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9 Essential Questions to Ask Before Entering a Writing Contest

August 22, 2023
2 min read

The realm of writing contests, much like the broader literary world it inhabits, can be both exhilarating and daunting in its vast array of opportunities. To the uninitiated, it may appear a foggy labyrinth of possibilities, each seeming equally appealing and equally obscure. Yet, with the right tools at your disposal, you can navigate this labyrinth with the confidence of a seasoned explorer. One such tool is the right set of questions to guide your decision-making process. Here are nine such queries that, if diligently answered, can lead you to the contest that aligns with your unique aspirations and capabilities.

  • What is the nature of the organization behind the contest?
  • What does the contest’s historical data suggest?
  • What are the contest rules and criteria?
  • What are the judges' profiles?
  • What is the prize or reward?
  • What is the timeline?
  • How does the contest impact your authorial rights?
  • What is your gut feeling?
  • How does this contest fit into your larger writing journey?

Before you set sail on the exciting voyage that is a writing contest, ensure you have your compass oriented, your map vetted, and your provisions stocked. These nine questions, if diligently answered, can serve as your compass, guiding you towards the contest that aligns with your unique aspirations and capabilities. So, weigh anchor and set sail, for the world of writing contests awaits you with its labyrinthine allure!

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Related Questions

It refers to the type and ethos of the entity conducting the contest. This could be a nonprofit organization, a commercial publishing house, or any other entity. The nature of the organization can give clues about what they might prioritize or seek in contest entries.

Historical data, such as the number of entries received in previous years, the number of winners, and their subsequent literary trajectory, can provide valuable understanding of your prospects in the contest.

These can offer insights into the contest's target demographic, preferred genres or themes, and the level of professionalism expected. They can also help identify predatory practices, such as excessive entry fees or rights-grabbing terms.

Judges, often distinguished figures from the literary world, might lean towards certain styles or themes based on their own work. Thus, aligning your work with the judges' preferences might increase your chances of success.

Practical considerations such as monetary rewards or publication opportunities do matter. If you’re investing time, effort, and often a submission fee, it’s worth understanding the return on your investment.

A contest's timeline, from the submission deadline to the announcement of results, is critical. It can help you align the contest with your short-term or long-term goals.

Authorial rights refer to the legal rights of the author over their work. Some contests might demand exclusive rights to your submission or force you to surrender your rights upon winning. Retaining authorial rights can be as crucial as winning a contest.
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