Writing Contests

Guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin

What To Consider Before Submitting to Writing Contests

You polish your writing, imagining your audience. You read it over. Out loud. Does it say exactly what you want it to say?
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You have a friend read it to you. Impressed, she says, “You should submit this to contests. Get some recognition for your work.”

Maybe you leap at the idea. Maybe you hesitate. Contests make you feel vulnerable. Besides, there’s almost always a fee and nothing’s guaranteed. 

Perks of Entering a Contest

Placing in a writing contest is a huge boost to your work, though. Acceptances matter. Here are some other perks you might get:
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• Contests gives you exposure. Contest judges know people. Maybe they’ll refer you to an agent.
• Contest winners usually get published. Share the link to your winning story with agents, editors, and anyone who might be interested.
• Winners often get paid. That’s usually the reason that contests charge fees. Those who run the contests need to cover expenses.
• The biggest payment, though, is the boost to your self-esteem. Who couldn’t use a little of that?

What Do Judges Look For?

Without a rubric, judges look for writing that works, ideas that seem original, and something that touches their hearts. They look for carefully edited pieces free of mechanical glitches and work that either says something new or says something traditional in a new way.

Instead of writing a traditional rubric as a contest administrator, I’ve sent the questions below for judges to consider. Put on your editor’s hat and answer them before you send your work.

1. Do you care about the main character?
2. Are there conflicts?
3. Is there more than one direction that the plot could go?
4. Are you already guessing what might happen?
5. Is a setting suggested?
6. How is the description?
7. How is the pace?
8. Is the dialogue believable?
9. Is the tone appropriate?
10. Given the subject and situation, is there an appropriate balance of dialogue, action, narration and reflection?
11. Did you stop paying attention at any point?
12. Does the story draw you in or do you feel like you’re outside and watching it?
13. Would you buy this book or story?
14. If not, why not? (If you hate the genre, give it less weight than if the story bothers you.)
15. Will you remember this story tomorrow?
16. Is language used effectively?
17. Does the author make exceptional use of word choice, imagery?
18. Are right and wrong complex? Is there more than one way of looking at the issues?
19. Are the characters likeable but flawed? Will readers identify?
20. Was the writing clear and accessible, too dense to fathom or somewhere in between? 

Looking for a starting place? Take a look at the current contest on Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com. Research other contests and opportunities by Googling contests + (your genre).

Questions? It’s easy to reach me through the contact box at www.writeradvice.com.

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Writer and editor B. Lynn Goodwin owns Writer Advice. She's the author of two award winning books a YA called Talent, and a memoir entitled Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62. 
She has also written You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers, which may be reprinted soon, along with a collection of journaling prompts, and short articles.
She has published several flash pieces which can be found in Flashquake, Nebo, Cabinet of Heed, Murmur of Words, Ariel's Dream, Writing in a Woman's Voice, and 100-Word Stories. 
A reviewer and teacher at Story Circle Network, she also runs an editing service through Writer Advice. She shares her life with Mr. Husby, assorted writers, and Eddie McPuppers.