Seasoned writers as well as emerging writers enter writing contests for different reasons. A published author may receive novel awards for writing, such as the Newberry Award, a children’s book award that went to Neil Gaiman for The Graveyard Book in 2009. The Man Booker Prize for Fiction was awarded to Aravind Adiga in 2008 for his novel, The White Tiger. Both of these contests are two of the most prestigious book awards.
A new writer may be seeking validation of his writing, or wanting to get his writing published in a small venue. There are many contests that offer publication only, or a small cash prize and copies of an anthology with the winning entries. Other contests may offer online publication only. These contests serve a role in the world of publishing by helping new writers to get noticed. Most of all, writing contests help a new writer get used to writing to deadline and following submission guidelines.
Writing Awards May Boost Book Sales
Some of the more notable writing awards are offered to writers who produce original, cutting edge novels, or stories that deal with a timely theme. Many agents will suggest entering these contests to the writer as a way of boosting sales. Books receiving awards tend to receive more publicity and reviews. Books that have received an award may garner premium space in a bookstore, prominently facing outward or being placed on a main aisle or table.
For a new writer, winning a writing award will show he is a serious author. If the contest is judged by an agent or editor, it could open the door to a future writing relationship with that person.
Determine if the Writers Contests are Legitimate
There are some free writing contests, but most writing contests require an entry fee. These entry fees are used to cover administrative costs and prizes. However, the entry fee should not be excessive. Most are less than $50 U.S. Excessive fees should be a warning sign to the writer that the contest is just a way for the sponsor to make money.
Some contests include a critique of the work by a publisher, agent, best selling author, or all three. These are the most valuable types of contests to enter, since a critique may point to errors that the author missed or to strengths that can be enhanced. In a writing competition that includes a critique, even if the writer doesn’t win, the feedback about the novel can be more than worth the cost of the entry fee.
Check the sponsors of the contest. See if the contest is run by a legitimate publishing house or literary organization. Print publishers and university presses are fine venues for writing contests. Websites that have no credentials, or that appear to be selling editing services are not a good choice. Again, these sites may be offering the contest as a way to raise money or gain new business.
The purpose of entering a contest should be to further a writing career. New writers tend to be lured to contests in the hopes of winning large amounts of money or receiving a publishing contract. Unfortunately, there are some contests that are less than worthwhile that prey on these new writers.
Some contests are run annually or quarterly, and the winning pieces are sold in an anthology. Many of these are free to enter, because the proceeds of the anthology sales cover all costs to the publisher. These contests are good choices for beginning writers.
Where to Find Fiction Writing Contests
Many writing competitions are online and a simple search will pull up hundreds. Free writing contests are listed on many websites, but as always, the writer should check the credentials of the sponsor.
There are also listings in the writer’s market sections of writing books. Usually the contests that are in the writer’s market sections have a good background and judging panel. Most charge an entry fee due to the fact that they must pay to be listed. They hope to find excellent writers through these contests.
All in all, a writing competition can be used as a way to start a writing career, by adding credentials to the writer’s clips. It can also boost sales and bring in positive publicity for a new book. They also can get writers noticed by publishing professionals that may be able to give advice or critiques. There are some simple tips for boosting the chances of success in the article How to Win a Fiction Writing Contest. Writing competitions can be a part of every writer’s plan for advancement.
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