Writing Contests
Contests are not for everyone but if you are serious about writing then they are worth a calculated look. Think of them as a tool to further your career.
Aside from prizes, entering writing contests are good for three main reasons:
Deadlines
All contests have deadlines. It will teach you to polish your work in a specified amount of time. Think of it as a training ground for when you are published and have to meet your publisher’s deadlines.
Feedback
Sometimes judges will offer feedback. Feedback at any stage from any expert (fellow writer, agent, editor or publisher) is invaluable and makes it worth the nominal entry fee.
The Benefits
There is a benefit to not winning or placing in contests. If your work manages to make the short-list or it becomes a semi-finalist — you can now use this piece of info in your query. Your query is all about selling yourself and your work, so this accomplishment is one you want to promote.
Tips to Enter
Before you enter any contests, I would advise the following:
- Read the rules.
- Highlight the deadline.
- Look at the fee.
- Note the word count.
- What rights are they asking for?
- If you are able, find out what the past winning entries were, so you can get an idea of what a winning work looks like. Here in Ireland, they have the big Listowel Writers Week and they print an annual of the winners and its available in my library every year, including past years. Magazines will usually publish winning entries in a follow-up issue.
- Find out who the judges are and investigate their background. If they are a writer, what kind of books do they write, same with a publisher or an editor.
Contest Recommendations
Finally, here are some contests worth entering:
- The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest 2012 (note deadline is Feb 5th)
- The Listowel Writers Week Competition 2012
- Mslexia 2012 Women’s Short Story Competition
- The Writers Digest Annual Writing Competition
- Good Housekeeping Novel Competition (UK)
Do not be put off by foreign competitions. In this day of the internet, most welcome submissions from abroad.
Plan your contest strategy like you would your writing. Set a goal for the number of contests you will enter each year (or month). Research each contest before you enter. Keep track of the ones you enter, what you submitted, notification dates and the outcomes.
Good luck!