We've made it even easier to enter the Tobacco Lit Writing Contest with this helpful list of frequently asked questions!

What is tobacco lit?

Tobacco lit can be any collection of words that are (in some way) directly or tangentially about tobacco—whether it's about those who smoke it, roll it or grow it; detailed instructions on how to use it or how to avoid it like the plague; a scathing review of its sociocultural impact on the modern world; or poetry written from an ashtray's point of view, it's tobacco lit.

Can I enter the contest more than once?

Yes. You may enter the contest as many times as you like. The entry fee is $20 for the first entry, and $5 each for each additional entry. Click here to enter online.

How can I pay the entry fee?

If you are entering the contest through our Online Submission and Contest Manager, you can pay online by credit card or by PayPal.

If you are sending your entry by mail, you can pay by cheque or money order. Please do not send cash in the mail.

If I send my entry by mail, can I still pay by credit card or PayPal?

Yes. But please contact us before you do. We can be reached by email at geist@geist.com, or by phone at 604-681-9161.

Can I email my entry?

No. If you would like to enter electronically, please use our Online Submission and Contest Manager.

Does my tobacco lit have to be a true story?

Not at all! Whether it's all real or completely made up, we welcome it.

What do you mean by "original work?"

By "original work," we mean that your submission is something you have created for the purpose of this contest, not previously published anywhere else.

What do you mean by "any genre?"

This means your tobacco lit can be written in any genre you'd like. It can be micro-fiction set in a hazy, wine-soaked bar or a cleverly-organized list of ingredients in your average cigarette—just make sure it has something to do with tobacco.

Will poetry be accepted?

Absolutely!

I'm not a smoker. Can I still enter?

You can. Geist supports smoking stories, not smoking.

When will the winners be announced?

It can take up to six months after the deadline to judge contest entries and select our winners. Please wait at least six months after a contest has closed before inquiring about the results.