Fiction Writing Contests - article by Good English Article Sites

Fiction Writing Contests

Finding the right fiction writing contests is a great way to get a start as a writer. Any a freelance writer, fiction writer, or poet will tell you that it is difficult to really get discovered. Getting to the point where you can actually publish your own fiction is something that can take years, if not decades. A fiction writing contest is just one of the tools that writers can use to give them the boost they need.

One of the best things about fiction writing contests is that they tend to be open to untested and unpublished writers. If you have been trying to publish your fiction, you have probably noticed by now that a lot of the best magazines only take fiction submissions by published writers. When an organization holds a fiction writing contest, however, they usually have the goal of discovering new writers and giving them their first break. Not only are they willing to consider you if you are untested – they actually prefer it.

When you enter fiction writing contests, it is important to read the fine print. As a matter of fact, that is the first thing any professional fiction writer will tell you – always read the fine print. Most writers contests want first serial rights, or perhaps the right to republish you for one year. There are contests, however, that will actually completely take your rights if you win. That means you will not own the work you submitted anymore, and never be able to publish it on your own again. It isn't worth it! There are plenty of reputable fiction contests out there, so don't give away your rights.

Free fiction writing contests are a great place to start. After all, you generally have nothing to lose. Even a contest that require A reading fee, however, is not necessarily a no go. Many of these contests only asked for a nominal fee – usually around 10 to 15 dollars – and promised great cash rewards if your piece is selected. Just look at the 10 dollars as a write off – part of the cost of doing business. After all, the rewards that you have the potential to reap are more than worth it! Usually, I try to enter three free contests for every contest that I pay for. Some people have slightly different ratios, but the important thing is to make sure that you are taking advantage of all the free opportunities out there.

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