Submitting your first piece to a writing competition is an exciting step in your journey as a writer. It’s a chance to showcase your creativity, gain experience, and even earn recognition. However, it can also feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to start. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps to help you craft a polished, compelling submission.
1. Understand the Guidelines
Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), carefully review the competition’s guidelines. Pay attention to:
- Theme or prompt: Make sure your piece aligns with the competition’s theme.
- Word count: Stay within the specified limits—exceeding them can lead to disqualification.
- Genre: Identify whether the contest is focused on poetry, short stories, essays, or another format.
- Formatting requirements: Follow instructions on font size, spacing, and file format.
Tip: Print or save the guidelines so you can refer to them as you write and revise.
2. Choose Your Topic or Story
If the competition provides a theme or prompt, brainstorm ideas that resonate with you. If it’s an open-ended contest, consider:
- Personal experiences: Draw inspiration from your own life.
- Passions: Write about a subject or story you deeply care about.
- Imagination: Explore creative worlds or perspectives that excite you.
Tip: Jot down several ideas, then narrow them down to the one that feels most compelling and manageable within the word count.
3. Plan Your Piece
Before diving into writing, take time to outline your work. This will help you stay focused and organized.
For fiction or storytelling:
- Setting: Where does the story take place?
- Characters: Who are they, and what motivates them?
- Plot: What is the conflict or journey?
- Ending: How does the story resolve?
For essays:
- Thesis: What is your main argument or idea?
- Supporting points: What evidence or examples will you use?
- Conclusion: How will you tie everything together?
Tip: A clear structure makes your piece more engaging and easier to follow.
4. Write Your First Draft
With your outline as a guide, start writing your first draft. Focus on getting your ideas down without worrying too much about perfection.
- Stay true to your voice: Write authentically—it’s your unique perspective that sets your work apart.
- Embrace creativity: Experiment with descriptions, imagery, or dialogue to bring your piece to life.
Tip: If you feel stuck, set a timer and write freely for 10–15 minutes to get your thoughts flowing.
5. Revise and Edit
Editing is where the magic happens. Once your first draft is complete:
- Take a break: Step away for a day or two to gain fresh perspective.
- Review for clarity: Ensure your piece is easy to follow and aligns with the competition’s theme.
- Eliminate fluff: Cut unnecessary words or sentences to make your writing concise.
- Check grammar and spelling: Polished work leaves a strong impression on judges.
Tip: Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing or inconsistencies.
6. Seek Feedback
Before submitting, share your work with someone you trust, such as:
- A teacher: They can provide professional insights and suggestions.
- A peer or family member: They can offer a fresh perspective as a reader.
- An online writing group: Communities often offer constructive critiques.
Tip: Be open to feedback, but stay true to your vision. Use suggestions to strengthen your piece without losing your voice.
7. Prepare Your Submission
Double-check that your piece meets all the competition requirements. Use this checklist:
- Is your work formatted correctly?
- Have you titled your piece (if required)?
- Have you included all necessary documents or forms?
Tip: Save your submission as a backup, ensuring you don’t lose your work.
8. Submit Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your work. Early submission allows you to:
- Avoid technical issues or errors.
- Reduce stress by meeting the deadline comfortably.
Tip: After submitting, save the confirmation email or receipt as proof.
9. Reflect and Learn
Once you’ve submitted your work:
- Celebrate your effort! Taking the leap into writing competitions is an achievement in itself.
- Use the experience to grow. If feedback is provided, embrace it as an opportunity to improve.
Tip: Keep a journal of your competition experiences to track your progress over time.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your first writing submission is a journey of creativity, learning, and courage. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to presenting a polished piece that reflects your talent and passion.
Whether you win or not, every competition helps you grow as a writer. So take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and let your words shine!