Welcome to the start of a new year! January also signifies the beginning of a fresh round of writing contests for unpublished authors. Now is a perfect time to polish your works in progress and put a sample of your manuscript into the hands of industry professional judges who will provide you with the feedback you may need to launch your writing career.

Over the past several years, I’ve submitted my young adult fantasy manuscripts to these contests, and I’ve been a finalist in several of them. I even won the prestigious American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis award this past fall!

With each contest finalist announcement, it has given me the confidence boost I needed to keep pushing forward with my writing. Celebrating each final standing has also allowed me to engage and interact with people on social media—both authors and potential future readers. As a result, my platform has grown. And these contests are something to list on a proposal, which is important for those of us who are just starting out in our writing careers.

Please note that, although I have had my share of success, I did not always reach the podium in every contest I entered. However, the feedback I’ve received from each set of judges has been encouraging and helpful. I completely rewrote the opening chapter after one judge provided very poignant feedback. Other judges pointed out grammar errors and gave suggestions to strengthen my character arcs. I will forever be grateful for the thoughtful critiques, both positive and critical. My skin is thicker, my writing skills enhanced, and my story is stronger thanks to all these contests.

I’m far from an expert, but I want to share a few things I’ve learned along the way to help make your writing contest experience a positive one. I also have a list at the end of the article of a few writing contests for unpublished Christian writers to check out.

BE BRAVE!

Sending in your writing to be critiqued by seasoned writers and professionals in the industry is hard! To my knowledge, no one has ever perished after submitting to a writing contest. The worst that may happen is that you may get a low score (I’ve been there!) the best thing that may happen is that you may win (I’ve been there, too!) I completely understand the nerves, but I promise the positives outweigh the negatives.

READ THE RULES

Each contest has its own unique requirements, so be sure to read the instructions carefully regarding formatting and what to submit. If you have questions, there is usually someone within the organization you can contact. Not following the rules may disqualify you before a judge even takes one look at your entry, so pay attention and take your time. This is good practice for when you enter the query trenches. Trust me!

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT

Before you click submit, get your work before a fresh pair of eyes. You probably won’t get docked points for misspelling a word or two, but continuous grammar and spelling errors, telling instead of showing, head hopping, confusing dialog, slow pacing, and lackluster content will affect your overall scores.

WORK ON YOUR HOOK

With each contest, you only have a few pages to draw the judges in and WOW them (usually between five and fifteen pages). Make every word count. The judges have a score sheet that grades for things like a stellar first line, believable emotion, engaging dialog, connection with main characters, etc. Sometimes contests share the contest’s score sheet. Look it over if they do. Your entry should read almost like a short story—and consider ending in a manner that leaves the judge wanting MORE!

DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

Like me. Twice I have been undecided about whether I was going to enter a contest, and I created more stress for myself by waiting. Put the deadline down in your calendar and then make yourself a personal deadline a few days before it. This gives you extra time to double-check that they received your entry (they usually send a confirmation email).

BE PREPARED TO PAY THE FEE

Yes, most of these contests cost a small fee. (Please be wary of contests that ask for huge fees, as many of them are scams!) Usually, the contests accept credit cards or PayPal. Double-check that your payment went through.

These contests don’t come with promises of publishing contracts, but they provide you with valuable feedback to help you perfect your craft. The organizers also announce your name on social media and website pages, which helps you network with other writers. These contests often connect with a fabulous writer’s conference full of talented industry professionals. Consider attending—especially if you’re a finalist! These conferences often offer agent, editor, and mentor appointments along with your registration that would allow you to pitch your book idea and get feedback.

FOLLOW ORGANIZATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA/SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS

Please do your due diligence and research ahead of time so you don’t miss a deadline. Sometimes these contests change and shift their timelines. By following an organization closely, you’ll never miss an announcement. Plus, it is fun to receive a newsletter email or see a post on social media with your name on it!

BE REALISTIC

Even if you win a contest, it doesn’t mean your manuscript is ready for publication. It just means you have a strong opening scene and that your writing is strong. Take the feedback you received on your opening chapter and apply it throughout your book. There is so much that goes into writing a compelling novel from beginning to end. Keep working on your craft. Find critique partners. Network with other writers. Work on your book proposal and website.

However, a well-timed contest win with a polished manuscript may be the perfect springboard to kick off your querying ventures. Any contest success also gives you something to talk about when you pitch to acquisition editors and agents at writing conferences. Don’t discount the value of a contest win, but don’t assume it is a guarantee you will get a publishing deal or that you should jump right into publishing independently.

FINAL THOUGHTS

No matter what genre you write, I encourage you to check out the contests listed below and consider entering. Maybe this is your year to come out of the “writer closet” and take the next step in your writing career. I wish you all the best, and let me know in the comments below if you find success so we can celebrate with you!

AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS GENESIS AWARDS

• Ten categories, first fifteen pages + 1-page synopsis
• Membership not required, but there is a discount for members
• Opens January 2 and deadline is March 1

For more information CLICK HERE 

CASCADE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CASCADE AWARDS

• Thirteen categories, first fifteen pages + 1-page synopsis
• Membership not required, but there is a discount to members
• Opens January 15 and deadline is February 15

For more information CLICK HERE 

AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS VIRGINIA CROWN AWARDS

• Six categories, first fifteen pages + 1-page synopsis
• Membership not required, but there is a discount to members
• Opens in June and the deadline is usually in July (check website for specific dates)

For more information CLICK HERE

REALM MAKERS AURORA AWARDS (for Christian speculative fiction writers)

• 6 genres & 3 audience/age group categories, 7,500 words for adult/young adult entries (3,000 words for Middle Grade) + 1 page synopsis
• Membership not required. $100 cash prize for all winners! Announced via livestream.
• Runs in the late summer/fall (check website for specific dates)

For more information CLICK HERE 

AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS FIRST IMPRESSIONS AWARDS

• Note: there is the possibility that there are big changes coming to this contest, so be sure to check the website for final details.
• 10 categories, first five pages + 200 word back-cover-blurb
• Membership not required, but there is a discount to members
• Check website for submission dates, usually near the beginning of September

For more information CLICK HERE

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE FOUNDATIONS AWARDS

• 17+ categories, and each category has a different submission requirement
• Must attend conference to enter
• Opens November and deadline is April

For more information CLICK HERE

Did I miss any contests for unpublished Christian writers? Let me know in the comments! I am happy to add them!