For every writer whose pen/paper/keypad needs to have the pandemic dust cleared off, here’s a list of current writing contests to do just that. Why contests? To paraphrase writer/blogger Erica Verrillo, contest deadlines force us to FINISH a piece, and many of them also require a synopsis and pitch – both essential for approaching publishers and agent. Oh, and winning a contest can boost our chances of getting published! (Also see her list of free contests, because if it’s free, what is there to lose?)
April 30:
Did we almost lose sight of the Writers League of Texas annual manuscript contest? Because the WLT’s annual conference has been delayed by the
pandemic, the contest was also extended – but the deadline is coming up fast!
No completed manuscript needed but contestants must provide a short synopsis
and the opening pages of an unpublished work (2,750-word limit) in any of
several fiction and nonfiction categories. Winners in all categories win free
registration to the WLT conference September 17-19, meet with a top literary
agent in their genre, and be recognized at the conference. All contestants can
also receive specific written feedback on their work. See the site for
details. Entrance fees: $55 for WLT members/$65 nonmembers. Or writers may opt
out of receiving written feedback for a lower cost of $25 for WLT members/$35
for nonmembers.
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| Image: Wikimedia Commons |
May 15:
Dallas-based Carve Magazine’s annual Raymond Carver Short Story Contest offers chances for publication, cash prizes and publication of prize
winners in the magazine’s October issue. Winning entries will also be read by
three literary agents. Unpublished literary fiction only, no genre stories! Up
to 10,000 words. Fees: $17 per entry. See the site for details.
May 20:
Early pricing deadline for Book Pipeline Adaptation Contest seeks
published books, graphic novels, short stories and plays for film and
television adaptation. No genre restrictions, both traditional and
self-published works accepted. Winner receives cash prize plus film/TV industry
circulation and project development. Fee: $55. See site for details.
May 30: Masters Review Flash Fiction is looking for emerging writers for fiction
under 1,000 words. Cash prizes for first, second, and third-place winners,
chosen by author Stuart Dybek. $20 entry fee allows for two story entries. All
stories are considered for publication.
June 1: Early pricing deadline for the Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest in several fiction and nonfiction categories. Cash prizes to winners in each category, industry circulation and more. Fee: $45.
June 3:
#PitMad is the Twitter party where writers tweet a pitch for their completed, polished,
unpublished manuscripts to agents and editors. One day only, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
(Repeats quarterly.) Free.
June 30:
Need a break from the serious? Dare we try our hands at this year’s Bulwer Lytton Fiction Contest ? Named for the prolific 19th-century
writer who penned the sentence that began with the infamous, “It was a dark and
stormy night” and continued for more than 50 additional words. Each entry must
consist of a single sentence, but the judges plead for us not to go beyond 50
or 60 words. There will be overall winners as well as winners in several genre
categories – including “Purple Prose” and “Vile Puns.” For their pains, winners
will receive a pittance and bragging rights. Free, with unlimited number of entries.
See the site for details and to check out the stress-relieving previous
winners, including North Texas writer Lisa Hanks’ masterpiece which received a
“Grand Panjandrum’s Special Award.”
***
What’s missing? DL Hammons’ popular WRiTE CLUB contest
is on hiatus, possibly due to the delayed scheduling of its sponsor, the DFW
Writers Conference. I’ll post as soon as information is available.
As always, crazy for contests writers may check out
the options at Erica Verrillo’s previously mentioned site, Ralan.com,
New Pages, Reedsy, and Writer Unboxed’s
Arthur Klepchukov.
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