There was a time, for me, when the answer was no. Either I figured I wouldn't do well enough or I didn't have the money, or I thought, "Hey, I'm too busy trying to get published here--I don't have time for contests." Yeah, I don't really know what I was thinking at that time, but I know now that I really didn't know much about publishing and contests anyway.
Last Friday I shared with you just a little about my first contest experience. But I've learned a lot since then. If you're considering entering a contest, or vacillating on the issue, here are some tips that might help you.
WHY to Enter a Contest
To win, of course! Nah, it's just a side benefit if you do win. You get a lot more than that from entering contests.
* Feedback - And much of the time, it's really GOOD feedback. Feedback from writers like you, who have been writing for years and have probably critiqued before. Also, feedback from published authors who write in your genre, and maybe, if you get far enough, feedback from agents or editors.
* Preparation for YOUR future as a published author - As the lovely Erica Vetsch pointed out last week, submitting your story to a contest is good preparation to submitting to agents or editors. Practice like that is a great idea!
* The chance to have certain eyes on your work - Again, if you final or win a contest, this is your chance to have an editor or agent see your work. Awesome!
WHEN to Enter a Contest
There is no specific time, but ideally it's when you feel your work is ready. When it's polished enough to enter against other writers, but at the stage you're still willing to get feedback on it. No matter what stage of writing you're at, though, entering a contest will help you determine where you stand.
WHAT to Enter
Your manuscript, right? But what contests do you enter?
* Ones that cater to your genre or market
* Ones you've heard good things about
* Ones that have final round judges you'd like to see your work in front of
* Ones you know will give you more detailed feedback
It seems like a lot to take in when entering a contest, but really if it's something you WANT to do, then go for it! Contests can help give you exposure, and if you're looking for that next level in your writing, contests can help get you there.
Keeping in mind you get a lot of varied feedback and you have to be careful with it, I still believe in contests and how much they can help you. What do you think?
I just entered my first writing contest ever. I never entered as an unpublished writer. Now that I'm competing against published authors who I admire, I'm more than a little intimidated, but I think it's a great way to push myself outside my comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteGood job taking that step, Julie!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of contests. I think it's a great way to acquire that tough skin we need, and get valuable feedback. I think as long as we remember that judging is subjective, and that in the end it is your story, then we can feel free to take what we think will help and leave the rest.
Thanks for the post, Cindy!
Julie, congratulations! That's a big step and I can see why it would be intimidating. I'll be rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteHeidi, I totally agree. We have to brace ourselves for real feedback and also remember it's subjective. But it can definitely be a good thing. Thanks for stopping by!
Yay, Julie! Congrats on entering a contest with your novel!
ReplyDeleteI think the best time to enter a contest as an unpublished writer is when you've taken your work as far as you can by yourself. Contest judges' comments can sometimes open up an area in need of improvement that we weren't able to see by ourselves.
A few years ago, I entered a contest that gave me some great feedback. At the time, I wasn't mature enough to accept the feedback fully, but now I see certain points that stand out...and I corrected them.
ReplyDeleteI like writing contests. It's always helpful to get some fresh eyes and feedback on a project.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving your opinions, ladies! There's a wealth of good feedback out there, that's for sure. You just have to know where to find it :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, Cindy! I'm very careful to only enter contests that have final-round judges I want to see my work. I know that sounds sort of snobbish, but it helps me focus my time wisely. And it also avoids the over-feedback syndrome when you get differing feedback from about 15 different judges. :)
ReplyDeleteI entered my first contest last year, and it was a really good experience for me! I'm now taking some time to polish before I enter any others.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tips!
I'm a BIG fan of contests. I cruised the contest circuit for three years, submitting a total of 47 entries. (I had four completed manuscripts at the time.) I received oodles of helpful feedback from my preliminary round contest judges--and an offer of representation from one of my final round judges, who'd requested a full. Contests might not be for everyone, but they helped get me where I am today. =)
ReplyDeleteI'm debating a contest that's out there right now but I think I have to be in the right frame of mind to get the feedback. Though I have entered many before and always grow as a writer from the experience;}
ReplyDeleteI think you need to be in the right frame of mind for a contest or you end up getting nothing out of it. It also depends on the contest as not all of them will give feedback.
ReplyDeleteContests have opened the publication door for several of my friends. It's a great opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I entered the Genesis I got wonderful feedback. I'm looking forward to this year's contest, especially since I'm putting my manuscript into a different category.