Contest! | Cathy C. Hall Writes

So, I did not win the Highlights Fiction Contest. Again.

I’m heartened by the fact that I know TONS of fabulous writers. But I do not know anyone on this winners list. So I think that means that there are TONS of fabulous writers who are authors, and editors, and publishers even, who are not Highlights winners. When I look at the situation through that lens, I feel downright perky.

In fact, I feel excited enough to try the Pockets Annual Fiction Contest. Entries are due by August 15th if you want to try. You can win $500 and a publishing credit if you win. And you know what else? Past winners are ineligible. I’m feeling positively thrilled about that. And best of all, you can send multiple submissions (though they must be unpublished).

It just so happens I have a wonderful story (or two) lying about.

Writing for no compensation is an individual choice. Sometimes, it may be worth the exposure; sometimes, it may be a way of giving back. And sometimes, it may have everything to do with where you are on your writing journey.

When I saw this paragraph from the Underneath The Juniper Tree submission guidelines, I decided to share the market here:

*All of those at Underneath The Juniper Tree are volunteers and therefore we are unable to compensate writers and artists with money or abundance of gifts for their work. We will, however, put many hours into helping with editing and suggestions with pieces so that you’re best work can be displayed in Underneath The Juniper Tree if it is accepted. We love new work and want to see emerging creative people succeed.

Hours of editing could be a very useful tool for an emerging children’s writer, especially if you’re looking to try your hand at something a little outside your regular genre. Think of it as an opportunity, like an internship. It’s true that you won’t be compensated in dollars and cents, but you will learn something about children’s writing that perhaps only experience can give you.

So, you might want to take a closer look at this online magazine. If you’ve been working on something a smidge scary, a tad terrifying, or just drop-dead dark, this might be the perfect market for your creepy story. Here’s the details for submitting, and here’s the link to the contest they’re running.

Now all you have to do is decide whether to keep this market…or not.