Contests

Author Chrome Oxide on the “Writers of the Future” Contest

Chrome Oxide — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:49:46 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Chrome Oxide on 10/25/2022 1:49:46 PM

Contests can be a great way for writers to build credibility and get their work noticed. Author Chrome Oxide was a published finalist in the L. Ron Hubbard "Writers of the Future Contest", which is one of the most influential contests for writers of science fiction and fantasy. His short story, Cop for a Day was featured in Volume 29. Chrome highly recommends writers participate in contests and says to look for contests such as the "Writers of the Future" that don't charge a submission fee to enter. He also recommends entering contests that offer a cash prize, not just publication as the reward.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AuthorChromeOxideontheWritersoftheFutureContest.mp4

Tags: fiction, Short Stories, video, Science Fiction & Fantasy

The Benefits of Literary Competitions and How to Find the Best Ones

Sam Staley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 16:53:46 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Sam Staley on 2/11/2019 4:53:46 PM

Building a platform amongst your readers is important, but it’s also important to gain exposure in the literary world. Sam Staley (SR Staley), award-winning author, film critic, and educator talks about the benefits of literary competitions and ways to find them. There are many benefits to entering literary competitions, but some of the obvious ones are the validation it can provide an author and the critical feedback they offer. The validation that is offered is not only a personal endorsement that provides helpful indications for authors, it also lends an author credibility as he or she submits work or applies for speaking gigs. Staley explains how authors can leverage the feedback from literary competition to raise their profiles and turn writing into a full-time job. Finally, Staley explains what authors should look for as they submit work. What should authors know about competition rubrics? How many genres should an author submit to? Do all competitions allow you to submit to multiple genres? Listen to Staley in the clip below to learn more!

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheBenefitsofLiteraryCompetitionsandHowtoFindtheBestOnes.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

The Benefits of Literary Competitions and How to Find the Best Ones

Sam Staley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 16:48:29 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Contests by Sam Staley on 2/11/2019 4:48:29 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheBenefitsofLiteraryCompetitionsandHowtoFindtheBestOnes.mp4

Tags: fiction, Subscriber, video

The Benefits of Literary Competitions and How to Find the Best Ones

Sam Staley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 16:47:57 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Contests by Sam Staley on 2/11/2019 4:47:57 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheBenefitsofLiteraryCompetitionsandHowtoFindtheBestOnes.mp4

The Benefits of Literary Competitions and How to Find the Best Ones

Sam Staley — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 16:44:18 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Contests by Sam Staley on 2/11/2019 4:44:18 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheBenefitsofLiteraryCompetitionsandHowtoFindtheBestOnes.mp4

The Value of Literary Awards - video

Joe Meno — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:08:10 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Joe Meno on 11/6/2018 4:08:10 PM

Joe Meno, author of "Office Girl,” discusses how awards have helped him along his writing journey. One of the great things about literary prizes is that you get to meet with some of the most amazing writers. But another reason it’s fantastic for a writing career is that the writing process is so solitary, and very little outside affirmation is given. In other words, writers are constantly consumed by doubt. An award can signal to the author that their work is appreciated and needed. It can be a motivating force to get people to write. Listen to the clip below to hear Meno’s journey with literary awards.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheValueofLiteraryAwards.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

The Value of Literary Awards - podcast

Joe Meno — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 16:07:43 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Joe Meno on 11/6/2018 4:07:43 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheValueofLiteraryAwards.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

Winning the PNWA Award - A Path to Publication - podcast

Laura Navarre — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 14:38:31 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Laura Navarre on 11/2/2018 2:38:31 PM

Author Laura Navarre shares her experience winning the PNWA Award for her historical fantasy romance, Magic by Moonrise. Listen as she talks about both the effects of the award and the exciting momentum around the book leading up to her winning the award. When your book is just on the cusp of being published, an award like the PNWA award can be the cherry on top to convince publishers to pick it up. For insight on the publishing industry and making your book more desirable, give this short clip a listen!

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WinningthePNWAAwardAPathtoPublication.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

Winning the PNWA Award - A Path to Publication - video

Laura Navarre — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 14:38:08 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Laura Navarre on 11/2/2018 2:38:08 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WinningthePNWAAwardAPathtoPublication.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Attributes of Recent Award-Winning Books in Singapore

Michelle Martin — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 16:07:43 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Michelle Martin on 8/9/2018 4:07:43 PM

Singaporean journalist, broadcast personality, and National Reading Movement Ambassador Michelle Martin was a judge for the Singapore Literature Prize in 2016 and 2017. Two prize-winning books that have made an impact on Martin include the 2016 Young Adult winner The Rock and the Bird, and the 2016 English Fiction winner The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye. Martin explains why these two books stood out to her among all of the competition. The Singapore Literature Prize is a biennial competition that is open to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents whose works of fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction have been published in Singapore or abroad in any of Singapore’s four official languages — English, Chinese, Malay, or Tamil.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Attributes-of-Recent-Award_2D00_Winning-Books-in-Singapore.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

The Impact of Awards and Recognition for an Author

Kaitlin Solimine — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 17:06:34 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Kaitlin Solimine on 6/21/2018 5:06:34 PM

Author Kaitlin Solimine has received several scholarships, awards, and residencies for her writing, including the 2012 Dzanc Books/Disquiet International Literary Program award for her debut novel Empire of Glass, judged by the Pulitzer Prize winning author Colson Whitehead. While Solimine appreciates all of the awards and accolades, she is most focused on the writing process and creating the best book possible. These awards do help validate all of the hard work and alleviate any negative thoughts, she says, but they don't change the quality of the book itself. Solimine is disappointed with all of the great books that get overlooked for awards or don't get recognized like they should, but she is starting to see more diversity in book award selections. For Solimine, the writing matters the most and she encourages other writers to keep writing, putting out the best work possible.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../The-Impact-of-Awards-and-Recognition-for-an-Author.mp4

Tags: fiction, Subscriber, video

Edmund Wee on Creating the Epigram Books Fiction Prize Contest in Singapore - podcast

Edmund Wee — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:48:07 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Edmund Wee on 2/15/2018 4:48:07 PM

It can be difficult for writers anywhere in the world to make a living from their writing. In Singapore, the top money prize is the biennial Singapore Literature Prize developed by the National Book Development Council of Singapore. With a total purse of S$120,000, twelve different writers each receive a prize of S$10,000. This prize amount is low in comparison to other art forms, as Epigram Books founder Edmund Wee explains. As an independent publisher that champions the work of local writers, Wee decided to start his own, private contest. The Epigram Books Fiction Prize focuses on full-length fiction novels because the supply of content has been limited in Singapore. Wee wanted to make it worthwhile for novelists to enter, so this annual prize offers S$25,000 to the winner and S$5,000 to three shortlisted finalists.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Edmund-Wee-on-Creating-the-Epigram-Books-Fiction-Prize-Contest-in-Singapore.mp3

Tags: fiction, podcast

Edmund Wee on Creating the Epigram Books Fiction Prize Contest in Singapore - video

Edmund Wee — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:47:59 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Edmund Wee on 2/15/2018 4:47:59 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Edmund-Wee-on-Creating-the-Epigram-Books-Fiction-Prize-Contest-in-Singapore.mp4

Tags: fiction, video

Advice for Aspiring Writers Seeking Recognition for Their Work - video

Larry D. Sweazy — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 15:38:37 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Larry D. Sweazy on 8/15/2017 3:38:37 PM

It's important for new and aspiring writers to understand their goals for their writing. It's also important to understand that once a published work is released into the marketplace, the writer may lose some control over how it is going to be received. While topping bestseller lists and earning book awards are big achievements, they shouldn't be the driving force behind the writing. Award-winning author Larry D. Sweazy says the keys to being successful as a writer are 1) Being honest, 2) Pursuing your craft, and 3) Writing the best possible book you can write. No matter which publishing path is pursued, Sweazy advises writers to maintain as much control as they can and to be involved in all major decisions, because at the end of the day, it's their career. Most importantly, though, is to not lose sight of the goals.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Advice-for-Aspiring-Writers-Seeking-Recognition-for-Their-Work.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

Advice for Aspiring Writers Seeking Recognition for Their Work - podcast

Larry D. Sweazy — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 15:38:37 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Larry D. Sweazy on 8/15/2017 3:38:37 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Advice-for-Aspiring-Writers-Seeking-Recognition-for-Their-Work.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

Advice for Aspiring Writers Seeking Recognition for Their Work - video

Larry D. Sweazy — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 15:29:05 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Contests by Larry D. Sweazy on 8/15/2017 3:29:05 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Advice-for-Aspiring-Writers-Seeking-Recognition-for-Their-Work.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

And the winner is... - article

Molly Blaisdell — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 12:10:28 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Molly Blaisdell on 6/8/2017 12:10:28 PM

Have you ever thought of entering a writing contest but stopped because the rules were complex, and you didn't want to spend that much time preparing. Is winning a contest worth the time and effort? Yes, winning a contest can be worth the time and effort it takes to enter. But be aware many contest are very competitive. Unless you are willing to follow the rules, meet the deadlines, and put forth your best work, don’t bother. You won't win.

Many feel that contests are just scams. It is true is there are a number of contest scams out there. These contests require that authors pay fees and the winning prize is publication in a poorly edited anthology. The best way to avoid scams is to do your research. Non-profits and established reputable companies are the best bet for contests. Always seek guidance from your network to get a sense if the contest you are entering is legitimate.

Still waffling and are unsure if you should jump in? Here are 4 compelling reasons why you should participate in writing contests:

1. Marketability

A contest win, even a modest local contest, adds a marketability factor to your resume. A contest win communicates to agents and editors that you are committed to your craft and a win can give cache to your personal qualifications.

2. Prizes

Writing contests come with prizes. There is sometimes a monetary prize. This may be a small amount like $15.00 or a significant amount like the $15,000 advance given to the winner of the Amazon Breakout Novel Award Contest. There are non-monetary prizes that are just as valuable to authors. Some contests offer mentoring help from seasoned professionals. Some contests offer reviews from agents and editors.

3. Confidence

Contests are often judged by industry professionals and a win can give a writer a real boost of confidence. Confidence translates into an author's work and helps them create stronger presentation packages for agents and publishers. A contest win may inspire you to take more risks as you move forward with current projects.

4. Springboard

Some contest wins are extremely prestigious and are watched with interest by agents. One of the prizes might not be an agency read, but often times agents will contact contest winners and offer representation on the basis of the win. Some contest wins lead to wide exposure in the publishing industry. An author may find several agents calling after a prestigious contest win.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

How Winning An Award Can Affect A Book's Success - video

Charles Ardai — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:02:52 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Charles Ardai on 5/25/2017 1:02:52 PM

Charles Ardai, founder and editor of "Hard Case Crime," has won many awards, as have other authors that he has published. In this clip, he discusses how that might give longevity to an author's career.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowWinningAnAwardCanAffectABooksSuccess.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, video

How Winning An Award Can Affect A Book's Success - podcast

Charles Ardai — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:02:15 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Charles Ardai on 5/25/2017 1:02:15 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowWinningAnAwardCanAffectABooksSuccess.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, podcast

Tips for Finding and Entering Book Award Programs - podcast

Hayley Rose — Thu, 18 May 2017 14:39:45 GMT

Current Revision posted to Contests by Hayley Rose on 5/18/2017 2:39:45 PM

Award-winning children's author Hayley Rose is a firm believer in participating in contests and book award programs. Winning awards not only validates your work, but it boosts your promotional efforts. To find the best award programs she suggests searching the internet for other award-winning authors that write in your genre. See what awards they are winning and research the programs and submission guidelines . While paid award programs tend to get a bad rap, there are many good contests and awards that will charge a very minimal amount to participate. If you are a finalist or winner the benefits will far outweigh any money spent. Rose recommends using your best judgement and doing your own research to determine if a program or contest is a good fit for you and your work.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Tips-for-Finding-and-Entering-Book-Award-Programs.mp3

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, podcast