W I L L R O G E R S M E D A L L I O N A W A R D
W I L L R O G E R S
M E D A L L I O N A W A R D C O N T E S T I N F O
Categories
Cowboy Poetry-Recorded (cd)
Cowboy Poetry-Written (books only; we do not have a category for individual poems)
Western Poetry - Recorded (cd)
Western Poetry - Written (books only; we do not have a category for individual poems)
Western Fiction - Traditional (Pre-1900)
Western Fiction - Modern (Post-1900)
Western Nonfiction
Western Biography & Memoir
Western Romance
Western Mystery
Western Fiction - Young Readers
Western Fiction-Young Readers/Illustrated
Western Nonfiction - Young Readers
Western Nonfiction-Young Readers/ Illustrated
Inspirational Western Fiction
Western Photographic Essays
Western Cookbooks
Western Graphic Novels/ Illustrations, Visual Humor & Iconic Images
Western Fiction Short Stories (an individual fiction short story published in a magazine or as a single short story included in a collection of short stories)
Western Humor- Written
Western Film - Drama (The drama and documentary film categories require the submission of copies of both the script/screenplay AND either dvds or an accessible link to the film.)
Western Film - Documentary (see requirements above)
Western Short Non-Fiction (an article or essay
on the American West, appearing in a printed publication and with a word count between
1,000-5,000 words. If the article was only published by an online digital magazine, we will accept a printed copy of the article; all other articles from a printed magazine must have submitted in the original format - not a xeroxed copy.)
Judging Criteria
The Will Rogers Medallion Award recognizes excellence in Western literature and media. The quality of each entry is judged based on content and artistic presentation. The top three winners in each category will be announced in June, with the final rankings revealed at the banquet/ceremony in October.
*All works must represent an accurate reflection of Western Americana, or cowboy and ranch life, historical or contemporary. Historical accuracy is crucial where applicable.
*The work must remain consistent with the values and the language embodied in the works of award namesake, Will Rogers, one of America's most beloved humorists and writers; in other words, innuendo is fine, but neither graphic sex scenes nor graphic language is in our code.
*Books (and films) must have been published (released) during the year prior to that of the award ceremony (must have a copyright/release date of 2023 for the 2024 awards). We can not accept later editions or reprints of a book published prior to the previous year.
*Books and films are judged on their literary quality as well as cover, visual, and interior art.
*Proper editing and formatting are paramount. Before submitting your book, please ensure that spelling, formatting (alignments, spacing, readable fonts, indentions, chapter headings, etc.), and grammar are correct and visually pleasing.
*All books must have an ISBN. Self-published works are accepted, but we advise self-publishers to give themselves a publisher name (not "self" or "amazon").
*Individual titles may only be entered in ONE category.
The Will Rogers Medallion Award recognizes excellence in Western literature and media. The quality of each entry is judged based on content and artistic presentation.
All works must represent an accurate reflection of Western Americana, or cowboy and ranch life, historical or contemporary. Historical accuracy is crucial where applicable. Books are judged on their literary quality as well as cover art. All visual arts will be judged based on their visual quality of the same criteria.
All books must have an ISBN. Self published works are accepted.
Books that are eBook originals or exclusive must be submitted in a printed copy. No electronic copies will be accepted in any format.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions are now CLOSED for our 2024 contest. We will be open for submissions to our 2025 contest on November 1, 2024.
Submit four (4) copies of the published work (for films: please include copies of both the script and DVDs), a completed entry form, along with a $45 entry fee (checks payable to Will Rogers Medallion Award) to either Laurie or Chris (see categories below):
Laurie Cockerell
5313 Santa Marie Ave.
Fort Worth, Tx 76114
Categories:
Traditional Fiction
Modern Fiction
Western Nonfiction
Western Cookbooks
Fiction - Young Readers
Fiction/Young Readers/Illustrated
Non-Fiction/Young Readers
Non-Fiction/Young Readers/Illustrated
Western Poetry/Written
Western Poetry/Recorded
Cowboy Poetry/Written
Cowboy Poetry/Recorded
Chris Enss
14583 Silver Pick Court
Grass Valley, California 95945
Categories:
Western Mystery
Western Biography/Memoir
Western Photographic Essays
Western Graphic Novels
Western Short Non-Fiction
Western Film - Drama
Western Film - Documentary
Western Humor
Western Inspirational
Western Romance
Western Fiction Short Stories
Book Entry Form can be found here.
Film Entry Form can be found here.
*Please note: once your submission is received, entry fees are non-refundable and books will not be returned. Please ensure that your entry meets our publication date and other guidelines, and that you have submitted your book to the proper category before mailing your books and entry form.
If you have trouble printing or viewing the contest entry form from this site (see separate Book and Film Entry Form tabs under Contest Information tab) or have any questions about the contest, please contact us: