From Pen to Prize: Proven Strategies to Win Writing Contests Every Time

You're a pro writer who possesses a wealth of untapped potential, brimming with creativity and a unique voice that's ready to be heard. Winning a writing contest isn't just about the prizes that come with it. It's an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, to have your work recognized and appreciated, and most importantly, a chance to grow and learn. 

How do writing contests work?

At its most basic level, a writing contest is a competition where entrants submit their original literary work judged against the entries of others. However, each contest has unique parameters that dictate the way it functions - a key detail you need to be attentive to if you're looking to come out on top. 

Submission Guidelines: Every writing contest will have specific submission guidelines. These may detail the permissible word count, the required format, or even the type of content that can be written. Therefore, your first step should always be to carefully examine and understand these rules. Non-compliance can lead to instant disqualification, regardless of the quality or creativity of your work. 

Contest Theme: Many contests choose to center around a particular theme or topic. This could be something broad, like a genre – mystery, romance, horror – or it could be more specific – climate change, a historical moment, etc. Knowing the contest's theme is vital; it helps you design your content to be directly relevant and impactful. 

Judging Criteria: Your work will be evaluated based on certain criteria, which may include coherence of content, use of language, creativity, originality, and how well you've conveyed the theme. These criteria might be explicitly stated or might be more subjective, depending on the contest officials. 

Armed with a thorough understanding of these fundamental factors, you're now equipped to participate effectively in writing contests. However, to truly stand out and secure that win, let's move on to some proven strategies.

How to choose the right writing contest to enter

Choosing the right writing contest can be just as important as the quality of your submission. It's a process that will require time and careful consideration, but the payoff can be immense. Here's how you can make the right choice: 

Understand Your Strengths: A key factor to consider first when selecting a contest to enter is your writing strengths. Are you a talented short story writer or does your talent lie in poetry, essays, or humor? Assess your skillset and opt for contests that align with your strengths. 

Review Past Winners: Look at previous winners of the contest. This can provide a clear idea of what the judges may be looking for. It will also give you a feel for the competition level. If the previous winners are all professional writers, and you're just getting started, it might be tough to compete. Choose a contest where you feel you can stand out. 

Contest Reputation: It's essential to check the reputation of the contest and the organization sponsoring it. You'll want a contest that is well-regarded and credible. You don't want to waste your time on a contest that is not transparent or doesn't respect its participants. 

Reading The Fine Print: Always thoroughly read the rules and regulations of each contest. Pay particular attention to details like the word limit, submission format, and deadline.  You don’t want to be disqualified on a technicality. 

Lastly, look at the rewards. While recognition and personal satisfaction are great motivators, a substantial prize can be very appealing. Also, certain contests offer publication as part of the prize - this could be an excellent opportunity for emerging writers. 

Choosing the right contest involves evaluating your strengths and interests, as well as researching each contest thoroughly. In doing so, you increase your chances of winning and make the contest experience more enjoyable.

Proven strategies to win writing contests

Topping the list in a writing contest might sometimes feel like aiming for the stars. Yet, with the right focus, determination and, most importantly, technique, you could find yourself standing in the victor's circle. Let's take an in-depth look at a few of our already mentioned strategies. 

Tailor Your Content to The Contest's Theme 

Every writing contest has a theme. Don't waste your time and energy crafting a wonderfully written piece that doesn't meet the contest's theme or criteria. Read the guidelines carefully and let them shape your story, essay or poem. This not only shows your respect for the contest rules, but also increases your chances of winning. 

Use Engaging Writing Techniques 

Engagement is the magic word. Ensure that your writing is not just correct and on theme, but also interesting and engaging to the reader. Make use of powerful language, descriptive details, and compelling characters. Spice things up with a twist, create tension or invoke emotion. These can make your work stand out from the crowd. 

Create a Unique Approach 

When it comes to writing contests, you're up against the best. So it's essential to bring something unique to the table. This might take the form of a fresh perspective on the theme, an unexpected plot twist, or perhaps a novel writing style. If your work tastes different, it's more likely to be savored by the judges. 

Proofread, Revise and Refine 

No first draft is perfect. You need to proofread your work, refine it, and polish it until it shines. Don't rush this process, as it could mean the difference between being a winner or an also-ran. Check for spelling and grammar errors, awkward phrasing, or any inconsistencies in your story. Lastly, make sure your work complies with the contest's word count or format rules. 

Winning a writing contest can be a stepping stone to greater things in your career. Stay positive, be patient, and keep refining your skills. With persistence and a bit of luck, that desired prize will soon be yours. Happy writing!

Common mistakes to avoid when entering writing contests

While aiming to win any writing contests, it's not only important to pay attention to things you should do, but also those you shouldn't. Below, you'll find common mistakes writers often make when entering writing competitions. 

Ignoring the Rules 

Contests usually come with a set of guidelines established by the organizers. These rules may pertain to word count, format, theme, and deadline. Insufficient attention to these guidelines is a direct ticket to disqualification. Therefore, make the competition guidelines your holy grail and adhere to them religiously. 

Diving Straight into Writing 

Prior planning before commencing your piece is key to creating a winning entry. Create an outline for your work, brainstorm your ideas, and think through your story or argument before you start writing. Lack of planning can lead to disjointed ideas and a lack of flow in your writing. 

Rushing Your Submission 

The excitement of entering a contest and potentially winning it can oftentimes lead to hasty submissions. Avoid falling into this trap. Take enough time to write your piece, proofread it, and revise it multiple times for best results. 

Submitting Unoriginal Work 

Always remember, originality pays off. Judges can spot stolen or unoriginal work from a mile away. Submitting such work can damage your reputation and sometimes lead to legal troubles. Stick to your unique voice and creativity to stand out. 

Not Getting a Second Opinion 

Before you hit that submit button, let a pair of fresh eyes glance over your work. This person can spot errors you might have missed and provide beneficial insight into your work. Whether it's a friend, colleague or mentor, utilize their feedback to polish your piece. 

When you evade these common pitfalls and combine it with effective strategies, your odds of winning that writing contest increase exponentially. So, apply these tips and get ready to impress your audience with your creatively crafted work.

Ways to overcome writer's block when preparing for a writing contest

One of the biggest challenges you may face in your preparation for a writing contest is writer's block. This is a common issue where you find it challenging to produce new work or come up with creative ideas. If you're feeling stuck and uninspired, don't worry. Let's explore some practical solutions to overcoming this obstacle. 

1. Get Moving: Physical activities like taking a walk, doing yoga, or even dancing, stimulate your brain and can help stimulate fresh ideas. An active body often leads to an active mind. 

2. Change of Environment: Monotony can sometimes dull creativity. A change of scenery might be all you need to kick-start your imagination. This could be as simple as moving to a different room, going to a coffee shop, or stepping into nature. 

3. Freewriting: Freewriting is a technique that encourages you to write nonstop for a set period, usually 15 minutes to 30 minutes. During this time, you forbid yourself from making corrections or edits, concentrating instead on generating ideas and content. Freewriting can be a great antidote to writer's block because it forces you to push through the initial barriers and to dip into your subconscious. 

4. Mind Mapping: Start with a central idea and draw branches with associated thoughts or topics. It's a technique designed to stimulate the flow of ideas and connections, which can serve as a springboard for your writing. 

5. Reading: Often, reading can help combat writer's block. Reading a book in your genre, an inspiring piece from your favourite author, or unrelated topics, can push your mind into creative mode. 

Note: Writer's block is a hurdle that even seasoned writers face from time to time. It's important to remember that it's only temporary. But, with these strategies at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to overcome it and shine in your next writing contest.

Resources or websites that can help you find writing contests to enter

Finding the right writing contest can seem as challenging as writing the winning entry. Yet, there is an array of websites and resources available to make the search easier. Here are some notable options to explore: 

• Freewrite Store: It lists upcoming writing contests sorted by deadline, genre, format and fees. They also offer a free guide to winning writing contests.

• Poets & Writers: A great resource for poets, fiction, and non-fiction writers. They feature a comprehensive database of contests, including poetry, short story, essay, and book and magazine contests.

• Aerogramme Writers' Studio: Offers a list that includes both upcoming and annual competitions worldwide.

• Submittable: A platform that provides a collection of open contests and calls for submission from publications and organizations around the globe.

• The Write Life: They have compiled a list of writing contests, including details about the judges and prize money.

• The Giveaway Fairy: This website offers up-to-date posts featuring a myriad of writing opportunities and contests. Information about each contest's theme, deadline, and prize is listed to help you choose the right contest to enter. 

Beyond these, you can also look up writing associations and publications in your genre of choice. Many of them conduct regular writing competitions. Remember, the key is to select contests that align well with your writing strengths.