There are numerous of benefits and drawbacks to entering writing contests. There are lots of nowadays, some more legitimate than the others, plus some with some extremely strict rules you need to follow.
You can find four main points you should look at when contemplating entering a contest:
* can it be in a genre I would like to write?
* What is the cost to enter (if any)?
* just what prize will I win?
* Would we be proud to record it in my own writing credits if I won?
This is actually the easiest way to start taking into consideration the pros and cons of entering any competition in specific, but here are a few regarding the benefits and drawbacks in general.
PROS
1. Making you write to a deadline
There?s almost no time to waste, so that the deadline will allow you to get more done.
2. extending you as a journalist
The topics and themes can often be intriguing and make you try new things.
3. raise your prestige
There are a lot of article writers around. Winning a reward in a competition can help you establish credibility as an author.
4. Money and other rewards
It?s constantly nice to be taken care of work. Plus, even if you don?t win money, it’s likely you have the kernel of a notion you can expand on or used in a full-length work.
5. Getting a publishing credit
If the champions are printed, there is nothing that can compare with the buzz of seeing your name regarding the page.
6. getting the chance to submit multiple entries
In the event that you love the topic and will think about a variety of approaches to choose it, a contest that allows numerous entries enables you to write what you love, plus have significantly more odds of winning.
CONS
1. Some actually are cons
View the fees. They may be able really all start including if you should be maybe not careful, with small to show for the efforts.
2. Exclusive distribution demands
Some contests assert which you can?t submit your projects elsewhere throughout the contest, or often even though you win an award. You need to always keep your legal rights over your own personal work whenever possible, and not tie it up for days or months on the off-chance you could win.
3. Less than prestigious contests
Some contests are recognized into the writing globe, while others are more interested in getting your fee. Do your due diligence before composing a single word or having to pay a cent.
4. way too many rules and regulations
It can be really annoying to find a contest with a subject you would like to write about, simply to find that for whatever reason you don?t meet with the eligibility requirements. Browse the terms and conditions before composing a word. But if the topic really excites you, write it yourself anyway. Something that gets the imaginative juices moving is obviously the best thing.
5. Too much formatting, copying or other particular requirements
If the rules about formatting are more than a couple of paragraphs long, skip it. You?re said to be judged on your ability as a writer, maybe not a typist/word processor.
