How To Promote Writing Contests
If your organization is sponsoring a writing contest, you need to advertise in places where talented writers will look. An in your promotional materials, you must clearly and concisely state what writers need to know. Then you can target a large number of websites, publications, and other venues to attract writers to your contest. By putting in the extra effort, you'll draw a wider pool of applicants.
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Instructions
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Write and Post Ads
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State the most crucial information, like the genre, word count, due date, entry fee, prize, and sponsoring organization.
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Create a brief ad that can be posted in print and online, a flyer, and a letter explaining the contest. In the flyer, use large, bold print, and possibly color, but don't make it look too busy.
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Include a link to your organization's website, and demonstrate on your website that your organization is legitimate. As the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America say, numerous scams exist, and experienced writers know to avoid them.
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Post your ad on writing websites such as FreelanceWriting.com and WritersWrite.com.
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Place your ad in magazines such as Poets & Writers and Writers' Journal.
Contact English Departments
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Make a list of MFA (master of fine arts) programs, and other college and university departments with creative writing programs. Or if your contest has a regional focus, make a list of all the English departments in your state or region.
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Write a letter to send to these programs. Address it to a specific person, such as the literary journal's advisor or the department chair.
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Proofread your letter carefully.
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Send your letter to each of these departments.
Attend Literary Events
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Find out what literary conferences and other events are happening in your area.
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Contact them about setting up a table at the event.
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Bring copies of your literary journal or past anthologies, if you have any, to demonstrate the validity of your contest.
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Hand out flyers for your contest to everyone who stops by, and answer their questions. Be friendly and personable.
Follow Up
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When you've chosen the winners, tell all applicants the news by email or regular mail.
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Offer a discount or free copy of the anthology or journal that results will be published in.
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Thank everyone for their submission and encourage them to continue writing.
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