By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

Contests are a big deal. Aren’t they? I’ve crashed and burned, semi-finaled, finaled, and won in four different events. Truthfully, winning was way more fun than bombing. But was it more useful? Statistically, there is a tiny chance of entering a contest and winning, so why even bother?

Contests can be a great way to get impartial feedback, but there are some things to keep in mind. As someone who has entered in, judged and directed a writing contest (ACFW VA Crown Awards), I have some thoughts I’d love to share. If you re short on time – here’s the condensed version – always enter if humanly possible. Worth noting though, some of the benefits are different for published vs unpublished authors. I hope one or more of these points will encourage you to get your writing out there.

Contests sharpen skills

Before you push SEND on a contest entry, unless you really don’t care about your work, you’re going to go through it with a fine-tooth editing comb, or have a critique partner look at it and make sure it’s the best piece of writing it can be. When I was a Genesis finalist, I had three people who scrutinized my entry and my writing improved exponentially for their input.

Contests create community

Win or lose, when you’re in a contest, you oftentimes get to know another contestant or two as you see who ended up finaling or winning. Contests can propel writers to reach out to others to ask questions or help process the experience. One of my very dearest friendships came from us both being finalists in the same contest a little while ago. Thankfully, we finaled in different years so that made it simpler to fully support each other.

Contests offer amazing feedback

The feedback you get from a contest can create a lightbulb moment. When you get a similar observation from two or even three judges, it’s time to take what you’re being told seriously and see what you can do to improve.

Contests offer rubbish feedback

But sometimes, judges are less than helpful. The problem is, writing is partially subjective. One judge might take you to task for weak showing vs telling, while another might praise you for showing some not quite fully developed skill. This is where community comes in. The best advice I’ve been given is pay attention to repeated feedback and consult a trusted, experienced sounding board where necessary. If a remark resonates with you, pay attention and as before, find a trusted and experienced writer friend to help you discern what you’ve been told. If something doesn’t sit well with you, you absolutely can still go to your sounding board, or, disregard. Whatever the remark – I’d advise praying for wisdom and discernment before you accept or ignore it.

Contests make us more visible

Whether you or not you final, or even win, entering contests starts to get us, our name and perhaps our writing out there. Being gracious enough to congratulate winners on social media (or with a note card if you know them) shows support for fellow authors and starts to get your name known in the industry. Most of us might dislike platform, but no serious writer can deny they need one.

Contests motivate us

Once you’ve entered a contest, you’ve dipped your toe into the writing world. You will begin to build community and to support fellow writers and writing organizations. Beware though – once you jump in, accountability often follows, as does increased motivation to continue learning, growing, and writing. Woohoo!

Contests offer opportunities

If you do advance into a semifinal or final, that move often puts your work in front of acquisitions editors and agents. While typical a final round doesn’t provide much in terms of feedback on your work, the chance to have it read by industry gatekeepers cannot be overlooked. More than one author has gone from contest success to agent then contract.

Contests draw us closer to the Lord

Wow, do they ever. I’d never advise entering a contest without bathing it, your motivation, and your entry in prayer. Winning or losing can be tough on a person and the very best place to take the myriad emotions is the Cross. The best place to begin when reading through judge’s remarks is the Cross, and if you do find some success, the best place to take your joy and gratitude, is the Cross.

It’s my firm belief we write for an audience of one. Invite Him to be in the contest with you, to use it to show you what you need to learn, to bless you in ways you couldn’t imagine or, most importantly, to use your writing and the contest, to His glory.

The deadlines for the BRMCWC contests are rapidly approaching. The Selah Awards entries must be in by Jan 12, 2024, and The Foundation Awards entries must be in by April 1, 2024. Have you entered yet?

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.