Crafting Compelling Fiction Contest Submissions: A Winning Guide
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Understanding What Judges Value
When aspiring fiction writers decide to submit their work to contests, it's crucial to present their finest writing. A well-crafted draft should be poised for an audience eager to read. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Having served as a judge for the BookLife Prize and Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award, I've encountered numerous entries. Some have left me in awe with their brilliant ideas and intricate, engaging plots. I often find myself eagerly anticipating the publication of such works, ready to share them with friends. Conversely, some submissions have perplexed me, leaving me to wonder if the right document was attached to the entry form.
Key Factors Judges Consider
When evaluating submissions, judges keep several key elements in mind:
- Hook: Does the piece capture the reader’s attention right away?
- Characters: Are they believable and relatable?
- Readability: Is the writing fluid or cumbersome?
- Dialogue: Does it sound authentic and align with the setting and characters?
- Plot: Is there a clear storyline, and does something happen?
Consider a contest submission akin to the initial round of American Idol auditions. Contestants have only a few moments to impress the judges, and often, they don’t even finish their songs. Similarly, writing contests demand that you captivate right from the beginning.
Tips for Submitting to a Fiction Contest
- Submit a Polished Draft: Ensure your entry is devoid of grammatical, punctuation, and formatting errors. Judges should not struggle through awkward sentences, missing words, or improperly punctuated dialogue. Adhere to standard punctuation rules—creativity in this area is generally unwelcome. If you're uncertain, consult a writing manual like the Chicago Manual of Style, or read well-punctuated books in your genre.
- Read Aloud: Many writers, including myself, read their work aloud before submitting. This practice helps identify awkward constructions and missing words. If you stumble over a sentence while reading, it's a sign that it needs refinement.
- Aim for Smooth Flow: Prize-winning prose has a natural rhythm—avoid moments that cause the reader to pause or question intent. Consider sharing your submission with a writer’s group or trusted beta readers to help identify any jarring spots.
- Know Your Genre: Only submit to contests that align with the genre of your work. Even an outstanding piece won’t win a sci-fi contest if it’s a Western romance. Review contest guidelines carefully before entering.
- Avoid AI-Generated Work: Submissions should consist of original, human-written content. While some contests now accept AI-generated pieces, most judges prefer authentic voices. AI writing often lacks depth and uniqueness, which can diminish your chances of standing out.
- Don’t Submit Rough Drafts: This is a competition, not a workshop for editing. Judges expect submissions ready for publication with minimal revisions. Presenting a rough draft may suggest a lack of seriousness about your work.
- Ensure Forward Movement: No judge wants to read a stagnant submission. Introduce tension or plot progression early in the story. Even in the first pages, aim for forward momentum to engage the reader.
- Avoid Excessive Details: Resist the urge to include every trivial detail. Long, explanatory passages can bog down the narrative. For example, a character’s backstory should be woven into the plot, not presented in lengthy monologues.
The first video titled "How to Win a Writing Contest (Tips from a Contest Judge)" provides valuable insights from a judge's perspective, highlighting strategies to enhance your contest submissions.
Final Thoughts
Participating in fiction contests can be an exhilarating way to gain recognition for your writing. Judges are on the lookout for fresh voices in literature—make sure yours is among them by following these guidelines:
- Submit a polished final draft free of basic errors.
- Ensure your story has a clear trajectory that draws the reader in.
- Avoid common pitfalls such as AI-generated content, submissions misaligned with the contest's genre, and overly detailed prose.
The goal is for your submission to resonate with the judges. Remember, you only have a limited window to impress them—make every word count!
The second video, "Writing Tips and Tricks for Authors – Book Contests (What judges look for)," offers practical advice on what judges prioritize in submissions, helping you refine your approach.