jennifer_j_s (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} jennifer_j_s) wrote,@ 2008-01-24 09:40:00 |
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A public service announcement concerning writing contests
I frequently get phone calls or emails asking how to break in, and what the secret is to getting published. I say there is no secret, just write well and be smart about your submissions.
That’s the short, easy answer.
But of course, being smart means a lot of things: educating yourself about the market, knowing how to format your manuscript, and a little networking doesn’t hurt either. But being smart can also mean working at getting noticed. Which brings me to writing contests -- if you enter good ones (avoid the scams; sorry, they are out there), and your are fortunate to place or at least get an honorable mention, it helps. With some of the bigger contest, an agent or editor may contact you after the winners are announced. With a smaller one, you still have something nice to tout in your query letter.
Here are some contests that look like winners:
Pacific Northwest Writers Association -- Deadline February 22nd. Many local writer’s organizations run contests in conjunction with their annual conference. The PNWA is a good example. Google to find others.
Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators -- Consult website for deadlines. SCBWI has grants for works in progress. You need to be a member, but there are no entry fees.
SmartWriters -- Deadline in August (check website for details). Winning this one will get you noticed in a big way.
SouthWest Writers -- Deadline May 1st. If you are in the top 20, the final judge is an industry professional. Picture book writer Marge Pellegrino won in the novel category several few years ago, and also received the grand prize storyteller award. Her amazing book will be published in 2009 by Frances Lincoln Books of London. I know of others who have gotten agents or received book contracts after placing in this contest (I'm one of them).
Writer’s Digest -- Deadline May 15th. This one gets a lot of entries, so the odds are long, but it’s a good one.
So if you're waffling about whether your work is ready to submit, entering a writing contest may give you an answer.
This concludes this public service announcement.
P.S. Don't be a cheapskate. Pay for the professional critique if one is offered.
I frequently get phone calls or emails asking how to break in, and what the secret is to getting published. I say there is no secret, just write well and be smart about your submissions.
That’s the short, easy answer.
But of course, being smart means a lot of things: educating yourself about the market, knowing how to format your manuscript, and a little networking doesn’t hurt either. But being smart can also mean working at getting noticed. Which brings me to writing contests -- if you enter good ones (avoid the scams; sorry, they are out there), and your are fortunate to place or at least get an honorable mention, it helps. With some of the bigger contest, an agent or editor may contact you after the winners are announced. With a smaller one, you still have something nice to tout in your query letter.
Here are some contests that look like winners:
Pacific Northwest Writers Association -- Deadline February 22nd. Many local writer’s organizations run contests in conjunction with their annual conference. The PNWA is a good example. Google to find others.
Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators -- Consult website for deadlines. SCBWI has grants for works in progress. You need to be a member, but there are no entry fees.
SmartWriters -- Deadline in August (check website for details). Winning this one will get you noticed in a big way.
SouthWest Writers -- Deadline May 1st. If you are in the top 20, the final judge is an industry professional. Picture book writer Marge Pellegrino won in the novel category several few years ago, and also received the grand prize storyteller award. Her amazing book will be published in 2009 by Frances Lincoln Books of London. I know of others who have gotten agents or received book contracts after placing in this contest (I'm one of them).
Writer’s Digest -- Deadline May 15th. This one gets a lot of entries, so the odds are long, but it’s a good one.
So if you're waffling about whether your work is ready to submit, entering a writing contest may give you an answer.
This concludes this public service announcement.
P.S. Don't be a cheapskate. Pay for the professional critique if one is offered.
