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?
I tend to agree with Mark that it's hard enough to find time to write what really interests you.
In the horse world, showing competitors often travel to competitions to be judged by someone they know likes their 'type' of animal and won't go to events with a judge who they think doesn't. Writing competitions are like that because art is subjective. It's one reason no-one really knows if their MS will ever get picked up, however good it is. So I generally ignore competitions nowadays.
Probably sour grapes because I've never won one! ;)
Short Story competitions, for people who want to write but have limited time due to work and home obligations, are a complete blessing. It's just a pity deadlines can't be extended!
This is a good question and something I've been considering. I don't have a vast amount of time to write and I wonder how much benefit there is to divert time from my novel to short stories, etc... I'm waiting to have a block or a lapse in enthusiasm for my book, but until that happens I don't want to deviate from it for the sake of a short story.
Although Paul makes a great point above about how even being shortlisted would look good in my bio. I have a good idea for the W&A short story competition, so I might have a go. It would be a good challenge, if nothing else.
Mark.