contests

COTT

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

We have all probably experienced opening one of our folders (containing notes from conferences, podcasts, or books we’ve read) and said: “Oh, my! I’d forgotten all about this.”

Well, that’s what I did a few minutes ago.

Flipping pages, I came across one marking a proud moment. My first book, Runaways: The Long Journey Home, won a contest called “Clash of the Titles” six years ago.

Why I haven’t thought about this until now, I do not know, but right away I wanted to give you some information on this monthly contest:

In their monthly games, several authors face off with their newest novels to see which is voted most worthy by readers. 

Just out of the gate with my first novel, I had no clue what I was doing. It must have been easy because I was able to enter—and win!

What did I receive? 

  • A big blurb about my book and myself as an author (on their website)
  • My picture and book cover displayed
  • A great “badge” that I used for advertising (see above)

So, today I went to http://clashofthetitles.com/ 

I read about the monthly contests and their COTT Blog Alliance.

But then I read these dreaded words:

  • Monthly clashes will not be held for the foreseeable future.

and

  • No longer accepting members to the COTT Blog Alliance.

So very disappointing!  This was a great website at one time and it makes me wonder what happened. I am still printing this because YOU may know what went on at COTT.

They made a big impact on me early in my writing career, as I am sure they did for many others just getting started.

** If you have any updated information on this group, please write back on this blog. **

You’re A Winner!

Posted on by Brenda Poulos

 

3417340248_0f4bdb2a9cYou may be tempted to enter writing contests from time to time. Winners are certainly provided an often-needed mental and emotional lift, exposure of the win on social media (thus giving you a boost in sales), as well as a variety of prizes. 

Most importantly, contests can be a valuable tool, especially if they offer constructive feedback.

Most contests are based on samples of anywhere from three to ten pages of writing being judged by contest officials.

When feedback arrives, the writer can use it to adjust their writing, sign up for classes or read books on areas of deficiency, and so on.

I find the most helpful feedback comes in the form of written comments with examples. The least helpful, in my opinion, is a simple checklist.

I would recommend entering contests where you are assured that you are competing against others at your relative skill level (beginning writer, seasoned writer, etc.) AND that your work is looked at by more than one judge who is an expert in the same genre in which you write. 

Most contests post comments/reviews of their previous contests.  Reading them before entering, will be helpful in deciding just which contest is right for you.

Your goal is to become a better writer, so carefully consider the comments you receive without getting emotional. Weigh them against what you know to be true, while bearing in mind that their opinions—although hopefully based on some measure of expertise—are simply their opinions. 

The next reader may feel quite differently about your work. So don’t let just one set of scores discourage you.

Remember to always get a second opinion.