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Writing Contests

5/12/2022

24 Comments

 
Guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin
writing contest, tips for writers, writing, blog for writers

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

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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?

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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.

24 Comments
B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/20/2022 05:38:30 pm

Thanks for sharing this with your readers. I'm posting the link on Facebook and Twitter.

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Linda C. Wisniewski link
5/23/2022 05:31:53 am

Great list! This one should be printed out and posted on every writer's desk!

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Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:23:17 pm

Print away. I'd love to have it posted anywhere and everywhere.

Lynn

Reply
Susan Albert link
5/23/2022 05:31:55 am

When I'm judging, I appreciate a rubric. But when there's none, your questions are an excellent guide. Wish more submitters would use them to improve their submissions!

Reply
B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:25:24 pm

Rubrics are definitely useful. There are so many things to consider before submitting work. Thanks for your wise observations.

Lynn

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Shawn Marie LaTorre link
5/23/2022 06:08:20 am

Lynn,
Thank you for these suggestions! I agree with Susan A that a rubric is an essential guide, but not all contests post theirs, if they even use one. I like the suggestion that somehow your piece should be memorable. For me, top notch poems, stories, and novels are simply that and somehow stay with the reader for a long, long time.

Reply
B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:27:16 pm

Thanks, Shawn. I'm working with someone right now who's asked to know what's memorable in her writing. It's an interesting way to approach the novel.

Lynn

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Teresa Lynn link
5/23/2022 06:36:40 am

Very helpful post. These are great questions to ask before submitting to a contest - or to an editor, a reviewer, etc.

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B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:28:59 pm

Or even to a critique group if you're sensitive (or defensive). Thanks, Teresa.

Lynn

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Judy Alter link
5/23/2022 06:41:52 am

Your questions aren't just for judging. As I dive into a new project, I'm going to consult them as "thinking points."

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B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:30:27 pm

Judy, I LOVE the phrase "thinking points." What a great way to look at this. Thanks!

Lynn

Reply
Susan Schoch
5/23/2022 11:35:05 am

Helpful thoughts on contests. And definitely a list of questions that should be asked throughout the process of writing. Thanks for helping us organize our efforts!

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B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:32:06 pm

Organization is not always my greatest strength, so thanks for the ego booster, Susan.

Lynn

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Lynn link
5/23/2022 04:51:41 pm

Thank you for your kind comments. LOVE your reactions. 🙏

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Christina M. Wells
5/23/2022 05:42:54 pm

I appreciate your perspective a great deal. You raise excellent questions for our consideration!

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B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:34:08 pm

Christina, thanks so much for your kind words. No two people have the same perspective, which is a good thing to be aware of when you submit to editors for publication. Of course I realize I'm preaching to the choir.

Lynn

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Sandra Carey Cody link
5/23/2022 06:14:06 pm

Good, concrete advice, especially the questions. I'll save them to evaluate my work. Thanks.

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B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:35:46 pm

Sandra, I love it when people save my blog posts. I'm glad this helps.

Lynn

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Jill Hedgecock link
5/23/2022 07:03:25 pm

Great list of questions that are applicable to honing any form of writing.

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B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:37:51 pm

Thanks, Jill. I am not sure how comprehensive they are for poetry, and of course there's nothing about sources or research for journalism, but outside of that I agree completely. Thanks for your supportive response.

Lynn

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Jeanne Guy link
5/23/2022 08:35:19 pm

This list is a keeper. Incredibly useful as I write my next blog, article, or book! Thanks. Great advice.

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B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/23/2022 09:39:24 pm

Jeanne, thanks for your enthusiastic response. Use and reuse.

Lynn

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Mary Jo Doig link
5/24/2022 08:35:50 am

My words echo those who have commented before me. Thank you for sharing this with those of us who seek to write well!

Reply
B. Lynn Goodwin link
5/24/2022 04:07:41 pm

The quality of these comments shows me you are all good writers.

Reply



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