The Heater and The Hack Essay Contest

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The Heater & The Hack Reader Contest

Official Essay Contest Rules & Terms

1. Overview & Purpose This contest is designed to encourage thoughtful reader engagement, deep analysis, and inspire deep engagement with The Heater and The Hack.

We’re looking for essays that explore the novel’s themes, characters, structure, and emotional resonance—whether it moved you, challenged you, or left you asking questions.

If you can prove me wrong, or show me something I missed—you’re already a contender.

2. Eligibility

  • Open to all readers who purchase a physical copy of The Heater and The Hack.
  • Ebook readers may participate but are not eligible to win prizes beyond Honorable Mention unless proof of purchase for a physical book is provided.
  • Public reaction post: Entrants must post a note, reaction, or review on a publicly accessible platform where it can be viewed by others (e.g., Amazon, Goodreads, a blog, Reddit, social media, or a forum).
  • Entrants must be 18 years or older or have parental/guardian consent.
  • Family members, close friends, or individuals affiliated with the author are NOT eligible for the general contest, but will be eligible for the friends and family contest.
  • One entry per person is allowed. If an entrant wishes to submit a revision, they may submit one revised entry that explicitly states it supersedes the original submission. Any entrant submitting more than one entry without a revision statement will have all entries disqualified.
  • Entries must be original work. AI-generated content or plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.

3. Submission Requirements

  • Legal Name
  • The name you prefer we use for publication (e.g., instead of Leslie R. Waggoner III, you may prefer L.W., L. Waggoner, or Feldon Carter).
  • Shipping Address
  • Deadline: June 1, 2026.
  • Word Count: 750–2,000 words.
  • Accepted Formats: PDF, Word document, or within the body of an email.
  • Proof of Purchase Required for Prize Eligibility: A photo of the physical book with a digital order confirmation or a store receipt.
  • Screenshot or picture of a note, reaction, or review:
    • The review or reaction must be posted on a publicly accessible platform (review site, blog, forum, or social media) and must include a visible URL in the screenshot.
    • The post must remain accessible through the end of the contest. If the original post is removed before the contest deadline, entrants must notify heaterhackcontest@leswaggoner.com with a new post and updated screenshot to maintain eligibility.
  • Submission Email: heaterhackcontest@leswaggoner.com.
  • Subject Line Format: “HH Novel Essay Contest Entry” or “HH Novel Friends and Family Contest Entry”

4. Judging Criteria Essays will be evaluated based on:

  • Engagement & Depth – The extent to which the essay engages with the novel’s themes, characters, and underlying messages.
  • Emotional, Intellectual, or Spiritual Impact – The ability to convey how the book resonated with the reader.
  • Reader Impact & Reflection – The essay’s ability to provoke thought and discussion.
  • Originality of Thought – Unique perspectives, insights, or analysis.
  • Writing Quality – Clarity of ideas (polished prose is not required but strongly encouraged).

5. Excluded Criteria: Essays will NOT be evaluated on the following criteria.

  • Possitivity or Negativity – Entries will not be judged based on whether they express a positive or negative opinion of the book.
  • Praise and critique are equally valid.
  • A thoughtful criticism may rank higher than uncritical praise..

6. Prizes

  • Grand Prize: $200.
  • Second Prize: $100.
  • Third Prize: $50.
  • Runners-Up (2–5 selections): No cash prize but may receive signed books or special mention.
  • Honorable Mentions: Recognition for essays demonstrating strong engagement but not placing.
  • Chronicler’s Choice / Author’s Pick:
    • Winner earns the right to collaborate with the author on a piece of lore for a future book.
    • OR may write a short story to be included in the author’s book of short stories.

7. Legal Considerations

  • VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
  • Entrants are responsible for ensuring participation is legal in their country, state, province, or locality.
  • The author is not responsible for any legal restrictions that prevent participation.
  • If an entry is disqualified due to legal restrictions, the entrant forfeits eligibility.
  • No purchase refunds will be issued under any circumstances.

8. Intellectual Property & Rights

  • Entrants retain ownership of their essays and are encouraged to publish them elsewhere.
  • By submitting, entrants grant the author a perpetual, non-exclusive license to publish their essay with full credit.
  • If essays are included in a future published collection, entrants will not receive monetary compensation.

9. AI & Plagiarism Policy

  • AI-assisted writing is strictly prohibited.
  • Suspected AI-generated content may require additional verification or rewriting before being considered.
  • Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.

10. Winner Announcement & Prize Distribution

  • Winners will be announced by July 1, 2026, on leswaggoner.com.
  • Winners will be contacted via email. If a winner does not respond within 10 days, an alternate winner may be selected.
  • Monetary prizes will be paid via PayPal, check, or another mutually agreed-upon method.
  • Physical prizes (e.g., signed books) will be shipped free within the U.S..
  • If an international winner is selected, alternative prizes may be offered due to shipping restrictions.

11. Discretion Clause

  • If no entries meet the judging standard, the contest may be extended or adjusted at the author’s discretion.
  • The author reserves the right to modify or cancel the contest if unforeseen circumstances arise.
  • All changes will be published on the author’s website, www.leswaggoner.com.

12. Privacy & Data Handling

  • Personal information will only be used for contest purposes.
  • The author will not share or sell personal information to any entity without express, personal written consent.
  • Entrants’ emails and mailing addresses will only be retained for contest-related communications and prize distribution.

13. Judging Process

  • The contest will be judged primarily by the author.
  • The author may, at their discretion, include additional judges to assist in evaluating entries.
  • The final decision remains solely with the author.

Final Notes & Encouragement This contest is designed to encourage real engagement with The Heater and The Hack. Whether the novel resonated with you, challenged you, or left you with lingering thoughts, this is your opportunity to explore and articulate your experience.

Depth matters more than praise. If you noticed something in the novel that others might miss, your insights could be especially valuable.

I look forward to reading your entries.

— Leslie R. Waggoner III – www.leswaggoner.com | heaterhackcontest@leswaggoner.com

This contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. It is void where prohibited by law. If any jurisdiction prohibits contests of this nature, residents of that jurisdiction are not eligible to participate. It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure participation is legal in their place of residence. The author and affiliated parties are not liable for entries disqualified due to legal restrictions.

If any provision of this contest is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remainder of the contest rules will still apply in full force. This contest is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any retailer, platform, or publishing entity.