by B. Lynn Goodwin
lgood67334@comcast.net
www.writeradvice.com
Do you have a piece of writing that you want to share? One of the best ways to get noticed and to build your resume and reputation is to enter your work, including excerpts from a longer work, in writing contests.
Is your work ready to share?
Here’s a list of some of the things a judge might ask:
- Do you care about the main character?
- Are there conflicts?
- Could the plot go in more than one direction?
- Is a setting suggested?
- How is the description?
- How is the pace?
- Is the dialogue believable?
- Is the tone appropriate?
- Given the subject and situation, is there an appropriate balance of dialogue, action, narration, and reflection?
- Will a reader stop paying attention at any point?
- Does the story draw you in or do you feel like you’re outside watching it?
- Would you buy this book or story?
- Will you remember this story tomorrow?
- Is language used effectively?
- Does the author make exceptional use of word choice, imagery?
- Are right and wrong complex? Is there more than one way of looking at the issues?
- Are the characters likeable but flawed? Will readers identify?
- Was the writing clear and accessible, too dense to fathom, or somewhere in between?
If you’re not sure how to answer, check with a trusted writing partner or peer.
How do you find contests that are right for you?
Google, reliable referrals, and news from writer’s organizations are all great places to start. Check the requirements carefully. Then, read one or two winners to see if your writing is something they’re likely to choose.
For example, if you write flash or micro fiction or memoir, WriterAdvice.com hosts a competition here. You can also go to Writeradvice.com and click on the Latest Contest header to find contest information. I host a list of other contests and markets in a variety of genres here.
What do you need to do before you submit to a contest that’s right for your writing?
Make a list of the contest’s requirements – all of them. Even the technical ones about whether to include your name and what font to use.
Change the color, or strike through each one, after you’ve made the necessary changes so that you won’t be automatically eliminated.
I’ve had people submit 2,000 words to a Writer Advice contest where the word limit is 750. I e-mail them about their glitch and encourage them to fix the problem. Most contests just eliminate those who don’t follow directions. If your work doesn’t fit, do not submit.
What should you know about contest judges?
Tastes vary. So do opinions.
Get a feel for what each contest wants by reading their submission requests and looking at their website. There are plenty of contests out there.
(Side Note: Contest judges don’t want you to explain your work or ask why you weren’t a winner. If they respond to questions, they might tell you your purpose should have been clearer in the piece.)
Should you ask for feedback if it is available?
Maybe. It depends on who’s giving the feedback, what she’s written, and what his editing background is. Visit the judge’s website and read the opening of her latest publications on Amazon. There’s no charge to read a sample.
When you ask for feedback, keep what’s useful and disregard the rest. Better still, save it because it might make sense later as your skills grow.
I’ve given feedback to more than one author who used it and won elsewhere.
What if no feedback is available?
Submit if you think you meet the criteria. Keep a list of where you’ve submitted for future reference. Then move on. Some contests only respond to winners.
Should you pay to enter a contest?
Opinions vary. I believe that skilled judges and administrators should be compensated for their knowledge and their time.
Some contests have sponsors and don’t need to charge. Some contests are simply looking for material to publish. There’s nothing wrong with paying a professional for her time and her feedback. It’s a service – not a scam.
Be as professional as you can when you submit your work. Be aware that tastes vary. Be willing to put your work out in the world when it feels right.
I’ve been a contest judge for many years at several places, and I speak from experience when I say that, although not every piece is right for every contest, excellence rises to the top.
Author Bio
B. Lynn Goodwin wrote three award-winning books, a YA called Talent, a sequel called Disrupted, plus a memoir titled Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62. She writes author interviews, book reviews and articles for WriterAdvice, www.writeradvice.com, which she owns, and for Story Circle Network, where she teaches. She is on the boards of Story Circle Network and the Women’s National Book Association—NorCal and is a writing contest judge. She edits every genre except poetry and loves helping writers improve.
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