This is more of a tip and a suggestion, rather than an open-ended rant this time, and it has to do with literary prizes and why they are good.
It seems literary prize season kicks off for everyone at the same time. Everyone matching each one’s criteria is allowed to demonstrate their literary voice for a chance to win the top prize, or failing that, the runner-up. Some even get their name and story published in forthcoming books or magazines. It is then they get some weight added to their careers, even if they write or not. These prizes are often awarded throughout the year by various magazines and establishments who encourage writers from all walks of life (sometimes from around the world). It is a battle of tens of thousands of literary minds. Some of the work that comes out on top (and even the runner-ups) are cracking. They display a range of writing of different genres, writing styles, and languages used.
So, why am I writing about these contests? For encouragement and recommendation, of course!
When someone wants to make their mark on the world of literary creation, be it poetry or any form of fiction storytelling, they aren’t known well among even their own peers. Sure, they may upload a few stories to share; and while that (definitely) counts as experience, your name still isn’t heard to the masses. If you are looking to put your name out there to the world, then going beyond your friends is a must. You must take a chance and get out there.
These literary prizes are important in the development of one’s writing, and if you are serious about putting your foot into it, I highly recommend you try at least once. Not only is it a big step just in submitting a piece of work, it should feel good as well. You’ve taken that big step. If your name and story gets picked, depending on the establishment, your story and name may get printed into books, magazines, etc. What more could you want?
This month, I am taking that big step, and I am submitting a few entries to the CBC Short Story Prize, a yearly prize open from September 1 to October 31 every year, and is open to all Canadian citizens. They do other categories as well with their own entry date ranges. I am, in fact, a little nervous about this. I haven’t done something like this before; and as myself am a blossoming and up-and-coming writer/storyteller with many an idea, this does feel good. I’m looking forward to the results when they are announced.
Will I be bothered if I don’t win? In a way, no.
It’s not necessarily about winning, but exposure. It is the exposure of your work to other readers that counts. With regards to the CBC Short Story Prize, all entries are presented anonymously; but I know for a fact that someone will have read my work among the endless entries the judges will receive. To me, that is exposure, and that is what counts. The holy grail, as it were, is if I get my work published and/or broadcast on radio/television. I’ll truly be a happy man, if that were the case.
These prizes also encourage the continuation of ones education and writing in a psychological sense. It is uplifting and, of course, confidence-boosting. The contest above is just one of many that are held often throughout the year. So, you’re not short of ways of entering into these contests. I’m not saying that you should rely solely on these contests to get the recognition you want; rather, they are incredibly valuable in adding to your literary profile, and it looks pretty sweet on a query letter if you are submitting to a publishing house. It certainly adds to your credibility, even if you had an honourable mention and didn’t make the shortlist.
So, yes, if you are serious about wanting to have your stories and name out there for everyone to see, then I recommend looking into these contests. Monetary prize or not, they are worth their weight in gold.
I’ll end by providing two links to two large short story contests currently open. I know this is late, but they are open until October 31. The first one is the forementioned CBC Short Story Prize; the other is the Malahat Review’s Open Season contest. As mentioned, they do other categories other than short stories, and are just two of many contests for a wide range of literary genres.
- CBC Literary Prizes – https://www.cbc.ca/books/literaryprizes
- Malahat Review Open Season – http://malahatreview.ca/contests/open_season/info.html