I’m new to these rules and learning the ins and outs of the industry. I, for one, do not understand the rule on advances. It seems that the merits of the work should be what allows it entry for the contest. The nature of electronic publishing and the sheer volume it presents, making it inexpensive to buy, to use, prevents the advance. But if total sales were a value, it wuold surely go to show. I know of a survey asking in which pay range you fit. http://surveys.polldaddy.com/s/904EFBDB8B8B97FD/ Please do excuse my lack of finesse, or of eloquence.

What I so sollemnly want and desire is to share my work. Being paid for it would certainly be nice, but actually, my sole motivation is to share my love of writing with others. I want to have people enjoy something that I provided. What an even greater delight if my peers also recognized my love in my work. (through a contest, of course.)

I AM for change. Only because I can see what is occurring to my friends and fellow authors. Writing is more than just something for fun. I do it because, I have to.

And hopefully, one day, that will included contracts.