Writing Contests for Unpublished Christian Writers

Welcome to the start of a NEW YEAR and the start of a fresh round of writing contests for unpublished authors. Now is a perfect time to polish your works in progress and put a sample of your manuscript into the hands of industry professional judges who will provide you with the feedback you may need to launch your writing career.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve submitted my young adult manuscript to four different contests, and I’ve been a finalist in three of them. The feedback I’ve received from each set of judges has been encouraging and helpful.

Each contest finalist announcement gave me the confidence boost I needed to keep pushing forward. Celebrating each final standing has also allowed me to engage and interact with people on social media—both authors and potential future readers. As a result, my platform has grown. And, these contests are something to list on a proposal, which is important for those of us who are just starting out in our writing careers.

I’m far from an expert, but I want to share a few things I’ve learned along the way to help make your writing contest experience a positive one. I also have a list at the end of the article of a few writing contests for you to check out.

READ THE RULES

Each contest has their own unique requirements, so be sure to read the instructions carefully regarding formatting and what to submit. If you have questions, there is usually someone within the organization you can contact.

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT

Before you click submit, get your work before a fresh pair of eyes. You won’t probably get docked points for misspelling a word or two, but continuous grammar and spelling errors, telling instead of showing, head hoping, confusing dialog, and lack luster content will affect your overall scores.

WORK ON YOUR HOOK

With each contest, you only have a few pages to draw the judge in and WOW them. Make every word count. The judges have a score sheet that grades for things like a stellar first line, believable emotion, engaging dialog, connection with main characters, etc. Your entry should read almost like a short story—and consider ending with a cliffhanger. Leave the judge wanting MORE!

DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE

Like me (😊). Twice I’ve been undecided about whether I was going to enter a contest, and I created more stress for myself by waiting. Put the deadline down in your calendar and then make yourself a personal deadline a few days before it. This gives you extra time to double-check that they received your entry (they usually send a confirmation email).

BE PREPARED TO PAY THE FEE

Yes, most of these contests cost a small fee. (Please be wary of contests that ask for huge fees, as many of them are scams!) Usually, the contests accept credit or PayPal. Double-check that your payment went through.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These contests don’t come with promises of publishing contracts, but they do provide you with valuable feedback to help you perfect your craft. All of these contests are also connected with a fabulous writer’s conference full of talented industry professionals. Consider attending—especially if you’re a finalist! These conferences often offer agent appointments.

No matter what genre you write, I encourage you to check out the contests listed below and consider entering. Maybe this is your year to take the next step in your writing career. I wish you all the best! And let us know in the comments below if you find success so we can celebrate with you!

ACFW GENESIS

• Ten categories, first fifteen pages + 1-page synopsis
• Membership not required, but there is a discount for members
• Opens January 2, 2023 and deadline is March 15, 2023

For more information CLICK HERE!

OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS CASCADE AWARDS

• Thirteen categories, first fifteen pages + 1-page synopsis
• Membership not required, but there is a discount to members
• Opens January 15, 2023 and deadline is February 15, 2023

For more information CLICK HERE!

ACFW VIRGINIA CROWN AWARDS

• Six categories, first fifteen pages + 1-page synopsis
• Membership not required, but there is a discount to members
• Opens July 10, 2023 and deadline is August 12, 2023

For more information CLICK HERE!

ACFW FIRST IMPRESSIONS

• 10 categories, first five pages + 200 word back-cover-blurb
• Membership not required, but there is a discount to members
• Check website for submission dates, usually near the beginning of September

For more information CLICK HERE!

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE FOUNDATIONS AWARDS

• Seventeen categories, and each category has a different submission requirement
• Must attend conference to enter
• Opened November 1, 2022 and deadline is April 1, 2023

For more information CLICK HERE!