Book contests are often to unpublished authors what casinos are to people with gambling problems. They can be a whole lot of fun (and they can pay off big time), but there are also serious risks you need to know about.
The upside of book contests is easy to imagine (that’s how authors get sucked into book contests in the first place). The prizes often include cash awards, agent representation, and even publishing contracts.
But there’s also
a dark downside.
This article on our
Literary Agent Blog explains.
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Book Contests and Book Writing Contests
If you’ve been around a while as a writer, you know that there are a lot of book contests and book writing contests online and in writers’ magazines. What you probably don’t know is that a lot of the prizes these contests promise come with “strings.”
In short, the best writing contests (in my opinion) simply award cash prizes and the honor of winning. That way you can leverage the award to help you get the attention of literary agents and publishers.
Unfortunately, however, the entry forms for many writing contests come with important details often hidden in fine print. If you win you might be required to work with a certain literary agent (that might, or might not, be the best agent for you). Or you might be required to accept a book deal with a publisher that has horrible contract terms (advance, royalties, etc.). By simply entering these book contests, you are committing to accepting the terms of the contract “as-is” if you are selected as a winner.
If you’re an author struggling to get published, you might be happy just to get any literary agent or book deal. But my job is to help you think bigger and never settle. So think about this. You could literally lose tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or more, by having a bad publishing deal, over the lifetime of your book.
So make sure you read the fine print and see what you’re committing yourself and your book to before you submit your work to any book contests.
* * *
Which Book Contests Are Best?
Here’s the other thing
you need to know…
Many, if not most, book contests exist primarily as a means for the organizers to make a lot of money. So be smart and only enter the best writing contests, run by organizers with good intentions. Otherwise you could waste a lot of time and money, and actually damage your reputation as an author. Here are a few pointers to help you identify quality book contests.
Reputable Book Contests
If the book contests you’re thinking about entering are run, or sponsored by, well-known, reputable organizations, that’s a good sign. For example: Writers’ Digest or Amazon. Both of the aforementioned entities sponsor book contests. Unfortunately, vanity publishers host book contests as well. Their main goal is to get you into their “sales funnel” so they can get you to attend their conferences and events and pay for other services that probably aren’t going to do you much (or any) good in your quest to get a legitimate literary agent and publisher. If you brag about winning book contests like this to literary agents and publishers, you’re going to look like an amateur.
Established Book Contests
Another important thing to look for is how long a contest has been around. Don’t enter book contests that are brand new or not well known. There’s a good chance that the award you win won’t mean much (or anything) to literary agents and publishers. There’s also a good chance that the book contest won’t be around the following year. Book contests come and go, a lot.
Book Contests that Charge Reasonable Fees
As you start researching book contests more, you’ll see that there’s a big range in the investment required to enter. Some of them are free, like Amazon’s Breakthrough Novel Award. Others cost close to a hundred dollars to enter. I understand the organizer’s perspective of not wanting to run a contest and have it cost them money. But they also shouldn’t be charging so much that it’s a big moneymaker for them. At least that’s how I see it.
* * *
What’s Your Experience with Book Contests?
Have you entered any book contests?
How did it go?
Share your experience with me,
and everyone else reading this blog.
See the comments
area below…
And, if you haven’t already done so, click here now
to read my article about Bad Literary Agents.
Writing takes too much time…for you to waste your time
on bad literary agents or book contests
that aren’t worthwhile or legit.
Here’s to being smart and always
doing things the right way,
– Mark
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Last thing lol, you sound like a good honest person & I have been reading a few of your posting when I get the email’s. So thanks for all the tips so far. And if I could afford you I would, but I can’t so i’ll just read what I can get my hands on.
Thanks it means a lot for me to read things here & there
Thank you PS, and not a problem… just use the no-cost content… that’s why it’s there!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Yes, I had joined a master Class with James Patterson & I did it so I could enter the contest. Didn’t win, but I already do try to be careful of high cost entry amounts already.
I also applied once with Writers Digest too, didn’t win either.
Both where cost.
This time I am entering a contest on wattpad.com with one of my short stories I made specifically for the contest. It’s hard to win, but I am optimistic it could happen one day! https://www.wattpad.com/user/pswilson3
Oh and wattpad is free which is nice & I think it’ll be very helpful & I like the community, I haven’t been a member long. I also recently joined critters.org which I like too, your all writers & you learn to be critqe which is a needed skill I think.
Just don’t publish an entire book there… or it will be hard or impossible to get an agent or publisher for the book after that. 🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Anything is possible PS… ever well-known author has gone through what you’re going through… stick with it… and… of course… let us know if/when something good happens!
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Thanks for the information. Very helpful for someone like myself who specializes in the writing of political satire-a very small segment of the entire publishing industry. Certain contests love tp prey upon people like my self, who’re are RU’s (Relative Unknowns).
Thank you David, there are a lot of good contests out there too… so just pay attention and you’ll be fine.
Have a great week and thanks for posting!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I entered two established contests run by writers groups in my state. My aim was to use it as a learning process. I was not a finalist, but I found it really valuable to pay an extra $20 for professional critiques. The Pikes Peak Writers contest gave excellent feedback. The Colorado Gold Contest feedback was so-so. The process helped me (an amateur) put my work out there, obtain direct insight from industry professionals, and learn how to pitch my particular novel (genre, etc.)
Hi KJ,
Thank you for sharing that… getting a quality critique for $20 is a wonderful thing!
More authors should go to conferences.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
As my prior letters to you have made known. I do not have the ability or time to follow up since my ministry workload and health force me to make a choice. I truly believe that I must publish my current book. I thank you for your advice. Pablo Rivera Flores
Hi Pablo, from all of us here… we wish you good health and great success.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
I’ve entered book contests and have won US$5,000, US$3,500 and US$625 for various novels. I therefore thought it might have been easier to get published given my track record (but I may be impatient). I like contests judged by a reputable panel. They help you sharpen your skills because you know that you are competing, they give you credibility and confidence when you win, some offer very attractive first prizes.
Fantastic, and that should definitely help get the attention of agents… and… of course… just going through that process… is valuable… because you gain confidence and learn a lot.
Well done,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
As always, your material is very well written. I just wish wish that my pitch letters were the only barrier to finding an agent and publisher.
Hi Richard,
Does that mean you’ve had a lot of requests from agents, but then they passed on the manuscript? And, if so, how many have asked for more material and then passed. Maybe I can share some advice that will help.
All my best,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
P.S. Glad you’re feeling better.
Thank you for that, too. 😉 Mark
Thanks for this post, Mark. It’s truly appreciated. It highlighted things I’d never thought of; in fact my memoir ms recently came in as one of 5 finalists in a contest that had only been offered this first year.
It felt good, but now that I’ve read your post, I’d never enter another brand new contest. Fortunately I didn’t pay anything to enter. And I got a helpful consult with an agent.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for ALL the free info you generously offer. You rock.
Hi Lynette, at least your eyes are open now. And it seems like you had a good experience. There’s always an exception to the rule. And thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated. Glad you’re finding value in our websites. Mark
The only book contest I’ve entered was Minotaur Books Best First Crime Novel. I won’t know the outcome until the end of March, but I’m hoping for the best! Winner, and as many alternates as they see fit, win 10K advance and a publishing contract. Only the winner gets recognized at the Edgar Awards in the spring, though. The part I liked was that an agent, or author’s rep, can change the contract. It’s not set in stone. They don’t have to accept, but they left the possibility open at least
Hi Sue, that means you have best of both worlds. You get the prestige of a reputable book contest and publisher, but also the opportunity to negotiate or shop your work elsewhere if you win. Keep us posted and good luck! Mark
Hey Mark – I just learned that the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest is not being held any longer! They now have readers judge kindle versions of your book. Not the same thing at all. What a shame!
Hi Lynn, that is a shame… but no worries. New book contests are popping up constantly. One of these days I’ll get around to posting a list of them. Probably the day after someone shares that list with me. 😉 Mark
I would love to see a list of the do’s & don’ts for contest, to keep you way from bad one. I am liking this website blog truly !
Thanks
Thank you PS, and I don’t have much more to say about contests… except to just use my article as a starting point… and then pay close attention to the costs, rules, and awards for the contests you’re considering.
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I made the 2nd round of the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest which was entirely judged on a 250-word or less pitch. It was a rewarding experience, beating out 8,000 other entrants. Not bad for a debut effort written in 23 days. That same pitch ultimately led to a signed contract with a legit publisher discovered via your link. Thank you, M squared!! Btw, your blurb on the cover would be a great honor.
Hi Brian, that’s fantastic. Email me a private message here and tell who the publisher is: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/about/contact/. Send me a link to your website as well if you have one. Or a link to someplace online where I can see more about your book. I’m curious. Mark
Hi Mark – It’s been awhile! I have never entered a book contest and now I know why. It’s ironic that just yesterday I received an invitation to enter a contest – the first ever – and today I get this post from you. Thank you very much for sharing! I hope you’re much better now 🙂
Hi Lynn, I guess that’s the definition of perfect timing. Make sure you read the fine print and thank you for the well wishes! Mark
Entered my first contest at Book Buzz and was told I was selected as a finalist. It now goes to a public vote and I am supposed to get all my friends and relatives to vote for me and, in addition, Book Buzz has contacts that I can get listed with to increase my viewership, but they all cost money. I’m deciding what to do. Thanks for your articles, they are most helpful, wish your one on one was a little less expensive
Hi John, hmm… any contest that allows you to increase your odds by spending money doesn’t seem too legit. Thanks for sharing this and good luck with the contest. Mark
Thank you for your article about this Mark. I had a hunch about it because I entered two or three contests when my first book was published, only heard back from one which cost me exactly what you said above, $100. Thankfully we learn from our mistakes!!
Hi Lisa, yikes. I guess if someone pays $100 for a book contest and wins, they’re probably okay with it. But, if you don’t, those fees add up. Here’s to fr*ee contests and those that don’t charge exorbitant fees. Have a good weekend and thanks for posting. Mark
Your wisdom teeth taken
Your wisdom intact
Explaining your absence
So glad that you’re back
But what could be worse
Then deep-rooted extractions
Then food poisoning
A much greater infraction
That once favorite restaurant
Might now miss your presence
Since your latest meal
Left you non- effervescent
An oral procedure
Itself quite enough
But food-borne infections
Would make things real tough
I’m certain sweet Ingrid
Helped nursed you to health
Relieved you’ve returned
And you’re back to yourself!
Hy Lynn, I thought I was out of the woods yesterday with the food poisoning but had another rough night last night. I still think it’s going away, but if I’m not feeling completely normal by Monday, I’m going to see my doctor! Thank you for thinking of me and have a great weekend. 😉 Mark
I’ve never entered any of those kinds of contests, but I do know how a shiny contest can suck a writer away from doing her real writing.
That said, I like to enter “writing contests” like Pitch Wars, where the prize is just a better chance an agent will respond to your work. I have also entered a few online query workshops to help polish my query. Again, the prize is an agent will actually critique the query instead of pass with a form letter.
Hi Jen, I love it… the reminder not to let things like this overtake the real job of writing… and the other potential prizes that would only be a positive. Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing. Mark
Thanks for sharing this Mark! I just entered a Writers Digest Short Story contest and was happy to see you thought they were reputable. This is my first ever contest, so I will let you know how it goes. 🙂
Hi Karen, I don’t think I’ll ever vouch for any one or any organization completely. I’ve just seen too many things. 😉 But Writers’ Digest is well-known and I believe they probably deliver quality products. But you still have to read the fine print on everything and be smart. Thanks for posting and have a great weekend! Mark
I’ve been dancing a jig on the razors edge for some fifteen years. I have stacks of synopsis, precise, queries, etc. I submitted to innumerable contests. I am an idealist who went to Vietnam with the express purpose of writing an eye witness documentary. It was very clandestine. I disguised my true intent taking a job as a refugee adviser in the Mekong Delta. A world war II Marine Corps vet I was able to live among the brutal warmongering CIA, Special Forces, Safety Officers (LA cops) but I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I still have nightmares of napalm and white phosphorus drops on peasant villages. There is still that smell of roasted human flesh. I simply must publish this literary documentary, but as you can imagine I am watched. It stands to reason after all that Edward Snowden revealed. The games these agents, editors and publishers play is disgusting.
Hi Sheridan, it sounds like you have an interesting and meaningful book. But if you feel that way about agents, editors, and publishers, perhaps you should self-publish. Mark
Thanks for sharing this, Mark!
Hi Geri, happy to help. I’ve this issue come up with a few of my coaching clients. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems, right? Anyway, have a great weekend and thanks for posting. Good hearing from you. Mark