Erma Bombeck Writing Competition
Entries are accepted from anywhere in the world. Previous contest winners are encouraged to enter. Children under 13 are NOT eligible to enter. Registration for the University of Dayton’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop is NOT required to enter the writing competition.
$15 entry fee. Entry must be written in English. Limit one entry total (not per category) per person. Personal essay must be 450 words or less (entries of more than 450 words will be disqualified). 4 First Place winners will receive $500 + free admission to the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshops April 5-7, 2018.
A personal essay "deals lightly, often humorously, with personal experiences, opinions, and prejudices, stressing especially the unusual or novel in attitude and having to do with the various aspects of everyday life." Phillip Lopate, The Art of the Personal Essay.
Choose one category for entry: Humor or Human Interest
Entries must be submitted by 8 AM, EST, January 3, 2018.