Since this may be the first time a lot of you have entered a contest like this that's not related to the Wattys, here are a list of nine tips to help you out!

1. Edit EVERYTHING

Okay, maybe not everything. Just most things. Make sure that your story makes sense, and that it's understandable and readable from a language point of view. Our judges are human beings, not computers, so they need to be able to understand your story from start to finish. We're not saying that the story needs to be perfect, because it doesn't. We just want to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

2. Prepare Yourself Mentally

Logically, we can't have everyone win. We wish we could! But the fact remains that such a goal would be impractical. So make sure you're yes, hoping to win, but also prepared emotionally and mentally just in case you don't. Don't let this stop you from entering though! Remember; sometimes the best chances we take are the ones that we're not sure will work out.

3. Make Sure You Understand it All

Make sure you understand the rules. While our contest has a Questions and Answers section in the second chapter, feel free to ask questions in the comments. It's better to ask than to guess and end up misunderstanding. Additionally, on the topic of entering in any contests, make sure you take this approach for all contests you enter. Misunderstanding a contest can lead to your story being ineligible. Never be afraid to ask questions! If the people running the contest are truly there to help you, they won't mind helping you understand.

4. Be Aware

You're probably wondering what awareness has to do with this. What we mean is being aware of what is going on. Write down the end dates of all contests you enter on your calendar, or just put a reminder about it on a sticky note or something like that. Either way, make sure you know when the contest started, when you entered, and when the contest ends. This goes for all contests. Being aware can save you that last minute scramble when you realize you've forgotten about it.

5. Communicate With the Other Participants

When you're in a writing contest on Wattpad, talking to other participants can sometimes help. One, it will give you a chance to make friends, and two, it will help you have an idea of just how many people are entering and how everyone else is approaching the contest. Being there for the other participants is also a good way of showing good sportsmanship. People will remember you if you make sure to give your new friends a pat on the back if they win. And trust us, they'll probably do the same to you! 

6. Be Polite (To Everyone!)

Are you upset about something? Did you lose a contest? Are you unable to enter a contest? Is your entry not going quite to plan? Well then make sure to breathe deeply and go to your happy place! And we mean that quite literally. Similarly to the tip above this one, no one likes a bad sport, so make sure you're polite and calm when communicating with others in the community. We know, losing any contest sucks. It's not a fun feeling, but whatever the contest is, keep on going and writing regardless. We promise that the situation will only make you stronger.

By being polite to everyone you talk to, may it be a commenter on your book or whoever is running the contest you entered, you will be able to show people that you are capable of being strong even when you feel like giving up and crying. And guess what? Faking it until you make it, really can work. 

7. Be Proud of Your Entry

If you're not at least a little bit proud of your entry for a contest, don't enter it. Not only will you be going into the contest with a negative frame of mind, the emotional repercussions will be bad if it doesn't go as you hoped. Additionally, if you're not proud of your entry, try to fix it so that way you become at least minimally proud of it. You're the writer, you need to be proud of it or else it will just be a waste of your time.

8. Tell EVERYONE

You know how we mentioned that you need to be proud of your entry? Here's why: If you've entered your story in a contest that has a People's Choice section (like ours!), you need to be brave enough to tell your readers that you've entered it so that way they can vote for you. So tell everyone. Tell your readers. Tell your followers. Tell your Wattpad friends. Tell your real friends. Tell your family. Tell your cat. 

Okay, your cat (probably) can't vote, but tell them anyway! Be loud and proud about your entry! There's nothing to be ashamed of! So get excited, you've entered a contest! 

9. Have Fun!

We know, it's the most typical piece of advice, but we mean it. Have fun with the contests you enter. Maybe they will lead to some great conversations. Maybe they will lead to the start of your writing career. Maybe you'll just have a great time with the writing prompt. Whatever the contest is, try to have fun with it! 

Speaking from our personal contest point of view, we will be hosting different activities that all have to do with the contest in the threads and on our profile page. We're going to do our best to make this fun. 

So enjoy yourselves!

We will be posting more tips and activities that has to do with this contest throughout the next few months! We can't wait to start doing all of this with you guys. :)