If you're planning on entering our Writers' & Artists' short story competition then you'd better get your writing finger out.There are only two weeks left until the closing date on 14 February (Valentine's Day to all you romantics out there).
All you have to do (I'm saying that with a smile) is write 2,000 words or fewer on the theme of 'unity or union' and email it over: see Writers' & Artists' short story competition for full terms and conditions. You stand to win 500 smackers, a place on an Arvon residential writing course (such a good prize) and, best of all, publication of your story here, on this site, for all to see.
Getting yourself seen and read is one of the most beneficial things you can do as an aspiring author in order to help your work along. Finding an audience who likes your writing will lend credibility to your submission.
Publishers consider new authors a risky investment – they don't know you, they don't know your work and, most importantly, they don't know if your work will sell.
Being able to state in your proposal that you've already achieved some level of success can help to persuade an agent to keep reading your submission. That is a big deal when you consider that most agents don't get further than the covering letter.
So, if you haven't already, get writing and email us your story. It's not too late. In fact, last-minute pressure might well help the creative process along. Proof of this is the number of entries we usually receive in the closing week. In 2009 we received more than 50 entries on the last day!
So, get going – it's not only a competition, it's also an opportunity to put yourself on the writing map.
Warm wishes, Jo
PS: all Valentine's Day cards will be gratefully received.
Tony Lester on January 31, 2010
Jo, like I said in the other blog, mine's already sent! What a great feeling to have written and sent something! Also, just checking, is there an entry fee? I didn't see one mentioned. I ask because I've noticed that most other competitions by magazines targetting aspiring writers seem to charge at least a few quid.
Regarding Valentine's Day cards, judging by your photos, I bet you guys don't need us lot to send you cards!
Jo Herbert on February 1, 2010
Hello Tonyl, nope, no entry fee (the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook is here to help writers make a few bob, not take it from them). As for our photos - we all put the best ones up and need V cards just like everyone else! All best, Jo
Grant Halliday on February 4, 2010
Hello, I luckily stumbled across this website by chance. Signed up and now frantically attempting a short story based on Unity. Could anyone answer my question. As this is an adult competition, would it be frowned upon that in my short story, one of my characters uses a swear word. I feel not to include it would be to censor his character and spoil the punchline of the joke he tells. It is no way like irvine welsh but I feel you need that language to paint the real picture of the character? I would love to hear peoples thoughts on this. thanks.
Claire Fogg on February 4, 2010
Good question, lankyboyhalliday - have you read Warning - this post contains expletives? It considers this very area so should be of help to you.
Grant Halliday on February 4, 2010
Hello Claire. Thanks for the link. Exactly what i was looking for.