Thinking about entering a writing contest, but I’m kinda lost 😅

[TheStefanSinadinovicLore]

I’ve been toying with the idea of entering a writing contest lately partly because I want to see if I’m actually any good, and partly just to push myself out of my comfort zone.

But the thing is… I don’t know how any of it works.
Which contests are legit? What’s the process like? What kind of stories do well?
Totally in the dark here.

I’ve got a few stories already written and posted on my profile and some have gotten pretty solid scores so far.
But are they contest-worthy?
Can I use them or do i need to write new ones?
That’s what I honestly can’t tell.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this before or even just readers who are willing to give me a real, honest critique.
No sugar-coating. I wanna get better.


So if you have:
Contest tips
Story feedback
Or a moment to help me figure out which story (if any) to submit...


I’m all ears. Seriously.

I know writing contests aren’t everything, but right now it feels like a good way to test myself, learn, and maybe grow past where I am now.


Appreciate any help

 

[StillStunned]

The official contests here won't tell you whether you're any good. You'll get more readers than you normally would, but there's a certain element of the writers and/or readers who'll repeatedly vote 1* on your story. Most of the more outrageous votes are swept at the end, but not all. Also, only the three highest-rated stories are ranked, so if you're not one of the top three, you still won't have any idea of where you rate.

Even without that, scores here on Lit aren't indicative of quality so much as popularity: popularity of the author, or popularity of the subject matter. All things being equal, a better writer is more likely to score high than a poor writer, but things are rarely equal.

But if you have your heart set on entering a contest, check out these threads:
The Lit 2025 Special Contest Schedule (which lists each of the six official contests this year)
The Official Authors' Hangout Summer Lovin' 2025 Contest Support Thread (which is the support thread for the contest that's currently on)

If you prefer, you can also try the various author-organised challenges. These aren't contests, there are no losers, only winners. Just write a story on the theme of the challenge, and add the appropriate info when you submit it. This will give your story greater visibility without the bitterness of the contests. The list of events is here:
The Lit 2025 Author-Organized Challenge Schedule [Updated 07/31]

 

[TheLobster]

There are two types of events: official contests and unofficial author challenges. The former are organized by the site itself and are more popular, both with readers and writers, and also confer monetary rewards to the top 3 most rated stories.

Unofficial events are facilitated by the site but organized by volunteers. Some are quite popular, others not so much, but they all have their fans. There are no winners or rewards in those events.

@StillStunned gave you links to the lists of all those events.

Both event types have their schedules, within which you submit stories. They have to be new stories, and most events mandate they be standalone pieces (not a part of an existing series; in-universe side stories are fine).

As to how, you simply submit a story that meets the criteria (e.g. summer story for the upcoming official contest), add a particular note to the admin (important!), and that’s it. As long as it matches the theme, it can be in any category and feature any kink the site allows.

So, it’s really about writing a story on a specific theme, submitting it within allotted time, and watch the readers storm in Do it! It’s fun.

 

[Voboy]

It has to be a new story, OP. Existing stuff sitting in your catalog won't fly.

What I do is that as I'm sitting around, bored, reading (let's say) Valentine's Day Contest entries, I might hatch a plot bunny about fuckery on Hannukkah. So I'll write it in February or March, then just sit on it until November/December.

You don't have to wait around until an official announcement goes live; just know the themes and write whenever. When the contest gets closer, come visit here and someone will have started a Support Thread so that we can all talk about how great it is to post contest entries, then congratulate the winners later.

It's fun.

 

[TheLobster]

What I do is that as I'm sitting around, bored, reading (let's say) Valentine's Day Contest entries, I might hatch a plot bunny about fuckery on Hannukkah. So I'll write it in February or March, then just sit on it until November/December.

You don't have to wait around until an official announcement goes live; just know the themes and write whenever.

Wait, wait, wait... Are you saying that one doesn't actually have to wake up three weeks before the contest starts, write something in a panicked frenzy, perform heroics to laboriously edit it into a semi-decent shape, and then sling it to Laurel a day before the deadline?!

Damn! I wish someone told me this sooner

 

[TheStefanSinadinovicLore]

The official contests here won't tell you whether you're any good. You'll get more readers than you normally would, but there's a certain element of the writers and/or readers who'll repeatedly vote 1* on your story. Most of the more outrageous votes are swept at the end, but not all. Also, only the three highest-rated stories are ranked, so if you're not one of the top three, you still won't have any idea of where you rate.

Even without that, scores here on Lit aren't indicative of quality so much as popularity: popularity of the author, or popularity of the subject matter. All things being equal, a better writer is more likely to score high than a poor writer, but things are rarely equal.

But if you have your heart set on entering a contest, check out these threads:
The Lit 2025 Special Contest Schedule (which lists each of the six official contests this year)
The Official Authors' Hangout Summer Lovin' 2025 Contest Support Thread (which is the support thread for the contest that's currently on)

If you prefer, you can also try the various author-organised challenges. These aren't contests, there are no losers, only winners. Just write a story on the theme of the challenge, and add the appropriate info when you submit it. This will give your story greater visibility without the bitterness of the contests. The list of events is here:
The Lit 2025 Author-Organized Challenge Schedule [Updated 07/31]

https://forum.literotica.com/thread...zed-challenge-schedule-updated-07-31.1624496/

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all this! It really helped me understand how things work, and I appreciate the links and advice.

The official contests here won't tell you whether you're any good. You'll get more readers than you normally would, but there's a certain element of the writers and/or readers who'll repeatedly vote 1* on your story. Most of the more outrageous votes are swept at the end, but not all. Also, only the three highest-rated stories are ranked, so if you're not one of the top three, you still won't have any idea of where you rate.

Even without that, scores here on Lit aren't indicative of quality so much as popularity: popularity of the author, or popularity of the subject matter. All things being equal, a better writer is more likely to score high than a poor writer, but things are rarely equal.

But if you have your heart set on entering a contest, check out these threads:
The Lit 2025 Special Contest Schedule (which lists each of the six official contests this year)
The Official Authors' Hangout Summer Lovin' 2025 Contest Support Thread (which is the support thread for the contest that's currently on)

If you prefer, you can also try the various author-organised challenges. These aren't contests, there are no losers, only winners. Just write a story on the theme of the challenge, and add the appropriate info when you submit it. This will give your story greater visibility without the bitterness of the contests. The list of events is here:
The Lit 2025 Author-Organized Challenge Schedule [Updated 07/31]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all this! It really helped me understand how things work, and I appreciate the links and advice

 

[TheStefanSinadinovicLore]

There are two types of events: official contests and unofficial author challenges. The former are organized by the site itself and are more popular, both with readers and writers, and also confer monetary rewards to the top 3 most rated stories.

Unofficial events are facilitated by the site but organized by volunteers. Some are quite popular, others not so much, but they all have their fans. There are no winners or rewards in those events.

@StillStunned gave you links to the lists of all those events.

Both event types have their schedules, within which you submit stories. They have to be new stories, and most events mandate they be standalone pieces (not a part of an existing series; in-universe side stories are fine).

As to how, you simply submit a story that meets the criteria (e.g. summer story for the upcoming official contest), add a particular note to the admin (important!), and that’s it. As long as it matches the theme, it can be in any category and feature any kink the site allows.

So, it’s really about writing a story on a specific theme, submitting it within allotted time, and watch the readers storm in Do it! It’s fun.

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation that really clears things up! I appreciate you (and @StillStunned) taking the time to walk me through how it all works. It actually sounds like a lot of fun, and I’m definitely tempted to jump in and give it a shot. Thanks again for the encouragement much appreciated!

 

[TheStefanSinadinovicLore]

It has to be a new story, OP. Existing stuff sitting in your catalog won't fly.

What I do is that as I'm sitting around, bored, reading (let's say) Valentine's Day Contest entries, I might hatch a plot bunny about fuckery on Hannukkah. So I'll write it in February or March, then just sit on it until November/December.

You don't have to wait around until an official announcement goes live; just know the themes and write whenever. When the contest gets closer, come visit here and someone will have started a Support Thread so that we can all talk about how great it is to post contest entries, then congratulate the winners later.

It's fun.

Damn, shame I had a couple stories that would've fit perfectly, but I get it now. Once I saw the contest I thought maybe I could use them, but oh well, you live and learn. No worries though, I’ll cook up something better. Appreciate the info and the help!

 

[vanmyers86]

I *highly* recommend you enter contests. Your stories receive much wider exposure than you can get any other way, which means more feedback and more followers. (I have never entered a contest and not gained at least a few followers.) Plus it gives you a goal to work towards. It's also easier to write outside of your usual categories and be sure someone will read your work (some readers will read only certain categories, and there's no way of telling that in advance).
Good luck and have fun!

 

[pink_silk_glove]

Wait, wait, wait... Are you saying that one doesn't actually have to wake up three weeks before the contest starts, write something in a panicked frenzy, perform heroics to laboriously edit it into a semi-decent shape, and then sling it to Laurel a day before the deadline?!

Damn! I wish someone told me this sooner

No, one can very easily cram for the deadline and miss it, then hang onto the unfinished draft until the event happens again next year, then three weeks before the deadline, re-open the draft file, type in a panic-stricken sleep-deprived frenzy and submit it to Laurel an hour before the deadline. This works just as well.

 

[alohadave]

Damn, shame I had a couple stories that would've fit perfectly, but I get it now. Once I saw the contest I thought maybe I could use them, but oh well, you live and learn. No worries though, I’ll cook up something better. Appreciate the info and the help!

Just a note, if you've already written it, but not published it here, you can submit for a contest. It's previously published on Lit that aren't eligible for future contests.

 

[TheStefanSinadinovicLore]

Just a note, if you've already written it, but not published it here, you can submit for a contest. It's previously published on Lit that aren't eligible for future contests.

Noted.
Thanks

 

[SimonDoom]

I have two suggestions.

One, enter a contest because it's a good way to get your story extra exposure. Don't enter it expecting to win. There are so many entrants now that it's difficult to win.

Two, enter a contest because the subject matter erotically excites you. Don't try to force a square peg into a round hole. The most important thing that matters, always, is that you are writing what you truly WANT to write. Writing for a contest makes the most sense if it is consistent with that.

 

[TheStefanSinadinovicLore]

I have two suggestions.

One, enter a contest because it's a good way to get your story extra exposure. Don't enter it expecting to win. There are so many entrants now that it's difficult to win.

Two, enter a contest because the subject matter erotically excites you. Don't try to force a square peg into a round hole. The most important thing that matters, always, is that you are writing what you truly WANT to write. Writing for a contest makes the most sense if it is consistent with that.

Thank you really solid advice, and I appreciate it!

 

[DeMont]

I’ve been toying with the idea of entering a writing contest lately partly because I want to see if I’m actually any good, and partly just to push myself out of my comfort zone.

But the thing is… I don’t know how any of it works.
Which contests are legit? What’s the process like? What kind of stories do well?
Totally in the dark here.

I’ve got a few stories already written and posted on my profile and some have gotten pretty solid scores so far.
But are they contest-worthy?
Can I use them or do i need to write new ones?
That’s what I honestly can’t tell.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this before or even just readers who are willing to give me a real, honest critique.
No sugar-coating. I wanna get better.


So if you have:
Contest tips
Story feedback
Or a moment to help me figure out which story (if any) to submit...


I’m all ears. Seriously.

I know writing contests aren’t everything, but right now it feels like a good way to test myself, learn, and maybe grow past where I am now.


Appreciate any help

@TheStefanSinadinovicLore,
Good evening. I know that you are asking about writing contests on Lit specifically but I'm going to offer advice, if I may, on "Civilian" (i.e. Non Literotica) contest writing. I have had some success in that field, several placings, an honourable mention or two and a couple of wins in regional contests.

Any contest entry, to my mind, has to be the product of the very best writing you can do. That is something that needs to go through a process, a number of steps and that's what I'm going to offer.
The Idea - Is lead by the contest requirements. What I mean by that is that it's no good writing a horror story for a romance contest. You have to be "in touch" with the theme. If you're not then, as someone mentioned earlier, forcing yourself into writing something that's not "in you" is going to be problematic.
The Content - Examine earlier contest entries, see how they fit with the theme that's required.
Your Story - Begin with a full draft of what you believe will fly. Then Edit, Edit, Edit. Proof reading after each edit to make sure you're not losing the plot and content you want.

Forget it - Put it away for a few days to a week.

Proof read - Bring it out of hibernation, proof read it again, polishing it as you go along. Call it the final edit if you like. If YOU are happy with it after that submit it.

There are no guarantees in contests. You're at the mercy of the judges. You can only hope (with fingers crossed) that they like what you've done. To my mind, and in my experience, if your heart and soul are in the tale then that will show through and make a good impression.

Above all don't be deterred, despairing or emotionally damaged if your entry doesn't do as well as you would have liked. Learn from that and adapt.

As I said, not Lit specific information and, at the risk of having been preaching to the choir, this has been my method for some modicum of success.
All said and done, go for it and best of luck.
Deepest respects,
D.

 

[Voboy]

There are no guarantees in contests. You're at the mercy of the judges. You can only hope (with fingers crossed) that they like what you've done.

This should be reiterated. Even for established writers on this site, or for those of us who've entered many, many contests and scored well in them?

DO NOT expect to win. The scoring of Lit contests is an arcane dance that resembles voodoo magic more than anything else. To win, the recipe has to be just right at a specific moment in time. You won't know what the recipe is, nor when the moment will be. Here, you're not truly "at the mercy of the judges;" there are readers, bombers, the site owners, and an algorithm or two, and they all get a say.

So just write your best piece, enjoy the exposure you get, participate in the Support Thread, and the rest will happen as and when it happens.

 

[TiberiusPrime]

I held off for many years in entering contests. I don't know why, I was being stubborn and I felt as if I was on a "deadline". However, I'm very glad I entered the Valentines Day 2025 contest, even though I didn't win. I still got a few more followers out of it. What helped is that I already had a WIP that easily fit within the parameters of the contest, I just needed to have it occur on Valentines Day. I also did a 750 word challenge for the first time ever. I never felt I could ever tell a story in 750 as I do tend to get a bit wordy. I just happened to have the perfect story that fit 750 words that literally came to me within minutes.

Currently, I'm in the middle of finishing up/editing my entry for the Dark Fairy Tales contest. It's author sponsored, so no cash prize. This time, no WIP, so it pushed me to figure it out. I also challenged myself because @StillStunned didn't think anyone could make the fairy tale of "The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs" into a sexy story. Did I succeed? We'll see what the readers think when it's published.

If you want to challenge yourself, enter a contest. I wish I had done it years before.

 

[lovecraft68]

DO NOT expect to win.

True, especially with this system which is based on a ton of variables but none of which are a direct reflection of 'the best story'

Having said that, I'm one of those types who live by if you're not in it to win it, don't get in it.

Don't take it personally as in being a bad loser or take it to heart if you don't place, but always go into something with your best shot and thinking "I got this" even though most of the time we don't.

 

[StillStunned]

I also challenged myself because @StillStunned didn't think anyone could make the fairy tale of "The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs" into a sexy story. Did I succeed? We'll see what the readers think when it's published.

Haha, I'm looking forward to it!

 

[TarnishedPenny]

The main benefit is exposure, more people's eyes being drawn to your work. If you track such things, you will note that views of your stories get a strong uptick. And some of those new viewers will favourite you, which means they are notified every time you post another one.

There are also three token monetary prizes for the top three entries in the official contests, but you're not going to pay rent from those.