Contests are regarded by freelance writers in various ways. Some relish the competition. Some use contests as an exercise to improve their writing. Others want the professional critique offered by certain contests. And for some, it’s to win a monetary prize
Contests can help writers gain skills like learning to write to specific guidelines, meet deadlines, handle rejection, or cope with success.
Kristin Hannah, a judge for Family Circle’s Fiction Contest 2011, said, “I began my career entering writing competitions. Each of my entries taught me something, and gave me an opportunity, so they’re very near my heart.”
Kristin has gone on in her career, writing over twenty novels on topics for women, including mothers, wives, sisters and friends. She has an active website and blog and is on Facebook where she enjoys connecting with her readers.
If entry fees are a put off, consider this: Four or five forays into Starbucks will add up to an entry fee. Look at entry fees as an investment to your writing career.
Contests put your name out there. Any prize won is a credit, and first prize gets you affirmation, bragging rights and the notice of editors and publishers.
Here are two contest opportunities for you:
Family Circle Fiction Contest
c/o Family Circle Magazine, 9th Floor
Description: This contest accepts unique, unpublished, short stories which will be judged based on writing ability, topic creativity, originality, and overall excellence. Entries must not have won any prize or award.
Website: www.familycircle.com/family-fun/fiction/
Length: To 2,500 words
Requirements: Entry fee, $20.
Prize: Grand Prize: $750, 2nd $250, 3rd $250
Deadline: September
Visit the website for more guideline info.
Reader’s Digest Writing Contest
Description: This Contest is about “Your Life” and accepts original, unpublished stories that share a life lesson, simple advice, a funny moment, or other story from your life.
Website: www.facebook.com/ReadersDigest
Length: To 150 words
Requirements: There is no entry fee. Submit via the Reader’s Digest Facebook page. Essays may be supported by a photo or a video. Visit the site for complete details.
Prize: Grand prize, $25,000; 10 runners-up will win $2,500. The 11 honorees will also be published on
ReadersDigest.com. The most popular Facebook entry will receive $2,500
Deadline: November 1
What have you got to lose? Pat Zabriskie
No comments:
Post a Comment