An extraordinary book. The only one you need if you're serious about making money from your writing. -- Keir Nathan Thomas - Editor, journalist and publisher A clear, no-nonsense step-by-step guide containing all the things I wish I had known when I started out. -- Calum Kerr - Director of National Flash Fiction Day and author of Lost Luggage Delightfully readable and full of helpful and sensible advice. This is the book I've been waiting for all my writing life. -- Sue Barnard - Award-winning poet and editor at Crooked Cat Cathy "I've won fourteen writing competitions recently, and been runner-up in countless others. I received £300 ($457) for a poem that took me a couple of hours to research and another couple of hours to write, and $250 (£164) for a single sentence of fiction. For a 100-word story, I was sent £350 ($533) and a hamper of breakfast goodies. For a single sentence, I won a trip to Italy. Bundles and boxes of books and other prizes have weighed down my postwoman, and the publicity following one of my wins (that publicity including a radio interview to 700,000 people) sent sales of my first book soaring into profit. It happened for me, and if you use all the information in this book then there's a good chance that it can happen for you too." How to Win Writing Competitions (and Make Money) does exactly what it says on the tin — multiple award-winning poet, short story writer, novelist and brains behind the popular Comps and Calls website Cathy Bryant explains the techniques and tricks that can be used to build-up a collection of writing awards. And aside from the actual rewards you get, including cash, winning competitions can lead to significant career opportunities. 130 page paperback. 978-0-9565819-5-2
What a gem this little book is. In 121 printed pages, it fits in probably everything you could want to know about writing competitions. The writing is clear and the advice invaluable.
The fact that it took me some time to read this book is in no way a negative reflection on it. I spent the time doing the exercises, which give you some wonderful ideas of what to write.
If you're serious about winning writing competitions, I can't recommend this book enough.