Can You Submit the Same Piece to Different Contests?
Q: Is it advisable to submit the same work (essay, short story, etc.) to multiple writing contests at the same time? What if the work is accepted simultaneously by two…
Q: Is it advisable to submit the same work (essay, short story, etc.) to multiple writing contests at the same time? What if the work is accepted simultaneously by two different contests? Is there any obligation to notify both parties? —Dena M.
A: Unless the contest guidelines specifically state that you can’t, you can submit away. There’s no need to notify contest officials if your piece has been selected by more than one. The lone reason to contact them is if you sell the piece you entered after submitting, because some competitions accept only unpublished work—although I think most writers would be thrilled to have to make that phone call.
Want more?
- Pick up your copy of the Beginning Writer's Answer Book. For more details about the book, click here.
- Follow the WD Editors on Twitter: @writersdigest@BrianKlems@JaneFriedman @robertleebrewer @JessicaStrawser @ChuckSambuchino
- Become a fan at our Facebook page
Jane Friedman is a full-time entrepreneur (since 2014) and has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. She is the co-founder of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and is the former publisher of Writer’s Digest. In addition to being a columnist with Publishers Weekly and a professor with The Great Courses, Jane maintains an award-winning blog for writers at JaneFriedman.com. Jane’s newest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press, 2018).
