A Resource for Writing Contests

This post is intended to provide you with a source for finding and researching contests. There are three sections: Writing Contests, Writing Contest Directories, and Resources for Researching Fraudulent Contests. 

Some of the items here will be updated on a periodic basis; depending on what information I come across.

If you have information that you do not see on here, please email me at writesville@yahoo.com. Also, feel free to share some of your experiences if you happened to submit to one of the following contests.

*NOTE – I am not affiliated with any of the following sites, publications, etc. As with a lot of things, I would suggest that you do your own research before you submit. Make sure that the site/publication you are submitting to isn’t a fraud.

Writing Contests

I’ll only try to list entries in this heading from respectable and known sources.

Contests by the Writers Digest magazine
http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/

Contests by the Writers' Journal magazine
http://www.writersjournal.com/FictionContest.htm

A no-entry-fee contest by L. Ron Hubbard
http://www.writersofthefuture.com/rules.htm?4

Contests by the Glimmer Train publication
http://www.glimmertrain.com/writguid1.html

Contests by The Paris Review publication
http://www.theparisreview.org/page.php/prmID/32

Writing Contest Directories

There are many listings in each of these directories. However, making sure you’re submitting to a legitimate source within these directories will be left up to you.

This directory provides a nice little search feature to search for various, and numerous, contests
www.Writing-World.com

This directory provides a huge listing of respectable looking contests
www.ManuscriptEditing.com

The Google directory of writing contests
directory.google.com

Resources for Researching Fraudulent Contests

If you are unsure of a contest you’re thinking of submitting to, take a look at the following sites. They provide helpful information on various scams.

www.WinningWriters.com

www.EliteSkills.com

www.sfwa.org

www.sfwa.org/beware

www.WritersWeekly.com

Comments

[Alex Schoenfeldt]

I'm running an advice writing contest right now. No entry fee, and a grand prize of a MacBook computer. I'd love to see you and your readers enter.

The contest is at: http://www.advicenetwork.com/contest

We are looking for advice to consumers. The categories of advice are weddings, real estate, and business services. Also, any ideas on where else to post about this contest would be great.

Thanks,
Alex

[1ConfusedWriter]

Mike,

You're always providing some great insight that I would otherwise not have. I hope the Writer's Market guide will help me find some good contests to send off a few of my short stories to.

Working hard isn't as hard when you're having fun. Plus, don't forget I am a single guy, without many responsibilities except for an 8-5 job. After that, I try to neglect everything else possible to get some writing done. ;) I do hope, however, that all of this work will eventually show as an improvement in my writing skills.

Thanks for your comment!

________________

Arabella,

Don't be modest! I know you've made a ton of money writing. :) If you're feeling better, I would love to hear more about how you keep track of your submissions. This is something I should be running into in the next 20 years or so. ;)

Take care, hope you feel better.

_________________

Wally,

I'd be happy with just one win right now! You have a happy new year as well. Drop by more often!

Take care,

Vic

[Mike]

Vic,

I have used The Writers Market since I was 12 years old. It makes a wonderful paperweight...and an even better "badge of writerdom"

But in all seriousness, in the past at least, it has been the definitive list of publishers, as well as a little "inside" info to the houses..ie. they might say "Make sure your address this publisher by name" or some other useful info for crossing that most imperative threshold...beyond the cover letter and into the manuscript.

I've been hodge podge on the writing as of late...major renovations in life, but continue to read this blog. I'll also get on that thing we talked about shortly.

Oh, by the way! I feel I'm completely inexperienced in the writing world, and I've been in and out of it since I was a wee lad. I think we all feel that way, but your commitment and dedication to the craft has left me in awe! Give yourself credit where it's due, man, you're working hard.

[wally]

Hope you win more soon. Happy New Year.:)

[Arabella]

I use the Writer's Market, and have used it successfully. I'd like to say I've won a ton of money from contests gleamed from the WM, but that would just not be true. It has helped me get some minor publications, and also, it helped me refine a filing system to keep track of what has been submitted where when.

Whew!

[1ConfusedWriter]

Mike,

Yeah, I've heard the same as well. I think I heard it in a forum somewhere. Getting into that publication would most likely set you on the right path.

Thanks for your comment. I hope the holiday went well for you.

Vic

[Mike]

Vic,

Here's my two cents. Glimmer Train is, in my opinion, one of the best publications out there. Glad to see it on your list, but I would highly recommend anyone wishing to get published by this journal do some deep research first. They are extremely choosey...which lends to it's reputation. However, getting recognition by this journal would do wonders for an emerging writer.