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The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World…Word by Word

The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » Contests

Contests

Should I Enter the Contest?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 21, 2022
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Lots of contests for both published and unpublished writers abound. Should a writer enter these contests?

The short answer? Yes!

  1. Goal: The contest sets a goal. For instance, a contest needing the first ten pages, fifty pages, or the first chapter and a summary all give the writer a deadline. The writer must prepare these materials to enter the contest.
  2. Statement: For the unpublished writer, the act of entering the contest makes a statement to yourself and to the world: “I am a writer.”
  3. Feedback: Some contests ask judges for specific feedback. When that happens, the author can use that advice. Comments from busy publishing professionals are otherwise hard to come by. Rarely does a rejection letter offer pointers.
  4. Connections: Regardless of the outcome, judges will see your work. Sometimes agents and editors ask to see more. This is an opportunity writers otherwise wouldn’t have.
  5. Recognition: When the author is a finalist or winner, that author’s name is posted for all to see. What great publicity!

The next time you see an opportunity to submit to a contest for your favorite genre, consider entering. You have very little to lose, but much to gain!

(The Christian Writers Market Guide has a section of contests to enter.)

 

 

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Category: Contests

A Contest Win May Not Help You Get Published

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 16, 2020
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If you are looking to be published, yes, DO enter contests. But a contest win may not result in your book’s publication by a traditional publisher. Today I hope to help you become less frustrated and more understanding regarding some reasons why. First of all, contests’ criteria don’t reflect all the requirements of publishers, nor should they. Most contests judge on such factors as grammar, …

Read moreA Contest Win May Not Help You Get Published
Category: Career, Contests, Get Published

A Year in Review: A Look at 2019

By Steve Laubeon January 6, 2020
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It’s that time of year to reflect on the past year, to learn from our experiences, and to count our blessings. Here are some thoughts on the last tumultuous twelve months. The Industry The publishing industry seems to survive the bad press that loves to find the negative in everything. Each publisher continues to pursue the best content possible. The market is ever-changing, and some really smart …

Read moreA Year in Review: A Look at 2019
Category: Agency, Agents, Awards, Book Business, Book Sales, Christian Publishing Show, Christian Writers Institute, Contests, Conventions, Economics, Encouragement, Marketing, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life, Trends

A Special Giveaway from The Christian Writers Institute

By Steve Laubeon February 18, 2019
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Periodically, I like to let our readers know about some of the special things we are doing to help teach writers via The Christian Writers Institute (CWI). We love to see Christian writers learn, grow, and succeed in their craft. As part of that, CWI is offering you a chance to win a Super Bundle Giveaway. This is the biggest we have ever created! The giveaway comes with thirty-five of the best …

Read moreA Special Giveaway from The Christian Writers Institute
Category: Christian Writers Institute, Contests

A Request for a Full Manuscript! Now What?

By Steve Laubeon June 25, 2018
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Katie sent the following question: What should an author do if they receive a full manuscript request from an editor as a result of a contest, but the editor works for a small publisher and the author wants to explore other options first (e.g. getting an agent, finding a bigger house, etc.)? I would like to avoid a breach in etiquette here, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s …

Read moreA Request for a Full Manuscript! Now What?
Category: Contests, The Writing LifeTag: contests, Contracts, The Writing Life
  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Interview with Steve Laube
    • Statement of Faith
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Guidelines
  • Authors
    • Who We Represent
    • Awards and Recognition
  • Resources
    • Recommended Reading
    • Christian Writers Market Guide Online
    • Christian Writers Institute
    • Writers Conferences
    • Freelance Editorial Services
    • Copyright Resources
    • Research Tools
    • Selling What You Write
  • Blog
  • Contact

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