Entering competitions is an excellent learning experience. It teaches to be focussed and disciplined in your writing. There is always a deadline and an outcome. In most cases it teaches to have realistic expectations given that competitions are competitive (obvious!!) and that you are against seasoned writers. It will still be worthwhile though. Have a look at the RESOURCES page for some of the organisations that offer regular competition opportunities. All the best.
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Hello Max,
Thank you for submitting your novel.
We enjoyed reading your work. To have found the time and energy to meet the deadline is something to be really proud of.
Unfortunately on this occasion, your novel hasn’t made it onto our long list. We understand this news isn’t easy to receive. The truth is, putting your words out there takes courage. We applaud that.
It’s important to recognise all writers experience rejection, even the best of them. F. Scott Fitzgerald recalled, ‘I had 122 rejection slips before I sold a story.’
Our honorary patron, author Kit de Waal who wrote her debut best-selling novel My Name Is Leon when she was in her late fifties says ‘Acknowledge the pain, grieve for a little while but don’t let the grief and disappointment de-rail you. Keep going, and if you can’t keep going, know that you gave it your best shot. Now may not be the best time. You can always come back.’
Thank you for entering The Bridport Prize. Good luck on the next step of your journey. Please, keep writing.
Kind regards,
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