( Added: March 10, 2008 ) - Writers with a finished manuscript, but no money to publish have a 1 in 250 chance to see their work in print - for free.

Verbena Pond Publishing of Denver, CO is seeking entries for its first annual Writing Contest.

Owners Ernie and Mary Carwile, authors of 10 books between them, started their publishing company in 2003 and are expanding to include outside authors.

"We thought a writing contest would be a novel way for us to find great books to publish under our Verbena Pond imprint." says Ernie Carwile. "A contest also gives unpublished authors a chance to see how their work stacks up with other works within their genre. We will have a winner for every 250 participants. Each winner will have their book published, including final editing, proofreading, cover design and book layout, and 1000 printed, free copies. Each publishing package is a $10,000 value."

To enter, send just twenty to thirty pages of your manuscript (finalists will provide the complete manuscript.) and the $100 entry fee (check or money order.) Send to Verbena Pond Publishing, PO Box 370270, Denver, CO 80237. Include your name, address, phone number and email address. The deadline for this contest is May 30, 2008.

Manuscripts must be typed, double spaced and numbered. All genres will be considered except science fiction, erotica and screen plays. Verbena Pond Publishing contest judges include a panel of published authors and avid readers. All entries will be read by all judges.

Winners will be announced on August 29, 2008. For a complete list of rules and contest details, go to www.verbenapondpublishing.com.