How to Enter Writing Contests

If you have a story or poem, don't keep it to yourself!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Entry Forms
• Printers
• Postage Stamps
• Postcards
• Address Labels
• Envelopes
• Printer Paper
• Computers
• Word-processing Software
• Postcards

1. Look for writing contests in local newspapers, national magazines and Web sites. One of the best sources is the "Writer's Market."

2. Look at the individual contest - there are many level of contests, from one-poem entries to full screenplays. Is your work appropriate?

3. Figure out what you want from the contest. Are you looking for credit? A certificate? Money? Feedback? Publication? See what the contest offers and whether it's what you want.

4. Consider the size of the contest. If it's large, you face more competition. If it's small, you will get less exposure if you win.

5. Determine whether the entry fee is reasonable. Most contests charge a reading fee, which, in part, covers the prize. The rest of it goes to pay people to read all of the submissions and sift out the best ones ' hopefully yours!

6. Pay attention to the page or word count requirements. Don't waste the judges' time, or your own, by submitting an entry that doesn't meet the requirements.

7. Proofread the entry before you send it. Better yet, have someone else proof it for you.

8. Use the proper manuscript format dictated by the contest rules.

9. Follow directions carefully. Some contests require you to put your name on the cover page or to submit more than one copy.

10. Be sure you have filled out the entry form correctly and legibly; sign it if that's required.

11. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for prize notification. Also include a self-addressed stamped postcard so the contest officials can notify you upon receipt of your entry.

12. Include the correct fee and put the correct postage on your entry.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you use an attention-grabbing opener.
• Send thank-you notes to the administrators and judges.
• Keep a copy of your entry. Most contest administrators won't return manuscripts.

on 11/22/2005 Many contests have a prestigious judge and submissions are read "blind," meaning the judge looks at the manuscript without the author's name attached. However, do some research. In many cases the judge selects a former student as the "winner," and each entrant is out $15-$20 for a supposedly fair contest.

on 11/22/2005 BEWARE OF POETRY.COM!!! They are what you call a vanity hoax. I entered, actually, a really good poem, and it (among 300 others) got accepted into this book, that cost me 60 dollars. I didnt know untill i saw how many other people's
"poetry" had made it, that it was a hoax...

on 11/22/2005 If there is no entry fee, but the prize money is for a whole lot of money, beware! It is probably a hoax and not worth your time and effort.

on 11/22/2005 If you suspect the contest is a vanity but you still want to enter it, enter another piece - a really terrible one, one that no real contest would look at - under a different name. Submit it, too. If the second entry is accepted, you know it's all a hoax.

on 11/22/2005 Beware: many "vanity" publications get rich on entry fees and anthology prices, but are not especially selective in the caliber of poetry they publish. Publication by these presses carries little real prestige. Make sure you enter reputable contests.