Public and Commercial Services Union

The PCS/Words magazine short story competition is the brainchild of PCS learning rep Shaun Peare.

Shaun got the idea when a colleague told him about a question posed by the poet laureate Andrew Motion: “Was enough being done to encourage creative writing throughout the UK?”. Shaun decided the answer was ‘no’ and the idea to hold the competition as a trial venture was born in 2004.

The pilot competition turned out to be very successful - there were nearly 700 entries from members representing over 40 unions and the judges commented that the standard of entries was “much higher than average”.

Who is eligible to enter the competition?

The competition is open to any trade union member in the UK. There are no restrictions on subject.

What can I win?

There is £500 in prize money to be won  - 1st prize, £250; 2nd prize - £150; 3rd prize - £100.

By entering the competition you’ll not only explore your creative potential but will be supporting a worthwhile cause. As well as helping budding short story writers to get their work published, any money that WORDS Magazine makes goes to charitable causes - see the Words Magazine website for further information.

How do I enter?

Guidelines and entry forms are available on the WORDS website - or send a SAE to PCS-WORDS Competition, PO Box 13574, London W9 3FX asking for the forms.

The closing date for the 2008 competition is 30 August 2008.

Will entries be published?

Winning stories and commended entries are published in an anthology. All other entries are considered for later publication.  

How can I help promote the competition? 

Spread the word -  you can also download a poster to display on your union noticeboard.