Ready, Set, Submit! How to Prepare Your Entry for the Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest
Each year, the Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest opens its doors to writers across genres and experience levels. Whether you’re submitting for the first time or you’ve been polishing your craft for years, preparing a contest entry can feel both exhilarating and intimidating. The good news? A strong submission isn’t about magic. It’s about process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you confidently prepare your entry and make your writing shine.
1. Start Early (Earlier Than You Think)
Deadlines have a way of creeping up, and great writing rarely comes from a rushed last-minute sprint. Give yourself time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and rest. Even if your piece is already written, beginning the prep process early ensures you’re not scrambling to meet contest requirements.
Pro tip: Put the contest deadline on your calendar and set personal mini-deadlines for drafting and revising.
2. Review the Contest Guidelines Carefully
Every contest has rules, but Pennwriters is especially clear about formatting and eligibility. Read everything: word count limits, genre categories, naming conventions, file formats, and any requirements for blind judging.
Checklist:
- Does your entry fit the correct category?
- Is your name removed from the manuscript?
- Is your file formatted as requested?
A beautifully written piece can still be disqualified if it doesn’t follow the guidelines.
3. Draft Your Best Work (or Select a Strong Existing Piece)
If starting fresh, begin with a brainstorming session. If choosing from existing work, select a piece that resonates emotionally or showcases your voice at its strongest.
When drafting or revising, focus first on the story, the arc, the clarity of purpose before micromanaging punctuation or sentence flow.
4. Revise with Purpose
Revision is where good becomes great. Once your draft is complete, step away for at least a day. Come back with fresh eyes and identify what strengthens your entry and what distracts.
Key revision questions:
- Does the opening hook the reader?
- Are your characters and world fully realized (for fiction)?
- Is your thesis or point clear and compelling (for nonfiction)?
- Does the piece have a strong ending that lingers?
After structural revisions, zoom in for line edits, cut filler words, sharpen phrasing, and elevate imagery.
5. Seek Feedback, but Wisely
Share your entry with trusted critique partners or a Pennwriters feedback group. Specify what feedback you're looking for (e.g., pacing, clarity, voice). Remember that feedback is data and not a directive. Choose suggestions that align with your creative intent.
If time allows, revise again after receiving feedback.
6. Proofread Like a Professional
Even the best storytelling can be overshadowed by typos or formatting errors. Proofread more than once and in different ways:
- Read aloud
- Print a hard copy
- Change the font or spacing
- Use spell-check, but don’t rely on it
The more methods you use, the more errors you’ll catch.
7. Prepare Your Final Manuscript
Now that your piece shines, ensure your manuscript meets all technical requirements:
- Correct margins, font, spacing
- Proper file naming convention
- Required cover page info (if applicable)
- Removal of identifying information for blind judging
Double-check everything against the contest guidelines.
8. Submit with Confidence
After all your preparation, it’s time to send your entry off. Take a deep breath and trust your process. Submitting to a contest is an act of courage and dedication. Win or not, you’ve already grown as a writer simply by preparing and putting your work out into the world.
9. Celebrate the Accomplishment
Too often, writers move on to the next task without acknowledging their progress. Celebrate your submission! Share with your writing group, treat yourself to something joyful, or start brainstorming your next project. Every contest entry is a milestone in your writing journey.
Final Thoughts
The Pennwriters Annual Writing Contest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your voice, challenge yourself, and connect with a community of passionate writers. With thoughtful preparation and a solid revision process, your entry will be ready to stand out.