How do I enter writing contests?
Plan, draft, edit and pitch the same book in one project.
Start writing free- Writing contests offer credits, prizes, and exposure.
- Reputable contests matter; some are scams or rights grabs.
- Follow submission guidelines exactly.
- Watch entry fees and contest terms (rights, usage).
- Placements build a writing resume.
Enter writing contests by finding reputable ones that fit your genre and form (story, poem, novel excerpt), then following the guidelines exactly — formatting, word count, deadlines, anonymity rules. Vet each contest: reasonable or no fees, a real track record, and terms that do not grab your rights (avoid contests that claim ownership of entries). Treat wins and placements as legitimate credits for your writing resume and queries, but not as the measure of your worth. Used well, contests build credentials and exposure.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Writing contests can build a writer's credits, confidence, and visibility, and provide deadlines and feedback — but the space includes scams, predatory fees, and rights-grabbing terms. Understanding how to find reputable contests, follow their rules, and read their terms protects writers and lets them benefit. Knowing that placements are useful credits (not validation of worth) keeps contests in healthy perspective, as one tool for building a writing career among many.
Chapter ii·What to include
- Reputable contests fitting your work.
- Exact adherence to guidelines.
- Vetting of fees and terms.
- Avoidance of rights grabs.
- Placements as resume credits.
- Healthy perspective on results.
Chapter iii·Example
A short-story writer finds reputable contests in her genre, checks each for reasonable fees and fair terms (no rights grab), and follows the guidelines precisely. She places as a finalist in one — a credit she adds to her query bio. She treats it as a useful credential, not a verdict on her worth, and keeps submitting.
In WriteLoom
Somewhere to actually put the words
WriteLoom keeps your submissions and credits organized, so contest entries and placements are easy to track.
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