Tips for Writers

Tips for Entering the Will Rogers Medallion Award Contest

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​Will Rogers once said, “There ain’t nothing in life but satisfaction.”

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Sometimes that satisfaction comes from entering your work in a writing competition such as the Will Rogers Medallion Award. Before you enter there are a few things to consider:

 

Read all the terms and conditions of the competition carefully.

Make sure you understand the submission guidelines, paying special attention to the copyright date. The material must have been published in the year prior to submission.

 

Stick to the word count. 

If the maximum is, say 4,000 words, submitting even a few more means the material won't be read.

 

Edit, edit, edit!

Most judges will tolerate the occasional typo or punctuation error. If they encounter several on the first page, you're pushing your luck. Sloppy presentation gives out the signal that you don't care enough to proofread and polish your story. It's also important that your book be properly formatted. Unless you are a professional editor or have the knowledge to format your book correctly prior to printing, it's best to hire someone who can. It's money well-spent and worth the investment.

 

Deadlines are your friend.

Make sure you submit your work according to the dates noted in the competition guidelines.

 

Consider the category.

Make sure you place your work in the correct category. For example: If you’ve written a biography be careful not to submit it in the nonfiction category. If you have questions, email either Chris Enss or Laurie Cockerell. Once your entry is received, the category may not be changed and the entry fee will not be refunded.

 

Entering a writing competition can be daunting.

You imagine you're up against hundreds of people with tons more experience than you and that

your entry will be laughed into the bin. (No? That's just me?) But the fact is that entering writing contests shouldn't be any more daunting than writing a query letter, or an article on spec.

 

So, go on, enter your work in the Will Rogers Medallion Award. You've got nothing to lose and everything to win. Good luck!

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