Why you should enter writing contests

**Updated!

Writing contests – the bane of my existence! For a while!

I remember the first writing contest I entered – I didn’t tell anyone I had entered it. When I got the results in the mail (pre “everything by email”), I waited until I was alone to open the mailer. My scores weren’t great, although, looking back, they weren’t that bad.

Hindsight and all.

Fast forward to a few years ago – I started talking more about being a writer, and I shared my ideas with a few people. I entered contests again. That first one shot my confidence down big time because I thought the scores reflected my true ability. See more about that below.

I “won” every contest I entered. No, I didn’t win first prize – or even second or third. I won because I finally realized what contests are for, at least for me.

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Winning writing contests

Entering writing contests is a HUGE step. HUGE. I mean it! It takes a lot for writers to put their “baby” out there for others to judge. Just like as parents, we want everyone to love our babies and think they’re amazing; as writers, we feel the same. And when someone doesn’t like what or how we’ve written, it’s painful.

Usually, contests offer prizes like money, a chance to have your work looked at in full, and, my personal favorite, critiques by others.

What I’ve learned from critiques

What I finally learned is to look for similar critique issues. I don’t have a problem with grammar, and my spelling and ability to follow contest guidelines are all pretty good.

What I do have an issue with is conflict. It’s something that is mentioned in every judge’s remarks.

So I had an “ah ha” moment, and I took my issue to Facebook. (Click the link on “conflict” above to read that post!) Writing conflict was difficult for me, because I don’t like it! I don’t enjoy drama or arguing and that’s what I equated with conflict. Not true.

I wasn’t looking for validation either. Although I enjoyed getting better scores! I was looking for ideas on how to incorporate conflict in my writing. If all the judges mentioned the same issue, then it was an issue for me!

General rules about entering writing contests

1. Read the rules! Always. Then read them again and make sure to follow them to the letter.
2. Your scores don’t define you. Read that again! Scoring in contests is very subjective. Learn, grow, and know that you can take what you want from the judge’s critiques and leave the rest.
3. Make sure the cost is worth it to you. Weigh the cost vs. what you will get (prize, acclaim, critiques).
4. Are the judges people in your field of writing? For example, if I enter a cozy mystery in a contest, is it mostly made up of judges in the romance area?
5. Be realistic. What do you expect to earn or learn? If you don’t win the “grand prize,” what do you want to take away from entering the contest?
6. In an article in Writer’s Digest, they stress proofreading before entering: You may have read your story a dozen times, but consider a new technique, like printing out the draft, reading it aloud, or having someone else read it. 
7. Never, ever complain about the contest on social media. If you have a valid concern, you should email the contest coordinator. The writing world is small, and you don’t want to alienate people.
8. Reread #2. Don’t let a bad score ruin what you want to do.

What experiences have you had with writing contests?

I’d love to hear about other people’s experiences! Have you entered a contest? Did you win? What did you learn about your writing?

If you’ve never entered a contest, I encourage you to try!

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery, Birds Alive!, released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)