Why is it that once we struggle to get something down on paper, we often let it languish? We stuff it in a file or a drawer? Well, if you’ve got some promising projects gathering dust, why not be bolder? Why not let your work breathe and get it out into the world? One way to do this and add a bit of excitement to your life at the same time is to go for broke and enter a contest.
One of the oldest and best established is the Annual Writing Competition sponsored by Writer’s Digest. It’s in its 82nd year and offers writers in all genres exposure to established editors and agents. Winning entries are also featured in the 82nd Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection. Here are some of the perks of competing:
* A 30-minute “Platform Strategy” consultation with a publishing pro.
* A chance to win $3,000 in cash
* National exposure for your work
* One-on-one attention with four editors or agents
* A paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City
You can submit work in these categories:
* Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
* Memoirs/Personal Essay
* Magazine Feature Article
* Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
* Mainstream/Literary Short Story
* Rhyming Poetry
* Non-rhyming Poetry
* Stage Play
* Television/Movie Script
* Children’s/Young Adult Fiction
To enter, you can register and pay online or download a printable entry form. The early bird entry date is May 6 and the fees are under $50 per submission: Early Bird Entry fees are $27 for the first manuscript; $20 for each additional entry submitted at the same time. Poems are $15 for the first entry; $10 for each additional poem submitted. Entries submitted after that May 6, 2013 Early Bird deadline are $32 for the first manuscript; $25 for each additional entry submitted simultaneously. Poems are $20 for the first entry; $15 for each additional poem submitted at the same time.
For information on word counts and genre descriptions, visit: http://www.writersdigest.com. If you’ve written something you love, you might want to check this out. Write on!
