Should I Enter My Novel Into Contests?

Entering your novels in contests can be a worthwhile endeavor, but it's important to approach it strategically. Here's a breakdown of the potential benefits and drawbacks to help you decide:

Potential Benefits:

• Feedback: Some contests offer feedback on your writing, which can be invaluable for improving your craft. Even without formal feedback, the act of preparing your manuscript for submission can highlight areas for revision.  

• Exposure: Winning or being shortlisted in a reputable contest can expose your work to literary agents, publishers, and other industry professionals. Some contests have agents or publishers as judges.  

• Motivation and Deadlines: Contests provide deadlines, which can motivate you to finish and polish your work. The competitive aspect can also reignite your passion for your project.

• Validation and Confidence Boost: Recognition in a contest can provide a significant boost to your confidence and validate your hard work.  

• Networking: Contests can connect you with other writers and industry professionals.  

• Prizes and Publication Opportunities: Some contests offer cash prizes, manuscript critiques, or even publication opportunities.  

• Strengthening Your Author Bio: Winning or placing in contests can be a notable addition to your author bio when you eventually query agents or self-publish.

  
  

Potential Drawbacks:

• Entry Fees: Many contests charge entry fees, which can add up, especially if you enter multiple contests.

• Subjectivity: Judging is subjective, and not winning doesn't necessarily mean your novel isn't good. Different judges have different tastes.

• Time Commitment: Preparing and submitting your manuscript takes time and effort.

• Exclusivity (sometimes): Some contests require exclusive submissions, meaning you can't submit your work elsewhere while it's under consideration. This can slow down your overall submission timeline.  

• Disappointment: Not winning can be discouraging, especially if you've invested time and money. It's important to manage your expectations.

• Quality of Contests: Not all contests are created equal. Some may lack prestige or not offer significant benefits. There are even some that could be considered scams (though these are less common).

  
  

How to Decide if a Contest is Right for You:

• Research the Contest: 

  
  

  • Reputation: Is the contest run by a reputable organization or literary magazine? Check their history and past winners.

  • Judges: Who are the judges? Are they well-respected authors, agents, or editors in your genre?

  • Prizes: What are the prizes? Are they valuable to you (e.g., cash, feedback, publication)?

  • Entry Fee: Is the entry fee reasonable for the potential benefits? Consider free contests as well.

  • Rules and Guidelines: Read the rules carefully, including eligibility requirements, word limits, formatting guidelines, and rights.

  • Feedback: Does the contest offer feedback, even for an additional fee?

  • Blind Judging: Does the contest use blind judging (where the author's name is removed from the manuscript)? This helps ensure impartiality.

    
    

• Consider Your Goals: 

  
  

• What do you hope to gain by entering? Is it feedback, exposure, validation, or the chance to win a prize? Choose contests that align with your goals.

• Assess Your Manuscript's Readiness: Is your novel polished and the best it can be? Don't submit a first draft.

• Manage Your Expectations: Understand that winning is not guaranteed, and the main benefits might be the process of submission and any feedback you receive.

• Start Small: Consider entering smaller, local contests first to build confidence and gain experience.

• Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: Continue to explore other avenues for your novel, such as querying agents or preparing for self-publishing, while you wait for contest results.

In conclusion, entering novel contests can be a beneficial part of your writing journey, but it's crucial to be discerning and strategic. Research contests thoroughly, understand the potential pros and cons, and align your entries with your specific goals for your novel.