We're back, and punnier than ever! Throughout the month of June, we will be accepting your submissions for our eighth Roughly-Annual Issues Contest, offering you the opportunity to see your name in a News post, and your issue given expedited entry into the game, guaranteed!
How Do I Enter?
Enter your single issue submission via the usual method between 1 June 2023 and 30 June 2023, inclusive. Please ensure you tick the box marked "Issue Contest Submission".
Please take your time, as you only get one submission (that's per player, not per nation), and make sure you're truly happy with it. You've got all month!
Can Anyone Enter?
Pretty much! Anybody who meets the minimum population requirement for issue submission may join in. Whether you're an old hand with dozens of issues under your belt or have never written an issue before, all are welcome to participate! In the last couple years we've seen a healthy mix of veteran authors and first-timers who achieve success. This is a great chance for an aspiring author to get noticed for the first time!
What Are You Looking For?
We are broadly looking for any issue that a real-life world leader might face, presented in an entertaining fashion suitable to the game. Please enter a submission that you have not already sent to us before. There are no required themes, and while puns related to the number eight might be fun, they will not give better or worse results than any other topic.
You can find ideas on how to do this in our guide to How to Write Issues for NationStates. We advise you to check the Spoiler List to see if your topic has been covered before, and to drop into the Writers' Block for a chat with more experienced authors.
Got Issues? is an excellent resource and we recommend you use it, and draft there, to boost your chances. Issues drafted there are historically vastly more successful, and there's no need to worry about being plagiarized – we are very vigilant.
What Are You Not Looking For?
We are not looking for additional submissions about pandemics or wars/invasions at this time.
If your topic has already been covered by an extant issue, try to find a new angle, an uncovered niche, or other approach to get at it – we can't accept repetition. If you're stuck, ask for advice in the Writer's Block!
You have just one entry: use it well.
What Could I Win?
Our winners will be featured in a follow-up News post, so you can bask in the glory that is internet fame. These finalists are also guaranteed that their submissions will be added to the game. When an issue is published into the game, the author receives an Issues Author badge for their nation's homepage.
As with other contests, we will also use this contest to look out for potential future editors.
What Does That Mean?
In the course of the contest, the Issues Team may spot one or more players with the potential to be (either at present or at some time in the future) an Issues Editor. Good work and a helpful attitude are always positive traits.
Everything depends on the entries we receive.
When Will Results Be Announced?
We'll try to announce the results some time in July, but if the competition is especially fierce, it may take a little extra time. Keep your eyes peeled.
What Happens If I Don't Win?
If you don't win, don't be discouraged - we are always looking for well-written issues. Quality submissions that don't become finalists can still go into the pool for regular editing, and may be added to the game at a later date.
Good Luck and Happy Issuing!
Edit: Added bold to the line about not resubmitting previous things, because people keep asking about it.
