the rest of the rules).

Do I have to come to New York and write in a holding pen with all the other entrants?

No. You can write from your home, your local cafe, behind the counter at your workplace, wherever you feel comfortable. However, the contest organizer will coordinate a location for those entrants who want to be surrounded by inspired creative adventurers.

Is there a minimum age to enter?

There is no official minimum age. So if you’re a young writer, and you want to build some creative and disciplinary muscle first (and the entry fee means two years of your allowance), you can enter.

Are there style or genre restrictions?

 Write in any style you wish and then see what happens.

What about format?

We only ask that it is in a Microsoft Word Document. The font must be Arial 12 point, and it must be double spaced. Each page must be numbered and the first page must have the title of the novel and the author’s name.

How do you know that everyone wrote the novel in three days?

The 3-Day Novel Contest is a personal challenge and a writing experiment. It’s about challenging yourself as you break through writer’s block. The value of your experience will be equal to the sweat you put in to it. To ensure that everyone played fair, entrants must email their novel and a witness statement to threedaynovel3@gmail.com by 12am Tuesday morning (September 8, 2009)

Do I retain the rights to my novel once I’ve entered it?

Yes! 

Why is there a $15 entry fee?

The entry fee is kept as low as possible while still being able to support the promotion and maintenance of the contest. As with any marathon, the fee is non-refundable (even if you do not complete or submit your novel).

How do I get through this alive?

Read the Survival Guide. Remember to eat once in a while. Beyond that, we can’t help you.

I’m playing to win. Any advice?

Some entrants do it for the experience, not the prize. But you can’t fool us, we know in your secret heart you want to win. The best advice we can give you is to read the Survival Guide. This guide has outlines and other resources that will help you plan the novel before the clock starts ticking on Saturday. If you have your novel planned out, you will focus more on writing the book you envisioned during those crucial 72 hours. But, as of 12:01 on that first day of the contest, forget the other entrants, forget what we say and write your own book.

So, how do I register?

Read the rules and contact the contest organizer at threedaynovel3@gmail.com.