Recently the media was abuzz about the Academy Awards. I didn’t watch the Oscars this year, though I did spread a bit of their competitive spirit by sharing information concerning writing competitions I came across.
I enter and follow many contests across the net, hosted by several amazing individuals, or groups of amazing individuals, in the writing community. Be it a secret agent contest, a pitch contest, a log line contest, etc, they all share the same goal of aiding fellow writers in the journey toward publication. Usually, the prize for “winning” (no one is really a loser in these things) is a request from an agent, a critique or even the lovely gift of a personalized bookmark or ARC of a new release. Like I said, amazing, right? And most of the time, the only cost is the time it takes to follow a blog or write a post sharing the news so more people get involved.
I’ve learned a lot from entering these contests. In several instances, I received feedback on my query, my first 250 words and other sections of my manuscript. As a result I have tightened and polished my work as a whole, and even completely revamped my opening. The comments I receive on my entries are just as rewarding as the prizes offered to the victor.
These are just a few of the sites I follow with contests I enter on the regular:
Operation Awesome 6 – They host a secret agent contest on the first of almost every month, usually centered around a pitch. The rules and regulations are posted a few days prior.
Miss Snark’s First Victim – Another secret agent contest hosted nearly every month, focusing on the first 250 words of your manuscript. There are also smaller events where the emphasis lies on strengthening a particular scene or receiving help with a difficult bit of dialogue.
Mother. Write. (Repeat.) – Is currently on hiatus, but when things are up and running again, a secret agent contest is held or the first 250.
There is a plethora of contests out there, and this is but the tip of the iceburg. The writers community is all about aiding and uplifting one another, and everyone is incredibly supportive of those who are selected as winners. No poor sports here. As my granny always says, a little competition is healthy amongst friends.
Any cool contests you’ve recently entered or heard about?