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.