Submission Guidelines

Eligibility
The Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition is open to individuals who have experienced suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempt(s). Previous participants may resubmit previously submitted work. Previous winning authors are not eligible to submit new or previously submitted entries.

The Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition is committed to centering marginalized voices. We welcome submissions from individuals harmed by the mental health system or psychiatric industrial complex, people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA+ communities, and individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Essay Requirements

• Word Limit: 2,500 words
• Font: Times New Roman or Open Sans
• Font Size: 12-point
• Spacing: Double-spaced
• Margins: 1 inch

Poetry, creative fiction, and biography are not accepted.

Language Guidelines
Entries must:

• Use “died by suicide” rather than “committed suicide”
• Avoid terms such as “unsuccessful” or “failed” attempt
• Refrain from graphic descriptions of suicide attempts

Awards & Recognition

The top three submissions are recognized annually. Winners receive a cash award, a commemorative plaque, and recognition on the AAS website, social media, and in a press release. Winners are also honored during the AAS Annual Conference. If in attendance, conference registration and one hotel night are provided.

Funding supports prize awards and administrative costs associated with the competition.

Prize Amounts:

• First Place: $1,500.00
• Second Place: $1,000.00
• Third Place: $500.00

Judging Process

Submissions are reviewed on a double-blind basis. Neither entrants nor judges are informed of participant identities during evaluation. Each entry is reviewed by at least two volunteer judges, who are randomly assigned. Judges include professional writers, writing instructors, and members of the suicidology community.

Scoring
Submissions are rated on a scale of 1–5 (no decimals permitted). The combined scores determine final placement. Due to time constraints, written feedback is not provided.

Evaluation Criteria
Judges assess entries based on the following:

• Increases public understanding of the experiences of suicidal individuals
• Challenges the field to think about suicide survivorship in new ways
• Demonstrates compelling, engaging writing accessible to a broad audience

Waiver & Confidentiality

Authors must waive copyright restrictions and grant AAS permission to reproduce and publish submitted work.

To preserve the integrity of the judging process, identifying names of individuals or organizations are redacted prior to review. Authors are encouraged to consider conversations with individuals who may be named, as winning submissions are publicly accessible.

Past Winners