More YA Guidelines

All books must be in book form and should be no larger than 9" x 12". Each book needs a front cover with title, and a back cover which is not part of the story text. All pages must be firmly attached. Neatness and appearance are important! Please do not use covers that are unnecessarily thick or bulky. This makes them difficult to handle and store. Do not use metal rings or large, 3-D decorations on the cover. A cover that is slim, with a simple binding and illustration, is the most desirable.

7. Each author must use the current Young Authors Entry Form that includes a mandatory Verification of Authenticity. This form must be completed, signed, and firmly attached on one edge only, face down to the inside of the back cover. Other options are to attach a library pocket or an unsealed envelope to the inside of the back cover, fold the entry form, and place it in the pocket or envelope. Please cut the grade level and category form down to size and attach it to the bottom right corner of the front cover. These directions must be followed to the letter in order to qualify as a state entry. ENTRIES THAT DO NOT EXACTLY FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES WILL NOT BE JUDGED IN THE STATE CONTEST.

8. If the name of the author and/or school appears on the front cover or title page, it needs to be covered. If a biography page is included, it needs to be covered or removed.

9. Information and forms can also be accessed via the Young Authors web site at

http://read.1wyo.net

10. Judging at the state level will be based upon the 6+1 TM Trait writing model (for fiction and nonfiction, with a special rubric for poetry). District level judging may develop additional criteria or may choose to adopt these criteria. Decisions of the judges, at both the district and state levels, are final.

11. Certificates will be awarded to one First Place and two Honorable Mention books per grade, per category. First place winners will be honored guests of the Wyoming State Reading Council at the Young Authors Awards Celebration at the State Leadership Conference in the summer of 2006.