Writing Contests: Things I've Learned From Participating

I've entered my fair share of writing contests at this point, and I've learned a few things doing so. I decided to share them today. Below, you'll find six things that I've learned from participating. I've learned a bit more patience, some tools to combat procrastination, and more. Perhaps you'll decide to try your hand at writing contests as well.

Contest Fees Aren't Necessary

When I first began researching and entering writing contests, I purposely set out on a hunt for quality contests that didn't charge entry fees. While there are lots of fee-less contests out there that I'd steer clear from, there are also many that are great opportunities with free entry. So if money's been a barrier keeping you from submitting your work to contests, it doesn't need to be!

Most of the contests that I put into my monthly contest posts do not charge entry fees.

You Won't Always Win (Be Patient)

I really hope this isn't a complete revelation to you.

Honestly, I don't usually expect to win. Most of the time I don't win, but I keep entering because eventually I get a win somewhere. It just takes time. I'm filled with anticipation as I wait to hear from the judges. Did I make it? Did I win? Did I perhaps get Honourable Mention? Or did my entry simply attract zero interest from the judge?

Be patient. Sure, winning's fun, but you can't expect to win every time. That'd be too easy, and I imagine it would take some of the fun out of it.

The next thing I'll share should help you have a higher chance of success, however.

Quality Over Quantity

This can be difficult. I'm often quite a go-getter. I want to do it all, and do it all well. Unfortunately, I often overload my plate, meaning that I do mediocre in several things instead of excelling in one or two things.

It's easy for me to stack up too many contests with deadlines too close together, and I end up rushing to put half-hearted entries into several instead of pouring my best into my favourite contest on the list.

This is something I've learned (and continue to learn) the hard way. Take the time to pour your best into whatever you're doing. This applies to more than just writing contests. By doing this, you'll have a higher chance of success, and you'll gain more satisfaction from a job well done.

Deadlines Can Be Good Motivation

I love writing. I really do. I'm not sure what I would do if someone told me that I could never write down anything ever again.

Never mind. I know.

I'd become a more oral storyteller, the way stories used to be passed on.

But I really like putting words down on a page.

Still, sometimes I struggle to sit down and write the words or ideas that are inside of my head. Something I appreciate about writing contests is that there is a deadline. You complete and submit your story by this date, or you are out of luck.

Deadlines help me write more consistently. Maybe they could (or already do!) help you too. They don't have to be writing contest deadlines. This is a tool that we can apply ourselves, setting our own (realistic) deadlines for when we want to have a specific story chapter, poem, or other piece of writing completed.

Having accountability set in place alongside your self-imposed deadline can help you stick to it. Find someone who will check in with you and help you stay on track. Just knowing that someone else thinks you're going to complete your work in time for the deadline can help as well. That's one of the main reasons I started my blog. I feel like I'm accountable to my readers and must deliver them (you!) a new post each week. It's been a great tool for growth in my writing life.

Good Records Are Extremely Important

Something I started doing early on when I began entering writing contests was keeping careful records of each submission that I sent out. I started with collecting basic information like which contest I submitted to, the title of my submission, when I submitted it, and what the results were.

As I've continued to send out submissions, my method of recording them has grown slightly more complex. Here's what I record now:

Submitted To: name of contest

Submitted What: name of piece

Submission Type: is it a poem, story, or something else?

Submitted When: date submission was sent

Results/Notes: fill this in as unknown until you hear back

If I didn't write all of this information down, I know that I would quickly forget it.

I record similar information for anything I send out. If I want to guest post on another blog, I'll keep track of who I contacted, what article I sent, and when I sent it. Same for when I submit an article to a magazine.

You don't have to use my system, but if you are starting to send some of your writing out in hopes of having it published, keep track. You will be glad that you did. Tracking of key details has helped me immensely. Picture this: I run across a magazine that looks to be a good fit for a poem of mine that I really love.

But wait! Can I send them that poem, or is it already under consideration by another magazine? Shoot! I can't seem to remember! But...all of that information is written down in a document that I call my Submission Tracker. A couple of clicks later, I have the information in front of me, and my memory has been refreshed.

They're Fun!

I have learned lots from entering writing contests, and chances are that if you enter enough of them, you'll learn some of these things from your own experience too.

Another thing that I hope you will learn is that writing contests are fun! If you aren't enjoying them, then maybe they just aren't for you. I want you to enjoy the process of crafting your entry to the best of your ability. It's a process meant to be enjoyed.

Do writing contests sound like fun to you? Here's a link to get you started. Have fun!