Contests & Activities: July 13, 2022 Issue [#11453] |
This week: Tips for Contests Edited by: eyestar~* More Newsletters By This Editor
1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions
Happy July everyone! I am your guest editor this week. I hope the summer has afforded time to enjoy some writing, activities and contests here at WDC! It can be exciting when the muse gifts you a fabulous idea and expression, good enough for a contest.... and then a little disaster happens to annoy both the muse and you! Read on to find out why!
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ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
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Have you ever written an awesome piece for a contest and them had it disqualified? I have and it is quite frustrating. In one contest, I totally forgot to out the Word count on the page. It was in the rules. I usually check but my time was short. In another team contest, which had a time limit, I did the same thing and lost points for the team. Boy, did I want to kick myself! I usually add WC automatically....so gosh knows where my attention was!!
Usually it is some little snag we make so the judge has to not count it! As a contest judge, I hate when I have to do it especially as the writing can be so good. The only helpful thing with it, is that it can narrow down my choices.
Some contest hosts may give a heads up when you post if there is a problem, but not always depending on how busy they are. I have had this happen...thank goodness and try to do that for my participants. It is really up to you though. We can all read...just forget! This can apply to activities too.
So.. how do we avoid these faux pas?
READ and remember the rules basically!!
Consider:
Do you need to put a Word Count? Is there a specific word or line count required?
Are you allowed to edit after you post, before the deadline?
Are you following the prompt?
Are there special instructions? Sometimes we do a quick read and think we know what to do?
Are there words you need to highlight with bold?
Note the DEADLINE: Contests have different ranges.
Does the item have to be Static only, or can it be an entry in a book. For example, the "The Writer's Cramp" Always requires a static item! I forgot once as I am so used to putting my poems in a book form, I totally did not think of it! Dah!! I don't forget this one anymore.
ASK questions to clarify if you are not sure of something. Contest hosts love to have folks enter and are willing to help you!
Double check the rules before you post! I often do this now as my mind can be a sieve.
You have entered your best entry.... so honour it by catching any glitches. It doesn't hurt to check requirements. Your muse might get annoyed!
That is my musing in a little nutshell... pretty obvious, really yet you would be surprised how many get caught out by missing little things. I hope this little reminder helps!
Happy writing!
eyestar
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Contests to consider:
Entries to enjoy!
"The Island"
| | Moldisocks (E) My version of a fractured fairy tale. Socks should be changed regularly, right? #2274027 by SandraLynn |
| | Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2275988 by Not Available. |
| | Ripper (13+) A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences: JFK. (~1000 words.) #2268959 by Nightkeeper |
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter! https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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ASIN: 0995498113 |
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ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 5.99
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