New writers are always looking for a way to get their name and work into the public eye. Did you know that writing contests are a great way to do that? Writing contests can provide several advantages to writers. Winning a contest is a great way to get your name in print and in front of potential readers. It also provides you with professional credits for your writing portfolio, and prize rewards to increase your income.

But even just participating can get a new writer into a writing regiment. It helps to grow confidence and provides a new writer with practice, practice, practice.

No matter the reason for entering a writing contest, you should be realistic about your expectations. The odds of winning are not terrific, but there are ways of improving those odds and stacking them in your favor!

You should start with flair! A complicating situation or an unsolved problem makes the reader want to know how the story is going to turn out. If the first page - more specifically the first paragraph- doesn't make the judges want to read more, you're in trouble. Judges will generally weed out entries by discarding those where the first page does not compel them to read on.

Your story should stand out. A well written entry with originality is the best way to do that. Find an original angle or an unusual twist. Create offbeat characters, or use an unusual setting. The judges are looking for something new - not the same old storylines. They have to have a reason to notice your work.

Your characters have to be believable and authentic. Their dialogue should be relevant and it should move the story along. They should talk naturally and convincingly, not stilted and awkward.
The beginning, middle, and end is a must. A clear central theme should be followed throughout the entire story. If you're unable to define your theme in one sentence, rethink it!

A positive ending should be delivered. This doesn't mean "happily ever after" (unless you're writing romance, in which case "happily ever after" is almost a rule), or happy and upbeat, but if should be openly and plainly expressed and have a positive meaning to it.

Proofread! Before you submit your entry, you should proofread and check for errors in spelling, grammar, sentence and story construction. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, have someone else do it for you. Neatness is important. Your entry should identify you as professional and capable, no matter your publishing history.

Enter your story as soon as possible - well before the deadline. Many judges read entries as soon as they arrive and early submissions will certainly have them more engaged than entries that arrive after they have already read hundreds of other submissions.

Read submission guidelines extremely carefully and make sure your entry complies in every way. If your entry breaks rules set forth by the contest, it will not be looked at. Don't put yourself in that position! Don't make yourself lose before the story is even read!

Increase your odds of winning! If guidelines state that more than one entry is allowed, go for it! You'll increase your odds of attracting a judge's eye.

Contest judges are looking for stories that involve the reader. If you can make the reader laugh, think, or cry, odds are the judges will too. You could have a winner on your hands right now!