The 2010
Jim Baen Memorial Writing Contest

Since its early days, science fiction has played a unique role in human civilization. It removes the limits of what "is" and shows us a boundless vista of what "might be."  Its fearless heroes, spectacular technologies and wondrous futures have inspired many people to make science, technology and space flight a real part of their lives and in doing so, have often transformed these fictions into reality.  The National Space Society and Baen Books applaud the role that science fiction plays in advancing real science and have teamed up to sponsor this short fiction contest in memory of Jim Baen.

CONTEST RULES:

-Write a short story of no more than 8,000 words, that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration.

-No entry fee.  But please only submit one story...your best one!

-All entries must be original works in English. Plagiarism, poetry, song lyrics, or characters from another person’s works will not be considered.

-E-mail submissions only.  Send entries as .rtf attachments to:  baen.nss.contest@gmail.com
 
-Please put the word SUBMISSION in the subject line when sending a contest entry and QUESTION in the subject line for questions to the contest administrator.

-Please include the following in the body of your email:  The title of the work, the author's name, address and telephone number, and an approximate word-count. The manuscript should be an RTF attachment, in standard manuscript format and should be titled and numbered on every page, but the author's name MUST BE DELETED to facilitate fair judging.

-Deadline - April 1, 2010.

WHAT WE DO WANT TO SEE:
Moon bases, Mars colonies, orbital habitats, space elevators, asteroid mining, artificial intelligence, nano-technology, realistic spacecraft, heroics, sacrifice, adventure.

WHAT WE DON'T WANT TO SEE:
Stories that show technology or space travel as evil or bad, Star Wars type galactic empires, paranormal elements, UFO abductions.

JUDGES:
Judging will be by Baen Books editors Hank Davis, Jim Minz and a soon to be announced  Baen Books author.

PRIZES:
- The GRAND PRIZE winner will be published on the Baen Books main website and paid at the normal paying rates for professional story submittals. The author will also receive a specially designed award, free entry into the 2010 International Space Development Conference, a year's membership in the National Space Society ($45 level) and a prize package containing various Baen Books, Jim Baen's Universe and National Space Society merchandise.

- SECOND and THIRD place winners will receive a year's membership in the National Space Society ($45 level), and a prize package containing various Baen Books, Jim Baen's Universe and National Space Society merchandise.

- Winners will be announced and notified no later than May 5, 2010. (only the winners will be notified) The winners will be honored at the 2010 International Space Development Conference in Chicago, Ill, May 27-30, 2010. (though we would prefer the winner attend the conference, it is not required.)

( * Note: Publication details will be worked out between winner and Baen Books. In the unlikely event that none of the stories qualify for professional publication, a cash prize, of an amount determined by contest organizers, may be substituted in lieu of publication.)