Every unpublished writer dreams of standing out in writing contests for new authors 2026. But here’s the kicker: too many writers sabotage themselves before the judges even get to page five. Whether it’s formatting fails, weak openings, or ignoring the rules, mistakes can sink your submission faster than you can say “manuscript competition 2026”.
Let’s look at the most common pitfalls — and how you can avoid them.
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Guidelines
Every contest has rules: word counts, file formats, categories. Submitting outside these parameters is like sending a novel to a poetry contest. Judges won’t bend the rules, and you’ll waste your entry fee.
Fix: Triple-check the guidelines before you hit submit.
Mistake 2: Weak First 10 Pages
In writing awards for unpublished authors, judges almost always start with your opening chapter. If your first 10 pages don’t hook, you’ll never reach the shortlist.
Fix: Focus on character, voice, and immediate intrigue. Cut the backstory dump.
Mistake 3: Typos and Sloppy Formatting
It doesn’t matter if your story is brilliant — spelling errors and inconsistent fonts scream “not ready.”
Fix: Proofread obsessively, or get a critique partner to catch what you miss. Many manuscript competitions offer manuscript critiques — take advantage.
Mistake 4: Playing It Too Safe
Judges see hundreds of submissions. A story that feels generic won’t make the cut, no matter how cleanly written.
Fix: Take creative risks, but ground them in strong characters and structure.
Mistake 5: Submitting Too Soon
Many writers rush to enter as soon as they finish a draft. But “finished” doesn’t always mean “polished.”
Fix: Let your manuscript rest, revise again, and if possible, seek feedback before submitting.
Testimonial Spotlight
“The judges’ feedback was invaluable. I realised I’d submitted too soon, and their comments showed me exactly what to fix. My revised manuscript is now ten times stronger.” — Laura Shepherd, Writing Entrant
Bonus Mistakes That Trip Writers Up
Wrong category: Entering a romance in the thriller section confuses judges and hurts your chances.
Overcomplicated synopses: If your synopsis feels like a university essay, simplify.
Forgetting the logline: Especially for screenwriters, a weak or missing logline is an instant strike-out.
How to Avoid Contest Pitfalls
Read past winners’ entries if available.
Invest in professional editing or critiques before submitting.
Keep your manuscript competition 2026 entry tight, focused, and polished.
Ask yourself: would I be proud to put this in front of an agent tomorrow?
Wrapping Up: From Rookie Mistakes to Reader Magnet
Mistakes don’t mean you’re a bad writer — they mean you’re human. But in a competitive environment, they can cost you opportunities. The best writing contests unpublished authors 2026 are there to spotlight talent, not overlook it because of preventable errors.
And yes, writers who’ve entered the Page Turner Awards often say the feedback alone helped them turn mistakes into strengths. Check out their testimonials here: https://pageturnerawards.com/awards-testimonials
Ready to avoid the rookie mistakes and put your best work forward? Sign up now, and we’ll remind you when next year’s Writing Award opens.
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