For most writers, there is no greater thrill than hearing your name announced as the winner of a writing award. Winning writing contests will embark you on a journey that will ignite your passion, boost your career, and propel your writing to extraordinary heights. So, grab your pen, buckle up, and get ready to explore the myriad of opportunities that await!
Beyond Participation Awards
Unlike children’s sports leagues, where participation awards are common, the world of writing follows a different course. Publishers and agents seek authors who possess the exceptional ability to weave stories that captivate readers and sell books. They crave the true gems among us, those who possess the power to leave an indelible mark with their words.
How Contests Help Your Writing Career
Writing contests act as catalysts that propel your writing career forward in various ways. Let’s explore some of the remarkable benefits they offer:
1. Meeting Deadlines with Gusto
Contests require you to embrace the art of meeting deadlines, a skill every writer worth their salt must possess. Writing within a tight timeframe sharpens your abilities and brings out the best in you.
2. Building Your Writing Resume/Bio
Early in your writing journey, published works may be scarce. However, winning awards in contests allows you to pad your writing resume or bio, showcasing your achievements and talents. It’s the ideal way to prove your commitment and potential to agents and publishers.
3. A Pathway to Agents and Publishers
Many contests boast esteemed agents and publishers as judges. Participating in these contests opens doors for you to be discovered, nurtured, and embraced by the industry’s gatekeepers. Your work will be compared against the best, giving you a chance to shine and be recognized.
4. Stretching Your Writing Ability
Competition is the fire that fuels growth. When your work is evaluated against others, you’re inspired to enhance your skills, broaden your horizons, and push the boundaries of your writing. Each contest becomes a steppingstone towards reaching your full potential.
5. A Reality Check for Improvement
Sometimes, we all need a fresh perspective. Contests often provide constructive feedback, offering critical insights that help you polish your writing and evolve as an artist. Embrace this opportunity to grow and refine your craft.
6. Stepping Outside the Box
By participating in contests across different genres and writing styles, you embark on an exhilarating adventure that transforms you into a versatile and well-rounded writer. Embrace the opportunity to explore new territories and embrace the magic that lies beyond your comfort zone.
7. The Path to Publication
Many contests offer winners and finalists the chance to be published, be it in prestigious magazines, renowned anthologies, or even securing that elusive book contract. Imagine the thrill of seeing your work in print, reaching readers worldwide.
Writing contests are not a mere luxury, but an essential part of your writing lifestyle. Embrace the opportunities they provide, unleash your creativity, and conquer the literary world. Don’t wait for perfection—start searching for contests with upcoming deadlines, and let your words flow onto the page. Remember, no writer’s work is ever flawless.
If you are ready to test your skills in a writing contest, you can enter the 2023 Serious Writer Awards for both published and unpublished writers, and the best part—winners get a trip to Universal Orlando. You can enter at this link.
Article by Cyle Young
Cyle Young is the founder of a boutique literary agency Cyle Young Literary Elite, LLC. at CYLE, he oversees all aspects of book projects, from acquisitions to editorial and pitching to publishers. He represents a wide range of clients, from debut authors to multi-million-selling authors, and has successfully contracted over 350 books with both corporate trade publishers and independent presses, including the Big 5.
As a skilled negotiator, Cyle ensures that his clients’ contractual details, including subsidiary and derivative rights, are secured. He also assists his clients in creating marketing strategies that can help elevate their careers. Cyle is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop instructor and has spoken at writing conferences worldwide.
Cyle’s accomplishments have been featured in numerous print and digital outlets, including Writer’s Digest, Fast Company, Sports Illustrated, Publisher’s Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, and Tampa Bay Times. In addition to his professional achievements, Cyle is a proud husband and loving father to three children.
Cyle Young is a sponsor of BookMARCon powered by Book Brush.
