Enter Writing Contests to Win

 

Yesterday, I learned the names of those who had placed in the Kansas Authors annual state contest. I'm happy to say that I had two third-place wins and one Honorable Mention. It's a nice feeling to land in the winners' circle. One was in the Story for Teens category, another in Flash Fiction, and the last one was writing to a theme for this year's convention. 

I've written here many times that you cannot win, or place, in a writing contest unless you enter. What are some reasons writers do not enter contests?

1. Fear
2. Lack of Self-confidence
3. Don't want to pay an entry fee.

All of these reasons can be overcome. The first two have to do with the way you feel about yourself as a writer. We've talked many times about getting rid of the negative thoughts and working on staying positive. Take the attitude that If others can enter this contest, so can I. We all have a chance to win. That doesn't mean that you're going to be a winner in every contest you enter. Realistically, you'll lose more than you win, but it's the same with submissions to an editor. 

How about #3? Lots of people don't want to pay an entry fee when they know the odds of winning are pretty slim. Money down the drain? Not necessarily. There are free to enter contests, but they usually have a much smaller prize pool. You could be like some who like to go to casinos to gamble. They allow themselves a set amount of money to play with, and when that's gone, they're done. Do the same with entering contests. Figure out what you're able or willing to spend and go for it. Your entry fee helps the contest organizers to award prize money. So think of it as contributing to a good cause. Most often,the greater the entry fee, the higher the award. If you really hate to spend the money on the entry fee, look for free-to-enter contests. There are plenty of them. 

I've heard writers ask where one finds information about writing contests. It's not difficult to put writing contests in a search engine and wait seconds for the list they'll send. You can refine your search by using keywords like writing contests with no fees or writing contests with cash prizes. I'm amazed at the number of people who don't take advantage of a search engine to help find whatever it is they are seeking. 

What are some reasons you should enter contests?

1. Gaining the experience of entering and waiting for the results (often a long wait)
2. The chance that you might win--a gamble perhaps but worth a try
3. To be honest, it's fun
4. If you place in a contest, then want to submit the piece for publication, it is a great positive to be able to tell an editor that 'this piece won second place in ______ contest.
5. If you're writing to a theme, it's excellent practice.

If you have ever submitted to an anthology, you're basically entering a contest. Chicken Soup for the Soul receives a few thousand entries for each book, but they only select 101 of the stories sent. Those 101 people have literally won a contest. It's the same for other popular anthologies. Some of the lesser-known ones allow you a better chance, but also less reward. 

Don't be afraid to enter a writing contest. You'll never win unless you do.