CREATIVE WRITING AWARDS CODE OF ETHICS

Council of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) Contest Code of Ethics

CLMP’s community of independent literary publishers believe that ethical contests serve our shared goal: to connect writers and readers by publishing exceptional writing. We believe that intent to act ethically, clarity of guidelines, and transparency of process form the foundation of an ethical contest. To that end, we agree to 1) conduct our contests as ethically as possible and to address any unethical behavior on the part of our readers, judges, or editors; 2) to provide clear and specific contest guidelines — defining conflict of interest for all parties involved; and 3) to make the mechanics of our selection process available to the public. This Code recognizes that different contest models produce different results, but that each model can be run ethically. We have adopted this Code to reinforce our integrity and dedication as a publishing community and to ensure that our contests contribute to a vibrant literary heritage.

ESME Creative Writing Award Contest Selection Process

1st Round of Judging: Blind Read by Editors. Finalists (approximately 10 poems, 10 pieces of fiction, and 10 non-fiction essays/memoirs) will then be forwarded to the contest judge for the 2nd Round of judging.

2nd Round of Judging: Blind Read by Contest Judges. Judges change on a yearly basis.

Conflicts of Interest: Similar to our regular editorial policy, staff and administrators currently affiliated with FlowerHen LLC and ESME.net are ineligible for consideration or publication. Additionally, anyone with affiliation with a judge is ineligible to enter in that category. Questions about the contest? Please write us at contact.us@esme.net.

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