Definition of the categories amateur and professional

Amateurs: • Anyone who has not been paid for anything they have written/had published in print or online (fiction writers, book authors and academics exceptions). • A person who has been paid for work they have had published anywhere in the world must enter as a professional. • People who have had writing published as part of their work experience, or internship, but who were not paid for it, may enter as amateurs. Professionals: • Anyone who has been paid for work that has been published in print or online but is not employed as a staffer by a national newspaper. This includes employees of the Guardian and Observer. • Those who are working at any of the following are all eligible; people writing for national magazines, journals, radio + TV stations, websites and local newspapers. Please note you can only enter this competition if you are a resident of the UK.