Houston Bay Area RWA | Member Articles | Top Ten Reasons to Enter a Contest, by Jessica Trapp

Member Articles | Top Ten Reasons to Enter a Contest

Top Ten Reasons to Enter a Contest

by Jessica Trapp

Houston Bay Area is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the romance writers, both published and aspiring, in its membership.

In no particular order:

To build your writing resume.

For critique. There is nothing better than unbiased anonymous opinions from a dozen other writers to learn the flaws and strengths of your manuscript. You learn to discern when it’s best to modify your work and when it’s best to be goat-stubborn.

Writing is tough. Rejection sucks. Contest victories can keep you from sinking.

To network with other writers. Write thank you notes and keep in touch with your judges. Start your own mailing list with the addresses of judges who say they want to read your book when it’s published.

To keep your head above water. Writing is tough. Rejection sucks. Contest victories can keep you from sinking.
To procrastinate actually having to write anything new. Let’s face it, we all procrastinate... so you might as well do it in career building ways. It sure beats the heck out of doing laundry.
To spur yourself on. When you find yourself losing focus on your writing, ask yourself “What if I final and the editor asks for the full?”
For positive feedback. Use complimentary comments on query letters, bios, or your website. If someone asks what your writing strengths are, you can tell them—with half a dozen quotes to affirm it.

To support RWA chapters. Most of them stay afloat because of the money made off contests. Keep RWA strong!

To prove to your friends and family you are serious about writing and taking specific steps toward your goal. Your average scores and percent of finals provide an unscientific, but quantifiable measuring stick of your progress.

To connect with an agent or an editor and get your manuscript SOLD!

Jesica Trapp, a master at combining conflict and sensuality, has won numerous accolades including first place in six RWA sponsored contests with her manuscript MASTER OF THE HEART. Her writings have been described as a “ bold unabashed voice” and “ beautifully evocative” by judges. She is currently searching for an agent and working on a romantic suspense entitled TOO HOT TO HANDLE. Please visit her on the web at www.JesicaTrapp.com.