Writing Contests and More!
Here’s a list of upcoming opportunities for writers. I also included a little explanation about why I like them.
31 March (Deadline)
SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant
- It’s a simple submission process, so why not? Open to all SCBWI members.
- If you receive the grant, your manuscript could be viewed by multiple publishing houses.
- scbwi.org/awards/grants/work-in-progress-grants/
24-25 April
FicFest
- This is a new contest, but if you want help going through your manuscript with a fine-tooth comb, this is the type of contest for you.
- If your manuscript is chosen, teams of writers will help you edit for 8 whole weeks before agents will see your query and first pages.
- tiffanyhofmannauthor.com/ficfest-writing-contest.html
9 June
#PitMad
- This is a Twitter pitch party, one of many, and happens quarterly.
- All that’s required is a simple 140 character pitch that you tweet during a certain window of time. Agents will respond if they’re interested in seeing more.
- brenda-drake.com/pitmad/
1-3 July
#pg70pit
- I entered this contest last year and was one of the finalists. Even though I didn’t receive any agent requests, I did receive feedback and encouragement from the contest makers.
- This contest drops agents into the middle of your story, pg. 70, which gives them a different perspective than the usual first pages.
- com/2016/02/03/pg70pit-is-back/
3 August
#PitchWars
- This contest is similar to FicFest, but has been around for awhile. It attracts the attention of a wide variety of established and new agents.
- I was one of the finalists in 2015. I had an awesome mentor who helped me polish my work over a 2 month period. Two agents did request to see my manuscript, but they later declined representation.
- But I will never regret entering this contest, because…
- I have a polished manuscript and query to submit to agents. (I didn’t realize how little I knew about submissions until this contest!)
- My mentor is still available whenever I need him, and has asked me to beta read some of his work, too.
- I have contact on social media with 125 fellow writers from the contest. Over 40 of them now have agents (less than 4 months later) and three already have book deals!
- Every week someone else in our group receives good news, so it’s encouraging to know one day soon, it could be me!
- Keep checking the website for updates and more details as the submission date approaches.
- brenda-drake.com/pitch-wars/
If you do only one contest this year, I suggest #PitchWars. That means you have four months to finish your manuscript. Happy writing!
Leave a Reply