The SayPro Development Quarterly Writing and Journalism Competitions (SCDR 3.12), launched on January 21, 2021, provide a platform for writers and journalists to showcase their work while engaging with timely and relevant themes related to global development, society, and culture. To ensure a smooth and efficient process for all participants, the competition has set clear and precise submission guidelines that participants must follow. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for the validity and fairness of the competition. These guidelines cover various aspects, including word count, formatting, and submission deadlines.
Key Submission Guidelines for Participants:
- Word Count:
- Word Limit: Each submission must fall within a specific word count range, which will vary depending on the type of submission and the guidelines for that particular quarter.
- Standard Word Limits: Commonly, articles and essays typically have a word limit ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 words. Opinion pieces or shorter journalistic pieces might have stricter word limits, such as 500 to 1,500 words.
- Adherence to Limits: It is important that participants do not exceed or fall short of the specified word count. Submissions that are too long or too short may be disqualified or require resubmission.
- For example, a 2,000-word article submission must not exceed 2,000 words by more than 10%, nor should it be less than 1,800 words.
- Word Count Verification: Most submission portals will automatically count the number of words in your document, but it is recommended to check your word count manually before submitting to ensure it is within the allowed range.
- Formatting Requirements:
- File Format: Submissions must be uploaded in Word Document (.doc or .docx) or PDF format unless otherwise specified in the competition instructions. These formats are preferred for compatibility and ease of review.
- Font and Text Formatting:
- Font Style: Use Times New Roman or Arial for the body text of your submission.
- Font Size: The font size should be set to 12-point for the body text.
- Line Spacing: Submissions should be double-spaced. This ensures that the text is easy to read and allows the judges to make notes or comments on the document.
- Margins: Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
- Paragraphs and Indentation: Use standard left-aligned text. Paragraphs should be separated by a single line, and there should be no extra spaces between paragraphs.
- Headers: If the submission requires a title or header, it should be centered at the top of the first page. Include the title of your piece and optionally your name and a brief description of the piece (e.g., “Article: Development in the Global South”).
- Citations: If applicable, ensure that all sources are properly cited. Typically, APA, MLA, or Chicago Style citation formats are acceptable. The citation style will be specified in the guidelines for each competition cycle. Plagiarism or failure to properly cite sources may result in disqualification.
- Deadlines:
- Submission Deadlines: Each quarterly competition has a fixed deadline, and late submissions will not be accepted. It is important to submit your work well in advance to avoid last-minute technical difficulties or delays. Participants are advised to check the official SayPro platform for the exact dates of the start and end of the submission period.
- For example, if the submission period is from April 1st to June 30th, the deadline for submitting your work will be June 30th, 11:59 PM (GMT). No exceptions will be made for late submissions.
- Time Zone Considerations: Pay attention to the time zone in which the competition is based, typically GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), but this may vary depending on your location. Ensure you submit your work before the deadline, as submissions past the cutoff time will be automatically disqualified.
- Extensions: The SayPro competition typically does not offer extensions. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and give yourself ample time to finalize your work and ensure that all submission requirements are met.
- Submission Deadlines: Each quarterly competition has a fixed deadline, and late submissions will not be accepted. It is important to submit your work well in advance to avoid last-minute technical difficulties or delays. Participants are advised to check the official SayPro platform for the exact dates of the start and end of the submission period.
- Submission Process:
- Online Submission Portal: All entries must be submitted through the SayPro competition platform. Upon registration, participants will receive instructions on how to upload their submission through the portal. The platform is designed to streamline the submission process and ensure that all entries are organized and easy to review.
- Entry Form: Along with your submission, you may be required to complete an entry form that includes basic personal information (name, contact details) and possibly a short abstract of your piece (1-2 sentences summarizing your submission). Be sure to provide this information accurately and submit it as part of the overall entry.
- File Naming Convention: It is common practice to name your submission file using a specific format, such as:
- YourName_TitleOfWork (e.g., JohnDoe_SustainabilityInAction.docx).
- Confirm Receipt: After submitting your entry, you should receive a confirmation email from SayPro confirming receipt of your submission. If you do not receive confirmation, you should reach out to the competition organizers to ensure that your entry was successfully submitted.
- Additional Submission Guidelines:
- Abstract/Introduction: Depending on the type of submission, you may be asked to include a brief abstract or introduction (usually 100-150 words) that explains how your piece ties into the quarterly theme. This helps judges quickly assess the relevance of your work to the competition’s focus.
- Multiple Entries: If the competition allows, participants may be able to submit multiple entries within a single quarter. However, each submission must be distinct and follow the guidelines individually.
- Exclusivity: Submissions should be made exclusively for the competition and should not be under consideration for other publications or competitions during the same period.
- Technical Considerations:
- File Size Limitations: Be mindful of the file size limitations set by the submission portal. Generally, files should be under 5MB to ensure quick and smooth uploads.
- Compatibility: Ensure that your file is compatible with the accepted formats (e.g., Microsoft Word or PDF). Double-check the file before uploading to ensure it opens correctly.
- Proofreading: Before submitting your work, carefully proofread it for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. A polished submission will have a better chance of standing out.
Consequences of Not Adhering to Guidelines:
Failure to adhere to any of the submission guidelines, including exceeding the word count, improper formatting, or late submission, may result in:
- Disqualification from the competition.
- Delayed processing or a request for resubmission, which could result in your entry not being considered.
- A lower evaluation score, as judges may not consider entries that do not follow the stated guidelines.
Conclusion:
The SayPro Development Quarterly Writing and Journalism Competitions (SCDR 3.12) offer a unique opportunity for writers and journalists to engage with global issues while showcasing their work. By adhering to the competition’s submission guidelines—including strict attention to word count, formatting, and deadlines—participants ensure that their entries are considered fairly and are eligible for the esteemed recognition and prizes. Attention to these details not only demonstrates professionalism but also increases the likelihood of success in the competition.