Top Tips for Entering A Writing Contest
By Joanna Campbell Slan, @joannaslan
Over the years I’ve entered and judged a variety of contests. Since we’ve recently opened our call for entries to the 2016 FREDDIE AWARD for WRITING EXCELLENCE (FAWE) competition sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, I thought I’d share a little of what I’ve learned.
First impressions matter. Fortunately, the FAWE is electronic files only. But back in the day when I judged the St. Martin’s Minotaur contest, a woman sent me a stack of papers tied together with an old, dirty shoelace. Sure, I overlooked the grunge when I read her work, but I’ll admit it was hard to separate the visual introduction from the words on the page. Think a minute about the impressions you’re leaving as you work your way through the contest process.
Follow the rules. When you’re staring at a stack of entries, the fastest and fairest way to winnow them down is by checking to see if folks followed the rules. Personally, I like to print out the rules and check them off as I submit.
Transparency for communication helps. Do you have multiple addresses? Write under a pen name? Use a variety of email addresses? Are you planning a long vacation in Africa where you’ll be unavailable for months? Don’t make it difficult for the administrators to contact you.
Readability is essential. Of course, this won’t matter if your file is electronic, but I’ll never forget the contest manuscript that arrived in bright green ink. Ever. And there’s a lesson there. If you hand-write an entry form, is it legible? Did you use that favorite purple pen of yours? Don’t.
Pandering is slimy. I’m as insecure and susceptible to compliments as the next author, but to go on and on in the correspondence about how wonderful I am…well…I’m also not stupid. If the judges are not anonymous, curb your enthusiasm. Be respectful but not cray-cray fan person.
Be gracious. Whether you win or lose, respect the fact that people took time and effort from their careers to create, run, and administer a contest. Remember, most of these are put on by volunteers. Life happens. If the experience didn’t meet your expectations, be a good trooper. Sure, you can share your disappointment, but then move on. After all, you are still creating an impression. In this highly subjective business, that matters a lot.
Accept criticism with appreciation. Writers with more experience are giving you the benefit of their years of experience in their critique. Writing is subjective, but if three judges say the same element needs work, then work on that element. If critiques mention different elements, it’s writer’s choice as to what you do with the judges’ opinions.
Be respectful on social media. Don’t rail against the stupid judges who didn’t recognize that you are the Next Great American Writer. You may be, but is it possible that your skill doesn’t quite yet match your expectations at this time? Don’t get a reputation for being difficult to work with before you’ve started your career.
Use a writing contest as an opportunity for feedback from writers who are reading a blind submission. If their critique matches that from those who love you, Congratulations! If it doesn’t, continue honing your craft. Writing a story, no matter its length, is a skill comprised of many parts. You may have mastered some parts more than others.
The FAWE competition is accepting entries until October 15, 2016. Entries consist of the first 20 pages of an unpublished, unagented, and uncontracted mystery or thriller manuscript. For full rules or to enter, go to the contest website: http://mwaflorida.org/contest/
Top Tips for Entering a Writing Contest from @joannaslan
Click To Tweet
Joanna Campbell Slan is the national bestselling and award-winning author of more than 30 books. Most recently, she has partnered with her friend Linda Gordon Hengerer and a dozen other authors to create the Happy Homicides series of mystery anthologies. Happy Homicides 4: Fall Into Crime is the most recent offering. Check out Joanna’s work at http://www.JoannaSlan.com or email her at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com
The post Top Tips for Entering A Writing Contest appeared first on Elizabeth Spann Craig.
