I've written before about how important it is to read the fine print when you enter any kind of writing contest (or other contest, for that matter), but I feel it's worth repeating.
Here are the three key points to look for:
* If there's an entry fee (and there usually is), how much is it, relative to the prizes being awarded? If the entry fee is $5 and the prize is $1000, that's not bad; if the entry fee is $35 and the prize is $250, not so good. It's understandable that contests want to cover their expenses but some of them are out to get and keep as much entry fee money as possible, so be aware that you are financing their profits.
* Is there an "about" page or other way of knowing exactly who is behind the contest--name, address, email address, phone number? If that's missing, your entry fee may also be missing soon.
* Does this contest have a track record? Of course every contest had a first time, but if they say they've been around for a while, do they list previous winners in a way that would make it possible for you to contact them (even if only by doing Facebook search)? I don't think previous winners would object to a brief, friendly email asking them if their experience with the contest was satisfactory.
* Are the terms and conditions clear and--this is the big point--do you lose the copyright to your material by entering or by winning? If so, run away. The Writer Beware Blog recently mentioned a short story contest at ShortStoryBook.net, which states that the copyright to entries that are published on the contest website goes to the website. Very naughty.
(for my free report, "Seven Things that Stop You From Writing and How to Overcome Them," click here:
