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'Confessions of
A Contest Queen'
aka - Romancing the Contests
Copyright @ 1998 Judie Aitken
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With all of the hullabaloo that erupts each year following RWA's Golden Heart
contest, many question the reason for entering -- not only GH, but chapter
contests as well. We groan about no feed back, too much feedback, not enough
understanding of our plot, too much rewriting of our favorite scenes and on and
on. Once in a while the remarks are quite different -- "I won!" "Wow - that
judge really liked my work"' "One critique gave me a fabulous idea on how to fix
my plot problem", "what can I tell about one set of scores that are high and
another that are low", or, "my editor finalist judge wants to see the whole
manuscript". Contests are a wonderful learning experience and, I believe, can
be invaluable in preparing a writer for their future. Provided you keep a
balanced perspective and realize that contests should not be the only reason you
write, then they can be fun and informative.
From the entrant's point of view, a contest should provide positive objectives
for your career as a writer. In my opinion, there is no point entering contests
that judge an opening sentence, or the hunkiest hero or the most wonderful
title. These are fluff contests and besides costing you money, they rob your
time and energy. When looking for the best contests for you to enter, first
answer the following questions:
1. Where am I in my writing career?
2. What am I looking for from this contest?
3. Am I prepared to be given critiques/comments/suggestions that I may not agree
with?
4. What career possibilities does this contest offer me?
5. Is the entry fee and number of pages required reasonable to me?
6. Have I heard positive/negative feedback about this contest?
Most contests require a first chapter. Some add a set-up page and others
require a synopsis that may or may not be judged. Some provide only published
authors as judges and others offer acquiring editors as finalist judges. Aside
from us all wanting to win that coveted first place award, let's take the above
questions and look for the best responses.
Where am I in my writing career?
If you are a brand-new writer, then you probably should wait for a while before
you enter a contest. You should become familiar with plotting, conflict,
motivation, point of view, characterization, manuscript formatting and all the
wonderful ins and outs of the craft.
If you have been writing for a year or so, or feel comfortable with feedback you
get from your fellow chapter members, maybe it's time to consider a contest.
If you are very close to being published, there are also good reasons for you to
consider entry a contest, as well -- affirmation of your skill, another win for
your resume, a trial run before sending your manuscript off to an editor, or an
editor who is a finalist judge. Especially if that judge is an editor for a
house or line that might buy your manuscript.
What am I looking for from this contest?
For the beginning writer, affirmation that you have talent, may be the only
reward being sought. For the more advanced writer, quality feedback about your
plot, character motivation, etc. may be what you are looking for. If you are
very close to catching an editor's eye, what better opportunity than to have
that editor review your work as a finalist in a contest. More and more chapters
are designing their contests to have their finalists be judged by acquiring
editors. This year, for example, the Indiana Romance Writer's "A Golden
Opportunity" contest will have each finalist read by four acquiring judges!
Am I prepared to be given critiques/comments/suggestions that I may not
agree with?
It helps to be a little thick-skinned when it comes to reviewing the comments
that are returned on scoring sheets. Although we hope all will offer wonderful
and glowing reports on our writing, the reality is that you will frequently
disagree or be angry with some of the comments. It is essential that you take
these comments and deal with them. Remember, you asked for their opinion and
they gave it. No, it may not mirror your opinion about your own writing, but
that is not the point of contests. If you find that more than one judge points
out a shortcoming in your manuscript -- take heed, they are probably right. If
you are upset by a particular judge's comments/scores -- put the score sheet
aside for a few days or weeks then take it out and review it again. Sometimes a
little time takes the sharp edge off an unflattering critique and you may find
some value to the comments. Then again, sometimes you don't.
What career possibilities does this contest offer me?
This is an important question and the answer varies depending on where you are
in your career. As a newbie, you may garner little more than a good
critique. As a more advanced writer you may discover some little gem of wisdom
that will advance your craft, and as an advanced un-pubbed, you may have the
opportunity to catch an editor's eye. With a win or placing, all will have the
opportunity to list the win in their writing credits.
Is the entry fee and number of pages required reasonable to me?
If a contest asks for an entry fee of $30 and offers little more than a read and
critique by a non-pubbed judge -- perhaps you want to look at a contest that
offers the same for much less money. If the $30 gets you a possible category
placing and a possible read by one or more editors, then the high entry fee is a
little easier to take. On the average entry fees for most contests run between
$20 and $30. Some contests give a cash premium -- great -- at least you might
be able to purchase a new printer cartridge, but the bottom line is getting an
editor's attention.
Have I heard positive/negative feedback about this contest?
In selecting the ideal contest for your work, ask around. Ask friends in your
chapter who have entered contests and if you are a member ask about the contest
on the RWALink. There are some contests that have a glowing reputation and
others that are working toward that goal. The best advice is to ask and to
carefully read the information about the contest to make sure that your
manuscript qualifies.
The Best Advice the Contest Queen can Give:
After getting the information page for the contest you wish to enter, read the
instructions carefully. If you have questions, call the contest
coordinator. Later if you come up with another question, contact her
again. You don't want to be disqualified because you used the wrong font or
margin.
Contests can be a wonderful and rewarding experience but they can also be
dangerous. It is unfortunate but there are people who can write glowing contest
entries up to three chapters and a wonderful synopsis, but they can't finish the
book. They spend their time, energy and talent being perpetual contest entrants
instead of writers.
Set your number of contests to two or three a year or less. Enter contests only
if you think it can further your writing career. Understand that judges'
comments are purely subjective.
Make each entry count -- make it the best entry you possibly can.
Don't forget to write thank-you notes --
No matter how much you want to cuss out a judge -- don't.
And the very best advice -- believe in yourself and persevere.
Judie Aitken, former Contest
Queen, has won numerous contests, including, 'The Heart of the Rockies', 'The
Crystal Heart', 'TARA,' 'Duel on the Delta,' New England RWA's First Kiss
Contest,' Northwest Washington RWA's 'Happily Ever After,' and the 'Emily.'
She has, however, recently retired from the ranks of contest entrants, to pursue
her new career as a published author! To read more about Judie Aitken her
website.
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