Linda's Writing Contest
I've always enjoyed encouraging others to write, so it was only natural that when I was a school librarian I began a writing contest at my school. At first I was surprised at how much kids and their parents loved the contest.
I have to tell you that contests are hard for me. I want everyone to win. And so, each child who participated in the contest received a certificate at a special awards ceremony. Everyone had the opportunity to have their book displayed in the library for other students to read. And finally, they were all invited to bring friends and family to our annual Meet the Author night, where they would show off their books.
The winners of the contest received special gold and silver stickers on their books and their certificates, and a special Olympic style medal made from the same gold and silver stickers. They had special seating at the Meet the Author night, where they gave autographs, usually alongside a visiting author.
In an effort to make sure that every child got the chance to give an autograph, I made a special bulletin board of Texas Authors. Every student who wrote a book got to sign the bulletin board. They had worked hard. They learned that sometimes when you reach for the stars you make it!
Each of the five years I held the contest, I learned a little more about ways to promote the contest and how to make sure things ran as smoothly as possible. I have included that information in the Young Authors and Illustrators Contest I market. I've also included blank books like the ones I gave the students, certificates, special pencils (something new), and of course, great gold and silver stickers. Click here for ordering information.
