Writing Contests: How to prepare

For writers, writing contests are an imperative part of the process because they provide us with feedback and also help us thicken our skin. Remember, writing is a highly subjective industry, which means that we are constantly going to face rejection and conflicting opinions, whether by judges, readers, family members or even our own edits.
One way to effectively prepare for a writing contest is to have a professional edit done. If you have a crit partner that’s great. Not everyone has the time. I myself have to hire someone to do my edits because I simply don’t have the time to give the feedback to the other person. I always urge people to get a critique done first or a full edit because this is putting your professional foot forward. You wouldn’t go in to a job interview wearing jeans and likewise you don’t go in to a writing contest with a first draft.
Research some places. Writing Career Coach, of course, offers editing and I usually offer specials around the times of large writing contests. But beyond that, find either a critique partner, someone who is knowledgeable in the industry or a professional editor, to go through your writing and give you some feedback.
You can get a detailed edit where they will pick apart every little piece, or have somebody just do an assessment and give you an overview generalizing areas of strength and weakness. Either way, make sure before you go in to a writing contest that you’re taking the time to learn about the craft and build a strong showing in the contest.
Once you’ve toughened your skin and polished your writing it is time to get it out there. Find contests that have trained judges who are going to give you feedback on your work. While we always want to win writing contests in this subjective industry that won’t always happen. We need to be able to get something out of the contest no matter what. That is why feedback is so important. I’ll talk more about using the judges’ comments to improve your writing, but for now simply focus on finding good contests that provide real feedback.
If you’ve entered some good contests I’d love for you to share below. I know the Genesis Contest [unpubbed] and Carol Award [pubbed], both of which are sponsored by ACFW are good contests. The Daphne du Maurier Award from the RWA KOD chapter also has a good reputation and excellent feedback.


Tiffany Colter is a writer, speaker and writing career coach who works with beginner to published writers. She can be reached through her website at writingcareercoach.com.

This blog originally posted on WritingCareerCoach.com on August 13, 2010. 

Carla Stewart with more great things happening

The cover of Chasing Lilacs was chosen for FaithWords Spring/Summer catalog cover.
The Christian MomLogic Book Club has selected Chasing Lilacs as their next read, and my publisher has graciously provided ARCs for them.
(Tiffany says, HUGE congrats, Carla.)

I’ve done several guest blogs on writing topics and my journey so far and another on my path to publication.
A dozen or so blog interviews are scheduled over the next few months.
I will have a phone interview with christianbook.com on June 1.
The book launch for Chasing Lilacs will be on June 19—Exciting plans underway!
You can now follow me on Twitter - www.twitter.com/ChasingLilacs
Web: http://carlastewart.com
Blog: http://carlastewart.blogspot.com

Nicole O'Dell signs with MacGregor Literary

When I asked Nicole O'Dell tell us about her experience recently this is what she sent over. Congrats Nicole!

I attended the marketing seminar in Indy in December, 2009. It truly was the single most important investment I've made in my career to date. Through the sessions and the discussions I was able to hone in on specific areas where my marketing strategies fell short...like my website. The instruction time was invaluable--I'll never forget some of the things I learned, and I believe those tips will have long-term impact on my success. The hours the group spent focusing on each writer individually was an unbelievable luxury. How often does an author get to sit in a room with half a dozen other successful authors, a marketing guru, and the number one literary agent, with the focus completely on her work for an hour or more? I've also been so blessed to have maintained strong and continually developing friendships with several of those wonderful authors. And the best part? I signed on as Chip's client a few weeks after the seminar. Life changing.

Vickie McDonough has a new book releasing

My first trade fiction book, The Anonymous Bride, releases April 1st. It's the first book in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series.

Alumnus Carla Stewart's updates

Carla Stewart attended our November 2009 Marketing your Fiction Seminar. Here is her current update:

Great news, indeed. I didn’t dream that attending the seminar would have all these perks! Just goes to show you need to “step out on the water” sometimes. I’d be glad to write an endorsement for the seminars. Will do that later this afternoon.

For achievements and accomplishments as an alumni:

1. I’ve writter new copy on my home page w/ links to my book. Thanks, Jim, for the lessons in writing web copy. Have now joined Twitter @ChasingLilacs which was a suggestion from the seminar. I’m networking like mad and adding two or three blog interviews per week most of which will coincide w/ the release of Chasing Lilacs.

3. Will be on Seriously Write blog Feb. 3 “Ten Tips to Keeping Your Reader Engaged” and Feb. 5 “Waiting on the Lord.” http://www.seriouslywrite.blogspot.com/ Will keep you updated on these as they are scheduled (if you want me to, that is).

4. My first review is in, but hasn’t been released for the public yet (It was a really good one). Here are three of the endorsements (14 total) I received:

“A remarkable debut novel. Carla Stewart cleverly captures the stark simplicity of a young girl’s voice with all the masterful qualities of powerful prose. Unforgettable.”

—Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy


“Carla Stewart’s book CHASING LILACS was a delightful read . . . it’ll warm your heart.” Jodi Thomas, New York Times Bestselling Author

“CHASING LILACS is the kind of coming of age story that sticks to you beyond the last page. Unforgettable characters, surprising plot twists, and a setting so southern you’ll fall in love with Texas. Carla Stewart is a new talent to watch!”

—Mary E. DeMuth, author of Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn


5. Other news: Chasing Lilacs was chosen as the next book for the Christian MomLogic Book Club. Will begin in late February with FaithWords (my publisher) offering 15 ARCs to members as the book has not yet released.

Also, FaithWords used the cover art of Chasing Lilacs for the cover of their Spring/Summer Catalog (what a thrill!)

All this to say, Tiffany, that I’m humbled by all the good things that are coming my way. I’m not terribly comfortable about making this all about me and only hope that I’m able to pass along some of the advice and good will that I’ve received.

Congrats, Carla. We are so excited for you!