Today, we’re officially opening our Spring Writing Contest! At The Write Practice, we love writing contests, and we’re excited to share what makes this one special.
A Writing Contest That Will Help You Grow
Click here to see all the details of the BW Spring Writing Contest.
Writing contests can be some of the best practice you can get for your writing. They offer motivation (prizes!), deadlines, inspiration (contest themes!), and publication opportunities.
But they can also be very discouraging. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to lose a writing contest, especially when you have no idea why your story wasn't chosen.
What if a writing contest didn’t just ask you to write a winning story, but helped you to grow as a writer along the way? And what if you could get direct feedback from the judges that would help you understand what's working in your writing and what isn't?
That was our goal as we designed our latest contest with Wordhaus. This contest involves two awesome features:
- Every writer who enters will get personalized feedback on their story.
- Every writer will also get premium instruction to help them write the best story they’re capable of.
Plus, for the first time ever, we're feedback directly from the judges. You can learn more about how it works here.
A Writing Contest in Which Everyone Gets Published
We know it’s frustrating when you work hard on a piece you know is great, but it doesn’t get selected by the judges. You want your writing to get the exposure it deserves.
So do we.
That’s why this writing contest is unique in one more way: everyone who enters gets published.
The BW Writing Contest isn’t just about choosing winners and losers. It will help you become a better writer.
How to Enter the Writing Contest
Entrants are asked to write a new story up to 1,000 words long.
You will then workshop your story within the Becoming Writer community, getting personalized feedback to help you make your story better.
After workshopping your story within the writing group, you can you submit your story to the contest.
Judges from our partner literary magazine, Wordhaus, will then choose two runners-up and one grand-prize-winning story.
While all submitted stories will be published on wordhaus.com, the two runners-up will receive a featured spot on the magazine, and the grand-prize-winning story will be published here on The Write Practice, live in front of our thousands of readers.
Hey Joe,
I joined Becoming Writer during the last contest, but I’m afraid I’m not very familiar with the site yet. I was told I might get discounts for future competitions such is as this? Does that apply here?
Thanks,
Olivia
Hi Olivia! Actually Becoming Writer members get FREE access to this and all contests. We’ll be sending members a note about how to enter soon. Excited to have you in the contest!
Hi, Joe–I’m back.
Not join this contest??? Absolutely! The international writing community of thewritepractice.com is one of the best and I’ve been waiting for this announcement. I really look forward to “meeting” old friends.
BUT–seriously, will having been placed second in the last contest disqualify me as a possible winning entrant? (That’s where we all want to be sitting–in the winner’s circle,right?)
Thanks so much! We think this community is pretty special too. And of course it won’t disqualify you. We’d love to see you again. Let’s do it!
Great. You can count me in. I’ll shape up, so that I can ship out.
I wish I could participate, but I’m not a native English speaker. I plan to improve my written English, so I hope there’ll be other contests in the future.
Oh, but you could try anyway. I entered a competition in Afrikaans (my second language: a blend of Dutch and other languages) and placed in the top ten nationally twice. I was competing against mostly native speakers.
It’s not only about your grammar: it’s also about your content. Go on Lucia: maybe this’ll build your confidence in English! 🙂
So, the short story can only be 1,000 words long?
I think so – usually for classes and such it’s only 500 – 750 words, so this is an improvement.
Do you have to be over 18 to enter?
Is there a theme to this contest?
Hi Joe,
I couldn’t enter the contest the last time round. This time, I’m quite excited and will love to be part of this contest..looking forward to it
Cheers,
Jassie
hei!
what is the deadline for the contest 🙂 ?
I see the contest specifies “new” story. Would it be acceptable to enter a story that has already been started (within the last two months) that fits the theme?
Hi there. Great question. I’m going to paste my answer to Lou’s question because I think it applies: “We always like to see people writing new stories, if only because we like to help people PRACTICE and this is a great time to do it. However, there’s obviously no way we can check to make sure it’s new new, so it’s up to you and your conscience. Keep in mind you’ll also have access to Becoming Writer for a few weeks during and after the contest when you’ll be able to get feedback on other writing work.”
Is it Ok if I am from another country? And when is the deadline?
Hoping to join in soon.
I am also not sure if I can get a discount or so when I enter this competition. I am really looking forward to entering this competition….so, can I get help?
Hello! I really want to join this contest, but I’m only 13. Is there an age limit? I didn’t see one, so I wasn’t sure.
Please get back to me before the 12th! Thanks!
There’s no age limit, Emily. Thanks!
Hi. Does a story that hasn’t been published yet count as “new”? I started something for a fiction writing class I took at FSU, but haven’t gotten final feedback on. Please let me know. Thanks.
Hi Lou. We always like to see people writing new stories, if only because we like to help people PRACTICE and this is a great time to do it. However, there’s obviously no way we can check to make sure it’s new new, so it’s up to you and your conscience. Keep in mind you’ll also have access to Becoming Writer for a few weeks during and after the contest when you’ll be able to get feedback on other writing work.
Ok, paid the $30, but now how do I submit my story? I always get confused at this point! What a dork, I know.
Hello, I entered the contest but when I log in to post my story it says I am not allowed access. Help?
I guess I was not the only one with this issue.
I had nothing but issues with trying to submit this short story.