Writing contests are fantastic opportunities for aspiring authors to improve their skills, gain recognition, and potentially even win prizes. At the same time, being successful in these contests involves more than just submitting a story or other piece. You can greatly increase your odds of winning by following a simple, step-by-step strategy. Here’s what to know:
Table of Contents:
• Choose the right contests
• Understand the guidelines
• Craft an impressive entry
• Submit like a pro
Choose the right contests
Not all contests are the same. Choosing the right ones before you even write a single word will help you make the most of your time and increase your odds of success.
Consider your writing strengths
Some contests focus on certain genres, like mystery, historical fiction, or poetry, so choose the ones that best align with your strengths. For example, if you write speculative fiction but you enter a literary fiction contest, your entry may not make much of an impression on the judges.
Check eligibility requirements for the contest
Some contests are designed for specific demographics such as a certain age range, experience level, location, and so on. Before you spend the time creating your entry, be sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
Research the reputation of the contest and judges
Unfortunately, there are a number of contests out there that are scamsyou will target. Research both the past winners and the judges to determine if the contest is legitimate. Watch out for contests that have high entry fees but little or no transparency or don’t list previous winners.
Entry fee vs. reward
Even reputable contests charge small entry fees to cover their administrative expenses. Contests that have excessive fees but little to no reward can be a red flag. Don’t forget about entering free contests, too — some prestigious ones have no entry fees at all!
Understand the guidelines
One of the fastest ways to get your work disqualified is by not following the guidelines. That’s why you’ll want to pay careful attention to the following:
Word count and formatting
Word count limits are often strict, as judges likely have hundreds of entries to read through. Submitting an entry that’s too long or too short could immediately disqualify you. The same goes for formatting requirements. If there are specific font requests or guidelines for line spacing and margins, be sure to follow these in submitting your entry.
The same goes for following a specific theme or prompt you’re given. Be sure that your work directly aligns with the requirements to avoid being disqualified for something that’s easily fixable.
Submission rules
Some contests have specific rules such as blind submissions (no name on the document) or certain file formats, like PDF or Microsoft Word. Make sure that you follow these requirements as well as adhere to the submission deadlines.
Craft an impressive entry
Once you’re clear on the rules and requirements, it’s time to get to work. Here are a few points to keep in mind to help you create an outstanding entry.
Start with an irresistible hook
The first few lines of your work, whether it’s a poem, short story or essay, need to captivate and “hook” the reader. Avoid generic or overly familiar openings when writing your book hook.
Focus on originality — not the same tired tropes
Many contests receive entries that follow the same old tropes. Think outside the box and find a creative, fresh perspective with a twist. For example, a young farm boy discovers that he’s the reincarnation of an ancient hero, destined to defeat the dark lord and bring peace to the kingdom. After initial self-doubt, he trains with a wise mentor, finds a magical sword, and ultimately slays the villain in battle, fulfilling the prophecy as foretold.
This storyline has been done countless times in fantasy, and there’s little room for surprise. You can almost guess the outcome without ever having read the end. Now imagine this story with a twist. A young boy is told that he is the chosen one, but after years of training and gathering allies, he is killed by the dark lord in battle.
The real story follows his best friend, someone overlooked and ordinary, who must now navigate the war without a supposed savior. The prophecy wasn’t about a singular hero, but about the entire generation finding their own ways against oppression. Instead of relying on destiny, the survivors must rely on each other, making their victory uncertain, but deeply meaningful. This idea completely uproots the readers’ expectations with an outcome that’s no longer guaranteed. It shifts the focus from personal growth to collective action.
Polish your writing and get feedback
Before you submit your work to a writing contest, have someone else read it. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes that you might miss. You might even want to join a critique group or hire a professional editor for major competitions.
Submit like a pro
Once your piece is polished, follow the submission instructions carefully. If you’re entering multiple contests, consider keeping a spreadsheet of the submissions, deadlines, and results.
Handle the results with professionalism
Winning is a huge thrill, but even if you don’t place, there’s still a reason for you to celebrate. Even if you get an honorable mention, mention the good news on your website or on social media. If you don’t win, don’t get discouraged; even the best writers have been rejected multiple times before finding success. If you’re given feedback, use it to improve your writing.
Don’t forget, there’s always another contest to consider or another story idea waiting to come to life. By following these tips, you’ll be able to not only present a polished and professional piece, but do so in a way that helps you grow as a writer. By carefully following the guidelines, choosing the right contests, and creating compelling story arcs, you’ll greatly increase your odds. Remember, success in writing contests isn’t just about talent — it’s about strategy, persistence, and ongoing improvement. You can do it!
