The Truth About Writing Contests

Who should be the judges for writing contests?

Attorney and freelancer Amy Cook writes in July/August issue of Writer's Digest, "Judges should be published writers, past contest winners, editors at publishing houses or representatives from known literary organizations. Sometimes sponsors won't release the judges' names, however, for privacy concerns. At a minimum, try to find out if the judges are professors at prestigious universities, authors published with recognized houses or the like. Another important element: Will the judges provide a critique? This can be arduous for the judges (said from personal experience) but highly beneficial to the often-solitary writer. Contests with constructive feedback are easily worth the entry fee."

To read the complete article - in an easy to understand question & answer format - please go to http://www.writersdigest.com/articles/cook_writing_contests.asp