What to Consider when Choosing Online Writing Contests

Writing is a passion many share. However, turning that passion into a career can seem impossible. Writing, as with other artistic venues, can be hard business to break into. One way writers can gain exposure is by competing in web writing contests.

~Searching for the right contest.

Spend a little time developing a writing style. Decide what you like to write best and which styles best showcase your abilities as a writer. For instance, if you write fiction, forcing yourself to compete in a non-fiction contest isn't exactly going to help your career.

Search Google and Yahoo for writing contests based on your chosen style or styles. If possible, choose multiple areas to increase exposure and your chances of winning or at least placing in the top.

~Is the contest worth the time?

Another thing to consider when entering a contest is whether the work is worth the time. You've worked hard and want to be compensated. For newer writers, exposure can be worth more than money. Understand exactly how much exposure and publicity you will receive should win the contest. Also see what happens to the other entries. Often times, there are multiple prizes for different places.

If the prize is money, is it ample? You wouldn't want to write a book, win a contest, and only earn a few dollars. Obviously, you want to look for contests that pay well, help you gain exposure, offer widespread publication, or a combination.

~Practice makes perfect.

Writers can greatly benefit from contests simply from the practice it gives them. Entering contests helps a writer see how they stack up against others. Writing is a competitive business and contests simply prepare a writer for the competition.

Contests let a writer try their hand without hurting their reputation. Writing a series of bad articles or stories and submitting them to publishers early in a writer's career may prevent a writer from being accepted by these publishers later on. However, contests pick the best out of a group. A writer can keep entering contests to better hone their skills.

~Exposure is everything.

Obviously, when you enter a contest, you want to win. However, realistically, the odds of winning are slim. This doesn't mean you're not a great writer, but as with any contest, the more entries, the slimmer the odds are. However, by entering a contest, you have at least put your writing on the web.

Web writing contests are a little bit different than regular writing contests in that your submission is more likely to stay on the contest's site. This allows people everywhere to view your submission even if you don't win. This exposure can lead to future publication regardless of how you placed in the contest. In the end, just having the exposure is great for a writer's career.

~Try something new.

Contests are normally focused around a specific genre or topic. For a writer that has always wanted to try a new style, or research a specific topic, a contest can be a safe and even profitable way to try it. A writer can see how well they place in the contest to judge their skills in the area. The experience may also help open doors to new career opportunities they had never before considered.

Web writing contests are a wonderful and positive way for writers to gain exposure, improve their writing skills, try new genres, and even make a little money. Writing contests are a great way for beginners and even professional writers to gain exposure and further their writing careers.