January 17, 2011

Do you ever enter writing contests? I never have, but back when I began writing thirty years ago, the cash prizes were $25 or less. I didn’t think it was worth the time. I was rather shocked when I saw the prize money for contests now!

[NOTE: Before submitting stories to contests, I highly recommend Jan Field's article "Ten Tips for Contest Entries." Following her advice will greatly increase your chances of winning.]

Great Places to Start

Check out the Children’s Writer contest (a kindergarten story this time). Entries must be received by February 28, 2011. PLEASE NOTE: Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. All others pay an entry fee of $15, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the July 2011 issue. Prizes: $500 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer, $250 for second place, and $100 for third, fourth, and fifth places. Read the rules carefully before submitting–and submit on time! You can submit online or through postal mail.

I decided to check further and saw that the Institute’s 2011 market guides each contain a large contest section. The Magazine Markets for Children’s Writers 2011 has 46 contests listed, and The Book Markets for Children’s Writers 2011 has 48 book writing contests, awards and grants.

Additional lists of contests can be found by Googling “writing contests.”

In these tough economic times for writers, we all need to think outside the box on a more regular basis. (Myself included!) If you like the idea of contests, this might be a great thing for you to explore!

6 Comments »

1. 

   Thanks for the heads up, Kristi. I passed it on to my writing group. : ) Beth

   Comment by Beth Mac — January 17, 2011 @ 8:30 am

2. 

   Why yes, yes I do. Only entered a couple last year (avoided the ones with entry fees) but this year I have a few on the docket. For me the most valuable thing I can take away is experience. I work on the craft of writing, figure out what works and what doesn’t, and the best-case scenario is publication. Even when I don’t win, I do.

   Comment by Yvette — January 17, 2011 @ 8:39 pm

3. 

   I love writing contests! Nothing like a set of guidelines to get the juices flowing (just like theme lists actually) … I’ve won some too, and it’s great to have that validation and the cash!

   Comment by Vijaya — January 18, 2011 @ 12:06 am

4. 

   Thanks for the reminder, Kristi. I entered a few contests a while back, but have kind of let it slip. You have inspired me to see what’s out there and enter something… although 150 words for kindergarten may be beyond my powers of trimming!

   Comment by Susanna — January 18, 2011 @ 5:18 am

5. 

   You’re welcome, Beth!

   Yvette, you have the best attitude! This learning attitude will take you far. I like how you think.

   Vijaya, congratulations! That must be such a rush to win a contest. ($$$ sounds good too!)

   Susanna, you’re right–150 words IS quite short! Kind of like flash fiction!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — January 18, 2011 @ 6:41 pm

6. 

   Kristi, Is there any way you could forward a message on to ICL about their 2011 market books? I like the feel of the 2010 books better; they lay more flat like a phonebook. The 2011 edition uses thicker pages and its harder to hold the book open. I’d like to suggest that the 2012 edition go back to the same paper as the 2010 edition. P.S. Thanks for listening.

   Comment by Christie Wild — January 24, 2011 @ 2:18 pm

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