Contests

I will revisit the Books on Writing Post Series when I come across another great book on writing. In the meantime, feel free to share your favorite writing books in the comments of any of the four previous Book on Writing posts.

Today, though, I'd like to talk about contests. Writing contests are exciting for new writers and seasoned scribes. There are often large reward prizes like meetings with editors, agents, publication and cash. However, they also often come with entry fees and a high volume of competition.

So are contests worth the struggle?

Pros: If you win, the prizes outweigh the cost of entry. Winning a prominent contest can make agents and editors perk up to your writing. Contest wins look great in writer bios in other literary magazines and on query letters.

Cons: Some entry fees are a lot of money, when there's a slim chance of winning the entire competition. Gaining a contest win doesn't guarantee that an agent will want to partner with you on your novel. If you enter a lot of contests and win none, you're not only out time and rejection frustration, but a lot of cash.

My verdict is to enter the contests that you are drawn to. Don't be blinded by the glitz of every contest's glittering prize list. If you think your work is ready and fits the publication running the contest, then submit if you can afford the entry fee. If not, waiting for their regular submission season and submitted your story to the magazine itself is just fine as well. Agents and editors will be impressed with a publication in a lit mag just as they will be from a contest win.

Remember, the only way to publish your novel is to write it amazingly. Same goes for your stories or contest submissions. If you do that, you have more of a chance of winning and publishing than you do by paying that entry fee.