Let’s be honest, hitting submit on your manuscript can be challenging. Perhaps you’ve been working on your story for years and fear rejection. Maybe you’re still editing, so it feels too precious for anyone else to read.
I used to find the idea of submitting excruciating. I’d make up plausible excuses why it wasn’t the right time or the writing wasn’t ready. The only way I managed to submit my poetry was to reward the submission – and forget the result. Putting myself out there and allowing my words to enter the world required surrender.
Over 26 years, Mslexia has conducted over 20 readership surveys, with one limitation consistently cited by women writers: confidence. Regardless of age, race, or class, we find it hard to believe our writing deserves to be read.
Of the eight opportunities I submitted to that year, I was long-listed for one prize, and nothing else. Does one win make sense of the losses? Do the seven rejections hold more weight? Truthfully, each submission was important because every one required that elusive attribute – confidence.
Across the three categories below, over 200 women writers will place on a longlist, shortlist, or win one of our competitions. Although I like to think of all my submissions as equal, getting longlisted for a prize was a confidence boost.
Regardless of the outcome, every single entry is an achievement. To write the words, hit submit, and surrender.
Now it’s up to you: will you surrender to the process and enter one of our competitions?
Remember I told you I rewarded the submission not the win? I meant it – after submitting, I treated myself to coffee and cake out, a bunch of flowers – something small but lovely. I urge you to do the same.
Good Luck,
Lucy x
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