The first Wednesday of every month I participate in The Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The #IWSG is one AMAZING group of talented writers. Some of them are beginners and some are professional authors. One of the many things we all have in common is our moments of extreme insecurity about our craft. Another is our gratitude and strong -pay it forward attitudes when our confidence is soaring.
We would love to have you join us:
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com
Every Wednesday I also share some of the things I have found that worked and some that didn’t work so well on my journey to publication, marketing and publishing again. Being insecure at times is one thing I had to and still deal with in my writing. Learning to listen to other writers, taking their advice and learning to write through those insecurities is a must.
Writing Contests
I will be honest, I am still a bit confused by and I get quickly overwhelmed when trying to sift through all of the contests out there for writers. For that reason I didn’t enter my first book in any contests. I would like to enter The Stranger in My Recliner in a few. While the book is in production I would like to enter a few short story contests too.
What I’ve learned:
- The saying, “If it cost money it isn’t legitimate,” is not true when it comes to writing contests. There are many established contests that charge an entrance fee to raise prize money.
- Many magazines offer writing contests.
- Do your research before entering. Request the contest facilitators send you a list of previous winners. Ask other writers for contest information.
- How many winners are chosen?
- Is there a cash prize, will the winners be published and where?
- Will the winners work be promoted and how?
- Who are the judges and what is their process?
- I was one of the judges for the Huffington Post’s Memoir Contest. I enjoyed reading all of the entries (most of them) and it was so hard to choose my favorites. It was a lengthy process and I learned so much. The one thing that consistently frustrated me while judging that contest was how many entrants ignored the formatting instructions. If you enter a contest make sure you read and follow the formatting instructions. Some contests will disqualify your entry if you don’t and others may take points off.
- Most of the major writer’s conferences offer contests. If you are planning to attend a conference next year be sure to ask.
Have you ever entered a writing contest? Do you have any suggestions?
Just a few suggestions:
http://www.freelancewriting.com/creative-writing-contests.php
http://writersviews.com/writing-contests.php
http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/short-short-story-competition
http://www.witf.org/contests/2014/10/Enter-the-2015-central-pa-writing-contest.php
https://winningwriters.com/our-contests
Good Luck and Happy Writing,
Doreen
I would love to connect with you here too:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bristol-boyzStomp/113804488656243
http://www.twitter.com/doreenb8
27 thoughts on “Writing Wednesday/ #IWSG/ Contests”
I’ve never entered a contest, but I know one writer who has honed her contest skills. Quite the talent, if you ask me.
I am going to give it a try, you never know!
Thanks so much for these great tips and resources. I’m in a writers’ group and I’ll share the link with my fellow writers. I’d been wondering about the pay for entry contests, so thanks for clarifying that for me. Great post!
Good Luck!
I m not a big fan of contest, overall, so I’m not qualified to speak. But you are lucky to have a writing support group to encourage you!
I do love my writing groups! I’ve never been a fan of contests either but people keep telling me I should…
Oh these are great resources! I had no idea that there were writing contests that were not just about the organizers making money! I might have to give one or two a try! Thanks so much!
There are SO many. I’ll bet there are some for games:)
Never thought of entering a contest. Something to think about.
I am going to try entering some short stories, never know.
When my book published in 2011, I entered it in a few writing contests: Eric Hoffer, Mom’s Choice Awards, About.com Readers’ Choice Awards and IPBA. I highly recommend any and all that fit your story. The benefits are of course marketing. All the sites feature my book and in the case of Mom’s Choice, it is a wonderful way for me to promote the book as a recognized tool for parents of teenagers. Feel free to DM me when the time comes if you have any questions.
Thank you so much Elin, I appreciate it and I will!
I entered the Writers Digest writing competition in 2008 in the picture book category (writing, not illustrating) and when honorable mention. I think it was that that helped me land an agent — though she’s no longer my agent.
Oops… That’s WON honorable mention.
That is awesome, Lisa!
I really appreciate the resources- and the cheerleading! You’ve got me motivated!!!
Yay!
I won a short story contest in American Girl magazine when I was 12 and I won Blogger Idol last year!! So many great resources here. Looking forward to reading about your wins in the future 🙂
I remember Blogger Idol! You were amazing!
Such great information. Thanks Doreen!
Thank you for reading!
Oh this all sounds great to me. What a fun concept to send your work to a contest. Thanks for the tips.
I will let you know how it works out.
Ohh..this is good information…thank you so much!!!
Thank you Michelle.
Those are some good things to consider when choosing a contest to submit to. I haven’t won any yet, but I keep putting my work out there!
Keep trying!