Opportunity Alert: The Crown Award (and why you should enter contests!)

The ACFW Virginia Crown Award is open for submissions!

Entering contests as an unpublished writer can be a tremendous benefit. The costs are usually reasonable, and even if you don't final or win, you'll receive valuable feedback that can help you improve your craft. Step out and enter the contest!

The ACFW Virginia Crown Award opened for submissions yesterday, June 30th. This contest allows you to have the all-important first five pages of your Christian fiction manuscript evaluated by industry professionals. You don't need to be a member of ACFW or the ACFW Virginia Chapter to enter. The entry is fee is $20 (ACFW Virginia Chapter Members), and $25 for non-members.

In the past years, I've entered two contests and finaled in both. In 2024 I won third place in the Touched by Love Award, and last week, I found out I finaled in the 2025 Maggie Award (the winner will be announced in September). Even if I don't win, placing in these contests has given me such a boost of confidence. I've entered contests where I didn't place, but got amazing feedback, which was a bargain for the price of the entry fee.

First-round judging is by multi-published authors, and entries advancing to the final round will be evaluated by professionals in Christian publishing: literary agents, editors, and influential book bloggers.

Submissions close July 28 (6:00 p.m. ET). Finalists will be announced on September 20th, and winners will be announced on November 8th (live at 9:30 a.m. ET during the ACFW Virginia Royal Writers Virtual Conference).

The projected categories:

• Contemporary

• Contemporary Romance

• Historical/Historical Romance/Historical Romantic Suspense

• Mystery/Thriller/Suspense/Romantic Suspense

• Speculative

• Young Adult/Middle Grade

Eligibility requirements: to enter, authors must be 18 years or older and whose work has not been previously published in novella or any book-length fiction (in ANY print or online form, including lead magnets and sites such as Wattpad, Substack, etc.).

There are always specific formatting requirements for contests, so make sure you follow the rules.

Category finalists will receive a Crown Award Finalist badge to use for promotion on your website and social media. Category winners will receive a Crown Award Winner badge, a certificate, and a crown lapel pin or tie clip.

Why you should enter writing contests:

• Contests help sharpen your craft: If you enter contests, you have to select specific themes or genres, stick to word count, and adhere to formatting requirements.

• You'll receive feedback: Most contests provide valuable feedback from judges, pushing you to improve.

• Developing discipline: Deadlines enforce focus and productivity. 

• Contests help to get your work seen: You can showcase your writing to a wider audience, including potential agents, publishers, and readers.

• Building your resume/portfolio: Winning or placing in a reputable contest adds credibility to your writing credentials and can make you stand out.

• Attracting attention: Success in a contest can lead to opportunities. 

• Boosting confidence: Winning or receiving recognition validates your talent and motivates you to continue writing.

• Connecting with a community: Contests foster connections with other writers. 

Both of the two contests that I've entered in the past year were because writing friends encouraged me to give it a try. With their encouragement, I found success and motivation.

So, be brave and enter your story. Best of luck to you, friends!