Hello RAW family,
It seems every time I have a subject that I plan to write an article about something pertinent happens and it changes my article idea. This month I’m going to talk to about entering contests. This article, I promise, will be short sweet and to the point.
In the last few weeks I’ve heard many writers state they’d entered RWA chapter contests and received horrible scores. Some of that has to do with writers attempting to enter contests, specifically a romance contest with material that is obviously not romance. I’m sorry if you don’t want to hear this, but you’re going to receive low scores if you do that, the same as if you entered a sci-fi contest and gave them a historical romance. This is all a part of doing your homework. On the whole I believe contests are good for feedback that doesn’t come from people who know or like you. But you have to remember that they are still a crap shoot and you have to pay to enter. I was never very big on entering contest, because I’m quite frugal. I do enter the Rita and if my books are nominated for the RSJ’s Emma, I’m honored. When I realized the judges were readers like me, I didn’t feel inclined to enter contests. For those of you who are not as frugal as I am we’ll continue. LOL.
A contest is not going to change to accommodate your story if it’s not what the rules said they wanted. We have to enter our work in places where it fits into the scheme of things. Sorry but it’s true.
I’m using RWA as one random example simply because I’ve been seeing the complaints for the past weeks. The information below pertains to all contests that you enter. Try your best to get the score sheets. You won’t lose anything by asking even if they say no. At least read the rules carefully and see if your material fits. I stress all of this because I’ve made all of these mistakes. I’m hoping to prevent you from having to make them and to maybe give your contest entries a better chance of receiving a higher score.
I’m going to include a copy of my own chapter’s scoring sheet with the name taken off, just in case I get in trouble. 
My advice is to put it in a file and keep it. For every book you plan to enter; especially in an RWA contest, read your work and compare it against the score sheet. Score it honestly. Whether a judge likes your story or not is subjective but, at least they won’t burn you on mechanics or on not sending in the right material.
Please pay attention to these two scores and put the meaning into your head instead of just the number. If you receive a (2) look at it and try to see if it does need development. If you receive a (1) it doesn’t mean you don’t have a good story. It means you might have problems telling it in a clear manner.
2 = Fair: needs development; rework suggested
1 = Problematic: substantial revision recommended
1. Most of the RWA chapters will provide the contest score sheets. Please, before you enter that contest ask to see a score sheet. Many other non-RWA contests will also have score sheets available for you to view and will give them to you if you ask. Some may not, so don’t be offended if they don’t.
2. Having a score sheet from the previous year’s contest may help, but expect some changes. Our chapter has changed its score sheet many times. We gather information, and things that don’t work or are not crystal clear, we strive to either take it out or change it.
3. Don’t automatically assume that because you received a low score that it means your writing sucks. A.) Remember it’s the personal opinion of the judge reading your work. B.) The judge is working on a preset criteria.
4. Learn the criteria. Find out what you’re being judged on before entering the contest if at all possible. It’s not that hard for you to figure out how your work will score at least on the technical aspect.
5. The mechanics you can control. Make sure you adhere to industry standards for formatting regardless of genre.
6. Do not, let me repeat. Do not ever enter your work in a contest where it doesn’t belong just for feedback. It’s a waste of your money and getting scores that are low is a spirit buster. It won’t matter how good your story is if it isn’t going along the lines of what the contest is scoring on.
7. Know your reasons for entering any contest. Is it prize money? A possible read by an editor or agent? Is it for the feedback?
8. Do not immediately change your work based on the opinion of one contest judge. If you consistently receive the same remarks about your work from judges, critique partners, editors and agent, you might want to take a second look. Good luck.
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