Winning Writing Contests
New writers are always looking for a way to get their name and
work into the public eye. Did you know that writing contests are
a great way to do that? Writing contests can provide several
advantages to writers. Winning a contest is a great way to get
your name in print and in front of potential readers. It also
provides you with professional credits for your writing
portfolio, and prize rewards to increase your income.
But even just participating can get a new writer into a writing
regiment. It helps to grow confidence and provides a new writer
with practice, practice, practice.
No matter the reason for entering a writing contest, you should
be realistic about your expectations. The odds of winning are
not terrific, but there are ways of improving those odds and
stacking them in your favor!
You should start with flair! A complicating situation or an
unsolved problem makes the reader want to know how the story is
going to turn out. If the first page - more specifically the
first paragraph- doesn't make the judges want to read more,
you're in trouble. Judges will generally weed out entries by
discarding those where the first page does not compel them to
read on.
Your story should stand out. A well written entry with
originality is the best way to do that. Find an original angle
or an unusual twist. Create offbeat characters, or use an
unusual setting. The judges are looking for something new - not
the same old storylines. They have to have a reason to notice
your work.
Your characters have to be believable and authentic. Their
dialogue should be relevant and it should move the story along.
They should talk naturally and convincingly, not stilted and
awkward. The beginning, middle, and end is a must. A clear
central theme should be followed throughout the entire story. If
you're unable to define your theme in one sentence, rethink it!
A positive ending should be delivered. This doesn't mean
"happily ever after" (unless you're writing romance, in which
case "happily ever after" is almost a rule), or happy and
upbeat, but if should be openly and plainly expressed and have a
positive meaning to it.
Proofread! Before you submit your entry, you should proofread
and check for errors in spelling, grammar, sentence and story
construction. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, have
someone else do it for you. Neatness is important. Your entry
should identify you as professional and capable, no matter your
publishing history.
Enter your story as soon as possible - well before the deadline.
Many judges read entries as soon as they arrive and early
submissions will certainly have them more engaged than entries
that arrive after they have already read hundreds of other
submissions.
Read submission guidelines extremely carefully and make sure
your entry complies in every way. If your entry breaks rules set
forth by the contest, it will not be looked at. Don't put
yourself in that position! Don't make yourself lose before the
story is even read!
Increase your odds of winning! If guidelines state that more
than one entry is allowed, go for it! You'll increase your odds
of attracting a judge's eye.
Contest judges are looking for stories that involve the reader.
If you can make the reader laugh, think, or cry, odds are the
judges will too. You could have a winner on your hands right
now!