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Rated: E · Book · Contest · #483915

Questions Answered

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#250414 added January 31, 2026 at 4:38pm
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Being a Good Contest Entrant
As an entrant, you pound away at the keys, developing a story or poem, which you hope will spark the 1st place spot, and provide you with an onslaught of gift points to put in your bank. Hours later, you have polished your piece and proudly post it in a forum. Or do you?

From a host standpoint, this is what they are asking:

*Bullet* Did you read the rules to that contest, or just skim over them?

*Bullet* Did you write about the topic that was requested, or did you just write what you felt like doing?

*Bullet* Did you take the time to spell-check your item?

*Bullet* Did you actually read word for word, line for line your item, or did you just skim over it to meet the contest deadline?

*Bullet* Did you post in the form as instructed to do so, or did you just post a note for the contest host to figure out what you were entering?

*Bullet* Did you ensure that you had met each of the rules before posting your entry?

*Bullet* Did you enter the contest just to have your work edited and rated?

These are some of the problems a contest host deals with while running a contest. You may only be one person, but did you ever think that if each entrant did the same thing? A host would be ready to pull their hair out before they could even begin to judge what entries there are for the contest.

A contest host will look at how many entries they have and who followed the rules. This results in how many entries they have left to actually judge for the prize value, before they have even read a word of your entry.

Often asked: Does a contest host owe you a rating on your item?
Answer: Yes, if you abided by all the rules of the contest.

Often asked: Should a contest host edit your work for you?
Answer: No. However, some will do so as a courtesy. The host should be thanked for the service.

Often asked: Does a contest host owe you a comment on your item?
Answer: Yes and No. Comments are left to the discretion of the contest host; if they feel they have something to say regarding your item that would help your item, then some will. If they feel that you deserve praise for your item, then some will.

Often stated: Writing for a contest is just a waste of time!
Answer: Technically, no; for you have added an item to your portfolio which can be read by many others, and if it is an item that sparks a member in a good way, you could be rewarded with gift points after all.

There are many contests on the site. And yes, I will admit some are very good, and some are very bad. When you decide to enter a contest, remember it is your decision; no one twisted your arm or held a gun to your head.

Think of it as practice for when you start submitting to those publishers. You would not present to them anything less than your best work, something you are proud to have your name on. If they choose not to accept your work, it is their loss. There are many more places for you to submit your work. Persistence pays off in the long run, but only if you continue to do your best and keep submitting.

Deciding to enter a contest requires that you do your best, be proud of what you have done, and you should be rewarded accordingly.
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