The Writer’s Digest Annual Competition is still going strong after more than 80 years and it’s fast approaching: The early bird deadline is May 5. To give all of us a jump start on getting our work ready, I’m spotlighting the contest, which you can enter in one of more of the following categories:

* Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
* Memoirs/Personal Essay
* Magazine Feature Article
* Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
* Mainstream/Literary Short Story
* Rhyming Poetry
* Non-rhyming Poetry
* Stage Play
* Television/Movie Script
* Children’s/Young Adult Fiction

One Grand Prize winner will enjoy:

* An announcement of the winner on the cover of Writer’s Digest
* A one year subscription to Writer’s Digest eBooks
* A chance to win $3,000
* National exposure for your work
* One on one attention with four editors or agents
* A paid trip to the upcoming Writer’s Digest Conference
* A 30-minute platform strategy consultation

Early-Bird Entry fees are $25 for the first manuscript; $20 for each additional entry submitted at the same time. Poems are $15 for the first entry; $10 for each additional poem submitted. Entries submitted after that May 5, 2014 Early-Bird deadline are $30 for the first manuscript; $25 for each additional entry submitted. Poems are $20 for the first entry; $15 for each additional poem submitted.

For more details, go to the Writer’s Digest Annual Competition Website and write on!