Writing contests can further your career.
But you may not know what you should consider before entering these contests orthat get the thumbs up for being reputable.
So here are some tips for entering writing contests.
Contest Considerations
Writers tend to pick and choose the contests they enter.
One factor that often determines entry is the fee.
Some writers enter only those contests that are free.
Other writers set a limit on the amount they’re willing to pay for entering a contest.
“The Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions have an entry fee,” says author Donna McDine, “but I don’t mind paying it because it is a reputable magazine and organization.”
“I tend to look for contests with no entry fee or a low fee of just $10 to $15,” says author Dorit Sasson. “Local publications often have their own contests and many are free. The only time I went over budget was to enter a contest sponsored by Glimmer Train. I entered that one because of the prestige. But spending over my budget to enter a contest is unusual.”
Sharon Blumberg, another freelance writer and a voiceover artist, agrees. “I like to find contests that generate from well-known publications, such as Writer’s Digest. I rarely consider submitting to contests with more than a $10 entry fee unless the prize is several hundred dollars or more.”
“Twenty-Five dollars is my limit for an entry fee,” says freelance writer Renee Gray-Wilburn. “I usually look at the cost versus the exposure and the magnitude of the contests. If the contest is national or very popular, I typically do not enter. These contests tend to be more expensive and attract way too much competition. I tend to prefer regional contests or those that aren’t as well-known. But I also check to see if the judges can help promote the winners and their work in any way.”
Money isn’t the only factor most writers take into consideration when deciding to enter a contest.
“I choose contests that sound fun and/or interesting,” says writer Dorothy Massey. “I also look at the prizes to see what winning would mean to me as a writer. If a contest offers possible publication or critical feedback from an editor or publisher that is a huge bonus. I also ask myself if the prize matches the amount of work involved, bearing in mind that I might not win. I also ask myself if I’d be able to submit the work elsewhere or adapt it if I don’t win.”
Massey also avoids contests with a fast-approaching deadline. “It’s unlikely a rushed entry is going to win. You need time to plan, write, and edit,” she says. “I also avoid contests by vanity publishers. They pester you to buy books that feature your winning entry, usually anthologies, often of poetry.”
Author Lila Guzman also considers the rights she will be giving up to the work if she wins a contest. “Some contests will want all the rights to your short story, especially if winning entries go into an anthology. I don’t give away all rights. I only give one-time rights or First North American,” she says.
How to Find Reputable Writing Contests
Writers probably have a better chance of winning writing contests than they might think.
Pat Gaines, co-owner of Dragonfly Publishers, points out that “big well-known publishers get thousands of entries to their contests, but we get only around 50 to 100.”
That means the odds are pretty good for smaller contests like these.
But where do writers find these kinds of contests?
“The way I’ve learned about writing contests is by joining online or in-person critique groups,” says Sasson. “You can’t possible research every single market on your own.”
Writers can also check publishers’ websites and other reputable online sites that feature a variety of contest information.
Here are a few to try:
The Best Writing Contests in 2021
Free Guide – Summer 2021 Writing Contests
Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions
Why enter writing contests Click Here
All in all, writing contests can be a great way to further a career.
Writers just need to look for the right contests, offered by the right sponsors, for the right fees.
Good luck!
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