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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/8891-Enter-Contests-and-Follow-Rules.html
Short Stories: May 09, 2018 Issue [#8891]

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Short Stories


 This week: Enter Contests and Follow Rules
  Edited by: Dawn Embers Author IconMail Icon
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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

Short Stories Newsletter by Dawn

Talking about contests, entries and the rules.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

This is more of a call to action than a listen to me spout in a few paragraphs about a subject. It's not easy to host a contest on this site but they are very handy when it comes to inspiration for short stories. However, without entries, it's hard to warrant having a contest open and unfortunately this leads to a decline in available options.

A few of the contests I used to enter back when I was writing more and entering on the site, for example, have either closed or gone on vacation. That or they get very few entries. While I know as a writer it's hard to balance things like life offline or other writing goals. I write novels and want to publish them but writing short fiction can distract from such. Still, the contests available on this site are very helpful.

But they need our help. They need us to write stories and submit them.

So, this is my challenge: look at the contests with open rounds. Pick one or two, write a story and enter it. You will gain a story and the one running the contest will gain an entry. Win - Win


Oh and minor reminder...

Remember: Follow the Rules

This might seem a bit obvious but trust me, it's a common issue that arises for judges of contests. There are particular rules for reasons and usually, if you don't follow the rules of the contest then the entry is not valid and won't be eligible. For the contestant, you still have a story but the drive behind it and the posting in the forum to showcase the contest will be affected by the mistake.

As a judge, it can be disappointing or make things difficult because there aren't always very many entries. While there is a moment of "oh dear goodness" when having to judge over 20 entries, it's also a boost because that's 20 stories people worked to produce and activity on the site. However, on the flip side there is a slight disappointment when you want to rank top ten but out of 15 entries 6 get disqualified for not following the rules. Or in other contests when you only get two entries it's an even harder blow as there was already limited chance for giving out prizes without considering the disregard to things like prompts and listed requirements.

I know at times some rules can be very limiting. I've liked contests but not been able to enter because the judge didn't want a particular set of characters which are what I write. So, I didn't write for that contest though I did promote it for others that might want to enter. I followed the rules. It's all part of the process when it comes to submitting, whether it's a contest here one WDC or for a publication. Trust me, it helps to follow those rules.


Now, check the rules, consider the prompts and go write!


Editor's Picks

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FORUM
The Contest Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Join by entering a contest a month for 12 months--Win Badges! Catching up is allowed!
#2109126 by Schnujo's NOT Doing NaNoWriMo Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2147990 by Not Available.


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WEIRD TALES CONTEST  Open in new Window. (18+)
A Contest Inspired by the Old Pulp Fiction Covers of Weird Tales Magazine
#2083492 by Beacon's Anchor Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2156360 by Not Available.


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Character Flaws Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Come yarn me a tale about a flawed character!
#2144029 by Genipher Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
The Science Fiction Short Story Contest Open in new Window. (18+)
A contest inspired by the serious need for more good sci-fi
#2140378 by BlackAdder Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
Character Flaws Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Come yarn me a tale about a flawed character!
#2144029 by Genipher Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2157404 by Not Available.


 The Garden of Manna Open in new Window. (ASR)
Two companions search for a fabled garden with enchanted affects.
#2156690 by brom21 Author IconMail Icon




 
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Ask & Answer

Is there a contest you want to enter or have you entered one recently?

It has been a long time since I've written for this particular newsletter. Way back in August I discussed word count goals and limits, which are related to this week's topic too because following the word count rules is important when entering short story contests here on WDC.

I'm always looking out for contests to feature in various newsletters along with stories entered in contests. If you know of any in particular, let me know.


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