Writing Contests

CONTESTS are a tool to help perfect your craft and increase exposure. They can be a useful method to determine if your writing is on target.

Define your goals:

Are you entering a contest to win, or to receive the critique offered by the judges?

The greatest value is derived from feedback obtained by a judge's analysis. Should you make finalist, then an editor or agent will critique your work. What better way to find out your strengths and weaknesses than by a professional in the business?

Be Selective:

• Enter contests within your genre. The judges will be more appreciative of your efforts, more knowledgeable of the requirements for a marketable manuscript. Then, if you have a fearless heart, venture out to other contests.
• Choose contests judged by experienced critiquers and/or published authors.
• Check to see if the contest has a discrepancy judging if there is a large point spread between scores of the first judging.
• Enter contests with an editor or agent as a final judge.

Know the rules:

• Read the entry carefully. Most contests have specific rules you must follow or the entry will be disqualified.
• Most contests want the entry in standard industry format.

Standard industry format and contest hints:

• Double-spaced lines
• 10 cpi font (usually Courier 12 point)
• No more than 25 lines per page
• One inch margins all around
• No name anywhere on body of entry
• Title page or cover sheet: This is where you include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address, title, sub-genre or series line, word count, and contest category.
• Mail entry in a "priority mail" Tyvek envelope (waterproof, non-tear material). The U. S. Post Office provides them. Postage is usually $3.20.
• Enclose the entry form and fee.
• Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage for the return of your judged entries.

What to expect:

It takes nerves of steel to enter a contest. No nail biting, please. Processing a contest takes time, although, probably less time than hearing back from an editor. After mailing your entry-forget about it-- continue writing. When you get your judged entry back it should have positive remarks and critical suggestions. Don't take it as gospel. Remember that the comments you receive are only one person's opinion. It's ultimately up to you to decide if they are on the mark. If, however, more than one judge makes the same comments, consider it a red flag and take a closer look at the problem.

A nice gesture:

Send a thank you note to the judge soon after the contest. Mail the notes to the contest director. Be sure to include the judges name or identification number on the front of the envelope. Winning isn't everything; it's what you get out of the experience that counts.

About the Author:

STAR President and 1999's "Launching a Star" contest coordinator Laurie Cooper writes historical romances. Laurie received an Honorable Mention in the 1999 "Mountain Laurel Contest."

Please do not reproduce without permission.