Deborah Luskin, from Live to Write- Write to Live, gives us a brilliant look at contests and judging from the inside out. She confirmed what I believed along, while submitting an excellent manuscript helps get you noticed, but who wins is subjective. Strive for excellence and a story that will move the judges.
In 2005, I won a local writing contest; as a result, I’ve frequently been asked to judge it. (image: http://www.pixabay.com)
Like many writers, I’ve submitted short stories to contests, hoping that my work would win and fearing that my entry would be far outclassed. But I’ve not entered many contests, mostly because I figured if I had to pay someone to read my work, I’d do better investing in an editorial reader to give me meaningful feedback.
I have submitted work to contests with no entry fee – and I’ve won prizes: both money and recognition, but neither fortune nor fame. In 2005, I won a local writing contest; since then, I’ve frequently been asked to judge it. This has given me a new perspective on contests and how winners are picked.
At first, I was one of five judges. We all read all the entries, then met to decide…
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So good to remember this when submitting to contests. I use contest deadlines as motivators to finish and polish a piece, and usually submit it with no expectations.
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That is an excellent way to stay on the submission train and hone the craft. I may try to follow suit, as I don’t enter nearly enough. Thanks for commenting.
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