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Research the legitimacy of a fiction contest before entering. Follow all rules and instructions carefully. Read past winners’ work for inspiration, but add unique style. Consider level of skill before entering. Use contests as an opportunity to learn and improve writing techniques.
One of the best tips for entering fiction contests is to do some research first. Verifying that the contest is legitimate means that at least one writer won’t waste time and effort on something that isn’t real. Following all contest rules and instructions is mandatory or the contestant may be disqualified without having his entry read. Reading the work of past winners can be helpful, as it can give a writer an idea of the type of piece the judges tend to choose. But remember to keep writing fresh and original, because the judges look for the piece that stands out from the rest.
If a writer has never heard of a particular writing contest before, they should do some research to verify its legitimacy. It’s always a good idea to search online for consumer complaints about any fiction contests before registering and sending money for an entry fee. Check not just the name of the contest, but the company or people offering it with consumer protection organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In general, be wary of a fiction contest that charges an entry fee that seems too high.
When a writer spots a fiction contest that seems worth entering, they should be sure to read the rules and instructions carefully. Not all fiction contests are open to residents of different countries, writing levels, or ages. It’s best to look for writing contests where a contestant feels they have a real chance of winning, if that matters. If, on the other hand, a writer just wants to take part in a prestigious competition, then it might be best to look only for those that match just those interests.
Getting a list of past winners in a fiction contest and reading their entries can help a writer better understand what kind of piece to enter. At the same time, however, a writer must add his or her unique style and at least one creative flair to similar subjects, as writing contest judges generally tend to pick very different winning entries each time. The main points to capture in reading the work of past winners in fiction contests are to note the depth of the pieces and the level of skill.
If past winners seem to have a higher level of fiction writing than a writer, it might be best to start with contests aimed at beginning writers. He also points out that fiction competitions can provide an excellent opportunity for a writer to learn and use new writing techniques. Reading the kind of fiction he hopes to write and making note of passages he particularly likes can provide a writer with many lessons to improve their writing. He can simply break down these passages to understand some techniques used by the writer, such as metaphors or foreshadowing, and apply the same techniques in his unique fiction writing.
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