Contests! Why Should I Enter?

by Anne Eames

When I joined GDRWA in 1991, I would have answered this question "To win! silly goose. " I had a much more simplistic (and naive) approach back then. Today, I still like to "win" but I've learned to define the word with a broader brush.

I can remember how I chose my very first contest. Scanning down the list in RWR I found one that asked for the first 5-10 pages, the entry fee was cheap and they sent back detailed score sheets. What more could I ask for? Quick and easy. I whipped that baby off and waited for my rave reviews and first prize check (which was $10 more than my entry fee). What I got back was a "sorry you didn't make it, the competition was tough, blah, blah,blah," Of the two score sheets, one was 99 out of 100 points and the other 63. Did I celebrate over the 99 or agonize over the 63? Guess. Disappointment was soon replaced by anger then confusion. If the 99 was right I should leave it alone. But what if the 63 was right?

It took a while, but eventually I learned neither score was "right" -- only different, very subjective points of view. (Although I still want to believe the 99 was a little more right than the other.) Eventually I learned what to look for in a contest and how it would help me "win" what I truly wanted -- that all-important first sale.

If you're just starting out, maybe detailed critiques should be your number one priority in deciding which contest to enter. But as you get closer to selling, these additional points may make a difference. They did for me.

Here's what I looked for and why:

• three or more judges in the first round--so the above mentioned scenario couldn't happen again;
• at least one published author in the first round judging panel--to add credibility, especially if there's a wide range in scores;
• rejudging of an entry if one score is significantly lower than the others and it makes a difference in getting to the finals;
• and the biggie: at least one agent or editor as a final round judge--someone who may ask to see more and help sell the bugger!
• and the biggie: at least one agent or editor as a final round judge--someone who may ask to see more and help sell the bugger!

• notes made directly on my submitted pages that were then returned to me -- in these instances an extra copy was required in case the entry made finals, but it was worth it;
• money prizes that were at least as high as the entry fee -- though no money was okay if an editor judged;
• publication of the finalists/winners in RWR and the chapter newsletter -- can't have your name out there too often;
• a score sheet free of questions that may not be applicable -- example: what if your Pulitzer Prize level first five pages don't have a single line of dialogue, yet there's a possible 10 points for dialogue?

Did someone ask "But how do I get a score sheet before I enter?" Try asking for one! Why should the questions be a secret? If this fails, ask at a chapter meeting if anyone entered the same contest the year before. Chances are the questions are the same or not significantly different.

Temporary Euphoria--You've made the final round!

So, what's next? Instead of chewing your cuticles to the quick, plant yourself in front of your keyboard and finish the book before that editor or agent asks for it. If it's finished (is it ever really finished?), then edit, revise, polish. Work on your synopsis in case it's requested. Write a knock-your-socks-off cover letter, too.

It's Over. Now what?

Win or not, every judge deserves a thank you note--even those who in your opinion were less than kind. Some of the most stinging scores and comments may contain kernels of truth that if read again a week or month later will make sense and even help. Sometimes I wrote the generic "thank you for your time in judging" kind of note to those I didn't agree with and guess what? Now that I've sold, one of those tough judges wrote and said she recognized my title in RWR's Sparks, that she always knew I'd sell and couldn't wait to buy my book. You just never know.

A little caveat I forgot to mention. It was always fun to have something out there, something to wait for, more than one reason to stalk the mailbox.

One last thing, and forgive the blatant promotion. Not coincidentally, GDRWA has a contest with ALL the points mentioned in this article. "Between the Sheets" is a ten page love scene with a one page set-up. Deadline to submit is Valentine's Day (awww). Check it out!

Anne Eames, a GDRWA member, was a finalist in many contests, including Golden Heart, Between the Sheets, Harlequin's "Loving in the 90's", until finally she won a Maggie with an entry judged and later purchased by Silhouette. Since then, Anne has sold five additional books to Desire, three of which made the USA Today Bestsellers' List. Her most recent title is LAST OF THE JOEVILLE LOVERS, a May '98 release.

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