NEW YORK - s4story -- Founded in 1935, the Dog Writers Association of America recently announced the opening of its annual writing competition. The competition is open to all writers, editors, publishers, photographers, bloggers, artists and others whose work falls into the designated competition categories. Entrants compete in a variety of categories for the coveted Maxwell Medallions, named for dog writing legend Maxwell Riddle.

In addition to the regular categories, participants are encouraged to compete for over $14,000  in special awards. The deadline to submit entries is September 6, 2019.

"DWAA's writing competition gives members and non-members an opportunity to showcase their talents," stated Contest and Banquet Chair, Darlene Bryant. "Our annual event in its new location provides the perfect setting for an evening of networking, learning, and winning."

The American Kennel Club sponsors a number of coveted awards each year, including the AKC Club Publication Excellence Award, AKC Reunite Microchip Awareness Award, AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award, AKC Family Dog Award and the DWAA Distinguished Service Award.

"We are incredibly grateful to all of our generous sponsors that support DWAA and the dog writing community," said DWAA President Carol Bryant. "DWAA is incredibly excited about our annual event's new location and keynote speakers."

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The DWAA special awards include:

-       AKC Club Publication Excellence Award - $500

-       AKC Reunite Microchip Awareness Award - $1,000

-       AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award - $500

-       The AKC Family Dog Award - $500

-       The Canine Scribbles Award - $350

-       The Captain William Lewis Judy Award - $350

-       Dogster Health & Wellness Award - $500

-       DOGTV Canine Enrichment Award - $500

-       Fidose of Reality Dog Blogger Award - $300

-       Dr. Harvey's Canine Health Award - $500

-       DWAA Junior Writer Award - $400

-       DWAA Robert H. McKowen Memorial Friends of Rescue Award - $300

-       The Fear Free Pets Award - $2,000

-       Fear Free Dog Enrichment Award - $2,000

-       The Good News For Pets Award - $500

-       The Grey Muzzle Award - $500

-       The Harrison Stephens Inspirational Feature Award - $300

-       James Colasanti, Jr. Poetry Award - $200

-       The Pet Candy Award - $300

-       The PSI Professional Pet Care Award - $300

-       The Rio Award - $300

-       The Sleepypod Pet Safety Award - $500

-       The Vet Candy Award - $300

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-       The Walter R. Fletcher Memorial Award - $300

-       Dogwise Best Book Award - $500

-       DWAA Distinguished Service Award - $1,000

The DWAA Annual Writing Contest opened July 9 and closes Sept. 8, 2019. Finalists will be announced in early December on social media, with winners announced at the awards banquet.

On Sunday, February, 9, 2020, on the eve of the Westminster Kennel Club's annual dog show, the DWAA Event and Awards Banquet takes place at the Holiday Inn Secaucus Meadowlands. Keynote speakers are Anne Serling, author of As I Knew Him: My Dad, Rod Serling, who will speak about the role of dogs in her life and on getting published. Dogwise Publishing President and Lead Editor, Larry Woodward, will speak on getting traditionally published

For more information, to enter the competition, and purchase event tickets, visit: dogwriters.org.

About DWAA

The Dog Writers Association of America is the most recognized professional writing association devoted to dogs. Founded in 1935, the DWAA has grown from eight founders to over 500 members, including journalists, authors, bloggers, publicists, photographers, illustrators and media personalities. Under the umbrella of the human-canine bond, members cover dog competitions, health, training, rescue, pet fashion, veterinary research, working dog organizations, animal welfare legislation, fundraisers and many other topics. For more information, visit: dogwriters.org