How to win a writing competition

Top tips from founder and competition addict, Hayley King.

Whilst there is no magic spell I can offer, below are actionable steps that will increase your likelihood of listing in any writing competition.

1. Research the prize.

   
   

I had a novel that shortlisted with Hachette UK and, feeling very pleased, I then expected it to do well in another, much smaller comp. When up against numbers for a regional competition, I felt confident in my chances. But, you guessed it, for that smaller competition, I didn’t list at all. As every writer is inclined to do, I decided my work and abilities had taken a sharp decline. After an hour of self-indulgent moping (which we’re all entitled to after a writerly disappointment!) I realised the words entered were the same. Like a reversal of a nasty breakup: it wasn’t me, it was them.

On closer inspection, a thriller writer judged this smaller writing competition. Previous winners were mostly writers of crime. And whilst this competition wasn’t advertised as such, if I had done my research, on both the prize and its judges, I would have seen that my novel wasn’t a good match.

You should never write to please the judges or readers of a prize. They are looking for your genuine voice and unique story, but a little research can help you enter the competitions that align with you and your words.

2. Enter many

   
   

Coming from a single-parent family, where the electricity could run out at any moment, I appreciate that this will be limited to finances. If you have any financial barriers to entering writing competitions, please reach out to the contest and explain your circumstances. You are not required to give your life story, but simply state the cost is a barrier to entry. Most reputable writing competitions have a number of sponsored places, including Ascent Novel Prize.

Finances aside, the more writing competitions you enter, the more your chances of listing increase. Once you have a novel that works, much of what follows is about increasing your chances of being seen, whether that be by agents, editors or future readers. To find great writing competitions, I recommend the wonderful website: newwriters.org.uk which lists opportunities in date order - ensuring you never miss one!

The first writing competition I entered was like taking a huge leap of faith and it is easy to forget the bravery needed to put your work out into the world for the first time. But when you’ve crossed that barrier, keep doing it! Share your work more widely, with beta readers and trusted friends. Enter competitions that suit the story you’re writing. When I shortlisted with Stockholm Writers Prize, I’d completely forgotten I’d entered. When you send your work out widely, the stakes are less, because you’ve still got other opportunities on the go.

3. How your extract starts and ends matters

   
   

Many writers strive for an attention-grabbing opening line, but it is the whole extract that counts. Every sentence must propel your reader forward. You must – as literary agent CeCe Lyra states – sprinkle curiosity seeds throughout your work. Look at the length of extract required and consider how your piece ends. You want to leave readers and judges wanting more. Don’t be afraid to cut from your work to end at a great place. When word count isn’t as much of a concern, you can always add these lines back in. At Ascent Novel Prize, we would never disqualify a reader for something like word count as we want writers to end the extract where they think is best. But check all competition rules carefully as not all writing competition are run this way.

4. Common pitfalls

   
   

A simple internet search will warn you of the pitfalls of opening a novel. These include starting with a character waking up, describing the weather or a dump of information. However, I recently saw an agent complain about the number of fantasy novels she receives that have a protagonist whose name begins with an A. (Yes, I have written a fantasy novel with a protagonist called Adalynn). Consider the other over-used tropes or features that may be contained within your work. Is your pitch unique? Is your prose free of clichés? In a world where AI can provide a regurgitated story, what makes your story unique is more important than ever.

Another common pitfall is not following the submission guidelines. Ascent Novel Prize would never disqualify someone for using the wrong font but in a highly competitive world, don’t let your writing be noticed for the wrong reasons. (Although nearly all submissions this year follow our formatting rules, so this advice is not for you clever lot!) 

5.   The magic of a beta read

Working on the same novel can make you word blind and whilst letting it rest and coming back to it with fresh eyes can work wonders, there is nothing like the feedback from a trusted beta reader. They will see things you would never think of. I once had a description of a pigeon flying at night – apparently, they don’t fly at night. I once had a character dominate a scene when they weren’t in the rest of the book. My protagonist started with a coat on, and now she’s adjusting the straps of her dress. The list of errors went on! Luckily, writers are the loveliest people in the world and if you offer to return the favour, it is easy to find beta readers online or through writing courses.

I found my tribe on Instagram, and we first bonded over books we enjoyed reading. For me, it’s essential that anyone offering feedback on my work enjoys reading. Consider what skills you’re looking for in a reader and begin your search! The Shit No One Tells You About Writing offers a beta-read match up a couple of times a year. I would advise giving your work to more than one writer, so that you can identify common errors and perhaps feedback that is closer to personal preference. But remember, you are the sole creator of your work, and you should only incorporate things that feel right for you and your story.

6. Compare your work to a published novel

Everyone is at a different point in their writing journey, but I believe all we need to do as writers is keep moving forward. Keep studying the craft and reading others. If your book were alongside other published work, would it compete? The most successful writers are the ones who identify a weakness and work hard to overcome it. For me, it’s my visual description when I open scenes. So, this is what I study when I read and one of my many rounds of edits is dedicated to this aspect of my writing. You can ask for no greater gift than knowing how to improve your story.

7. Celebrate the wins

   
   

Every listing counts, whether you’re in the top 100 or have an honourable mention. Enjoy the victories when they come because sometimes, they seem few and far between. To enter your work to be judged and scored takes a huge amount of bravery. But you’re in the game and one step closer to holding a published novel in your hands. Keep going, and even if you don’t list at first, know that every word you write counts, because someone out there is waiting to read your story, so you can’t stop now. You’re so close to making your dream come true! 

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