Contests can drive a writer insane.

There are many writing contests sponsored by the local chapters of Romance Writers of America. Entering these contests can be very helpful to writers. The first benefit is that new eyes take a look at your story. Perhaps your critique group has already gutted it, and you just want to see if it’s improved. Perhaps you want someone who doesn’t know you to have a go at it. Either way, it is very valuable to a writer to receive constructive criticism.

A second benefit is that the final round of these contests are usually judged by editors and agents. I tend to target certain editors. So far, I have made the finals in two contests judged by editors of major houses. The goal for an entrant is to have the editor like her story enough to ask for a full manuscript. One editor did read my story. And she said some very nice things about it. But she ultimately rejected it. My first “official” rejection.

I thought I’d be upset. I really did. But I wasn’t. I have had my story read by an editor, and although it was ultimately turned down, she had some very complimentary things to say about my voice and my plotline. Not every writer will have her story cross an editor’s desk. I also think part of the sting was relieved in an ironic twist of fate. Just as I finished reading the email telling me of the rejection, I received another email informing me I was a finalist in another contest. Now I know it will sound like I’m bragging, but please allow this indulgence. I have been a finalist in three different contests with three different manuscripts. And I have only been writing a little over a year. I choose to view this as confirmation that I am, indeed, a good writer.

The biggest problem I have with contests is that judging is subjective. It has to be; that’s the nature of writing. My scores tend to take on a Goldilocks tone. Too warm, too cold, just right. For a perfectionist, it can be maddening. I know my writing will never be “perfect.” Someone will read it and not like my hero. I get that a lot with Murphy’s Law. Seth is a bad boy in the beginning because it is a story of redemption. Trust me, he’s a kick-ass hero later in the story. Someone will read it and not like the storyline. Free Falling for example. The heroine is an empath, and some people just don’t enjoy paranormal stories. I’ve had scores on my stories that range from “absolutely perfect!” to “you honestly think you’re a writer?” But I still strive, and will always strive, for perfection.

The best thing I have received from contests is a thicker hide. I hope it becomes “rhino thick” — my father-in-law’s advice. Instead of sulking over results that are less than perfect, I find the constructive criticism, use it to improve, and discard comments that are not helpful. That is a skill that took me a very long time to learn, and I’m very proud of it.

My own chapter is running their contest soon. I have volunteered to be a judge. I plan to always remember being on the other side of the exchange and try to honestly help the writers who share their stories with me.