So you’ve stumbled upon an online writing competition/contest, or maybe your favorite brand of cereal is offering you a chance to win a vacation around the world. All you have to do is tell them in 25 words or less why you want it. And you want to win, right?
Well, believe it or not, there are a small number of easy steps you can take to drastically increase the odds in your favor. And here they are, free just because I’m a nice guy…
No sob stories!
This tip goes first on the list, because it is the most important. For some reason, the first thing that seems to come to people’s minds with these contests and competitions is “how can I make them feel sorry for me?” It sounds like a great plan as a contestant, but speaking from my personal experience as a judge in these contests, I can tell you that it is a complete turn off.
however, people will try some trick in the book…
We can’t pay the rent…our house burned down…everyone in my family has cancer…I need 16 operations to get my dog out of being depressed and get my leg reattached and then pay. rent and burn down the house… well, you get the point.
Let me make it very clear: this tactic does not work, even if you tell the truth, because:
1. Judges cannot verify your claims, so anyone can make up any story they want.
2. After a while these entries become so numerous and laborious that they don’t stand out.
All it will do is send the judge into a spiral of depression. More to the point, he will end up highlighting his competitors’ posts because theirs are more enjoyable to read.
Be creative and make reading fun
Depending on the number of entrants, the judges can often have a lot of text to read. As your head slumps closer and closer to the desk and the coffee begins to disappear, your entryway is going to need to have something special to catch the eye. The best thing you can do is be creative. And I mean really think outside the box (if you’re thinking about poetry right now, you’re not thinking hard enough).
My advice to you here is simple. If you come up with something different and make it really stand out, and MAKE IT FUN, you will win. When I hear a fellow judge burst out laughing at her desk, 9 times out of 10 he or she is reading the winner. I can usually even tell which post they’re reading because I had the same reaction when I first read it.
If you can fabricate a reaction like this, you’re likely to be a winner. I suggest using your friends and family as test dummies here. If they end up in a ball rolling on the floor, you’ve done your job. If the best you get is “not bad,” “(laughs) great,” or even “looks good to me,” then you should go back to the drawing board.
Now, that’s not to say that all winners will be funny or funny, but your entry should stand out as something impressive or interesting.
Stick to the rules and stay on topic
If I had a penny for every time a “words or less” entry broke the rules, I’d currently be in the Bahamas and you’d be on your own with this one. Please take the time to read the rules, terms and conditions before entering. And if you are provided with a quick start guide to enter a competition, please read it at least 3 times and make sure you heed the tips.
In general, you should always:
Stay within the word limit
Write in direct response to the competition question or topic (very important!)
Avoid foul language
Submit your entry in the requested language
Short, Sharp, Shiny
Just because you’re allowed to use 25 words doesn’t mean you have to. If your post says what you want it to say, don’t fill the rest of your word limit by repeating yourself or adding unnecessary details. All you end up doing is watering down your message.
polish it!
So it took you 5 minutes (or maybe 2 days) to create your post. Would another 5 minutes of review kill you? No, of course not, but it will definitely help you win. Check your grammar, check your punctuation, check your capitalization and check your spelling. Presentation makes your entry easier to read and will greatly improve your chances.
send it
Sounds obvious, right? But how many times has she seen a competition she’d like to enter, only to miss the deadline? As the saying goes, you have to be in it to earn it. And if you follow the advice I just gave you, your chances of reaching the top will improve considerably.
So, what are you waiting for?