by Jael Ravalyn

Created on: May 04, 2008   Last Updated: November 29, 2011

Numerous questions, doubts, hopes, and misconceptions swirl in the minds of would-be-writers. It is to these aspiring authors that website writing contests throw a lifesaver. After all, many writers take the sink-or-swim approach for forging a literary career. The pool of readers generated by the advent of the world-wide-web is limitless, and, if a winner of one of these contests is featured on a frequented it is instant exposure.  This win is quite the resume builder, too, for the as of yet unpublished.  The advantage is not only to the winner, as participants gained the experience and hopefully developed a hunger for more writing challenges.

Benefits of online writing competition is not limited to writers, either. Publishers may be seeking new talent, but need to be assured that a new author will be liked. Winning one of these contests offers proof positive of a warm reception for the winner as new talent. Sites like Helium.com that pools writers of every genre, experience level, education, and age who not only write but rate fellow writers' work. Publishers surely recognize that this is product testing on a willing, ready audience. Attempts at winning a contest on Helium is rewarded and increases with improving talent-which it is a palate for: writing, getting rated, and trying again with a fresh new turn of phrase. Helium offers weekly writing contests, so if at first you don't succeed, write, write, write again!

Of course, there are other sites that show promise, and on occasion offer contests, too,  include:

• thewritingcenter.com is currently under construction but holds the promise of a new venue for writers and a new source for helpful skill building links

• Those with screenplay interests can visit the self-proclaimed screenwriters' hangout: storypros.com. This site occasionally hosts a screenplay contest yielding $10,000 to the winner

• Writing.com offers over 80 genres for the focused or broad ranged writer, and features many writing contests

• suite101.com has to accept applicants before loosing their writers to the ready reception of its articles on major search engines like Google (applicants can build their portfolio well with participation in writing competitions/contests or just recreational online writing.)

Helium has gained attention for its contest for writers to be featured at the Pulitzer Center as novice reporters-who also receive citizen journalism awards; one writer earned National Press Club membership. The writingcenter.com, writing.com, and Helium.com have links for training, format software, and advertisements if a degree in the field is sought for formal training.

So for those of you looking for a way to flex your writing muscles in a contest or two, gain copyrights, and gain feedback doing what you love, online writing sites and contests is worth checking out for that positive exposure.

Learn more about this author, Jael Ravalyn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.