Features

When reading the words “open theme” in a contest, what comes to mind? Anything goes? It’s anything but. Write Ways to Win Writing Contests imparts this type of advice along with what topics or themes to avoid and how to approach themed-based contests.

The book has more than 80 pages of help plus an appendix of four examples of winning entries. John Howard Reid has entered 80 contests in 18 months as research for the book. He also runs a contest (which he mentions a few times), so he has the perspective of the other side, the person accepting and judging the entries.

Creating a winning entry takes more than outstanding content. Like applying for a job or college, it also takes research. The author provides details in condensed and easy-to-read chapters saving the writer time in trying to figure out the process.

Having entered only one contest years ago, this area hasn’t been an interest of mine since its quirks and unwritten rules aren’t familiar to me. Furthermore, there’s the problem of scams and knowing which ones are legitimate contests and which are rip-offs.

Not all scams are limited to the submit-your-poem and you-won’t-have-to-pay-a-dime, but you-might-want-to-buy-the-anthology-for-outrageous-prices-to-show-off-your-published-poem scam. Baird gives tips on how to weed out the bad seeds.

His advice rings true as he comes across as a seasoned expert in the topic and he fearlessly shares his opinions about contests and rules. After reading this book, I’m open to entering and feel more comfortable about the process.

P.S. There is a bad URL on page 74. Organization should be replaced with .com. www.dmoz.com.

Title: Write Ways to Win Writing Contests
Author: John Reid
Publisher: Lulu Press
ISBN: 1411605756
Date: March 2004
Format: Paperback
Pages: 120
Cover Price: USD: $14.99 Amazon: $14.99