FAQs

1) What the hell are grants?

Each of the top three Raven prizes (first, second and third place in the final contest) contain a certain part to be set aside as a grant. The way this works is simple. A grant point winner holds a contest anytime during five years. They then apply to the Raven Contest for reimbursement. Once the contest ends, and the points are awarded, the applicant will be reimbursed up to the total amount of their grant winnings. They may spread grant winnings over any number of contests.

2) This contest sure seems like it is taking a long time. What's the deal?

Due to the expectation, on each level of the contest, that there will be a large number of entries, two months have been set aside for each level. (One month for writers to enter, one month for judging.) The priority of the contest is to make sure that judging is both fair and reflective, rather than rushed and ill-considered. This is done out of respect to the entrants and the size of the prizes involved.

3) Are judges, staff members, administrators, or affiliates (sponsors) eligible to win prizes in the contest?

No. No one working within the contest, or too closely affiliated with the contest, may become eligible for or recieve Raven prizes. (They can enter, they just can't win.) Raven contest rules outline most prohibited potential entrants.

4) What the hell? These rules are like, eight thousand pages long. Do I really have to read all this crap?

No, although it is recommended reading, of course. The rules provide that; 1) no entrant must read them to qualify for prizes, and 2) no action will be taken or neglected due to an entrant's failure to read the rules.

5) Do I need to write like / be inspired by / emulate Edgar Allan Poe, "The Raven" or 1850s era poetic form / style? For that matter, do I need to rhyme at all?

No. An upcoming article will explain the genesis of the contest's name and why its achitects felt "The Raven" was a proper mascot work. For now (and evermore) it is best to understand the contest as a search for genius, which can be found in any form or style.

6) How will cash prizes be awarded? It's not like I take Visa or Mastercard.

Please refer to rule 6.1 for a complete answer to this question. The short answer is that awards will be mailed to eligable reciepts who complete the process prescribed in the rules.

7) I see this year's contest has 5 qualifiers. Can I enter each one or do I have to choose?

Entrats are limited to one entry per qualifier only. This means that each person can make a maximum of five entries during the qualifier round, provided that each entry is to a different qualifier.

8) Is there any particular theme for the final round of the contest?

No, there is no requirement on what type of work you should, or can, enter (aside from those works restricted or prohibited by the RCR).

9) Can I enter the same work in the final round as I did in the qualifier?

Yes, you can, but you probably shouldn't. Raven judges are compelled to acknowledge previous recognition received by individual works when considering the same for further recognition by the Raven Contest. It is unlikely (although not impossible) that the same work will ever receive more than one trophy.

10) Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow! The final round is open! I should join RIGHT NOW!

Relax. The contest will be open and accepting entries until September 1st, 2007. Take your time deciding what piece to enter, or take some time to create a new one. Raven Contest staff members are always able to assist you with decisions on piece premissability: if you aren't sure, ask.

Got a question that wasn't answered here? Consult the rules or email ravencontest@comcast.net.

Good luck!