Contests vs. Literary Press submissions

the debster · Oct 22, 2005

I have a couple short stories that have been finalists in contests (3rd and 2nd place) and would like to submit them to legitimate literary magazines for publication.

Is this avisable? Also, should this be indicated in the cover letter?

Any assistance would be appreciated.
DJL

Jamesaritchie · Oct 22, 2005

the debster said:
I have a couple short stories that have been finalists in contests (3rd and 2nd place) and would like to submit them to legitimate literary magazines for publication.

Is this avisable? Also, should this be indicated in the cover letter?

Any assistance would be appreciated.
DJL

Yes, it's advisable, assuming the contests are ones that would impress editors.

the debster · Oct 22, 2005

Thanks for your advice James.

Could you answer the second part of the question:
Should these wins be indicated in the cover letter to the submission?

Thank you,
DJL

Jamesaritchie · Oct 22, 2005

the debster said:
Thanks for your advice James.

Could you answer the second part of the question:
Should these wins be indicated in the cover letter to the submission?

Thank you,
DJL

Yes, they should be mentioned there, but only if the contest was aserious one. Contests sponsored by writing groups and the like shouldn't be mentioned. Othe rthan this, mention any serious contest.

the debster · Oct 22, 2005

Excellent! I will do that.

I don't waste my time on incidental contests and don't encourage anyone else to either. Isn't the point to advance ones career? Most entry fees are in the $15-20 range whether it's a renouned competition or an unrecognizable one. May as well reach for the gold ring, right?

Thanks so much James.

DJL

Jamesaritchie · Oct 23, 2005

the debster said:
Most entry fees are in the $15-20 range whether it's a renouned competition or an unrecognizable one. May as well reach for the gold ring, right?

Thanks so much James.

DJL

That's exactly right. It costs no more to enter good contests than bad ones, and sometimes less.

Contests vs. Literary Press submissions

the debster

Jamesaritchie

the debster

Jamesaritchie

the debster

Jamesaritchie