Writing Contests
Don't denounce writing contest - sure, some are scams and you have to pick and choose carefully. But many contests provide prizes, prestige
and usually publication with some offering book contracts. Competitions are good practice for you and, in some cases, they improve your chances of being published
since the entries are usually fewer than the submissions a journal may receive. They provide information and kudos for for your portfolio that may mean more than clips, and start you on your way to professional writing.
To choose the right contest, read last years winners and make sure it is the right type of contest for you. Look at cost - some charge a fee, others do not. If cost is a deterant, consider entering one a quarter or so. You should not be required to purchase anything to enter and the entry fees should be low in relation to the prize offered. Read the contest rules carefully.
If you like a particular journal or magazine, check with them to see if they run a contest, many do. Local and regional writing groups often run annual contests as well. Of course one of the best ways to judge a contest is through networking with other writers, and checking the many writers support sites and blogs.
Here are few resources to get you started - both big and small!
Although they may not be scams, many of the organizations listed below appear to be disguised vanity publishers. These publishers hope to
sell you expensive personalized products and seats at conferences.
Others of thse charge membership or service fees where the
benefits are questionable or even free elsewhere. Even if you win something, they will not look good on your resume to more traditional and reputable judges, critics, editors, and publishers.
The Amherst Society
Cader Publishing
Circle of Poets
Famous Poets Society
Iliad Press (an imprint of Cader Publishing)
Iliad Literary Awards Program
International Library of Photography (aka Picture.com, affiliated
with Poetry.com, read public comments)
International Library of Poetry (aka Poetry.com)
International Poetry Hall of Fame (aka Poetry.com)
International Society of Poets (aka Poetry.com)
JMW Publishing Company
League of American Poets (poetryamerica.com)
The National Archives
The Nashville International Song and Lyric Competition (aka Paramount
Group)
National Library of Poetry (aka Poetry.com)
Noble House (an affiliate of Watermark Press and Poetry.com, see
a spoof contest entry and response)
Paramount Group
Picture.com (aka International Library of Photography, affiliated
with Poetry.com, read public comments)
Poetry.com (see spoof contest entries and responses, see convention
report)
Poetry Laureates
Poetry Press
Poetry Revival Contest
Poetry Unlimited
The Poets' Guild
PoetsOnly.com (see spoof contest entry and response)
The Poets' Workshop (www.poets.com, aka Poetry.com)
Sparrowgrass Poetry Forum
Stamford Research
TA.TI. Edizioni
Watermark Press (aka Poetry.com)
White Oak Press (aka Poetry America)
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