The 2025 Appy Inkwell Award for Excellence in Fiction Writing
Calling all fiction writers attending AWC25! The prestigious 2025 Appy Inkwell Award for Excellence in Fiction Writing is now open for submissions. This award celebrates outstanding achievement in fiction writing and offers talented writers the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skill before a supportive community of peers.
Submission Guidelines:
We are seeking previously unpublished works of fiction that demonstrate originality, craft, and storytelling prowess. Eligible submissions include:
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The first 2,500 words of a larger, manuscript-length work in progress,
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A complete short story,
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A short story collection, or
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A piece of flash fiction.
Winners will be announced and celebrated at the AWC25 Thursday Night Awards Banquet, where they will be honored for their exceptional writing.
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First Prize: The coveted Appy Inkwell Award, including an engraved plaque and recognition at the banquet.
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Second Prize: Special recognition and acknowledgment during the banquet.
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Third Prize: Special recognition and acknowledgment during the banquet.
How to Submit:
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Prepare your submission according to the guidelines above.
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Email your entry to: submissions@martinsisterspublishing.com
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Subject Line: AWC25 Appy Inkwell Award.
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Attach proof of your paid conference registration fee, as only conference attendees are eligible to enter.
Deadline for Submission:
Please ensure your submission reaches us by July 1, 2025 to be considered for this award.

The Dr. Pam Parry Lifetime Learning Award
debuts this year in memory of Dr. Parry, an integral presence within the AWC faculty and trusted conference advisor whose amazing life touched so many. This award will celebrate someone whose passion for lifelong learning and generosity in the writing community make a lasting impact.
The Parry Lifetime Learning Award winner will receive an engraved plaque and recognition at the AWC25
Thursday night Awards Banquet.
To submit your nomination, email: submissions@martinsisterspublishing.com
in the subject line place: AWC25 Parry Award Nomination.
Please attach a copy of your paid conference registration fee, that includes the paid contest entry fee (only conference attendees are eligible to submit nominations). Please include name of nominee, email and address.
Please respond to the following questions (no more than 500 words each
1. Passion for Lifelong Learning:
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How has the nominee demonstrated a sustained commitment to lifelong learning throughout their career or personal life?
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What specific activities, achievements, or contributions reflect their passion for continuous learning and growth?
2. Generosity in the Writing Community:
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In what ways has the nominee shown generosity toward others within the writing community?
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Can you provide examples of mentorship, guidance, sharing of knowledge, or other forms of support the nominee has provided?
3. Impact on the Writing Community:
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What lasting impact has the nominee made on the writing community?
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How have the nominee's contributions inspired or influenced others in a meaningful way?
Deadline for Submission:
Please ensure your submission reaches us by July 1, 2025 to be considered for this award.