Why Not Risk It?

[ConstanceB]

Hello, Friends!

I sponsored an essay contest for middle school students a few years ago. I was disappointed when no one responded, even with a cash prize. Then I learned that a service club held a contest with a $500 prize and didn't have a single submission.

FloridaMike posted news of a short story contest in this thread, and I just recently closed one because the deadline had passed. I don't believe anyone participated. If there were an entry fee, I'd understand, but there wasn't. You must love writing and have some faith in your ability, or you wouldn't be posting here. Many of you hope to be published and wonder how to make that happen.

I'm curious: Given all this, why not submit your material when an opportunity arises?

 

[woman.at.the.well]

Good question Constance!

 

[thenightmarehero]

I have a short story that I recently wrote, If you have another contest email or PM me and I'll send you the story.

 

[Lithium Hobo]

If no one enters, let me know and I'll submit an essay about the lack of ambition of students for $500.

 

[ConstanceB]

I have a short story that I recently wrote, If you have another contest email or PM me and I'll send you the story.

Hey, thanks! Also, watch the Writers Guild threads. Several of us are trying to alert everybody to publishing opportunities and/or contests.

 

[ConstanceB]

If no one enters, let me know and I'll submit an essay about the lack of ambition of students for $500.

Ha ha! I hope you're writing already!

 

[419gam]

Lots of contests state that once submitted the the work becomes the contests sponsors property and not your own, I consider that a big turn off. I could understand allowing copies or publication as part of the contest, but to give up the rights to the material is unnecesary.

 

[ConstanceB]

Lots of contests state that once submitted the the work becomes the contests sponsors property and not your own, I consider that a big turn off. I could understand allowing copies or publication as part of the contest, but to give up the rights to the material is unnecesary.

That's not only a turn-off, it's poor business sense.

The "Call for Manuscripts" I posted on behalf of Little Fox Press indicated that the publication would have "first rights" only, pay the author in money and copies.

Thanks for reminding us to "read the small print" before we submit. cb

 

[Lithium Hobo]

Also, I don't think many kids are actually writing as much as they used to. Although, some kids jot down words for raps they'd like to have published in one way or another. It's a form of writing, nonetheless. As long as it's appropiate, perhaps you can advertise saying you'd accept that?

 

[ConstanceB]

Also, I don't think many kids are actually writing as much as they used to. Although, some kids jot down words for raps they'd like to have published in one way or another. It's a form of writing, nonetheless. As long as it's appropiate, perhaps you can advertise saying you'd accept that?

When I taught 7th grade, I wrote and performed rap to model appropriate alternatives. But yes, I believe you are right: students are not writing as much now, in part because of the emphasis on standardized test scores, and because writing can be so much harder for teachers to grade than Scantron (fill in the bubble) tests.

(Smilie of a nostalgic retired English teacher)

 

[peanutbutter12]

Next time there is a contest with a cash prize, let me know! lol

$500... man I'd have hopped right on that...

CJ

 

[ConstanceB]

Next time there is a contest with a cash prize, let me know! lol

$500... man I'd have hopped right on that...

CJ

Works for me. Speaking of which, someone in ChristianWriters dot com mentioned a writing contest in praize.com. I visited the site, but couldn't find it. Want to try? If others come up, we'll share!

ConstanceB