\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3400-.html
Contests & Activities: December 09, 2009 Issue [#3400]

Newsletter Header
Contests & Activities


 This week:
  Edited by: Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

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

About This Newsletter

My name is Crys-not really here Author IconMail Icon and it is my pleasure to be guest-writing the Contest and Activities Newsletter this week. *Smile*

In the 7 years I've been on the Writing.com, I have seen and run my fair share of both poor and good contests. Today, I'd like to share some of my guidelines for choosing contests to enter. I hope they are of some use to you when you look for fun, new contests.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01IEVJVAG
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Letter from the editor

4 Things I Look for in a Contest


With a ton of Contests and Activities around the site, how does one know how to narrow them down? Contests like "The Writer's Cramp" Open in new Window. [13+] have a great reputation for being well-run for years, so they may be a no brainer for anyone looking for a reliable, fun contest. But what about all of the small, lesser-known contests? How do you find one that’s right for you?

When I evaluate a contest, I tend to look for some of the following things:

1) An original concept- This is a very important one to me. It’s easy to start a contest with a generic prompt and offer up some GP’s for the best entry. When a member sets up a contest that has some sort of theme or purpose, it shows that they have really thought about making it stand out. Genre-related contests are always popular: Erotica, History, Children’s, etc. So are contests that cater to a specific type of member. For example, there are a couple of fantastic contests aimed toward teenagers on the site. I also look for contests that twist genres together. Science Fiction-Romance, anyone? Paranormal-Erotica? Children’s-History? Action/Adventure-Comedy?

A contest that uses some sort of attention-grabber or aligns itself with a special event or group also tends to catch my attention.

2) A challenge.- Does the contest challenge me to break out of my usual genre or form? For example, I normally write free-verse poetry, so I tend to gravitate toward contests that allow me to learn about and experience poetry in form. Does the contest have a unique time frame like the Writer’s Cramp, where one must write and submit a piece within 24 hours? Is the prompt one that I haven’t heard a thousand times before? Does it in some way push me to become a better writer?

3) Sufficient prizes.- Is the contest going to reward me for my efforts? I’ve seen prizes anywhere from a couple of thousand GP’s to 10,000 GP’s or a merit badge and up. Contests that run more frequently will probably offer smaller prizes, and multi phase contests like "15 for 15 Contest --- Closed" Open in new Window. [18+] that require you to enter every day for a certain period of time should probably offer more for your efforts.

4) Good organization.- Are the rules clear? If contestants have questions, does the organizer answer them in a reasonable time period? Is it clear who is judging the contest? If the organizer has run contests before, does he or she have a good reputation for running fair contests?

If you keep some of these ideas in mind the next time you look for a contest, you may just be surprised about all the gems you find! They are equally as important to keep in mind when starting your own contest as well.



Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#598590 by Not Available.

FORUM
ACRO*BATICS [Round Over] Open in new Window. (13+)
I supply an acronym; you make up what it stands for. My favorite entries win gift points!
#921363 by Davy Kraken Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1606170 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1464177 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1440514 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1455275 by Not Available.

Defining Poetry: Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
CLOSED. Not your average poetry contest. The ultimate prize is knowledge.
#1615036 by emerin-liseli Author IconMail Icon

Young Stars Shine Your Light Contest Open in new Window. (E)
A CONTEST JUST FOR WRITERS EIGHTEEN YRS OLD AND UNDER! ~ON HIATUS~
#1557458 by NickiD89 Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1550989 by Not Available.

FORUM
Project Write World Open in new Window. (13+)
A celebration of writers and their distinct cultures to bring us all together.
#1254279 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1468001 by Not Available.

The Hint Fiction Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Can you tell a story with only a few words? Hint Fiction requires a silver pen.
#1253724 by Storm Machine Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1609052 by Not Available.

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

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

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07B63CTKX
Amazon's Price: $ 6.99


Ask & Answer

Have a unique contest? I'd like to hear about it. It could be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3400-.html