I know, I know—I didn't build up a lot of tension and conflict, but this is not a romance novel. It may seem obvious, but so many new writers are afraid to take the step, but you can't win if you never enter.
I suppose you can't lose either, but that certainly isn't the right attitude. The good news is you can benefit from my mistakes because I'm going to give you practical advice based on my successes and failures.
My first competition was the American Christian Fiction Writers First Impression's contest. The best (and worst) part of ACFW contests is the feedback. Most contests don't give critiques, but this one does.
With blind judging, the comments are brutally honest, not like the ones you get from your critique group or a mentor. However, after a good cry (or scream), the comments can be helpful. I used the judges' suggestions to rewrite my entry for the Florida Christian Writer's Conference and to prepare for pitches with agents and editors. The result was a win in the contest and an agent.
As you read my tips remember, this is about winning. There are exceptions to every rule, but if you want to win and get noticed, I suggest you not bank on being that exception.
Tips to win a contest that will set your entry apart.
Enter a clean manuscript. The judges are looking for amateur mistakes. Your entry must be free from all errors. This includes, typos, grammar, and spelling.
Follow the contest rules! Read them three times.
Create an engaging and snappy synopsis to hook the judges.
Write in deep point-of-view (POV). This includes the charater's emotions and unique world view.
Use all five senses, especially scent.
Don't start with a prologue. Just call it chapter one.
Use only one POV per scene.
Know the difference between an -em dash and an -en dash and when to use them.
Only use adverbs and adjectives when necessary.
Do a search for "very" and delete or replace with a stronger word.
Now, you're ready to enter. Promise me you won't get discouraged if you don't win the first time. Attend writers conferences, critique groups, and pratice your craft. I entered three contests before my big win. Trust me—if I can do this, so can you.
Leslie DeVooght is an award-winning author whose flash fiction has appeared in Spark magazine. Her contemporary romance novels are set in Georgia's Golden Isles, her hometown. Leslie was a 2017 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and earned awards at the Florida Christian Writers Conference and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Leslie loves cheering on her children and going on dates with her husband, who loves that she researches kissing. Keep up with Leslie at her website www.lesliedevooght.com; on Facebook at Leslie Kirby DeVooght; and on Twitter @lesliedevooght.