Should Unpublished Writers Enter Writing Contests?

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Should Unpublished Writers Enter Writing Contests?

Internationally acclaimed mystery writer Louise Penny was “turned down more often than I care to remember” before placing in Debut Dagger, a contest held by the UK’s Crime Writers’ Association. “I cannot overstate the importance that award has had on my career,” she writes on her website.

Given this and other success stories, it’s no wonder that writing contests are an attractive option for writers who have yet to break into the industry. But are they worth the investment, both financial and emotional? Yes—if the contest is legitimate and the prize offers value to the writer.

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It’s Kind of a Funny Story: Why Comedy Writer Brian Finkelstein Self-Published His Debut Novel

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It’s Kind of a Funny Story: Why Comedy Writer Brian Finkelstein Self-Published His Debut Novel

Searching for a literary agent was “grueling and disappointing” for Brian Finkelstein, who I worked with on a full manuscript critique in early 2024. The same week he sent out the bulk of his query letters that summer, real life managed to imitate his art, and traditional publishing no longer seemed like an option. Self-publishing was, however. I’m delighted to share my interview with Brian on his debut novel The Triumph of Jules Coletti, which he released last month.

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University Presses: A Viable Path for Literary Fiction Careers

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University Presses: A Viable Path for Literary Fiction Careers

Although some writers may assume that a large New York publisher is preferable to a university press, such thinking is “misguided,” says Jones. “University press publication is the first choice for certain kinds of books, depending on the press. These are experienced editors, highly educated and knowledgeable in the fields they publish in.” She suggests that writers intrigued by university presses go onto their websites, enter contests that seem applicable to their work, and “always read books published by these presses.”

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Seven Writers' Contests to Enter in Summer and Fall 2025

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Seven Writers' Contests to Enter in Summer and Fall 2025

As a complement to my list from February on 24 Independent and University Press Contests for Fiction Writers That Offer Book Publication as the Prize, here are seven more writing contests to consider entering this summer and fall. Some of the sponsoring publications/organizations are based here in the U.S., while others are across the pond, and all are aimed at emerging writers. You’ll notice that some contests offer what appears to be a lucrative cash prize, so please do your due diligence by reading the fine print.

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