You’re chasing that publishing dream, learning as much as you can. What about entering contests as an avenue to publication? A writing contest can be a way to break through to the editor or pub house of your dream. Just be sure it’s legit. How can you tell?
Writing Tip for Today: When considering writing contests, two important factors should figure into the decision. First, is the contest run by an entity you recognize? For instance, St. Martin’s Press runs contests that offer a contract and an advance against royalties. The benefits of this type of contest are plain. Many writing conferences also run contests, and the advantage there is if you win or place, you gain visibility and bragging rights that might influence the agent or editor to take a serious look at your stuff. Then there are the literary or university-run contests, also usually a safe bet. You are generally better off with a contest that’s run by folks who aren’t going to pack up and leave in the middle of the night.
Second, what’s required? If the entry fee is more than around $25.00, I steer clear, and not only because I’m a poor, starving and cheapskate writer. If the fee is high, it can mean that those running the contest are depending on the entries to pay out the prizes. And unless the prize has some sort of prestige attached to it, you may not gain much in the way of recognition.
I know of a writer who used to tell writers to make up an important-sounding contest name, have your mom or best friend award you its prize. Then you can say you’re an “award-winning” writer in your query letters. I have a feeling agents and editors have thought of this too. Don’t ruin your chances by scheming. One contest system that intrigues me is the Seekerville network of contests. Mostly for Christian and Romance genres (I think) this website does a great job of encouraging new writers and helping them along the journey.
When you are deciding what contests to enter, try setting aside a fixed amount. If you have, say, $100 to spend, research some good contests (Poets & Writers is a good resource, as are the “contests” sections in writing marketing books), divvy up your dough, and send out your stuff. You never know: you might win it all and get closer to your publishing dream.