Why Every Inspiring Writer Should Enter Writing Contests

 It is huge step for a writer to put themselves out there. It builds self-confidence and is an opportunity to engage with other writers. By entering contests, it is an education in self-discipline, teaches us how work within the constraints of a deadline, contests rules and applications. If we win a writing contest it can help get our name out and potentially assist in getting our work published. It can boost our author platform with speaking opportunities, social media and cash prizes.
There are thousands of writing contests that vary in cost. Other contests are offered free, such as through public libraries. As with anything that requires you to spend money, it would be prudent to research the organization sponsoring the contest to rule out the possibility of a scam.  There are a number of writing conferences that sponsor contests. In Edmonds the Write on the Sound writers’ conference (WOTS) is presented the first full weekend in October. It is an affordable conference that focuses on the craft of writing. They sponsor a writing contest annually with a separate theme.
Each year EPIC is proud to sponsor its Annual Writing Contest for Adults and Student Authors (grades 8 through 12) in Prose and Poetry categories. First place awards receive $100 in Adult/Student and Poetry categories and $50 in Second Place Awards.
The right writing contest can inform you how you measure up against other’s in the competition and what you need to learn. But taking full advantage of writing contest opportunities is work, so be prepared. Don’t be afraid to get out there and submit to the right contests!
 
Vanessa Arpin lives in Edmonds Washington. She is currently working on a middle grade novel that received recognition at the Mendocino  Writer’s Conference in 2017. In 2019 she received honorable mention at Write on the Sound for her non-fiction essay, The Perfect Lemon. She is active in a local writers group and is on the board of EPIC. When she isn’t writing she is using her storytelling skills with her six young granddaughters.

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