Could You Judge a Writing Contest?
Here are ten reasons why you could and should.
I opened the email and thought immediately it was a joke. Judge 22 entries? You’ve got to be kidding. But it wasn’t spam, phishing, a typo, or an inadvertent insertion of my name on the subject line. It was not only no joke; the task had a looming deadline.
I did what every diligent and committed volunteer does in the face of a big assignment: I closed the computer and took the dog for a walk. Cleaned the cat boxes. Played with the cats. Made muffins. Scrolled through social media.
After enough procrastination to drive a sense of urgency, I opened the first submission. Aaaack! How does one rate someone else’s work? I wonder what Professor Google has to say? I opened a new tab and began to search, bookmarking this, noting that. I created a chart to track submissions, my impressions, and my scores.
Along the way, I realized that judging a contest wasn’t just about evaluating others, it was an opportunity to become a better writer.
Below are ten valuable lessons I learned during the process that may be helpful on your writer’s journey.
1. Great Writing Stands Out. Set against a backdrop of submissions of similar kind, it becomes a teaching tool. Keep notes on how the writing pulls you in, evokes emotion, or tells a story in a unique way.
2. Know Your Audience. It is true what writing coaches and marketing gurus espouse; know thy reader. Resist the urge to make your writing appeal to all. Readers know when you’re off their course.
3. Show, Don’t Tell. It’s also true that writing should immerse readers in the story by allowing them to experience events and emotions firsthand. Read enough stories that inform like an appliance manual and you’ll return to your work with a more critical, imaginative eye.
4. Keep the Reader Hooked. While “showing” is better than telling, be sure not to show it all in the first paragraph. Weave intrigue from start to finish to give your reader a reason to stay engaged.
5. Titles Matter. As you craft your message with beginning, middle, and end, be sure to consider the lead-in text. A strong title sets the tone, hints at the theme, and connects the content like a ribbon and bow.
6. Distance Yourself from the Draft. Plan enough time between draft and final edit to help your memory disconnect from the content. Fresh eyes will provide a more critical perspective before submitting a final version.
7. Structure and Flow Matter Beyond the Page. Podcasts, webinars, and interviews should have arc, like written works, to keep an audience engaged and to feel connected to the conversation.
8. Provide Warnings for Sensitive Content. Writers have the power to evoke strong emotions. A content warning respects the reader or listener by helping to prepare them for difficult material, allowing them to decide whether to proceed.
9. Judging Expands Your Perspective. Judging a writing contest is like being a member of a book club; you may come across material that doesn’t resonate with you personally, but engaging with it broadens your perspective.
10. Support Your Writing Community. Finally, writing contests need judges. Serving as a judge is a way to support the writer community as writers seek ways to showcase their talent and expand their reach.
Judging a writing contest is more than just a task—it’s a learning experience that can enhance your own writing process. Whether you’re gaining perspective on your audience, improving your editing skills, or learning to appreciate different types of writing, this experience offers lessons that benefit every writer. So, the next time you’re asked to judge, procrastinate then take the plunge. You may find that the rewards far outweigh the challenge.
I’m curious. What was your experience judging a writing contest? Please share your answer in the comments below.
Paws for Healing: As I lamented another day of teen tantrums and family disconnection, my friend replied to my frantic phone call by suggesting we foster dogs instead of adopting just one. Our family dog had died unexpectedly. I needed to act fast. The happy yips that that once echoed off the walls had been replaced by a tsunami of fighting and spewing of unkind words the likes I’d never seen. I didn’t know how to guide my kids through such a big loss let alone wrangle their outsized emotions. Searching for solutions, I followed my friend’s suggestion and settled on fostering dogs. I surmised that a parade of pups would temper our grief, provide much needed levity, and shield me from having to choose between big dog or little dog. I held out hope that a host of temporary canines would reunite us. Did they? Find the answer in the Ruff Drafts Newsletter.
The Neighborhood Dog Who’s Everyone’s Dog: Does there exist a better mischief maker than a merry dog? One look from eyes that plead innocence and tails that wag with pleasure are all we humans need to cave to their cavorting. Such is the story of my neighbor dog, Blu. She’s part blue heeler nicknamed the “Blu Stealer.” I’ve passed Blu and Jane hundreds of times with Blu proudly carrying sticks, balls and plush toys. Maybe she’s happy because she’s the victor, or maybe she’s happy because she’s Blu. Make your day happier: Read The Real Dogs of the Quad Press: Meet Blu.
Volunteers on Fire: Who Will Let The Dogs Out is an all-volunteer non-profit doing big things. Their recent Impact Report highlights the huge efforts of 2024 – their 5th year. Last year, Cara Achterberg and Nancy Slattery visited 28 shelters in ten states to raise awareness and help, offer solutions and deliver critical supplies. Sixteen shelters benefitted from their “InstaGrant” program for critical, unbudgeted items. They held one online auction to raise funds to tour more shelters in 2025. They launched a crowd funding campaign to raise funds to print and ship for free “Who Will Let The Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues” to shelters and rescues. The book makes a great gift for a dog-loving friend or to buy and have shipped to a shelter.
Snickers and Midnight Foster Update: Snickers now spends more time outside the carrier than in. He still shies away when I stand or move too quickly, but he has begun to play. The Cat Dancer is the favorite toy of the siblings.
Gratitude for My Readers: Thank you to all who take a moment to share what comes to mind after reading my stories. Here a few comments from my recent post, “Not Much Happened but One Small Miracle.”
I would be grateful if you’d share this newsletter with your friends and family. My audience is growing thanks to considerate people like you!
Happy Holidays, Cindy! This is a really informative article and also wonderful to see the video progress with Snickers and Midnight. Blu is also a beautiful example of how dogs have unconditional love. I'll be sure to read more about her. And thank you for featuring my previous comment here.
Thanks for the continuing updates on Snickers (and Midnight). Seeing the progress is heartwarming.
As beautiful as your standard essays are, I also appreciate this more practical digression. I've been a judge for afew years of a screenwriting program and a couple producing programs (which including reading screenplays). I agree with you about the benefits you cited. Thank you for the reminder.