Writing Contests, Pros and Cons

This is Charen's blog post, but I can't figure out how to show her icon and not mine --Nancy

To all of us who have heard about the joys and defeats about writers’ contests: I for one am a great believer in writers’ contests and the positive impact they will have on most, if not all, of your writing endeavors. These contests can be “fee oriented” or “free”. (Note: Many times, a free contest will want you to subscribe to their site. FanStory comes to mind. $99 a year or $10 a month. It’s not a bad thing; you can enter unlimited contests in that year, and it will give you experience and more exposure than you would have doing absolutely nothing.

A good writer’s contest will force you to focus, meet a deadline, adhere to a set of “rules and regs”, and generally give you a gentle shove in the write direction (PUN INTENDED !)

Nancy and I have been doing the legwork regarding some of these contests. There are many, hundreds in fact, and because of the internet you can enter almost anyplace around the world.

What would be more fun then writing a short story, novella, poem, or piece of nonfiction about something you did that was stellar, all to actually WIN MONEY and a PRIZE? Great to add to the resume/query/introduction letter.

If you can write about it, there seems to be a contest to be won. I think it is a great way to test yourself in new waters. Having said that, let’s go over some pitfalls before you start writing out an entrance fee check, or send out your hard work.

Before you do any of the above, let alone WRITE SOMETHING FOR IT, do a thorough search about it. The old saying; “If it’s something done right, someone will tell someone about it. If it’s something done wrong, someone will tell EVERYONE about it. Writing contests are fun, can clear your mind, and give you oodles to think about; but….

Eight Important Things to Keep in Mind While Deciding Upon a Contest to Enter

1. Testimonials: Who is touting the benefits of this contest? Glowing reports of “I’ve entered this contest and now I’ve got people clamoring for my book and a possible mini-series! The best money I ever spent!” Yada yada…

2. High Fees: Yes, there are some well-established very well-known contests that charge higher fees. Usually these contests are supported by published writers. It’s YOUR money, be smart. Make sure it’s worth it!

3. Sponsors: Who are the sponsors? Is “ABC Query Service” sponsoring this so-called writers’ contest, funded with participants entrance fees, and then using it to “troll” for new clients? Are you being put on a list to companies who will buy names and then try and sell you on their services?

4. Rights Grabs: Read the fine print. If, by entering, you give up your rights to your work, RRRRRRRRRRRRRUNNNNNN!

5. Price compared to Fees: “What price the whistle?” Ben Franklin paid 2 pounds for a 5 pence whistle because he was naïve and liked the sound. In other words, if it costs $50 for an entrance fee and you get a $ 5 item? Or honorable mention in their periodical that you get to pay shipping for—pass!

6. Judges: Who is judging the contest? This can be a great boost. If a well-known writer or publisher is the judge and likes your “stuff”, that looks great attached to your query. If it’s the uncle of the guy who’s cashing your check …. nah, not so much.

7. Unsolicited Social Media Invitations: You’ve got mail! Someone heard it from a friend, who heard it from a friend, that you were the next Stephen King! Just send us $20 and the filled-out contestant sheet, and we will…… You betcha! You and a trillion other suckers!

8. Victoria Straus Writer’s Beware: Great way to look up the “bad guys”. There are others but this one seems to come up more than the others. The link is here: https://victoriastrauss.com/writer-beware/

I really like writer’s contests. They are fun, and it’s like gambling without the stigma of horses or cards. Just looking up writer’s contests is very time consuming. Nancy and I will keep this current, make changes as necessary and of course will blog whenever appropriate.

AND AND AND if you know of a great contest, or anything you’d like to share, please contact Nancy or me. We always need great blog material! Whatever you do. keep coming to our bi-weekly Zoom meetings and for the love of the craft, KEEP WRITING!