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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1676-.html
Contests & Activities: April 25, 2007 Issue [#1676]

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Contests & Activities


 This week:
  Edited by: Diane Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to this edition of the Contests and Activities newsletter. Each edition highlights contests and activities open to members of Writing.Com.

~*Flower1*~ Diane ~*Flower1*~


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Attracting Contestants


I often hear complaints from contest creators that they've made a contest, yet nobody is entering. There are several possible reasons why this is happening and some simple things you can do to make your contest more visible on Writing.Com.

*Bullet* Is the contest title and brief description catchy? For example, contests with simple titles, like Poetry Contest, might attract some attention, but if there are several competing poetry contests, entrants might look elsewhere.

*Bullet* Are there too many competing contests in the same genre? When you are considering running a contest, look to see what is already being advertised on the site. If there are already six other poetry contests, find a way to make yours stand out. You can do this by specifying a genre or offering a prompt that will give the entrants a starting point for their writing.

*Bullet* Is your contest listed in the appropriate genres? For example, a horror contest should be listed under the Horror/Scary genre. If the prompt changes on your contest to a different genre each month, make sure you edit the contest and change the listed genre.

*Bullet* Are the contest rules and requirements clear and concise? If they are too wordy, difficult to find, or confusing, entrants will skip your contest and go on to another.

*Bullet* Is the deadline clearly shown in the header of the contest forum? If not, you may lose potential entrants that aren't sure if the contest is accepting entrants.

*Bullet* Do you offer reviews of every entry? I've found that by reviewing the entries, I get a lot of repeat entrants in my contests. Stating that reviews are given in a new contest might help to increase the number of entrants.

*Bullet* Are you advertising the contest around the site? Get the word out about your contest by placing it on "Writing Contests @ Writing.Com" Open in new Window., posting an announcement message in general discussion forums around the site, and if you have gift points to spare, adding a link to your signature, and advertising on the BidClick system. For more information on how the BidClick system works, see "The Writing.Com BidClick System" Open in new Window..

These are just some ideas to increase the number of entrants to your contest. I typically have anywhere from ten to thirty entrants to my monthly contest, which I feel is a good number given the number of other contests available. I hope you can use some or all of these ideas to make your contests a success.

Until Next Time,
Diane Author Icon


Editor's Picks

I've selected some contests and activities for your review and possible participation. Enter a contest or join in on an activity today.



Poetry Contests

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor is a poetry contest looking for erotic poetry. Deadline May 4th.

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor is an emotional poetry contest. Deadline May 18th.


Short Story Contests

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor seeks flash fiction stories in the science fiction genre. Deadline is April 30th.

*Bullet* "Show Off Your Best at the Bee Hive "  Open in new Window. by PartyBee Author Icon seeks short stories in the biographical or fantasy genre. Deadline is April 30th.


Other Contests

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor is looking for erotic poem and story entries. Deadline is May 3rd.

*Bullet* "The Writer's Cramp - Poetry Week!"  Open in new Window. by Sophy New Year Author Icon is a daily contest, offering 1000 gps per day to the best entry for the prompt.

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor is seeking entries relating your life as a butterfly. Deadline is May 24th.

*Bullet* "Quotation Inspiration: Official Contest"  Open in new Window. by Writing.Com Support Author Icon asks for Non-Fiction entries using the quote, "When it rains, it pours" as inspiration. Deadline April 30th.


Other Activities

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor encourages group members to write daily. This is a great way to keep your creative juices flowing!

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor is a survey that encourages you to think about, and share, the reasons you write.

*Bullet* "Invalid Item"  Open in new Window. by A Guest Visitor is auctioning off interaction with other members of the site. It's a unique way to meet other members and support a great cause at the same time. Auction ends April 27th.

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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Ask & Answer

The editors work hard to make sure the newsletters are informative and enjoyable. We appreciate your responses.


Since I'm a guest editor, I don't have any feedback. Instead, I'll link one of my contest-related polls. The answers to this poll helped me to realize what entrants really find important when considering a contest. I hope it helps you too. *Smile*


There are many contests run by the members of Writing.Com. Weeding through them can be an arduous task. What motivates you to enter a contest?
      Prizes
      Clear Guidelines
      Contest Genre
      Anticipated Competition
      Contest Description
      Forum Graphics
      Member Running the Contest
      Other (Email Me)


*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
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