Just wondered if anyone knew what the advantage is with writing competitions, i.e. a writing competition that is judged by a literary agent, like the Bath Novel Award or the Mslexia memoir competition?
Is it better just to save the competition fee and submit straight to the agent, or is there some advantage to be gained by sending in to one of the competitions - other than possibility of prize?
Kudos, not kiddos! Predictive text!
Lucy,
I think there is a world of difference between short story and novel competitions. With short stories there is often a theme (by no means all) whereas the novel has to be a project that you have developed over a period of time. Most novel competitions feature published novels, I think. So the first hurdle is to get published which is no mean feat.
I'm entering a few short story competitions to get used to circulating my stories to a wider audience. Any success would be beneficial as you can then add it to your writing CV, which in turn might give greater kiddos in the novel publication game.
Hmm, thanks all for your input. I was thinking more of novel competitions than short story competitions. I've won a few minor comps now, been shortlisted for the Fish, but it doesn't seem to have stood me in good stead in the novel writing world!