Have you entered any writing contests or dithered about doing so? The only thing you have to lose is the entry fee. But in most cases, your money is well spent. There are many reasons to enter contests, both legitimate and slightly underhanded.
Credentials. - Winning or finaling in a contest may not sway an agent or editor in your favor when they read your query, but it won't do any harm either. At the very least it will go some way to persuading them you're taking your craft seriously.
Confidence booster. - Even if you don't win or final, the comments you will receive will be encouraging, even if they're critical. Now, granted, not everyone who signs up to judge will be constructive, but they're the exception to the rule. I've had some people give me the full score, 100/100, while others judged my entry at 46. It stings, but if you think about it, it's fair. Not all readers are going to love your story. The 46er is not the person I write for. The judges may not necessarily read in your genre anyway, and find vampires silly or historical romances unbelievable. So at worst, low scores tell you you're either not quite there, or that your judge isn't a fan. We can live with that, right?
Overcoming your inner saboteur. - Many of us have an inner saboteur, preventing us from taking that step to greatness. Well, maybe not greatness, but I have been known not to send my manuscript even if requested, because I'm too scared of putting myself out there. It's illogical, but there you go. And yet, I've come a long way already. Before I started entering contests, I was too afraid to even let my baby leave the house. I'd share glimpses with someone, at most a chapter, but no more. After the first contest, I started growing an extra layer of skin, and I'm getting ready to send in my first full now. Seriously. I will.
Feedback. - The more contests you enter, the more you'll be able to hone your first few chapters. While your query and synopsis are the equivalent to a fancy suit and a nice smile, your first few chapters are your portfolio. They show the agent or editor what you can do. So the best you can hope for is lots and lots of criticism and comments. You don't have to act on each of them, but consider that, if one person is bothered by a particular issue, others, perhaps even the agent, may be bothered, too.
Snagging a contract. - Should you win or final, a judging editor or final may ask for a partial (usually the first 25 pages or three chapters) or a full. In that case, give your manuscript a quick once-over, and send it. A few people really do find representation or a publishing deal this way.
Idea tester. - This is one of those less legitimate uses, but some people use contests to test-balloon new ideas. This isn't what these contests were designed for. Why should people give their time to read your entry and comment when you're not taking your pages seriously? When the product you enter isn't polished and edited? On the other hand, the relevant organization puts on these contests for the entry fee, so theoretically, as long as you pay up, they can't really complain.
I hope I've convinced you to give it a go. It's scary putting yourself out there, but it's worth it. And, hey, your entry will be anonymous anyway.
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