I recently entered my first contest and encountered a new species...contest junkies. Who are these chicks that enter every single contest out there, and what motivates them to continually enter?
My first encounter with these self proclaimed contest sluts (their words not mine) was on the RWA Pro loop, where writers were complaining about the GH scoring. Several writers complained that their ms had placed in 4 or 5 different contests, but still received a low GH score.
My question is this. Is it really worthwhile to enter the same ms in several different contests?
At what point do you say enough is enough?
Back to the contest I entered. I didn't final. Didn't expect to. I mostly entered for the three detailed critiques that I would get on the first three chapters of my ms. For twenty-five bucks that seemed worth it. When they announced the finalists, I recognized three out of the five in my category as having finaled in other contests.
Something to consider when entering a contest...there will be several other entries that have already won elsewhere.
After reading at least fifty emails on the Pro-loop about the GH contest, I would have to think long and hard about enetering the GH. With no feedback, authors that receive low scores or are in the bottom twenty-five percent are left very discouraged.
As one GH contestant put it--"I know they hated it, but I don't know why..."
I'm not completely turned off by contests. I still may occasionally enter one based on the type of feedback or who is judging, but next time around I'll be a little more savy.
What do you think about contests? Are they worth it...or not?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
can we wear one of these at conference? 'Cause that would be AWESOME!
For Christie!
hahahahahaha
5 comments:
I think it depends on what you're getting out of them. If you just want the comments in an effort to improve your writing, then more power to you. They are attractive, like who wouldn't want an editor or agent to request your work? But seems like all the editors and agents interviewed don't take the offerings. So then what's the point?
I've entered a couple of contests just for feedback. The NTRWA'a Great Expexctations contest was the best. The comments were very constructive and pointed out things we had missed. I think they're good in that way - another set of eyes. But all in all, I think it's best to pick and choose. Besides who wants to pay all that money to hear your writing is crap? We can get that for free from each other!!! JUST KIDDING!
Great blog.
Here are my pros and cons for contests.
Pros: 1.) If you don't have any writing experience, a writing degree, or other writing credibility to show you know the craft, the business, and a tad bit about grammar, I think entering a contest is great because you have to have something of substance to put in your cover letter, other than you like making stuff up or that you read a lot. 2.) If a particular editor or agent you want is judging the contest, it is worth the money to try to get your manuscript in front of them - but only if you're story is polished and ready to go. You're wasting your money if you haven't edited at all before entering.
Cons: 1.) First-round judging. They aren't necessarily published. And even if they're PRO, how good are they - how much knowledge and experience do they really have? Are they just bitter and anal, or are they being constructive. 2.) It costs a lot and takes a lot of time to prepare submissions, which takes time away from writing.
Honestly, it's a personal decision. Everybody's gotta do what's right for them. I have been somewhat anti-contest just because I'd rather focus my time on other stuff, but there's one I found that looks good and the editor is of interest, so I may do it.
For me at this stage of the game, I won't enter anything that doesn't give a detailed critique. I'll save the GH for when I'm sure I have a bestseller.
I don't really get the contest junkies--constantly sending off to contests has to be a real drain on writing time and your budget.
I think there may be some merit in entering contests, even if it's to keep the writer moving ahead and submitting somewhere. Although it would be much better to actually get published than to just rack up a bunch of contest fees. If the contest sends detailed critiques then it's not so bad. At least maybe you get something for the fee.
Post a Comment