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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6881-Polish-that-Entry.html
Contests & Activities: March 18, 2015 Issue [#6881]

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Contests & Activities


 This week: Polish that Entry!
  Edited by: spidey 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

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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94


Letter from the editor


Polish Your Entries! Make Them Shine!


Would you go to a job interview and expect feedback and a do-over if you make a mistake? Do you think you'd get a second chance at submitting to a publisher if your manuscript is filled with typos and grammar errors? Probably not.

I like to think of entering contests as a practice for submitting for publication. It's a great chance to flex your writing skills and for polishing your work for the enjoyment of readers. A just might be able to overlook a few typos or mistakes, but it can't be stated enough that it's a good idea to make sure your entry is polished as much as possible before you submit it!



*Bulletb* Proofread - This may seem obvious, but read over your work. Then read over it again! Concentrate on words and phrases, rather than the meaning behind them. Make sure your words are spelled and used correctly (spell-check programs only go so far!). We all have areas where we know we are weak (I can never seem to spell "occasionally" correctly the first try!), so watch out for those.

*Bulletb* Print it out - I had a teacher that used to explain that our eyes are accustomed to skimming or even skipping words on a computer screen. You're much more likely to catch errors if you print them out and read them. It's also easier to highlight or make notes in the margins.

*Bulletb*Let a friend read it - Find someone you trust to read it over for you. Finding someone who isn't familiar with the story will help you identify parts that may not be clear to readers.

*Bulletb*Ask for reviews - Submit your item to "Please Review" Open in new Window. [E] or one of the many review forums on the site. Offer an auto-reward for reviews. Advertise in your Highlighted Items, Bioblock, Newsfeed, Blog, etc. I have stories that have been in my portfolio for years, and people are still finding typos! *Blush*

*Bulletb* Finishing touches - Be sure to select appropriate genres and ratings. (Use "Contest Entry" rather than "Contest.") That way readers will have an idea of what they're reading before they start, or readers looking for a specific genre will find it easier!


After the Contest:


*Bulletg*Take it to heart - If you get feedback from judges, take it seriously. Hopefully they'll give you detailed feedback which you can use to strengthen your writing.

*Bulletg*Don't take it too seriously - Judges are human and have tastes just like anyone. Maybe your entry just didn't strike them at the right moment. It doesn't mean your writing or your entry was bad, per se. It might not have hit the right audience at the right time. That's why they say never give up!


As always, keep on writing!



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Editor's Picks

Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

What a Character! : Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Create a memorable character using the given prompt for huge prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon




A few recent Contest Entries:
 
Michael Open in new Window. [13+]
Contest entry. Trying my hand at world building
by Cheri Annemos Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor



Contests/Activities:

Poison Apple Theater Open in new Window. [13+]
A monthly dark fantasy contest. - - - Special extended round!
by Glassboots Author Icon

Picture a Story CLOSED/UnderConstruction Open in new Window. [18+]
Send me a title and synopsis of your story idea, prompted by the picture.
by Cubby Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

The Challenge Open in new Window. [13+]
Earn whatever Merit Badge you want!
by Shaye Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!



 
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!

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Ask & Answer

My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (February 18, 2015)" Open in new Window.), discussed housekeeping on WDC.

I like to chat on forums or scounge around for some good contests and begin writing. At least that is what I am doing now as I haven't done a contest in so long. Another good thing to do is participate in any group activity you're in or do some reviews! I like to get in scroll and play the games for extra gp's. Sometimes you also end up making new friends on scroll!.
~ alysia

Great ideas! *Bigsmile*






Questions to think about:
How do you polish your contest entries before submission?

*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!
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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B004PICKDS
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