Contest Submissions

[BackwoodsMama]

I’m curious if there is a sweet spot for story length when submitting for the various holiday contests. I’m working on a winter story that I’d like to submit and I’m doubting myself on how much lead up/set up to use. I know if I click a story that is 8 pages I may not finish it, but I’m not satisfied with too short of a story. However, that is just my opinion. Any insight into what length is most desired?

 

[KeithD]

I think the longer stories have had an edge on placing in contests here. That has held true in the ones of mine that have placed over the years. The general sweet spot for stories here is often voiced to be three Lit pages (so, something around 10,000 words). Contest placers have averaged longer, though, I think.

That said, any story, contest or not, should be as long as needed to do the job without omission or padding. I'm not sure readers at Lit. understand that, however.

 

[BackwoodsMama]

I think the longer stories have had an edge on placing in contests here. That has held true in the ones of mine that have placed over the years. The general sweet spot for stories here is often voiced to be three Lit pages (so, something around 10,000 words). Contest placers have averaged longer, though, I think.

That said, any story, contest or not, should be as long as needed to do the job without omission or padding. I'm not sure readers at Lit. understand that, however.

Thanks. I totally get what you’re saying in that a story has to be as long as it needs to be. I generally write for my own pleasure, but I have an idea that I’m really enjoying so I’d like to try to polish it up for the winter contest.

Anyway thank you. The word count context and personal experience are helpful.

 

[Twanquavius]

Great question. Personally I generally average a little less than 2 pages because that is what I like to read. I get bored with much more than that unless the story is particularly compelling.

 

[Izanami9]

I think the longer stories have had an edge on placing in contests here. That has held true in the ones of mine that have placed over the years. The general sweet spot for stories here is often voiced to be three Lit pages (so, something around 10,000 words). Contest placers have averaged longer, though, I think.

That said, any story, contest or not, should be as long as needed to do the job without omission or padding. I'm not sure readers at Lit. understand that, however.

I just joined last week and have been working on an entry for the April Fools Contest. Could not find word count guidelines, although I'm CERTAIN they exist somewhere here - so although I know it's been three years I want to thank you for providing an answer. Thank you!

 

[AlinaX]

I just joined last week and have been working on an entry for the April Fools Contest. Could not find word count guidelines, although I'm CERTAIN they exist somewhere here - so although I know it's been three years I want to thank you for providing an answer. Thank you!

750 is the minimum. There is no maximum.

My general advice is:
1000 words for a scene.
3 scenes make a short story.
1 Literotica page is about 3750 words.

As such, you can write a decent short story, or a decent chapter in a longer story, in about one Literotica page.

However, once you really start developing the plot and characters, it's easy to get up into the 10-20 thousand length, and for competition entries you really do need that extra depth to do well.

Some people go well beyond that, and that's a choice. If you have a story to tell, and time to write it, forget about word count and write the story.

 

[Izanami9]

Alina, thanks a million for that detailed, prompt response! I'm just over 8,000 words right now and was getting anxious about going too long, so that’s a huge relief. This noob much appreciates your help

 

[AlinaX]

Good luck, and have fun.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I just joined last week and have been working on an entry for the April Fools Contest. Could not find word count guidelines, although I'm CERTAIN they exist somewhere here - so although I know it's been three years I want to thank you for providing an answer. Thank you!

There are no word count guidelines for contests. The only criteria is 750 word minimum and not a chapter of an existing story.

 

[Izanami9]

Thanks very much for all the replies! I finished my entry with great satisfaction since I didn’t have to worry about specific wc limits. Appreciate the help!