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  • Writer's pictureGerald C. Anderson, Sr.

The Pros and Cons of Entering Writing Competitions


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There are a number of pros and cons to entering writing contests. There are many out there, some more legitimate than others, and some with some very strict rules o follow.

There are four main points you should consider when thinking about entering a contest:


* Is it in a genre I want to write?

* What is the cost to enter (if any)?

* What prize will I win?

* Would I be proud to list it in my writing credits if I won?


Entering any contest has pros and cons. Here are a few to consider:


PROS


1. Writing to a Deadline

There’s no time to waste, so the deadline can help you get more done. Whether you win or not, learning to write with a deadline helps to improve your writing skills.


2. Stretching Your Writing Skills


The topics and themes can often be interesting and make you try new things. I entered a contest a couple of months ago on Vocal (see my entry here). For this contest we were given a set of parameters to write our flash fiction story. I enjoyed this because I had to challenge myself to come up with a fiction story that fit into the rules of the contest. Although I didn’t win, I felt good about the process. It challenged me to grow.


3. Increase Your Prestige


There are a lot of writers out there. Winning a prize in a contest can help you establish credibility as an author. Keep in mind, it doesn’t define you. If you don’t win, count it as a learning experience and keep trying. Hopefully, the contest will give you feedback to allow you to grow.


4. Money and Other Rewards


It’s always nice to be paid for your work. Plus, even if you don’t win cash, you might have the kernel of an idea you can expand on or use in a full-length work.


5. Getting a Publishing Credit


If the winners are printed, there is nothing quite like the buzz of seeing your name on the page. This in and of itself is reason to enter. If you win, it could lead to something greater in your future.


6. Having the Chance to Submit Multiple Entries


If you really love the topic and can think of all sorts of ways to go with it, a contest that allows multiple entries allows you to write what you love, plus have more chances of winning.


CONS


1. Some Really are Cons


Watch the fees. They can start adding up if you are not careful, with little to show for your efforts. Personally, I don’t enter a contest with fees or any other cost. There are tons of free contest out there. In my opinion, a contest without fees is legitimate. If you have to pay to enter then I question the legitimacy of the contest.


2. Exclusive Submission Requirements


Some contests insist that you can’t submit your work anywhere else during the contest, or sometimes even if you win a prize. You should always maintain your rights over your own work whenever possible, and not tie it up for weeks or months on the off-chance you might win.


3. Less than Prestigious Contests


Some contests are recognized in the writing world, while others are more interested in grabbing your fee. Do your due diligence before writing a single word or paying a penny.


4. Too Many Rules and Regulations


It can be really frustrating to find a contest with a topic you would love to write about, only to discover that for some reason you don’t meet the eligibility requirements. Read the fine print before writing a word. However, if the topic really excites you, write it for yourself anyway. Anything that gets the creative juices flowing is always a good thing.


5. Too Much Formatting, Copying or Other Picky Requirements


If the rules about formatting are more than a couple of paragraphs long, skip it. You’re supposed to be judged on your ability as a writer, not a typist/word processor.


Check out my latest novel "The Last Honorable Man". It's $10 plus shipping if you order from this site.


Gerald C. Anderson, Sr.


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