Story writing competitions

[ragged]

are they worthwhile to enter?
I saw an ad for one in a local freepaper, wrote a story, ready to send it off but it has an entrance fee.

Not sure I'm being silly, but it feels like a complete lottery (about who will win) if I pay an entrance fee.

Does anyone else ever enter writing competitions, even if you pay a fee to do so, do you feel it's worthwhile, why?

TIA.

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I've entered several, first story I wrote is runner up and being published. It helps me to have deadlines and I don't mind paying the odd tenner here and there, or however much, the money goes to help the whole short story world as it were.

Good question. I have entered quite a number and won a few prizes. You really have to weigh up some things, such as: Is the competition a prestigious one? Run perhaps by publishers? Such as Mslexia and The Asham. Good prize? Reputable (easily googled).

One in a free paper sounds a little odd - can you scan the advert?

Why not go to some competition sites like Sally Quilford's Competition Calendar or Prizemagic? Some are free to enter.

Being published is a great incentive for a writer - so if a competition publishes you, it is great exposure. Zoidberg is spot on - it gives you a deadline and a polished story. If you don't win a prize, look at the story and polish it up again - send it out. After time, you will get less sentimental about your stories. They become working girls, not beloved children.

Also remember the huge comps - like Bridport (still not as expensive as most), The BBC one (free, I think) and The Sunday Times Comp (free) - very long shots but great to daydream after you post it.

Ironically some of the free comps have netted me more prizes - but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Well done on the runner up prize, Zoidberg.

Oh and also remember that if you go professional, you can tax deduct your entry fees.....

Reputable? How do you know if it's reputable?

It's the Academy of Children's Writers, btw, the one I'm going for.

Is there a list of them, in order of ... reputability...? :)

I'm doing it for Kurt Vonnegat reasons... because I'd like the money! I just fear that I'll end up spending more in entrance fees than I'll ever get back in prizes. That would be pointless.

Google is a writer's best friend - you have to be a bit of a detective. Found this in thirty seconds:

essentialwriters.com/forum/topic/competitions-how-do-you-know-if-theyre-legit

It would seem that this particularly comp may very well be trying to sell their courses and that they shortlist everyone.

No there is no list but Sally Quilford has lots of links with various comps and generally checks 'em out.

Just be wary, a bit cynical and google before you enter!

Ah, right, thanks for that! Glad not to waste my time, anyway.