How will my story be judged?

The HEAR ME Contest stories will be judged in three rounds. The first two rounds will be judged by The HEAR ME Project staff, partners, collaborators, educators, and health professionals. Judges will be looking for originality, content, plot, character development, and how it all comes together to tell a compelling tale about vulnerability to HIV. Ten finalists will ultimately be selected from this process.

The ten finalists will then move on to the final round where filmmakers, playwrights, movie producers, directors, writers, and actors will be judging your story and the winning story will be selected using a point system.

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Can I submit more than one entry?

Each person may submit only one entry.

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Can I write and enter a story with my friend?

Yes, group entries are permitted.

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When are the entries due?

All entries must be received by December 1, 2006.

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Can the story be handwritten?

Yes, though type is preferred. Handwritten stories must be no more than 5 pages, and must be legible.

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Do we send in the entry form with the entry?

Yes. Your story must have an entry form attached. You must read the entry form, the rules, regulations, and release completely and then sign the form. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must sign your form as well.

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Will I be notified when my entry is received?

No. You will not be notified unless you include a self-addressed, self-stamped postcard with your entry. The postcard will be mailed upon receipt of your entry.

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Will I be notified if I become a finalist?

Finalists will be notified of their status.

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How will I hear if I have won or not?

If you have won, you will be notified via telephone, mail, and/or e-mail.

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When will I hear if I have won?

Winner will be contacted via telephone, mail, and/or e-mail and announced on our website in Spring 2007.

If you would like to receive the winning announcement, please join our membership database, and you will be notified by e-mail.

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What do I get if I win the Story Writing Contest?

The contest winner will receive $2500 in cash.

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What do I get if I do not win the Story Writing Contest?

All non-winners will have a chance to win an iPod just for entering.

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What will the finalists receive?

The finalists from will receive an honorable mention credit on our website for the 2006 contest. Some finalist stories may also be published in whole or in part on our website, or in other publications associated with the contest. Finalists will not necessarily receive a cash prize.

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Can winners, finalists, and contestants from previous contests enter?

Yes. Winners, finalists, honorable mentions, and contestants from previous contests may enter, however they must submit a new story.

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