This week: Something Old, New, Book Entry or Blue? Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Contests & Activities Newsletter by Dawn
Many contest entries expect new static items but there are other options. Some will allow old items and others will let you enter with a book entry so that it takes up less space in the portfolio. What will your contest allow? |
There are so many options when it comes to what someone might enter or allow to be entered in a contest. It might not seem like it at first, since most contests, including my own, have often focused on the one type: the new static item. However, that's not the only option available for either side. So, let's look at them all, briefly.
1. The easiest - New
A new item is the easiest to request. A contest judge or owner can check an item and see the exact date when it was created. Whether it's a static item, image or book, that doesn't matter. They all are something new created. It's also easy for the writer in that the item can be created with just a few clicks. However, the problem with this method is that after a while, the items start to take up space. If you aren't able to afford a premium membership or above, then you might start to feel limited. I've had a premium membership for a long time and have yet to fill the whole portfolio, but I'm trying. After 20 years (the first few I had a lower membership), it stays that I have 561 items. So, that is a lot but not everything. I have deleted over time and I have book items that also have many things. I have taken part in the novel prep for many years, which means that is many items put in one. So, if you can have a book item that is great but not every contest will allow that and once it has been created, the next things added in it might be a new entry but it isn't a new item. Not every contest will allow the new entry in a book. This is where we get problems because sometimes because want to create something new but some of us judges get behind in our reading/reviews. That means an item ends up delated to make space for something new before the judge can give their comments.
2. The unusual - Old
Now the old item isn't often allowed in contests but some of us are starting to be more lenient. This is where you take an item that you had created in the past. You might edit or update the item, or you might not. That depends on you. Some contests or challenges will recommend doing an edit or rewrite before entering something old but it's a lot of work checking every item to see recent edits plus we can't tell what what done so someone could just hit the edit button, then save without changing anything and call that an edit. Unless nothing else better is entered, that might work out fine. However, if other people take time with their story and enter with something better then it just means less of a chance in winning. As a contest, it doesn't always come to mind to allow something old but it's something to consider. Maybe have a special round where people can take old items and give them another chance.
3. The Multi-Page - Book Items
This is a mix because the actual book is only new the time it is created but each chapter or entry is technically new when they get added. They can also be old if they were added in the past then updated. This make the book item something that can work in a few different venues or challenges. However, not everyone allows a book item to be entered. However, I recommend allowing them. This gives more people options. They might have the membership where a couple of books are an option but still have limited space in their portfolios. Giving a book item allows more people the chance to enter. However, it does get a little weird with the reviews. You can review a single item but the rating goes for the whole book and it will say you reviewed the book, which will link the book to the review. But you can review another entry without problems, so that is good.
4. Finally.... Something Blue....
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| | PromptMaster ! (18+)
A relaxed writing competition inspired by Taskmaster! January round open!
#2329438 by Jayne   |
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
What items do you allow in your contest? Do you ever enter old stories in anything?
Do you have a contest?
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Will you use a book item?
What will you do next?
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Contests & Activities: December 31, 2025 Issue [#13521]
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