Six Ways to Win With Writing Contests

On the road to publication, it's nice to have some folks cheering you on--besides your friends and family. You may not win the contest, but here's how to win no matter where you place.

Know the Benefits. Entering a writing contest can do several wonderful things for you:


~Help you meet a deadline.
~Force you to prepare for submitting to agents by following manuscript guidelines.
~Give you valuable feedback from publishing professionals.
~Develop your confidence in letting others read your work.

 Choose a Goal. Is your mission to gain publicity? To get feedback? To interest an agent? Or maybe you just want to force yourself to stretch your writing. Some contests give a prompt, whether written or visual. You might discover the seed of a novel you never would have thought of before. It was through a writing contest prompt that I began my current novel.

Stretch Yourself. If you write romance, don't limit yourself to the hundreds of romance-oriented writing contests available. Try something in another genre or format (like flash fiction, if you're a novelist, or write some sci-fi if you like to write mysteries). Often contests outside your comfort zone can help you uncover a previously unknown ability in a certain genre. 

Uncover the Details. If the contest has a fee, evaluate whether it's worthwhile for you. Many organizations run contests to raise money through contest fees. This is legitimate, but stop to evaluate your chances of winning, and what you'll receive. 

I enter the Pikes Peak Writers Paul Gillette Contest every year. There is a fee, but I receive two in-depth score sheets from professional writers, along with a chance for a cash prize or attendance at their writing conference.

A writing contest whose deadline is coming up next month is the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.

Make Like a Professional. It's never too early to learn to follow directions. Sure, a contest's directions for entries may seem strange, but consider it your boot camp to becoming a published writer. If you can't follow (seemingly) arcane instructions now, what will you do when the twelve agents you plan on submitting to each have their own do's and don'ts?

Don't Forget to Debrief. After the contest is over, evaluate how it went. If you received score sheets or judges critiques, spend some time reading through the comments. If the opinions hurt, set it aside for awhile, or go over it with a critique partner. 

If you entered an online contest, like one hosted on a blog, you can often read the winning entries. Take the time to go over the stories that placed, and try to determine why they are different. Did they just follow the guidelines better? Are there craft issues you can work on? Think of it as just another learning experience that will hone your skills as a writer.

How have contests helped your writing?


11 comments:

  1. I never realized you could receive in depth feedback from some contests. I'm INTRIGUED...thanks Debbie!

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  2. When you get good judges, the detailed feedback is invaluable. It's nice to get objective opinions from someone you don't know!

    ~Debbie

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  3. Good point on following the rules. I missed a rule once and felt so stupid. It's best not to rush an entry. I never know if it makes a difference to enter early. I think many contests hold all the entries until the deadline and then submit them to the judges. For some contests, it seems like judges might have more time with an early submission vs. a rush of 1000 entries on the last day.

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  4. Good points, Stacy. I think entering contests has helped my skills for future querying!

    ~Debbie

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  5. I haven't entered a lot of contests. The ones I've entered - I've found around 50% of the feedback helpful - But the discipline side of it is great.

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  6. Yeah, I haven't entered any contests where I got any worthwhile feedback. Most of the contests I've entered have been little ones that don't really count for much.

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  7. I entered a contest with my novel, Cosette's Tribe, and won first place! What a feeling it was to have my peers recognize my writing. I also received five hundred dollars and the first two chapters published in their magazine. I almost didn't enter the contest and once I did I forgot all about it. I was totally shocked when I received the call telling me I had won.
    I have some short stories I'd like to enter once I get my "award winning" novel launched;) LOL!

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  8. That's right. If you get judges who are in a hurry or are not as aware, some of the comments are not as helpful. I've been fortunate to have some tough judges so far. Exactly what I need.

    ~Debbie

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  9. Leah, I read your chapters of Cosette's Tribe a while ago (loved them!), but I didn't know you had won a contest! Congratulations! I've been a finalist in two, and it's definitely a huge confidence booster.

    ~Debbie

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  10. Debbie, I've entered a couple of contests so far. I enjoyed the experience overall and grew from the exercise in discipline. However, I got zero feedback as to my entries, other than to say they did not place.

    That being said, it's wonderful to learn there are contests in which the writer can receive in-depth critiques from professional writers. IMO, if I'm giving it my best in writing the entry, I'd appreciate some amount of feedback! Even a sentence or two. ;-)

    Thank you for laying out the benefits of entering writing contests. I look forward to submitting to some this year.

    Be well.

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  11. Janette, I'm so sorry the contests you've entered had so little comments! I can definitely vouch for the PPW above. The score sheet is several pages, and judges write a paragraph or two on each of the thirty or so areas scored. Look for contests where they mention that judges give valuable comments. I'd hate to spend money on a contest and not even know what to work on! Hope you find some good ones!

    ~Debbie

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