Writing Contests In Many Forms and Genres

You might think entering writing contests is a waste of time. Or maybe you just don't know where to find one.

Since they come in all sorts of formats and for many genres, it can be daunting to find one that fits you and your fiction. Here's a rundown of competition types and finding one for your needs.


Essays, Poetry, Short Stories and More

Writing competitions come in a wide variety of forms. If you're a poet, you'll obviously be searching for a poetry writing competition. If you write screenplays, you'll want one for screenplays (or one that includes those as part of the competition).

Decide what kind of competition you want, then start your search.

For the purposes of this website, I'll be concentrating on fiction writing competitions. Even that can be a wide open choice.

You still have the screenwriters, the poets (who tend to be lumped in with the fiction writers), the short story writers... ah, there's where the variety comes in. If you write science fiction, for instance, you'll want a science fiction writing contest to give yourself the best chance of winning.

So search for genre-specific writing competitions if that's what your write best.

Then there's "flash" fiction (we used to call it short-short stories), short fiction and longer forms. If you can't write really short fiction, aim for competitions that allow longer word counts.


Where to Dig

I always start with online searches, whether it's for a product I want of for writing contests I'm considering entering. What I found when I did a search for fiction writing competitions was that not many sites had easy to use lists. (Surprise - not.)

If you go this route, be patient. It may take some digging to find useful competitions. Other options for looking include newsletters, magazines and articles about fiction. Writer's Digest often has contest lists in the back of their magazine, and occasionally an issue with a longer list of competitions to peruse.

Wherever you do look, be forewarned: Not all competitions are legitimate competitions. Some are scams meant to take your money and give you little in return. So research whatever fiction writing contest you think you'd like to enter. Check to see if there are any complaints filed against them.


What's In It For You?

So why does a writer enter a fiction writing competition to start with?

Depends on the writer. I haven't personally entered one since elementary school, and that one was more of a poster-thing, than much writing.

I suspect many authors enter for the recognition they can earn. If they win. Or possibly for the prize. Certainly, if you win or place in any fiction writing contests it gets editors and agents to look at you more seriously.

Most competitions have an entry fee, so depending on how many you enter, it can cost a bit. The fees are usually low, though, so don't let them put you off.

If you win one of these, you'll likely have your piece published somewhere (more recognition), possibly win prize money or writing-related gifts. You'll certainly feel great, because you wrote well enough to win!

So go ahead and find a contest to enter. You've got nothing to lose, right?