#Guns and People Essay Contest

A project of Memoir Magazine (see other related projects).

Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (April 2018). We provide the following information as an archive.

About

We are now accepting submissions to our special #Gun Memoir Award. Have you experienced first hand the effects of guns? Were you shot or have you witness a shooting? Has a gun saved your life? Whether you or someone you know has had a positive or negative experience with guns we want to hear your story about how a gun (or guns) impacted your life. America love-hate relationship with guns, but mostly love. We have songs about them and we even have a law that protect our rights to own them. But what about the actual people? We want to hear from you! Tell us: Do you love or hate guns? Do you own guns? If so,why? What is your relationship to them? With 345 mass shootings, 2017 has been deemed the deadliest year for mass shootings in modern US history. Yet, guns protect people everyday. Your story matters and Memoir Magazine wants to hear your gun story, warts and all. Why? Because Memoir is a way of cultivating global consciousness. And few issues today require more enlightenment than the way guns affect people and society. Let’s ignite a conversation. Your essay may be humorous, sad, upsetting. Enlighten us.

No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees.

Country of Publication

United States

Publication Media & Contest Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic Publication: One-time contest
Print Publication Print Publication: One-time contest

Nonfiction Closed

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience, including: Americans.

Lengths:

Essay: 100 - 3,000 words.
Narrative Nonfiction: 100 - 3,000 words.

Styles:

Open to all/most Styles, including: Personal.

Topics:

Memoir: See guidelines.
Society/Culture: Social issues, See guidelines.

Winner's Prize:

Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word).
Note: We list broad pay categories rather than prize specifics. Check with the publisher for details.

Submissions:

Method: Electronic submissions.
Reprints: Reprints are allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.
Media: Text.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

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Go to contest webpage

Report:
Correction/Update

Support this Publisher:
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#Guns and People Essay Contest Submission Statistics

The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics.

This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months.

Your Submissions

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#MeToo Trigger Warning Non-Fiction Essay Contest BELIEVED DEFUNCT
Memoir Magazine

Memoir Prize For Books DNQ
Recovery Essay Contest CLOSED

Before Submitting

We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.

Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.
Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.
Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.
Be professional, patient, and persistent.

Dates

Last Updated: 22 May 2026