Free Writing Contest Connects Authors and Readers Online

A direct-from-the-author online community is breaking down the barriers of traditional publishing by giving every author an opportunity to be discovered by real readers through an online short story writing contest.

Unlike the majority of writing contests, all AuthorStand contests are free to enter and judged by real people, giving new authors a chance for free exposure and public feedback.

One up and coming author, Thomas Warford, and previous writing contest winner, says, "I have had the best time writing the story [for the writing contest] and marketing [my story] for readers…it has been great fun. I appreciate the feedback and thank AuthorStand for opening up this opportunity for aspiring writers."

AuthorStand Founder, Joe Niewierski says, "I want to make it easy and affordable for up and coming authors to publish their work. Our writing contests open the door for new authors to connect with readers they wouldn’t usually be able to reach."

First prize winner is chosen in part by AuthorStand readers and receives $250 cash and free publicity in upcoming AuthorStand promotions. Also awarded is $250 cash prize to the editor’s choice winner. Call for entries ends October 31, 2010 and the race for climbing the ebook hierarchy begins.

AuthorStand.com has writing contests running throughout the year. In addition to the short story contest, there is a novella contest where the winner takes home a 16 GB iPad with wifi.