Writing Contest

Write on the Sound features a writing contest for registered conference attendees, based on a theme. First and Second Place cash awards are given in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry. Honorable Mention awards are given at the discretion of the judges and do not come with cash remuneration.

2026 contest theme: season

Ideas how to approach the theme, "Season": One of the four quarters into which the year is commonly divided; a period of the year characterized by or associated with a particular activity or phenomenon; a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature; a suitable or natural time or occasion; the schedule of sports or presentations/exhibits; to give a distinctive quality to, as if by seasoning; to treat, so as to prepare for use; to make fit by experience.

The deadline to submit contest entries is passed. The contest for 2026 conference is closed.

elegibility / terms and conditions

  • Entrants must be a registered attendee of the current year conference.
  • Conference presenters, committee, and persons affiliated with Edmonds Arts Commission are not eligible for participation.
  • The City of Edmonds is granted a one-time right to reproduce winning entries for educational purposes.
  • A social security number is required by the City of Edmonds for every cash award recipient in order to process payment.   
  • Submission deadline is Tues. Sept. 8

  • Download guidelines and instructions: Write on the Sound Writing Contest Rules and Instructions.pdf

adjudication

  • Winners are selected by independent judges. Judging is anonymous. Notes are not provided.
  • Entries are adjudicated primarily on the quality of the writing. The theme may be addressed directly or indirectly.
  • Entries must meet all the requirements. Entries that do not meet all the requirements may be disqualified.
  • First place awards are $100 and Second place awards are $75. Honorable Mention may be awarded at the judges’ discretion but does not come with remuneration.

Special Award

Does It Have Pockets logoFirst Place contest winners for Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Nonfiction submissions will appear in a future edition of   DOES IT HAVE POCKETS, a critically acclaimed online literary magazine with a bent toward difficult-to-classify poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, memoir & visual art.

The winning pieces will be reviewed and proofread by the publication staff and rights will revert to the writer upon publication. Does It Have Pockets will request a biography and social media information for these pieces prior to their publication date.