So, I finally did it. I submitted a short story of mine (my favourite, The Storm) to a short story contest.
...And I never thought it would be this agonizingly torturous to wait for the results. I'm trying not to keep my hopes up--it's a world-wide short story contest and the likelihood of me winning that sort of contest on the first try is a stretch--but it feels like I have to wait forever for the rejection.
...Yes, the results will be in in February.
Well, at least, that's when they notify the 15 finalists.
But I can't help but wonder if this was a great choice for me. If I make top 15 (which, again, is a stretch), my story is published in an anthology that will be sold on Amazon. But the question is, who would buy that anthology? It's not going to be available in stores--just on Amazon.
The disadvantage to this contest is that if I do make top 15 and get published, I cannot submit this story to any magazine, newspaper, or publishing company now. That means I won't be able to get my name out there with this story.
The advantage is... I can win between $25 - $1000. And be published.
So here's what I'll do. I will bring my hopes up for this contest, and if I do make top 15 and get published in the anthology, you all can buy a copy and I'll sign it :)
The End.
Talk about a double-edged sword regarding the publishing if you make the top 15. I thought about it for a while and the way I see it:
ReplyDelete1) You will be published. That's always a plus. Even if it's not released in stores, employers don't have to know that. ;)
2) No one can stay with the same idea forever. If you win, then I would say that's your story telling you, "You're beyond me, write something else now and win the next contest with that."
Btw, I just read The Storm. I thought it was great, and you have a real shot at this top-15 mark at the least.