3 Reasons to Enter Writing Contests

Contests

“There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.” Ernest Hemingway

Writers crave positive feedback on their work. When you're a beginning writer, family members and friends often provide feedback, but let’s be real. Would they tell you if your writing stinks? It’s like singers auditioning for American Idol. In their introduction, when the contestant says Grandma thinks they sing like an angel, America cringes. I know I do. J

Writers also want recognition which could lead to publication and/or securing an agent.

Here are three reasons why writing contests can help meet these goals:

Critical Feedback

Besides joining a critique group, a great source of honest feedback is writing contests. These are easily found through a Google search or in the contest listings in Writer's Market. The best contests are linked to reliable publishers, magazines, or groups like Romance Writers of America. Avoid contests with high entry fees and no publication or critique. Some contests offer cash awards in lieu of publication or feedback. The objective is to get feedback, no matter what prize is awarded the winner.

Contests judged by published authors, agents, or editors provide valuable feedback. You couldn’t hire an editor for the amount of an entry fee, yet typically two or three critiques are included in that fee.

Seek contests with more than one critiquing judge. This gives a comparison between potentially conflicting opinions. I prefer three-judge contests because of this. Regardless of the number of judges, consider all comments carefully. Even the most stinging critique will often have kernels of truth to improve your writing. In the end, it’s your choice to toss or use the suggestions.

Place your work in front of an agent/editor

Paying $25-30 to have part of your manuscript read by a published author, an editor or agent is a great investment. Seriously, this is what you’d pay dining out. Can you think of a single restaurant meal that could top an agent’s critique? You’ll have to tell me where, so I can eat there. J

If the contest has more than one round, the final judges are usually acquisitions editors and agents. In addition to their critique, they sometimes request a full manuscript after any revisions. This is your chance to shine! The process doesn’t always lead to a contract, but it’s a good start.

You might become a finalist or even win!

Last, but not least, enter a contest because your manuscript might be good enough to outshine the competition. You could win! This will add credibility to your writing career and perhaps land a contract or nice cash prize. Simply being a finalist also adds a writing credit to your résumé.

So what are you waiting for? Get to work! Polish that manuscript and find a contest to enter.

Now, it’s your turn. Have you ever entered a contest? If so, what was the experience like?

© Laura Hodges Poole