But mostly, I can't afford it! At $20.00 a pop more often than not, I just can't.
Being fresh out of grad school, it's just not possible. So I only enter when I think I've got a good chance now.

But, it makes me wonder. The popular publications probably get thousands of contest submissions. And aren't the contest fees really just their way of keeping the magazine/site alive? If you run the numbers, most of the submitters aren't going to get in so the odds aren't great. And with no feedback, who's really benefitting??

I weigh my submission choices carefully. But, I still do submit when I think I actually have a shot!

Sadly, the deadline for notification has just passed, and I haven't heard anything, so I guess I didn't final. I'm still supposed to receive feedback at some point. No matter what, I will finish this story and pitch it. My goal is by the end of the summer.

I've had a setback with a death in the family this week, but it will get done.

I think it's pretty common for newbies to feel they aren't qualified to judge, but they really do have valuable insight as well as help them learn. Glad your chapter mates encouraged you and you gave it a try. Thanks for giving back and thanks for stopping by the blog, Grace.

Tina, so agree. Sometimes that feedback can save you from going down the wrong path - or further down since I know I started in wrong spot more than once. Great reason to enter a new project and see how others see it.

G. L., I wouldn't be a multiple time contest winner if others didn't give of their time and experience. Wouldn't be right to just take and not give back. Love that you love judging even more than entering. You're surely been a help to many writers whatever their stage in writing. Thanks for that and stopping by.

Thanks, Pris. Glad you've taken both kinds of feedback and made it useful and you're rocking it with 2 RITA finals this year. Fortunately, you don't have to be a contest pro to judge and give helpful feedback, but I know I'm probably kinder in phrasing now. 😉