Previously published work is acceptable as a contest entry provided that Mason-Dixon Publishing is informed that the work is previously published in the body of the submission and that all the rights have returned to you, the author, at the time of submission.
No. Copying someone else's writing in whole or in part is unacceptable. This is plagiarism, even if you switch a few phrases around or substitute different words here and there. Not only is it illegal, it is immoral. Furthermore, it diminishes the unique value of your own insights and thoughts. Entries found to be plagiarized will be eliminated from consideration.
Yes. Group submissions are acceptable as long as credit is given to everyone who contributed to the story. Of course, if a group wins, they will still only receive a single prize. Also, having someone who was not at the event help in the writing is acceptable as long as the entry itself is the actual story of someone who was really at the inauguration.
Mason-Dixon has put together a qualified team of readers that will do the initial ranking and provide feedback to the contest entrants. At a minimum, the readers have Master's degrees. Most have degrees in English or education or years of experience writing and publishing. The President and Vice-President of Mason-Dixon Publishing, LLP will make the final decisions.
Yes. This book will attempt to be a true cross section of the people who elected Barack Obama. Not everyone has college level writing skills. That is why we chose "Impact" as a judging criterion and not "Technical Skill." Sometimes, the most moving stories are told in the language of the street.
There are no returns or refunds on contest entry fees. There are also no returns or refunds on products that are downloaded from Mason-Dixon's Web site such as electronic books or audio files.
Physical products such as books, CDs, or DVDs can be returned for a full refund within fourteen days of receipt. Customers must return items in original salable condition. Customers will pay shipping costs for any returns. A copy of the e-mail receipt for the returned product, which was sent to the customer at the time of purchase, must be included with that return. Also, the customer must include a note explaining why they found the product unsatisfactory. A check will be sent in the name of the original purchaser. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing.
Mason-Dixon Publishing, LLP
P.O. Box 30
Maumee, Ohio, 43537
Mason-Dixon Publishing will attempt to provide critiques of contest entries via e-mail within three days of receipt. Contest winners will be announced on Mason-Dixon's web site within 60 days of contest deadlines.
For downloadable products such as electronic books, customers will be sent an e-mail containing a code which can be used to download the product within 48 hours of successful processing of their credit or debit card.
Physical products such as books, CDs, or DVDs will be shipped via U.S. Postal Service or other carriers. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Expedited shipping is available for a premium fee. Pre-paid products which are ordered and paid for before the product has been released should be shipped within 10 business days of the product release date, which will be announced on Mason-Dixon's web site.
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