Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it important to follow the word count?
Yes! We count the words of stories. Any story that goes over or under the required word count is not eligible for consideration for the national contest.

2. Does spelling count?
No! The judges are asked not to count off for spelling errors, but it is never a bad idea to check your spelling and your grammar!

3. Should the story be stapled or bound?
You may use any format to bind your stories, but keep in mind that a sloppy looking story may not be judged as high as a neat story! For example, you probably don't want to send in a story that has been ripped out of a spiral notebook.

4. When do stories need to be at New Hampshire Public Television
All stories must be postmarked by March 24, 2008.

5. Will I get my story back?
Yes. All stories will be mailed back at the end of the contest. It may take a little longer to return winning stories, as they have to be scanned and put on the website.

6. When will the stories be judged?
The stories will be judged on April 10, 2008.

7. How are the stories judged?
When stories first come in to New Hampshire Public Television, the staff of our education department reads each story. Eight outstanding stories at each grade level are chosen for judging by an outside panel of judges made up of teachers, librarians, authors, artists, and NHPTV staff. The panel selects a first, second, and third place winner at each grade level, the remaining stories are awarded an honorable mention. First, second, and third place winners are notified by phone that evening and a list of winning stories are posted on the NHPTV Reading Rainbow website. First place winners for K-3 stories will be sent on to the national level to represent New Hampshire Public Television at the national level where they will compete with stories from over 100 other PBS stations from around the country. Stories from grades 4-5 are not eligible for national prizes, as Reading Rainbow does not hosting a contest for those grades at the national level. NHPTV has decided to include grades 4-5 due to student interest.

8. How will I know if my story won?
First, Second and Third Place winners and honorable mention winners are notified by phone or email by 7 p.m. on April 10, 2008. Winners names will be posted on this web site by April 11, 2008.

9. Can I enter a story from out-of-state?
If you are from outside of the New Hampshire Public Television viewing area, (NHPTV Viewing Area: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine) you should submit your story to your local PBS station.