tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post7649207697990632611..comments2024-03-28T13:35:16.194-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: 4 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Writing ContestJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5172319152361536342018-11-24T04:51:51.391-05:002018-11-24T04:51:51.391-05:00Nice advice.
Nice advice. <br />clipping pathhttps://www.clippingpathassociate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-43444504997752504052014-05-03T16:16:46.746-04:002014-05-03T16:16:46.746-04:00This post is the best. Truly. All the pure knowled...This post is the best. Truly. All the pure knowledge and legit information is in this post. This article is not like those articles which tell us fake news. This is legit. Thanks a lot for that. Clipping Pathhttp://www.clippingpathusa.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79026989005736305382012-08-02T22:10:43.945-04:002012-08-02T22:10:43.945-04:00Excellent advice! I want even going to bother ente...Excellent advice! I want even going to bother entering a writing contest, I had no idea how valuable they can be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62222346937129543292012-07-16T12:06:07.552-04:002012-07-16T12:06:07.552-04:00I had a similar experience. I entered two novels i...I had a similar experience. I entered two novels in contests at Writers League of Texas Conference, one won in its category and the other was a finalist in a different genre. Then I pitched them at the Pacific Northwest Writers Association conference. The effort to hone the manuscript, especially those first pages I think helped me get a foot in the door. Great posting Jody.<br /><br />Richard Hacker<br />www.richardhacker.wordpress.comRichard Hackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16053993254553151777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65818544454750257952012-07-15T21:25:49.411-04:002012-07-15T21:25:49.411-04:00I have never heard of an agent or editor snubbing ...I have never heard of an agent or editor snubbing writing contests. In fact, many of them act as judges for national contests (for the final rounds) and in doing so often "find" authors. <br /><br />As far as publishing a book on your blog, I would probably lean toward not doing so--unless of course, you're planning to self-publish and are looking at it as a way of generating some interest for readers. I think that most traditional publishers limit the amount of a manuscript that an author can post (I have a certain word count limit in my contract.) Thus I'm restricted with how much of my book I can post on my website, blogs, interviews, etc. <br /><br />And where to look for contests? It really depends on what you're writing. If you write romance, then you need to check out Romance Writer's of America website. They have a VERY thorough listing of romance contests. (Their link is at the bottom of the post.)<br /><br />Hope that helps! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45309636013967850052012-07-15T17:30:49.049-04:002012-07-15T17:30:49.049-04:00Hi. I first want to thank you for this post. It wa...Hi. I first want to thank you for this post. It was very informative to me. I was wondering if editors/agents have anything to say about manuscripts being submitted to contests. I was told that if you publish more than 2 chapters on your blog, some publishers consider your work already published. Do contests count the same way? And do you have certain places you go to look for contests? I would really appreciate any assistance you can give me. <br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><a href="http://mjwauthor2012.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">M.J. Wille, author</a>Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16476535219561553948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45601762683960749502012-07-14T23:57:01.138-04:002012-07-14T23:57:01.138-04:00Thanks for this post Jody and you're absolutel...Thanks for this post Jody and you're absolutely right! The amateur mistakes, especially on the first page, can really influence a judge's decision against you. For my first page, I'm really trying to make sure my readers are sucked into the world of my characters, and become interested in the characters quickly.Bonnee Crawfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01513268628209169538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-77314565788533776472012-07-14T14:12:52.036-04:002012-07-14T14:12:52.036-04:00Thanks for another excellent post, Jody! You alway...Thanks for another excellent post, Jody! You always give me something to think about.<br /><br />In theory I know contests are valuable, and I've entered (and finalled) in a few. But it takes me months to get up my courage and I'm almost in panic mode by the time I hit the 'send' key. Often as not I keep writing and polishing instead of submitting. I'm currently working on an entry for the contest associated with a conference I'm attending in October, and I'm aiming for the Golden Heart this fall, too, so will see how it goes.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56362581469406262802012-07-14T13:56:29.495-04:002012-07-14T13:56:29.495-04:00The Seekerville blog also publishes a lengthy list...The Seekerville blog also publishes a lengthy list of contests and submission opportunities at the beginning of every month -- http://seekerville.blogspot.ca/ -- which I print out for reference.Carol Garvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02182655399708415140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7645238186988925862012-07-14T09:27:57.728-04:002012-07-14T09:27:57.728-04:00Hi everyone! Thanks for leaving your thoughts!
Cy...Hi everyone! Thanks for leaving your thoughts!<br /><br />Cynthia, I definitely wouldn't enter a contest for that charged $100. That's way to much. Most contests I've entered run anywhere from $20-40 per entry. And I'm sure many of the organizations use the contest entry fees to pay for their operating expenses (including guest speakers, chapter meetings, etc.). So the contest fee is usually going for a good cause.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53509060506117109672012-07-13T18:37:07.646-04:002012-07-13T18:37:07.646-04:00Thanks Jody. I've just finished entering my f...Thanks Jody. I've just finished entering my first contest. A short story contest, which I've never done before. I'm going to use it as a first chapter for another book. We had to start with the sentence, "The cell was eight feet wide..." I think it was pretty good and sparked an idea for a new novel to come. At the very least, if I don't win, I have a promising novel to give birth to!Dawn Dixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476466437552136087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76819871324369796832012-07-13T06:05:51.733-04:002012-07-13T06:05:51.733-04:00I'll definitely consider this when my next wip...I'll definitely consider this when my next wip becomes ready. Thanks!!Traci Kenworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07336373871521363649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5697232645155941722012-07-12T21:42:06.315-04:002012-07-12T21:42:06.315-04:00LOL! :-)LOL! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18997040771655984432012-07-12T21:40:40.051-04:002012-07-12T21:40:40.051-04:00Hi Ava,
Yes, indeed! Some contests do provide MUC...Hi Ava,<br /><br />Yes, indeed! Some contests do provide MUCH more clout than others. In the CBA market, the Genesis is probably the most prestigious. I think agents and editors would also look favorably on a final in the Faith, Hope, and Love unpublished writer's contest too (so congrats on that!). A Golden Heart final is an HUGE boost to unpublished writers. Most go on to get agents and book contracts as a result (see the link I provided above. It opens in Sept. and is very popular).<br /><br />If you want to find out how many entries are in the Genesis contest, those might be listed on the ACFW website under each year's finalists. But overall, there's really no way to know how many contestants. What you should tell people is that the market is very competitive and if you final, no matter how many entries for a nationwide contest, that's always a very good sign that you're on track!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-44018788132569597472012-07-12T21:09:03.508-04:002012-07-12T21:09:03.508-04:00I recently entered a writing contest arranged by o...I recently entered a writing contest arranged by our local library. I don't like to enter contests with high entry fees; the library entry fee was $10 and the first prize is $200. I've seen some organizations that charge up to and over $100 as an entry fee. I'm cynical enough to wonder if their operating budget receives a boost from the entry fees. I was able to find out that the library contest last year received only 12 entries so I hope to have a chance. <br /><br />I find that contests often have a word count or topic or opening line that must be used so this does involve producing original content just for the purpose of the contest. Good practice if nothing else.Cynthia Washburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03872674307948362400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33241873087646104852012-07-12T20:35:00.917-04:002012-07-12T20:35:00.917-04:00Great tips. The writers who follow these will incr...Great tips. The writers who follow these will increase their chances of taking home the top prize in any writing contest. I hope everyone who enters ours will follow the tips. www.valhallapress.com/contest.phpannikenhttp://www.valhallapress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-23643464433685137042012-07-12T18:41:33.171-04:002012-07-12T18:41:33.171-04:00Or a brain....Or a brain....Jennifer Majorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12696261499182486196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53358347658772633772012-07-12T18:37:28.475-04:002012-07-12T18:37:28.475-04:00Feel free to adv a V anywhere you'd like.....Feel free to adv a V anywhere you'd like.....Jennifer Majorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12696261499182486196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4867559204205205532012-07-12T18:35:22.393-04:002012-07-12T18:35:22.393-04:00I missed the Noel Rocket contest for my genre by 3...I missed the Noel Rocket contest for my genre by 3 days!!! And I was not amused. I'm still not even aware of all the contests out there.Jennifer Majorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12696261499182486196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-63771699639195895492012-07-12T16:53:09.981-04:002012-07-12T16:53:09.981-04:00Jody,
Thanks for the enthusiastic support you alwa...Jody,<br />Thanks for the enthusiastic support you always provide in your columns. I'm new to the writing world but in the last year I've entered three contests and have done well. I'm taking it as a sign I'm on the path God wants me to be traveling. I was a Genesis semi-finalist and currently I'm a finalist in the Faith Hope and Love contest for RWA. Being somewhat of a newbie I have some questions:<br />1. It seems some of the contests carry more clout than others. I'm assuming the Genesis is the ultimate but what are some of the more prestigious contests we should be considering? (especially if limited funds narrow our contest entries :-)<br />2. When I share contest news, friends and relatives often ask how many other entries I was up against.I have no way of knowing this. I'm not sure about proper contest etiquette.Is this a "tacky" question to ask the contest coordinator when I'm notified? <br />Thanks for your help.Ava Walker Jenkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12968305681481056689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90166796568266054062012-07-12T15:13:03.399-04:002012-07-12T15:13:03.399-04:00website link btw - http://www.competitivewriter.co...website link btw - http://www.competitivewriter.comNatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02949320705322339700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-85971402320462305162012-07-12T14:32:08.680-04:002012-07-12T14:32:08.680-04:00Excellent, excellent points, Nate! Thanks for addi...Excellent, excellent points, Nate! Thanks for adding your wisdom to the discussion. And I agree that writing contests can be a fairly inexpensive way to get professional feedback. On the other hand, one must make sure the judges are qualified, or else the contest feedback could get confusing. But overall, I think that most reputable contests work hard to offer high-level judging.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31060791286589863162012-07-12T14:29:37.531-04:002012-07-12T14:29:37.531-04:00Hi Sarah,
I think that it's possible to still...Hi Sarah,<br /><br />I think that it's possible to still have strong characters and even a character-driven story but at the same time open your story on a strong hook that grabs your reader. It may take a bit more brainstorming and wrestling with your creative spirit to find that spot! But I do think it's possible!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90393099867584902522012-07-12T14:25:08.986-04:002012-07-12T14:25:08.986-04:00Congrats on winning the contest, Linda! It's a...Congrats on winning the contest, Linda! It's always such great validation to know that you're on track, isn't it! And thanks for the mention in your Tuesday post! I appreciate the shout out!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-18981737947477079822012-07-12T13:54:13.909-04:002012-07-12T13:54:13.909-04:00Jody - I posted a link to this article on my blog...Jody - I posted a link to this article on my blog that is pretty much devoted to writing contests. My writng journey also began with a contest win, but a much smaller scale. <br /><br />While I agree on the basic premise of being honest with yourself about your skill level before entering a contest, I still think they can be valuable tools. Because I have paid entry fees, I am more motivated to <br />1. Be more thorough with my editing<br />2. Write as strong of a piece as possible<br />3. Go otuside my comfort zone<br /><br />Yes it sucks not to win, and it can feel like a waste of cash. However, my writing has only improved in quality as a result of writng competitions, and I've turned my losers into winners by going back to the drawing board and submitting to online/print journals. After all, getting published is the biggest contest there is!<br /><br />Finally, helpful critiques are valuable. Just try looking up how much editing/critiquing services cost and you'll find a contest that offers feedback is a bargain. And for the true penny pincher, there are cheap and even free contests available.Natehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02949320705322339700noreply@blogger.com