Win Big: The Ultimate Guide To Writing Contests

Sep 6, 2025 by Henrik Larsen 48 views

Hey guys! Ever dreamed of seeing your name in print, maybe even snagging a sweet prize while you're at it? Well, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the exciting world of writing contests! It's not just about the glory (though that's definitely a perk!), it's about honing your craft, getting valuable feedback, and maybe, just maybe, launching your writing career.

Why Should You Bother with Writing Contests?

Okay, let's get real. Why spend hours, days, even weeks pouring your heart and soul into a piece, only to submit it to a contest? There are actually tons of reasons why writing contests are a fantastic opportunity for writers of all levels.

First off, think of the motivation boost. Having a deadline and a specific goal (winning!) can be a serious game-changer. It's like having a personal trainer for your writing muscles. You're pushing yourself to create something polished and compelling, and that's a skill that will benefit you in every aspect of your writing life. Beyond motivation, writing contests provide invaluable experience. Each contest typically has specific guidelines, word counts, and themes. Navigating these constraints challenges you to think creatively and adapt your style. You'll learn to write to a brief, a skill that's crucial if you ever plan to write professionally. Speaking of professionalism, entering writing contests gets your work seen by judges who are often established writers, editors, and agents. This exposure can lead to feedback, connections, and even potential career opportunities. Imagine getting your work read by someone who could offer you a publishing deal! That's the kind of networking gold you can find through contests.

And let's not forget the prizes! Sure, the accolades are nice, but the cold, hard cash or other tangible rewards can be pretty sweet too. Some contests offer cash prizes, publication opportunities, writing software, or even scholarships. Think of it as getting paid to do what you love! Ultimately, entering writing contests is about growth. It's about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, learning from the process, and celebrating your achievements. Even if you don't win, you've still created something, and that's a victory in itself.

Finding the Right Writing Contest for You

So, you're sold on the idea of entering a writing contest, but where do you even begin? It can feel like navigating a maze, but don't worry, I'm here to be your guide! The key is to find contests that align with your genre, writing style, and experience level. There's no point in submitting a sci-fi short story to a poetry contest, right? First, know your niche. What do you love to write? Are you a fantasy fanatic, a crime fiction connoisseur, or a poetry prodigy? Identifying your genre is the first step in narrowing down your search. Once you know your genre, start exploring online resources. Websites like Poets & Writers, Duotrope, and Winning Writers are goldmines for contest listings. They allow you to filter by genre, entry fee, prize amount, and deadline, making your search much more efficient.

Speaking of entry fees, that's another important factor to consider. Some contests are free to enter, while others charge a fee. Fees can range from a few dollars to upwards of $50 or more. Weigh the cost against the potential reward. Are the prizes worth the entry fee? Is the contest reputable? Don't be afraid to do some research. Look into the contest organizers, the judges, and past winners. Are they legitimate? Do they have a good track record? You want to make sure you're submitting your work to a contest that's fair and ethical. Consider your experience level. Some contests are specifically for emerging writers, while others are open to published authors. Submitting to a contest that's geared towards your experience level can increase your chances of success. Pay close attention to the contest guidelines. Each contest will have its own set of rules regarding word count, formatting, and submission procedures. Follow these guidelines exactly. Failure to do so could result in disqualification, no matter how brilliant your writing is. Finally, don't be afraid to get specific. Use keywords in your online searches to narrow down your options. For example, instead of searching for "writing contests," try "short story contests for young adults" or "poetry contests with cash prizes." The more specific you are, the more likely you are to find the perfect contest for you.

Crafting a Winning Entry

Alright, so you've found the perfect contest, and now the real work begins: crafting a winning entry! This isn't just about slapping some words on a page; it's about crafting a piece that will captivate the judges, stand out from the crowd, and leave a lasting impression. First and foremost, understand the prompt. Many contests have specific themes or prompts. Make sure your entry directly addresses the prompt and fulfills all the requirements. Don't try to shoehorn a pre-written piece into a contest if it doesn't quite fit. It's better to write something new that's tailored to the specific guidelines. Once you understand the prompt, brainstorm ideas. Don't just jump into writing. Take some time to think about different angles, characters, and plot possibilities. The more ideas you generate, the better your chances of landing on a truly unique and compelling concept. Before you start writing, create an outline. This will help you structure your piece and ensure that it flows logically. A well-structured story is easier to read and more likely to resonate with the judges.

Now comes the fun part: writing! Use strong imagery, vivid language, and compelling characters to draw the reader in. Show, don't tell. Use dialogue, action, and description to bring your story to life. Pay attention to your voice. Your writing should sound authentic and natural. Don't try to imitate other writers; let your own unique voice shine through. Once you've finished your first draft, revise, revise, revise! This is where the magic happens. Read your work aloud, looking for awkward sentences, plot holes, and inconsistencies. Get feedback from trusted friends, writing partners, or critique groups. Fresh eyes can often spot errors that you've missed. Pay attention to the details. Proofread your work carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A single typo can make a negative impression on the judges. Make sure your formatting is perfect. Follow the contest guidelines exactly. Use the specified font, margins, and spacing. A professional-looking entry shows that you take the contest seriously. Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, change it. Your gut is often your best guide. Crafting a winning entry takes time, effort, and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it. So, put your heart into it, and let your creativity shine!

The Submission Process: Dos and Don'ts

You've poured your heart and soul into your writing, polished it to perfection, and now it's time to submit your entry. But hold on! The submission process itself is just as important as the writing. A sloppy submission can undo all your hard work. Let's break down the dos and don'ts to ensure your entry makes the best possible impression.

First, the Dos:

Do read the guidelines carefully: This is the golden rule of contest submissions. Read the guidelines multiple times. Understand every requirement, from word count and formatting to submission deadlines and entry fees. Missing even one detail can lead to disqualification. This cannot be stressed enough when preparing your writing contests entry.
Do format your entry correctly: Use the specified font, margins, and spacing. If the contest requires a specific file format (e.g., .doc, .pdf), make sure you save your entry in the correct format. A well-formatted entry shows that you're professional and detail-oriented. Remember, following directions is key in writing contests.
Do proofread meticulously: Typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes can be a major turnoff for judges. Proofread your entry multiple times, and ask a friend or writing partner to proofread it as well. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch errors that you've missed. Attention to detail matters in writing contests.
Do include a cover letter (if required): Some contests require a cover letter, while others don't. If a cover letter is required, make sure it's concise, professional, and error-free. Introduce yourself briefly, mention the title of your entry, and thank the judges for their time. Cover letters are a first impression in writing contests.
Do keep a copy of your entry: Always save a copy of your entry for your records. This is just good practice in case something happens to your original submission. Having a backup is essential for writing contests.
Do submit on time: Pay close attention to the submission deadline. Don't wait until the last minute to submit your entry. Give yourself plenty of time to address any technical issues or unforeseen problems. Meeting deadlines is critical in writing contests.

Now, the Don'ts:

Don't ignore the guidelines: I know, I know, I already said this, but it's worth repeating. Ignoring the guidelines is the quickest way to get your entry tossed in the trash. Always follow the directions. Guidelines are your roadmap in writing contests.
Don't exceed the word count: Most contests have a strict word count limit. Exceeding the limit is a surefire way to get disqualified. Be concise and cut out any unnecessary words. Word limits are absolute in writing contests.
Don't submit the same entry to multiple contests simultaneously: This is generally frowned upon. Wait until you've received a decision from one contest before submitting your entry to another. Exclusivity matters in writing contests.
Don't contact the judges or contest organizers: Unless you have a legitimate question about the contest rules, avoid contacting the judges or organizers. This can be seen as unprofessional and could even lead to disqualification. Respect the process in writing contests.
Don't get discouraged: Not every entry will win. If you don't win a contest, don't give up. Learn from the experience, keep writing, and keep submitting. Rejection is part of the journey in writing contests.

Submitting your entry is the final step in the contest process. By following these dos and don'ts, you can ensure that your entry is presented in the best possible light and has the best chance of success.

What to Do After Submitting (and After the Results Are In)

Okay, you've submitted your masterpiece. You've clicked that button, sent that email, mailed that envelope. Now what? The waiting game begins! But your work isn't quite done yet. There are things you can do while you wait, and things you should definitely do after the results are announced, regardless of whether you win or not. So, let's talk about the aftermath of entering writing contests. While you're waiting, resist the urge to constantly check your email or the contest website for updates. Trust me, it's a recipe for anxiety! Instead, focus on your next writing project. Start brainstorming new ideas, working on a different story, or revising an existing piece. This will keep your creative juices flowing and prevent you from fixating on the contest results.

Use this time to hone your craft. Read widely in your genre, take a writing workshop, or join a critique group. The more you improve your writing skills, the better your chances of success in future contests. Consider submitting other pieces to different contests. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. The more you submit, the more opportunities you have to win. Engage with other writers online. Join writing communities, participate in forums, and connect with fellow authors on social media. Building a support network can help you stay motivated and inspired. Now, let's talk about what to do after the results are in. If you win, congratulations! Celebrate your success, but don't rest on your laurels. Use your win as a springboard to further your writing career. If the contest offers publication, make sure your work is polished and ready to go. Promote your win on social media and your website. This can help you gain exposure and attract new readers. If you don't win, don't despair! Rejection is a part of the writing process. Don't take it personally. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Request feedback from the judges, if possible. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas where you can improve your writing. Analyze your entry. What could you have done differently? Were there any weaknesses in your story or poem? Consider revising your entry and submitting it to a different contest. Don't give up! Keep writing, keep submitting, and keep learning. Your time will come.

Final Thoughts: Is Entering Writing Contests Worth It?

So, we've journeyed through the world of writing contests, from finding the right one to crafting a winning entry and navigating the submission process. But the big question remains: is it really worth it? Is all the time, effort, and sometimes even money, worth the potential payoff? In my humble opinion, the answer is a resounding yes! Even if you don't win a prize, the benefits of entering writing contests are numerous and far-reaching. You'll hone your writing skills, gain valuable experience, and receive feedback on your work. You'll challenge yourself creatively, push your boundaries, and discover new strengths. You'll build confidence in your writing abilities and learn to handle rejection with grace. You'll connect with other writers, expand your network, and become part of a supportive community. And yes, you might even win a prize! The possibility of recognition, publication, and financial reward is definitely a major draw. But the true value of entering writing contests lies in the journey itself. It's about the growth, the learning, and the passion that you pour into your craft. It's about the satisfaction of creating something meaningful and sharing it with the world. So, if you're a writer with a dream, I encourage you to take the plunge and enter a contest. You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve. Who knows, maybe the next big literary star is you! Now, go out there and write something amazing!