Literary contests - a launching pad for beginners

By presidential decree, 2015 is declared the year of Russian literature in Russia. In this regard, much attention will be paid to libraries, the school curriculum and, of course, authors, especially beginners. Literary contests of various scales will be held for authors of all ages and genres.

It is noteworthy that many talented people, transmitting their thoughts and experiences on paper, know very little about such competitions. Their works remain in boxes, the circle of readers is limited to friends and relatives, since the authors do not see the opportunity to bring their work to light. Literary contests are designed to help such people.

To whom and why is it necessary

For those who intend to “give life” to their creation, it will be useful to know about competitions held among writers. It is better to start getting acquainted with this phenomenon with questions: who are the organizers, sponsors, participants and are members of the jury of such events.

Schools, universities, local or federal authorities, professional authors or writers' communities, websites and publishers can organize literary contests today.

The conditions of each competition determine the set of participants, works, topics and other components of the event.

The jury of the competition may include both professional, distinguished writers, and ordinary people, readers. The works in the latter case are published on the Internet and evaluated by readers. Also, winners can be determined by a mixed system, professionals and amateurs together. Before applying for participation, each contestant gets acquainted with the conditions of the meeting, which states how the work will be evaluated.

Sponsors provide funding for the competition, the preparation of letters, diplomas, collections of the best works and, if provided, cash prizes. In return, the sponsor receives advertising on all resources where the competition is being discussed, and the opportunity to select promising authors for further work.

Identify promising authors - this is one of the primary goals for the organizers of the competitions. Publishers and professional writers get acquainted with the work, choose the most talented authors and offer them cooperation in the framework of one work or longer term. By the way, if literary contests are held by a state structure (school, youth affairs department, etc.), they are aimed at identifying and promoting talented authors, while they have no financial profit from his further success.

Russian competitions

Russian literary contests are a great opportunity for novice authors to post their works and receive recognition, reviews, and even prizes. This year a lot of competitions are held in different directions. Those wishing to participate are required to submit an application correctly, do their own work, desire to participate and self-confidence.

The most famous All-Russian literary competitions this year:

1. Russian Booker 2015 - a competition for publishers, libraries and universities for the award "Best Novel of the Year", with a serious cash prize.
2. Contest of fantastic stories "Extra days."
3. Short story competition “Weapons and Spirit of Victory”.
4. Black Jack is a short science fiction short story competition organized by Samizdat magazine.
5. AST Publishing House is hosting the contest "Best Youth Bestseller - 2015".
6. The theme of fear, horror and nightmare is offered to the authors of the organizers of the Quasar "Horror" contest.
7. Literary and pedagogical competition "Good lyre".
8. “All Ahead” is a prose contest, with the participation of the Russian Writers Union.
9. "Crystal Spring."
10. "Written by pen 2015".

International Competitions

International literary contests differ from the national ones in that not only citizens of the Russian Federation can take part in them. Today, several such competitions are held:

1. "Samara Fates."
2. "Smart heart."
3. "Written by pen 2015".

Participation in international competitions is no different from "native", except that there is more competition, although this is a shaky indicator.

Children's contests

Reading opens up enormous opportunities for a person. Children's reading is an indispensable tool in gaining knowledge, developing imagination and broadening one's horizons. It is very important to instill in your child a love of the book.

It is wonderful when a child not only likes to read, but is also able to analyze information and formulate his thoughts and feelings so much that he can create works himself. For such talented children, children's contests are held that stimulate them to further development.

The list of the most popular children's literary contests:

1. International creative contest "May 9 - 70 years of Victory."
2. "Young Journalists of Russia."
3. International competition "Children - Talents".
4. "Feat of our people" to Victory Day.
5. "Spring inspiration."
6. "My small homeland."
7. "I have the right to live, develop and be friends."
8. "100 Talents."
9. "Imaginarium."
10. "Russian Beauty - Birch."

Literary children's competitions are often held by order of the president or heads of regional organizations. Participation in such events allows the child to be heard, to feel the significance of his work, to find friends who share his passion, and to develop his talent to a more professional level.

Instead of a conclusion, or What are useful contests for authors

Not every contestant receives a prize, so why waste time? If you have such a question, in no case do not participate in the competition. Not every competition has a cash prize, what then will the author get from participating in it?

1. If the competition is organized by a publishing house, it is interested in choosing a quality work, awarding it a prize and distributing it, thereby glorifying the author.
2. Even if the work has not won a prize, it may interest someone from the jury and find a further path to the reader.
3. If the competition is "network" and the work goes to the lynching of readers, the author will certainly receive a positive charge from the reviews and the designation of weak points that he can work on in the future.
4. It will be useful for the author to get acquainted with the works of other contestants. The role of the editor, judge and reader gives a lot of experience.
5. Getting any significant diploma and “likes” on the network is already a good addition to the author’s portfolio.