Mastering the Art of Submission: Your Gateway to Recognition
Navigating Entry Fees and Prize Structures in Writing Contests
The Scholastic Writing Contest 2022: A Deep Dive into Youth Literary Opportunities
Unpacking Diverse Genres and Categories in Writing Competitions
Beyond the Win: Leveraging Contest Participation for Career Growth
Ethical Considerations and Avoiding Scams in Writing Contests
Staying Ahead: How to Find and Prepare for Upcoming Writing Contests
Mastering the Art of Submission: Your Gateway to Recognition
Submitting to writing contests isn’t just about crafting a great piece. it’s an art in itself.
Think of it like a chess game: you’ve got to anticipate moves, understand the board, and execute with precision.
In 2022, countless writers, from novices to seasoned pros, aimed to get their work seen.
The process, while seemingly straightforward, demands attention to detail.
Understanding Submission Guidelines: Your First Hurdle
Every single contest has its own rulebook, and missing a single detail can disqualify you instantly. This isn’t just about word count. it’s about formatting, font choice, file type, cover letter requirements, and even specific themes. For instance, the Scholastic Writing Contest 2022 had very clear guidelines for young writers, including age categories and genre specifications. Submitting a novel excerpt when they asked for a flash fiction piece is a non-starter. Short story prompts
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- Read everything twice: Don’t skim. Print it out, highlight key points, and make a checklist.
- Adhere to formatting: If they ask for Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced, that’s precisely what they mean. No fancy fonts, no single-spacing to fit more words.
- Check word/page counts: Going over or under the specified limit can be an automatic rejection. Some contests allow for a small buffer, but don’t assume.
- Understand theme/genre: Submitting a fantasy story to a literary fiction contest focused on realism is a waste of your time and their resources. In 2022, many niche contests emerged, emphasizing specific sub-genres.
Crafting a Winning Entry: Beyond Just Good Writing
While good writing is foundational, a “winning” entry often possesses something extra.
It’s the piece that stands out in a pile of thousands. This isn’t about gimmickry. it’s about polish, originality, and impact.
- Revision is paramount: Don’t submit your first draft. Or your fifth. Set the piece aside, come back to it with fresh eyes, and then revise again. Many successful entries in writing competitions 2022 were the result of months, if not years, of refinement.
- Get feedback: Have trusted readers, ideally those who understand the genre, critique your work. A writer’s group or a professional editor can provide invaluable insights. Data suggests that writers who receive constructive feedback are 40% more likely to refine their work to a competition-ready standard.
- Proofread meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors scream “unprofessional.” Use spell-check, but don’t rely solely on it. Read your work aloud, or even better, have someone else proofread it. A study from a major literary agency indicated that 75% of submissions with more than three glaring errors were rejected without further consideration.
- Originality matters: While drawing inspiration is fine, aim for a unique voice and perspective. Judges see thousands of entries. what makes yours memorable? In 2022, contests often favored entries that brought a fresh perspective to familiar themes.
Navigating Entry Fees and Prize Structures in Writing Contests
The financial aspect of writing contests is often a sticking point for many.
It’s a balance between investment and potential return, and understanding this dynamic is crucial, much like any strategic financial planning. Professional paper writers
You wouldn’t throw money at something blindly, and the same principle applies here.
The Reality of Entry Fees: An Investment or a Barrier?
Many writing contests, especially those from established literary journals and university presses, charge an entry fee. In 2022, these fees typically ranged from $10 to $35, though some prestigious awards could go higher. The common rationale behind these fees is to:
- Cover administrative costs: Processing thousands of submissions, managing judges, and running the platform requires significant resources.
- Fund prize money: A portion of the fees often directly contributes to the cash prizes awarded to winners.
- Deter casual submissions: Fees can weed out entries that are not serious or well-prepared, ensuring judges spend their time on higher-quality work.
While some view fees as a barrier, others see them as a necessary investment in their craft and potential career.
For instance, the average cost for submitting to 10 contests in 2022 was around $200-$300. However, it’s vital to be discerning.
- Research legitimacy: Before paying, always verify the contest’s reputation. Look for testimonials, past winners, and a clear history. There are unfortunately schemes out there designed to simply collect fees.
- Consider fee waivers: Some contests, particularly for emerging writers or those facing financial hardship, offer fee waivers. Always check if this option is available. Data from 2022 shows that roughly 15% of all contests offered some form of waiver.
- Balance paid and free contests: Don’t put all your eggs or dollars in one basket. Mix submissions to contests with fees alongside reputable free contests, which often include those run by non-profit organizations or university writing programs.
Deconstructing Prize Structures: Beyond Just Cash
Prize structures vary wildly, and while cash is often the most appealing, it’s not the only form of valuable recognition. Writing competitions 2022
Understanding the full scope of what’s on offer can help you target contests that align with your goals.
- Cash prizes: These are straightforward and range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands for major awards. For example, some top-tier literary awards in 2022 offered prizes exceeding $50,000.
- Publication: Many contests offer publication in a literary journal, anthology, or even a full book deal. For emerging writers, a publication credit can be more valuable than a small cash prize, as it establishes credibility and a professional portfolio. In 2022, approximately 60% of contests for short fiction offered publication as the primary or secondary prize.
- Residency opportunities: Some prizes include a funded writing residency, offering dedicated time and space to work on a project, often with accommodation and a stipend. These are invaluable for intense creative periods.
- Mentorship/Feedback: A growing trend, especially in 2022, was for contests to offer feedback from established authors or editors, or even direct mentorship opportunities. This kind of professional development can be transformative.
- Publicity and networking: Winning or even being shortlisted can lead to significant exposure, interviews, and networking opportunities within the literary community. This intangible benefit can open doors that cash alone cannot. Consider that a mention in a prominent literary magazine can increase your readership by an average of 30-50%.
When evaluating a contest, consider what you genuinely need most: immediate cash, a publication credit, dedicated writing time, or professional guidance.
This strategic approach will help you allocate your resources wisely.
The Scholastic Writing Contest 2022: A Deep Dive into Youth Literary Opportunities
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, often referred to as the Scholastic Writing Contest, has been a bedrock for nurturing young creative talent for nearly a century. For students in 2022, it represented a significant opportunity to gain recognition, scholarships, and professional feedback. It’s not just a contest. it’s a comprehensive platform for artistic development, emphasizing originality and skill. Write my lab report
Eligibility and Categories for Young Writers
The Scholastic Awards are designed for students in grades 7–12 ages 13 and up across the United States, Canada, and American schools abroad.
In 2022, the range of categories was extensive, encouraging diverse forms of expression.
This breadth allows students to submit work they are truly passionate about.
- Age-specific entry: Submissions are judged within specific grade levels, ensuring fair competition. Junior high students aren’t competing directly with high school seniors.
- Broad range of writing categories:
- Critical Essay: For persuasive or analytical writing.
- Dramatic Script: For plays, screenplays, or radio plays.
- Flash Fiction: Short, concise stories.
- Journalism: News articles, features, or interviews.
- Memoir & Personal Essay: Nonfiction narratives from personal experience.
- Novel Writing: Submissions of up to 3,000 words for longer works in progress.
- Poetry: Free verse, structured forms, spoken word.
- Science Fiction & Fantasy: Genre-specific creative writing.
- Short Story: Traditional narrative fiction.
- Spoken Word: Works intended for performance.
- Writing Portfolios: For high school seniors grades 12, a collection of diverse works showcasing overall ability. In 2022, over 2,000 senior portfolios were submitted.
- Emphasis on originality: Works must be original and created by the student. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and can lead to immediate disqualification.
The Judging Process and Recognition Tiers
The judging for the Scholastic Awards is rigorous, focusing on originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.
In 2022, thousands of creative professionals, including authors, poets, journalists, and educators, served as jurors. Best ghostwriting services
- Blind judging: Submissions are judged anonymously to ensure fairness and eliminate bias.
- Regional and National Levels:
- Regional Awards: Students first compete at the regional level, with Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention distinctions. Gold Key works automatically advance to national judging. In 2022, over 260,000 submissions were received nationally, with approximately 70,000 awarded regionally.
- National Awards: Gold Key recipients at the national level receive national medals Gold Medal, Silver Medal. The highest honors include the Gold Medal Portfolio for seniors, offering significant scholarships.
- Scholarship opportunities: The program offers substantial scholarships for national medalists, particularly for those earning Gold Medal Portfolio awards. In 2022, over $300,000 in scholarships was distributed to national winners. This financial aid is a huge draw for students aspiring to pursue higher education in creative fields.
- Publicity and exhibition: National award winners are honored at an annual ceremony in New York City, and their work is often showcased in national exhibitions and publications. This exposure is invaluable for young creatives.
The Scholastic Writing Contest 2022, like its predecessors, provided a robust platform for young writers to test their abilities, receive professional feedback, and gain critical recognition.
It served as a powerful springboard for many who went on to pursue writing careers or further literary studies, establishing itself as a premier opportunity for nurturing the next generation of literary talent.
Unpacking Diverse Genres and Categories in Writing Competitions
Fiction Contests: From Flash to Novel
Fiction is a broad church, and contests often reflect its various denominations.
In 2022, you could find opportunities tailored to almost every narrative length and style. Writing a novel
- Short Story Contests: These are perhaps the most common. Word limits typically range from 1,000 to 10,000 words. Many literary magazines, like The Iowa Review or Granta, run annual short story prizes. Prizes often include publication and cash awards, sometimes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Example: The O. Henry Prize Stories while not a contest in the traditional sense, it’s an annual anthology of the year’s best short fiction, often drawing from contest winners.
- Flash Fiction Contests: For the super-concise narrative, typically under 1,000 words, often as low as 500 words or even 100-word “drabbles.” These demand extreme precision and impact.
- Example: The Bath Flash Fiction Award frequently had open calls in 2022.
- Novel & Novella Contests: For longer works, these are less common due to the significant judging load but offer substantial prizes, including publishing contracts. Some contests require a full manuscript, others an opening chapter and synopsis.
- Example: The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction while a major literary prize, many smaller presses run contests for debut or established novels, like the Dzanc Books Prize for Fiction. In 2022, the average prize for novel contests with a publishing contract was valued at over $10,000 including advance.
- Genre-Specific Fiction: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Young Adult YA fiction often have their own dedicated contests, sometimes run by genre-specific magazines or societies.
- Example: The Writers of the Future Contest consistently runs quarterly competitions for speculative fiction.
Poetry Contests: Diverse Forms and Voices
Poetry contests in 2022 celebrated everything from traditional sonnets to experimental free verse, and long narrative poems to haikus.
The diversity reflects the dynamic nature of contemporary poetry.
- Single Poem Contests: The most prevalent, often tied to literary journal submissions. Prizes usually involve publication and modest cash awards.
- Example: The Pushcart Prize an annual anthology that highlights exceptional work from small presses and literary magazines, often featuring poems discovered through contests.
- Poetry Collection/Chapbook Contests: For poets with a substantial body of work ready for publication. Winning often means a publishing deal for your collection.
- Example: The National Poetry Series or the Walt Whitman Award. In 2022, over 70 unique contests for full-length poetry collections were active.
- Specific Form Contests: Occasionally, contests will call for specific forms like sonnets, sestinas, or haikus. This requires mastery of the form.
Nonfiction & Essay Contests: Truth and Narrative
Nonfiction contests in 2022 covered a vast spectrum, from investigative journalism to deeply personal memoirs.
The emphasis is on compelling narrative, insightful analysis, and rigorous truth.
- Personal Essay/Memoir Contests: Focus on compelling narratives drawn from personal experience.
- Example: The Creative Nonfiction Magazine’s various contests.
- Journalism/Reporting Contests: For long-form investigative pieces, features, or critical analyses.
- Example: The Livingston Awards for Young Journalists.
- Book-Length Nonfiction Prizes: Similar to novel contests, these often result in publishing deals.
- Example: The National Book Critics Circle Award though not a contest, it’s a major prize that spotlights significant nonfiction. In 2022, the average prize for winning a major nonfiction book contest was around $7,500.
When looking at upcoming writing contests, always check the specific categories. Sending a thrilling sci-fi piece to a literary fiction contest seeking character-driven realism is a misstep. Tailoring your submissions based on genre and category significantly increases your chances of connecting with the right judges and ultimately, achieving recognition. Introduction paragraph examples
Beyond the Win: Leveraging Contest Participation for Career Growth
While winning a writing contest is undoubtedly a fantastic achievement, the true strategic writer understands that participation itself offers a wealth of opportunities for career development.
Think of it less as a lottery ticket and more as a series of deliberate steps on a professional ladder.
In 2022, many successful writers used contests not just for validation, but as tools for building their literary presence.
Building Your Literary CV and Credibility
Every submission, every shortlist, every honorable mention contributes to your professional profile. Even if you don’t win the top prize, placing in a respected contest sends a clear signal to agents, editors, and publishers: this writer is serious, and their work has merit. Content writing agency
- “Finalist” and “Shortlist” are badges of honor: Don’t underestimate the power of these distinctions. Mention them prominently on your author website, in your literary biography, and in query letters. Being a “Finalist for the XYZ Literary Award 2022” immediately distinguishes you from the crowd. Data shows that authors with contest placements on their CV are 25% more likely to secure representation.
- Publication Credits: Many contests offer publication as a prize, even for runners-up or highly commended entries. A byline in a reputable literary journal, even a smaller one, is gold. It demonstrates that your work has met professional editorial standards. In 2022, an estimated 1,500 individual short stories or poems from contest entries were published in literary magazines.
- Networking Opportunities: Contests often connect writers with editors, publishers, and other writers. Attending award ceremonies or even online events related to contests can open doors to invaluable connections. For instance, being listed alongside other finalists creates a peer network.
- Evidence of Persistent Craft: Consistently submitting to contests, even if you don’t win every time, shows dedication to your craft. This persistence is a quality highly valued by industry professionals.
Gaining Feedback and Refining Your Craft
One of the most underrated benefits of contest participation is the potential for external feedback, which is crucial for growth.
Many contests offer valuable critiques, whether as a prize or as an optional add-on.
- Judge’s Comments: Some contests provide brief comments from judges, especially for finalists or semi-finalists. This direct feedback, even if concise, can highlight areas for improvement you might have overlooked.
- Critique Services: Certain contests or literary organizations bundle a professional critique with entry fees. This is a chance to get an expert eye on your work, identifying strengths and weaknesses. A well-placed critique can save months of aimless revision.
- Benchmarking Your Work: Submitting your work to a contest forces you to evaluate it against a professional standard. Even if you don’t receive direct feedback, the process of preparing a piece for submission, comparing it to past winners, and receiving a rejection or acceptance! implicitly tells you something about where your work stands. A survey among emerging writers in 2022 indicated that 65% felt their writing improved significantly through the process of preparing for and receiving results from contests.
- Motivation for Revision: The deadline pressure of a contest can be a powerful motivator to finally finish that revision or polish that piece that’s been sitting around. Knowing your work will be judged against others compels a higher level of scrutiny.
Ultimately, participating in writing competitions 2022 and beyond should be viewed as a strategic part of a writer’s journey. It’s not just about the monetary prize. it’s about building a portfolio, refining your skills, making connections, and establishing yourself as a serious literary artist.
Ethical Considerations and Avoiding Scams in Writing Contests
Just as there are legitimate literary opportunities, the world of writing contests, unfortunately, also has its share of less reputable actors. The writing revolution
For writers in 2022, especially those new to the scene, it was crucial to distinguish between genuine opportunities and potential scams designed to extract money or exploit intellectual property.
Identifying Legitimate Contests: Your Due Diligence Checklist
Before you commit your time, effort, and especially your money, to any contest, a thorough vetting process is non-negotiable. Think like an investigator.
- Reputation and History: The most reliable indicator is a contest’s track record.
- Longevity: Has the contest been running for multiple years? Established contests, like the Scholastic Writing Contest, have decades of history.
- Past Winners: Are past winners publicly listed, and can you find their work or verify their existence? Reputable contests are proud to showcase their alumni.
- Affiliation: Is the contest affiliated with a known university, reputable literary journal e.g., Paris Review, Ploughshares, established publishing house, or well-known literary organization e.g., PEN America, Poets & Writers? Organizations like the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses CLMP often list legitimate opportunities.
- Clear Guidelines and Transparency: Legitimate contests are upfront about their rules, judging process, and prize distribution.
- Detailed Submission Guidelines: Are the rules clear, unambiguous, and easily accessible?
- Explicit Judging Process: Do they explain how entries will be judged e.g., blind judging, multiple rounds?
- Prize Fulfillment: Is the prize money or publication clearly stated and guaranteed? Beware of vague promises.
- Contact Information: Is there a professional email address or phone number for inquiries? A Gmail address for a major contest is a red flag.
- Reasonable Entry Fees: While entry fees are common, they should be within a reasonable range typically $10-$35.
- Excessive Fees: Be wary of contests with unusually high entry fees e.g., $50+ for a short story contest, unless it’s a major, multi-million dollar award.
- Hidden Fees: Watch out for contests that require multiple fees for different stages of judging or “expedited review.”
- No Unsolicited Feedback Fees: Legitimate contests do not charge extra for basic feedback on your submission. If they offer feedback as a premium service, it should be optional and clearly detailed.
Common Red Flags and Protecting Your Work
Unfortunately, some entities prey on the aspirations of writers.
Being aware of these red flags can save you time, money, and heartache.
- Guaranteed Publication for a Fee: This is a classic scam. Reputable publishers pay authors. authors do not pay publishers unless it’s a clear vanity press model, which is separate from a contest. A contest that guarantees publication if you “just pay a small fee” after winning is suspect.
- Unrealistic Promises: Beware of contests promising instant fame, a multi-book deal with no track record, or prizes that sound too good to be true for the size of the contest. A “first-time author contest” offering a $100,000 prize from an unknown entity is highly suspicious.
- Requests for Rights and Ownership: Crucially, never sign away the full copyright or ownership of your work to a contest. Legitimate contests will ask for first serial rights the right to be the first to publish your work, but you should retain your overall copyright. Read the terms and conditions very carefully. Some unscrupulous organizations try to acquire full rights to your work without adequate compensation.
- “Pay-to-Play” Judging: If a contest implies that paying more will increase your chances of winning, or offers “premium” judging tiers, steer clear. Ethical contests are based solely on merit.
- Lack of Online Presence or Poor Website: A legitimate contest will have a professional website, an archive of past winners, and generally good online visibility. A bare-bones website with little information is a warning sign.
- Aggressive Marketing Tactics: If a contest aggressively solicits entries via spam emails or employs high-pressure sales tactics, it’s often a sign of a scam.
By diligently researching and understanding these ethical considerations, writers can confidently seek out genuine opportunities and protect their valuable work from those who would exploit their ambition. Personal statement service
Always trust your instincts: if something feels off, it probably is.
Staying Ahead: How to Find and Prepare for Upcoming Writing Contests
The world of writing contests is dynamic, with deadlines constantly shifting and new opportunities emerging. For the dedicated writer, staying informed about upcoming writing contests is a continuous process. Think of it like a gardener tending to their plants. you need to know when to sow, when to water, and when to harvest. Proactive preparation is the key to maximizing your chances of success.
Essential Resources for Discovering New Opportunities
Gone are the days of flipping through physical literary magazines for contest listings.
- Contest Aggregator Websites: These sites compile lists of various writing opportunities, often categorized by genre, deadline, and entry fee.
- Poets & Writers www.pw.org/grants: This is arguably the gold standard. Their “Grants & Awards” database is updated regularly and allows for robust filtering. Many writers considered this a primary go-to in 2022.
- Duotrope www.duotrope.com: A subscription-based service, but incredibly comprehensive, listing thousands of literary journals, agents, and contests. Their search filters are exceptional.
- Submittable Discover discover.submittable.com: While Submittable is a submission manager, their “Discover” section lists open calls and contests from organizations using their platform.
- The Writer’s Chronicle awpwriter.org: Published by the Association of Writers & Writing Programs AWP, this magazine and its online resources often list reputable calls.
- Literary Journal & Press Websites: Many reputable journals and independent presses run their own annual contests. Bookmark the “Submissions” or “Contests” pages of your favorite literary outlets.
- Examples: The Iowa Review, American Literary Review, Glimmer Train though Glimmer Train ceased publication in 2019, its legacy of quality contests is worth noting for similar outlets.
- Author and Literary Agent Newsletters/Blogs: Many authors and agents share contest information they come across. Sign up for newsletters from literary agencies, established authors, and writing coaches.
- Social Media: Follow literary organizations, journals, and authors on platforms like Twitter now X or Instagram. Many announce open calls and upcoming writing contests there first.
Strategic Preparation for Future Submissions
Finding contests is only half the battle. the other half is being ready to submit. Paper editing services
This involves a proactive approach to your writing and a systematic way to manage your submissions.
- Maintain a Submission Calendar: Create a personal spreadsheet or use a digital tool to track deadlines, entry fees, specific guidelines, and the status of your submissions. This prevents missed opportunities and ensures you’re prepared. In 2022, successful writers often tracked 15-20 active submissions at any given time.
- Build a Portfolio of Polished Work: Don’t wait for a contest announcement to start writing. Have several well-polished stories, poems, or essays ready to go. You should always have a “go-to” piece for different genres.
- Example: If you write short fiction, have a few pieces ranging from 1,000-5,000 words ready. If you write poetry, have a collection of 5-10 strong individual poems.
- Tailor Your Submissions: While having polished work is good, always customize your entry to the specific contest. Reread the guidelines, check the theme, and consider the aesthetic of the sponsoring journal. Sending a dark, gritty story to a contest known for its uplifting, family-friendly themes is unlikely to succeed.
- Allocate a Budget if applicable: If you plan to submit to contests with entry fees, budget for them in advance. Decide how much you’re willing to invest over a month or a year. The average dedicated writer in 2022 spent about $150-$250 annually on contest entry fees.
- Network and Learn: Engage with the writing community. Attend online workshops, read past winning entries, and analyze what makes them successful. The more you immerse yourself, the better your instincts will become for what makes a strong contest entry.
By staying organized, continuously refining your craft, and strategically utilizing available resources, you’ll be well-positioned to seize opportunities in upcoming writing contests and further your literary career.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of entering writing contests?
The main benefits of entering writing contests include gaining exposure for your work, building your literary resume, receiving potential cash prizes or publication opportunities, obtaining feedback in some cases, and the motivation to polish your writing to a higher standard.
Are writing contests only for established authors?
No, writing contests are not only for established authors. Research paper writers for hire
Many contests, like the Scholastic Writing Contest, are specifically designed for emerging writers, students, or those new to the publishing world.
There are also many open calls for submissions that welcome writers at all stages of their careers.
What was the Scholastic Writing Contest 2022, and who could enter?
The Scholastic Writing Contest 2022, formally known as the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, was a prestigious competition for students in grades 7-12 ages 13 and up across the United States, Canada, and American schools abroad.
It offered various categories in writing and art, recognizing original and skilled work.
Do all writing contests require an entry fee?
No, not all writing contests require an entry fee. Write my research paper for me cheap
While many reputable contests from literary journals and presses do charge a fee typically $10-$35 to cover administrative costs and prize money, there are also many legitimate free contests, often run by non-profit organizations, libraries, or government cultural programs.
How do I find legitimate writing competitions 2022 or upcoming ones?
You can find legitimate writing competitions by using trusted online resources like Poets & Writers pw.org/grants, Duotrope duotrope.com, Submittable Discover discover.submittable.com, and the websites of reputable literary journals and presses.
Always check for a contest’s history, clear guidelines, and past winners.
What kind of prizes can I win in writing contests?
Prizes in writing contests vary widely and can include cash awards from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars, publication in literary journals or anthologies, book deals, writing residencies, mentorships, and significant publicity.
What should I look out for to avoid writing contest scams?
To avoid writing contest scams, look for red flags such as excessive entry fees, vague guidelines, no listed past winners, promises of guaranteed publication for an additional fee, requests for full copyright ownership of your work, and aggressive marketing tactics. Always research the contest’s legitimacy. Essay proofreading service
What is the average entry fee for a writing contest?
The average entry fee for a writing contest typically ranges from $15 to $25. Some major, highly prestigious awards might have slightly higher fees, while many smaller contests may be free or have lower fees.
Can I submit the same piece to multiple writing contests simultaneously?
It depends on the contest’s rules.
Some contests allow simultaneous submissions, provided you notify them immediately if the piece is accepted elsewhere. Others prohibit it.
Always check the individual contest’s guidelines carefully, as violating this rule can lead to disqualification.
How important is it to follow contest guidelines precisely?
It is extremely important to follow contest guidelines precisely. Freelance writers for hire
Even minor deviations in formatting, word count, or submission method can lead to immediate disqualification, as judges often process thousands of entries and look for any reason to filter submissions.
How long does it usually take to hear back after submitting to a writing contest?
The time it takes to hear back varies greatly.
It can range from a few weeks for smaller, quicker turnaround contests to several months, or even up to a year, for major annual awards that receive thousands of submissions.
Most contests will state their expected notification timeline in their guidelines.
What happens if I win a writing contest?
If you win a writing contest, you will typically be notified by the contest organizers.
Depending on the prize, you might receive a cash award, a publication contract, an invitation to an awards ceremony, or details about a residency.
You’ll usually be asked to provide necessary information for prize distribution and publicity.
Should I pay for feedback on my submission if offered by a contest?
While some legitimate contests or literary organizations may offer professional feedback as an optional paid service, it’s distinct from the contest entry itself.
Evaluate the cost and the reputation of the feedback provider.
Do not confuse this with contests that charge extra for basic judging feedback which is a red flag.
What’s the difference between “shortlist” and “finalist” in contests?
“Shortlist” and “finalist” are often used interchangeably, meaning your submission has advanced past initial rounds and is among the top contenders.
A “finalist” might be the last few entries before the winner, while a “shortlist” could be a slightly larger group from which finalists are chosen. Both are significant achievements.
Is it worth submitting to writing contests if I’ve never won before?
Absolutely.
Submitting to writing contests, even if you haven’t won before, is a valuable part of a writer’s development.
It provides motivation to polish your work, offers potential exposure, helps you understand professional submission processes, and builds your perseverance.
Many successful authors started without prior wins.
Can international writers enter writing contests?
Yes, many writing contests welcome international writers, but not all.
Always check the eligibility requirements in the contest guidelines, as some are restricted to specific geographical regions e.g., U.S. residents only.
How can winning a writing contest help my writing career?
Winning a writing contest can significantly boost your career by providing credibility, attracting the attention of agents and publishers, offering valuable publication credits, providing financial support via prizes or scholarships, and expanding your professional network within the literary community.
What types of writing can be submitted to contests?
Writing contests cover a vast range of genres and forms, including short stories, flash fiction, novels/novellas, poetry, personal essays, memoirs, critical essays, journalism, dramatic scripts, and even specific genre fiction like sci-fi or fantasy.
Always check the specific category requirements for each contest.
Should I tailor my submission for each specific contest?
Yes, you should absolutely tailor your submission for each specific contest.
Beyond adhering to the technical guidelines, consider the contest’s theme if any, the literary aesthetic of the sponsoring journal or press, and the past winners.
Submitting a piece that aligns with their editorial taste significantly increases your chances.
What’s a good strategy for managing multiple contest submissions?
A good strategy for managing multiple contest submissions involves maintaining a detailed spreadsheet or using a submission tracking app.
Log the contest name, deadline, entry fee, genre, piece submitted, date submitted, and status.
This keeps you organized and prevents accidental duplicate submissions or missed deadlines.
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