Good Ol' Texas Observer looking for original short fiction



McMurtry will be Guest Judge for the short fiction contest

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION - MAY 1
We at The Texas Observer love a good story. Of course, the stories we've published over the past half-century-mostly hard-hitting investigative pieces-have been in the realm of reality. Help us change that. Send us your best original short fiction for the first annual Texas Observer Short Story Prize. The winner gets a fat check and publication in the 2011 Summer Books issue.

GRAND PRIZE $1,000 and publication in 2011 Summer Books issue
GUEST JUDGE Larry McMurtry

GUIDELINES
The winning author will receive $1,000, publication in the Summer Books issue of the Texas Observer, three copies of Summer Books issue, and a one-year print subscription. Finalists may be eligible for publication online at TexasObserver.org

1. Contest is open to any and all participants regardless of location
2. No theme/genre restrictions, but entries with Texas setting or themes are encouraged
3. Stories should not exceed 2,500 words
4. Entry fee is $25. For an additional $10, your story will be critiqued by Observer Fiction Editor David Duhr.

RULES AND REGULATIONS
All entries must be unpublished. Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but stories must be withdrawn from contest immediately upon acceptance elsewhere. Entry fee will not be refunded

1. While multiple entries are welcome, each story requires entry fee
2. Body of email must contain name, story title, address and phone number. Name should not appear anywhere on the manuscript, as contest is judged anonymously.
3. Entries exceeding 2,500 words will be disqualified. Entry fee will not be refunded.
4. Winner and finalists will be notified by June 8, 2011
5. Address all questions to duhr@texasobserver.org. No phone calls, please