How do I enter a writing competition?
We strongly recommend you read our very short guide to entering competitions
In order to enter a competition, first create an account on Circalit. You can do this by signing in with Facebook, or by filling out our extremely short sign up form. Next upload the project you want to enter.
Once you’ve uploaded your project, visit the competitions page and find the competition you’d like to enter. Click “enter competition” and select the project that you’d like to enter into the competition.
How do I upload a project?
Click on the “upload story” button on your homepage, or press the upload link on your menu box (which shows up when you hover over your name on the top right). Then simply follow the instructions. If you have any issues uploading please contact us
Can I change the file of my work without starting a new project?
Absolutely - simply visit your project page, click “edit project”, and then press the “update” tab. Here, you can upload a new file. We do not recommend that you upload the same project onto the site twice.
I’ve uploaded my work, but why is it blurred?
We can only display your work if it has more than one page. Therefore simply add another page to the document and re-upload the file. This can be a title page, or anything else you like – it does not need to change the content of your story. To re-upload the file, simply visit your project page, click “edit project”, and then press the “update” tab. Here, you can upload the new file.
Why can some people read my project but not others?
As the writer, you have control over who gets to read your story and who doesn’t. In order to ensure that anyone can read your project, simply visit your project page, click “edit project”, then under the question “who can read this project?” select “anyone”.
My project is definitely eligible for entry into a competition, but the system says it is not. What shall I do?
If you’ve just uploaded your project, it can take a few minutes before our system has fully converted your upload. If, after a few minutes you are still unable to enter the competition, then please contact us
Basics
What is Circalit?
Circalit enables writers to share their work with readers and build up a readership online. It is our mission to give you the tools you need to promote your writing online and discover new stories.
How Does it work?
Follow your favourite writers on Circalit to receive updates on their latest stories, and follow reviewers on Circalit to see which stories are hot at the moment.
Can I submit my story from anywhere in the world?
Absolutely.
Competitions
What are these competitions?
Circalit regularly runs free writing competitions with fantastic prizes. Past prizes have included the chance to get your book published, your film produced and your work reviewed by senior editors from major publishing houses.
I would like to host a competition of my own to find new talent. Who should I contact?
Drop us an email at competitions@circalit.com and we’ll be in touch!
Reviewing
How do i review a story and give my feedback?
You can review all projects on Circalit by pressing the “Write a Review” button on the top right hand side of the project page. Writing a review lets you give feedback to the writer and also gives others an indication of whether or not they should read it.
I’ve found offensive or copyrighted content. What should I do?
We will absolutely not tolerate any offensive content on Circalit so if you see any of this please email the full details with a link to the offensive material to info@circalit.com
Uploading
Why shouldn’t I include my contact details in my project?
We strongly advise you not to include your contact details in your project or on your profile page to prevent spammers from bothering you.
What rights do I give up by posting my project on Circalit?
None. You will have to grant us a very specific license to display your project on the Circalit site, but that’s it. We won’t ask for a ‘first option’ to publish or produce it, or take away any of your rights of ownership, and you can continue to submit to publishers and agents by other methods.
Will you keep my manuscript?
You can take your project down whenever you choose – simply visit your project page, click “edit project”, then press the “delete” tab. You can’t recover your project from our site once you’ve deleted it.
Can I take my project down?
You can take your project down whenever you choose – simply visit your project page, click “edit project”, then press the “delete” tab. You can’t recover your project from our site once you’ve deleted it.
What’s a logline?
Your logline is a sentence or strap line (no more than 25 words) that will represent your project when it shows up in lists and search results around the site. Make sure it reflects the content and themes of your project – and that it makes readers eager to find out more!
What should I put in my Synopsis?
Your synopsis is your chance to sell your project to readers. You have only 200 words to make your project sound as interesting and compelling as you can, so don’t try to sum up the whole plot. Instead, set the scene for your reader – and convince them that your project is worth their time.
How do I upload my text?
Circalit accepts Word documents (‘.doc’ and ‘.docx’ files), PDF and also files in rich text format (‘.rtf’ files).
Who can comment on my project?
If you enable comments then all registered users can comment on your screenplay. If you disable comments, then no-one can.
I just uploaded my project, and I’m trying to read it but it doesn’t load.
When you upload your screenplay it takes a few minutes to convert into our reader format. If this happens, try again after a few minutes and it should load. If not, then please contact us
Copyright and Concerns
Does posting work on Circalit affect my copyright?
No. In the UK, and in many other countries, you own copyright of your work as soon as it’s created (whether written down or saved to a file).
However, you are advised to copyright your work with the U.S Copyright Office before uploading it. This can be done here: http://www.copyright.gov/
Does posting on Circalit affect the value of my manuscript?
No in fact quite the contrary.
Writers with a proven readership are more valuable to agents not less. It’s a good thing to prove that you have the enthusiasm and the skills to help make your project a success.
Can people steal my work from the Circalit site?
We’ve taken some practical steps to make it very difficult for people to steal your work from Circalit: users cannot highlight and copy text, or download or print your project in any other way. Also, when uploading, you can select exactly how much of the screenplay you want to show.
Troubleshooting
How do I get further assistance?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help using the site.
The project I am trying to read is not loading. What shall I do?
Occasionally this may happen. Simply try closing the reader (by pressing outside it) and then re-opening it. That should do the trick. If it doesn’t, please contact us to let us know that you have been experiencing this problem.