What are Writing Contests?

Writing contests offer a way for you to see how your work stands up to writers in a similar category. You submit your work (after making sure it meets the contest guidelines) and your entry fee, if applicable. Then you wait to hear back from the judges whether or not you win any of their awards.





When are Writing Contests Open?

There are thousands of writing competitions open all throughout each year. Many places have lists of the most current writing competitions in your genre or category. Volo Press in particular has contests for novels, short stories, and poetry that take place at different times throughout each year.





Do I have to pay an entry fee?

Not always. There are lots of free writing competitions. There are also contests with entry fees of $75 and up. Sometimes fees are a major factor in a website being able to remain operational or compensate people working behind the scenes on administrative tasks like vetting entries. Other times, there are nonprofit groups who are using the contest to raise money and awareness for a particular demographic or cause. But just because a contest is free, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's less prestigious or rewarding to become a winner of that particular contest.





Why would I want to enter a writing contest?

Writing contest offer a lot of benefits, whether you win or not. For anyone who enters, submitting your work helps you manage your anxiety about entering the contest (you see that you're not going die after you click submit!). If you win a prize, you get general bragging rights (friends, family, social media, etc.). You also have something to add to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and author website. For many contests, you'll also be given a cash prize to help you buy books, pay bills, or enter more contests!



