July 1 is the deadline to enter The Ultimate Renegade Freelance Writer Contest.

There is no entry fee. All you have to do is write a short (250- to 500-word) essay on your renegade writing lifestyle, the rules you break, the writers you most revere, and send your masterpiece to our editor, Ed Avis (edavis@marionstreetpress.com). Keep it short and win, and you'll have made more than a buck a word with the $500 top prize.

Other assorted swag the top winner will enjoy:

* Free entry into Linda Formichelli's Eight-Week Write for Magazines E-Course, including one-on-one consultation time with Linda.

* A Signed Special Second Edition Copy of The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success.

* A signed copy of Linda and Diana's new book, The Renegade Writer's Query Letters That Rock, coming out this fall.

* A complete set of Marion Street Press books for writers and word lovers.

* A cool gold-plated pen and pencil set.

The two runners up will win the same package, except the cash.