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Some people say contests are a tremendous marketing tool, some say
they’re a waste of time … we’re going to explore the pros and cons of contests … let me ask
you, Thomas …
Talking Points:
- Pros if you’re unpublished
- Feedback
- Learning how to handle negative feedback/critique
- Many editors and agents take notice if you place in a contest
- Possible inclusion in a magazine
- See how you compare to other authors in your genre
- Deadlines
Pros if you’re published:
- If it’s a prestigious award, it can gain you new readers
- It gives you more clout with editors and agents and interviewers
- Example, the RT Book Reviews inspirational book of the year
- The Christy Award
- Tax deductible biz expense—it’s a marketing tool
- Excuse for a advertising boost.
- Recognition from your peers.
- Sticker for book cover.
Cons if you’re unpublished
- Feedback
- Cost $25 $50
- Choosing the right contest
- Check out the judges as much as you can
- Who has won in the past?
- Who is sponsoring the contest? What are their credentials?
- Susan May Warren’s contest Frasier Awards
- Scam contests
- You’re not ready
- You focus on the first three chapters or first 15 pages
- Everything takes time
Cons if you’re published
- Cost $25 $50, plus the cost of books and shipping
- You don’t know why you’re entering a contest
- Awards don’t impress that many readers
- Everything takes time
I tried listening to this edition of you podcast on my morning commute but you’d mastered it in a way I could not hear what you had to say over the traffic noise. That would mark the first time I had to bail on your podcast since I started listening at the beginning of the year.
Sorry about that. It should be fixed now.