Five Ways Writing Contests Help Writers Succeed
By Annette Marie Griffin
Are you a new writer, still honeymooning with your love for words? Or maybe you’re a seasoned author, looking to rekindle your writing flame. Somewhere in between? Here are five ways contests can help any writer succeed:
Contests supply wait relief—Extreme wait times are a part of every writer’s journey. But contests are different. When we press the send button for a contest entry, our thoughtfully crafted words are not flung into a virtual abyss that offers no guarantee of acknowledgment. We can be sure that our contest word-babies will be read, considered, and in most cases judged fairly. In. A. Timely. Manner. Win or lose, contests provide a welcome change of pace for writers who are stuck in seasons of waiting.
Contests provide motivation—Nothing combats lethargy like a dose of competition. Whether we’re struggling to launch a new project or trudging through a final chapter, contests provide the motivation needed to kick our writing into high gear. The thrill of a potential win is the dangling carrot that plucks us from our writing-funk and draws us to the finish line. The best part is, we can thrive on that renewed energy long after we’ve taken the bait.
Contests can help thicken our skin—Most writers believe their work deserves a win, but most contests offer only a few spots in the winners’ circles. No matter how spiritual or mature the writer is—losing stings, and the pain of a loss can be intensified if the loser’s package includes critical feedback. But if we refuse to let that pain make us bitter, the loss can make us better. In fact, constructive criticism can help us prepare our work for a greater win.
Contests help hone our craft—Few boxers would dare throw their hat into the ring before conditioning body and mind for a fight. Likewise, few writers would enter a contest without first beating the metaphorical brains out of their submissions. As we pummel our words into oblivion then revive them to excellence, we transform our weakling entries into strong, virile contenders for the gold—and for publication.
Contests help get our name out there—Anonymity may be beneficial to a writer who’s in the witness protection program. Otherwise, our name—or pen name—should become as much a part of our brand as our writing. Contests provide an opportunity to pre-promote our brand. Whenever industry professionals hear or see a writer’s name in conjunction with a win, it leaves a favorable impression that can carry over to pitch time.
A few years back, the urge to protect my book babies from judgment overrode any desire I had to see them succeed. Releasing our work is one of the hardest things writers will ever do, but if publishing is the goal, we must take the risk. I’ve entered dozens of contests since I first took the plunge, and I can honestly say that every win and every loss has moved me one step closer to success.
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