UK Writing Competitions: What to Enter

James Murphy 21 min read

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

Introduction

Writing competitions in the UK provide a platform for aspiring writers to showcase their talent and gain recognition.

These contests offer exciting opportunities to writers to hone their skills, receive feedback, and even win lucrative prizes.

Writing competitions in the UK are events where writers across different genres compete to showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities.

These contests aim to discover and promote emerging literary talents within the country.

These competitions have gained immense popularity in recent years, attracting a large number of participants from diverse backgrounds.

They serve as a launchpad for writers, providing exposure and visibility within the writing industry.

Moreover, these competitions offer a wide range of opportunities to writers.

Apart from the chance to win cash prizes and publication deals, participants also receive valuable feedback from experienced judges and industry professionals.

This feedback helps writers improve their craft and gain valuable insights into the publishing world.

Additionally, winning or even being shortlisted in a prominent writing competition can significantly enhance a writer’s reputation and credibility.

It can lead to increased recognition, networking opportunities, and even potential book deals from literary agents and publishers.

In short, writing competitions in the UK are a gateway for writers to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and open doors to further opportunities.

Whether it’s a short story, poetry, or novel competition, participating in these contests can be a stepping stone towards a successful writing career.

Benefits of Participating in Writing Competitions

The benefits of participating in writing competitions are numerous and can greatly impact a writer’s career.

By entering competitions, writers have the opportunity to gain exposure and reach a wider audience.

How entering competitions can help writers gain exposure

Entering writing competitions can help writers gain exposure in several ways.

Firstly, competitions often have a large number of participants and attract the attention of literary agents, publishers, and editors.

This exposure can lead to potential publishing opportunities and collaborations.

The potential for recognition and building a writing portfolio

Competitions also offer the potential for recognition, which is crucial for writers.

Winning or placing in a prominent competition can significantly boost a writer’s reputation and credibility.

This recognition can attract new readers and increase the writer’s chances of landing publishing deals or securing literary representation.

Another advantage of participating in writing competitions is the opportunity to build a writing portfolio.

Many competitions require the submission of original work, and even if a writer doesn’t win, they can still add their submission to their portfolio.

Having a diverse range of writing samples can be beneficial when querying agents or applying for writing positions.

The chance to win cash prizes or publication contracts

Furthermore, writing competitions often offer attractive incentives such as cash prizes or publication contracts.

Winning a cash prize not only provides financial support but also validates a writer’s talent and dedication.

Publication contracts, on the other hand, can lead to wider distribution and exposure of the writer’s work.

Aside from the tangible benefits, participating in writing competitions can also provide valuable learning experiences.

The process of preparing a submission, adhering to guidelines, and receiving feedback from judges can help writers improve their craft.

It allows them to analyze their strengths and weaknesses and refine their writing skills.

Moreover, entering competitions can create a sense of community among writers.

Competitions often bring together writers from various backgrounds, fostering a supportive network where writers can connect, share ideas, and gain inspiration.

This sense of camaraderie can be invaluable in an often solitary pursuit such as writing.

It’s important to note, however, that not all competitions are created equal.

Writers should carefully research and evaluate each competition they consider entering.

Factors such as the reputation and prestige of the competition, the judges involved, and the potential benefits should all be taken into account.

In fact, participating in writing competitions can offer numerous benefits for writers.

From gaining exposure and recognition to building a writing portfolio and the chance to win prizes or publication contracts, there are many potential advantages.

Writers should actively seek out reputable competitions and carefully consider the opportunities they present, ultimately using them as a stepping stone to further their writing careers.

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Types of Writing Competitions in the UK

When it comes to writing competitions in the UK, there is a wide variety to choose from.

Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, poet, or non-fiction writer, there’s something for everyone.

Various categories of competitions (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.)

Fiction Competitions

The Bridport Prize: It’s a prestigious competition that accepts short stories and flash fiction.
The BBC National Short Story Award: A contest that recognizes the best short story of the year.
The Costa Short Story Award: This competition focuses on short stories and is open to writers aged 18 and above.

Non-Fiction Competitions

The Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay Prize: An annual competition seeking the best in original long-form essays.
The Royal Society of Literature’s V.S. Pritchett Memorial Prize: It honors the finest unpublished short story of the year.

Poetry Competitions

The National Poetry Competition: It’s one of the most prestigious poetry contests in the UK.
The Forward Prizes for Poetry: This competition celebrates the best poetry in the UK and Ireland.
The Bridport Prize (Poetry): Apart from fiction, Bridport Prize also accepts poetry submissions.

The differences between open and themed competitions

Writing competitions can be categorized as either open or themed.

Open competitions allow writers to submit work on any topic, style, or genre.

On the other hand, themed competitions provide a specific subject or prompt for participants to base their writing on.

This requirement adds an additional challenge and can result in unexpected creativity.

Competitions for Specific Demographics or Genres

In order to provide inclusivity and recognition to various writing communities, there are specific competitions that cater to different demographics or genres:

The Young Writer’s Prize: This competition encourages young writers under the age of 18 to showcase their talent.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction: An award that celebrates and promotes female authors.
The Seamus Heaney First Collection Poetry Prize: A competition solely for poets publishing their first collection of poems.

No matter what your writing preference or identity, the UK offers a competition suitable for you. Explore, participate, and let your words shine!

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Factors to Consider Before Entering

Entry fees: Research the competition’s entry fees and determine if they fit within your budget.
Significance of fees: Understand that some competitions charge fees to cover administrative costs and prize money.
Reading the rules: Carefully read the competition’s rules and guidelines to ensure you meet all the requirements.
Importance of thorough reading: Failure to read the rules thoroughly may result in disqualification.
Judging criteria: Familiarize yourself with the judging criteria to tailor your entry to the competition’s expectations.
Relevance to your style or genre: Consider how the judging criteria align with your writing style or genre.
Assessing your chances: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and evaluate if the competition caters to them.
Aiming for a match: Identify competitions that align with your expertise, interests, and writing goals.

Entry Fees and Their Significance

Research and compare: Explore different competitions to find entry fees that suit your financial capabilities.
Budgeting responsibly: Consider entry fees as an investment and allocate an appropriate amount from your budget.
Covering expenses: Entry fees often contribute towards administrative costs, prize money, and running the competition.
Leveling the playing field: Entry fees help ensure serious submissions by deterring frivolous or uncommitted participants.
Access to opportunities: Fees can support smaller competitions and enable writers to gain exposure and recognition.
Balanced judgment: Charging fees helps competitions provide fair and effective judging processes.
Identifying reputable contests: Be cautious of exorbitant fees or competitions that seem more profit-driven than supportive of writers.
Weighing the benefits: Evaluate the potential rewards, publication opportunities, or networking possibilities against the fees required.

Importance of Reading the Rules Thoroughly

Eliminating misunderstandings: Reading the rules helps avoid confusion or misinterpretation during the submission process.
Meeting all requirements: The rules outline specific guidelines, such as word count restrictions or formatting preferences.
Maximizing chances: Adhering to the rules increases your likelihood of being considered for the competition.
Showing professionalism: Following instructions demonstrates your dedication and attention to detail.
Avoiding disqualification: Ignoring crucial rules could result in your entry being disqualified without consideration.
Identifying specific themes or genres: Rules provide insights into the competition’s preferences and allow you to tailor your entry accordingly.
Including all necessary materials: Rules may specify additional documents, bios, or author statements required for submission.
Gaining an edge: Comprehending the rules equips you with a strategic advantage over contestants who overlook them.

Judging Criteria and Its Relevance to Writer’s Style or Genre

Understanding the criteria: Familiarize yourself with the competition’s judging standards to align your entry accordingly.
Tailoring your approach: Reflect on how the judging criteria relate to your unique writing style or chosen genre.
Emphasizing strengths: Highlight the aspects of your writing that the judging criteria value and appreciate.
Making necessary adjustments: Identify any areas where your style or genre may conflict with the criteria and adapt accordingly.
Showcasing versatility: Demonstrate your ability to adapt your style or genre to meet the competition’s preferences.
Targeting suitable competitions: Assess how closely the judging criteria align with your preferred writing style or genre.
Seeking feedback: Share your work with fellow writers or mentors who can offer insights on how well it aligns with the criteria.
Growth through evaluation: Even if your entry doesn’t win, understanding the judging criteria can aid in improving your future writing.

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Researching and Choosing the Right Competitions

When it comes to entering writing competitions in the UK, it’s crucial to research and choose the right ones.

This ensures that you invest your time and effort into competitions that are reputable and credible.

Resources and websites to find reliable information on competitions

To help you in your search, here are some resources and websites you can use:

prizemagic.co.uk: This website provides a comprehensive list of writing competitions in the UK, categorized by genre and deadline.
bridportprize.org.uk: The Bridport Prize is a renowned competition that offers significant cash prizes and publishing opportunities.
writersandartists.co.uk: This website not only offers a list of competitions but also provides valuable advice and tips for writers.
nawe.co.uk: The National Association of Writers in Education website features various writing opportunities, including competitions.

The importance of researching the competition’s reputation and credibility

Once you have found potential competitions, researching their reputation and credibility becomes essential. Here’s why:

The competition’s reputation reflects its standing within the writing community. Look for competitions that have been running for several years and have a positive reputation.
Consider the competition’s history and previous winners to assess its credibility. Reputable competitions often showcase their winners and their published works, which can serve as a testament to the quality of the competition.
Examine the judging panel. Competitions that have well-known authors, literary agents, or industry professionals as judges are typically viewed as more credible. The expertise and experience of the judges can significantly impact the competition’s integrity.

Considering the competition’s history, judging panel, and previous winners

Once you have narrowed down your choices, evaluating the competition’s history, judging panel, and previous winners can help you make an informed decision.

Look for competitions that align with your writing style and genre, as this will give you a higher chance of success.

Additionally, consider the type of prizes offered.

Apart from cash prizes, some competitions offer publication opportunities, mentorships, or writing retreats.

Choose a competition that provides prizes aligned with your writing goals and aspirations.

Lastly, don’t overlook the entry requirements, such as word count, theme, or submission format.

Make sure they align with your capabilities and preferences.

Entering a competition that suits your strengths will maximize your chances of creating a winning entry.

In essence, researching and choosing the right competitions is paramount for any aspiring writer in the UK.

Utilize resources and websites that provide reliable information on competitions, examine the competition’s reputation, history, judging panel, and previous winners.

Consider your own writing style and goals, as well as the prizes and entry requirements of each competition.

By doing so, you set yourself up for success in the vibrant world of UK writing competitions.

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Tips for Success in Writing Competitions

Participating in writing competitions can be a great way to showcase your skills, gain recognition, and even win some prizes.

However, with so many talented writers out there, it’s important to stand out from the crowd.

Here are some tips to help you find success in writing competitions:

Review previous winning entries for inspiration:

Take the time to read previous winning entries to get a sense of what the judges are looking for.

Analyze the writing style, themes, and unique perspectives that made those entries stand out.

This can provide valuable inspiration for your own submission.

Emphasize the significance of editing and proofreading before submission

One of the most common mistakes writers make is submitting their work without careful editing and proofreading.

Typos, grammatical errors, or awkward sentences can hinder your chances of success.

Dedicate time to revise and polish your writing before hitting the submit button.

Find a unique angle or perspective that stands out

In order to grab the attention of the judges, it’s important to approach your topic in a fresh and distinctive way.

Think about how you can offer a unique angle or perspective that sets your entry apart from others.

This could involve exploring an unconventional theme or presenting a well-known topic from a completely different viewpoint.

Strategies that can enhance your chances of success

Now that we’ve covered the general tips, let’s dive deeper into specific strategies that can enhance your chances of success:

1. Craft a captivating opening

The beginning of your entry should immediately engage the reader and make them want to continue reading.

Consider starting with a powerful hook, an intriguing question, or a vivid description that draws the reader in.

2. Develop strong characters or ideas

Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, it’s crucial to create compelling characters or ideas that resonate with the reader.

Make your characters relatable or your ideas thought-provoking and memorable.

3. Structure your piece effectively

A well-structured piece of writing is easier to follow and more enjoyable to read.

Ensure that your entry has a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Use paragraphs and transitions to guide the reader smoothly through your ideas.

4. Show, don’t tell

Incorporating vivid descriptions, strong sensory details, and engaging dialogue can bring your writing to life.

Instead of simply stating facts or feelings, show them through evocative language and immersive storytelling.

5. Pay attention to the word limit and submission guidelines

Respecting the specified word limit is crucial.

Judges often have many entries to review, so make sure your submission adheres to the guidelines.

Additionally, follow the submission instructions carefully to avoid disqualification.

6. Revise, revise, revise

Never settle for your first draft. Take the time to revise your work multiple times. Edit for clarity, coherence, and precision.

Trim unnecessary words or sections that detract from the overall impact of your writing.

In general, participating in writing competitions can be a rewarding experience if you approach it with the right mindset and strategies.

By reviewing previous winning entries, focusing on editing and proofreading, and finding a unique angle, you can increase your chances of success.

Remember to bring your own creative voice and style to truly stand out.

Good luck and happy writing!

Conclusion

Entering UK writing competitions offers several benefits and factors to consider.

Firstly, it provides a platform to showcase your talent and gain recognition in the writing community.

Secondly, winning or placing in a competition can boost your confidence and open doors to further writing opportunities.

It is important for writers to take advantage of these competitions to enhance their skills and gain valuable feedback from the judges and fellow participants.

Each competition experience, win or lose, is an opportunity to grow as a writer.

Take the time to analyze the competition results and learn from any mistakes or weaknesses in your writing.

Perseverance is key in the world of writing competitions.

It’s important to not get discouraged by rejection or not winning and keep entering.

The more competitions you participate in, the more chances you have to improve your writing and increase your odds of success.

Each competition should be seen as a stepping stone towards your goals.

UK writing competitions offer a valuable chance for writers to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and improve their writing skills.

Take advantage of these opportunities, persevere through failures, and learn from each experience to grow as a writer.