Why Didn't My Essay Win?

When you hate to hurt people’s feelings, it’s killer to spell out why an essay didn’t win. But a few people have wondered, even gone as far as hinting it would help their future chances and future writing. So, briefly, I’ll hit on a few reasons essays didn’t win our contests, and perhaps it will help in other contests and opportunities, too.


We’re a Christian magazine that believes in religious tolerance. We’re not anti-any religion, including our own. A few entries have been clearly anti-Christian. I’m so sorry. No matter how well it’s written, that just doesn’t work for us.

Conversely, some entries had a purpose of trying to convert people. They had a strong ‘my way, the only way’ feel to them. For some reason, that pushes us away.

Some really good entries have had some fatal traits. One writer has almost won twice, and both times lost because of repeating the same word or phrase so many times, it lost its impact and became an obstacle to the story. It was too bad, because they were deep messages.

I blush at this one, because I admit I’ve done this myself, and swear I will never do it again. Taking a well-written essay and tacking on the theme doesn’t work. Again, some well-written entries didn’t win, because they simply weren’t about our topic. Adding a line or two just didn’t make it work.

I’m also guilty of this next one: preaching. We love essays that are personal and show your vulnerable side. Those preachy essays are easily corrected by admitting you’ve been there.

Not going deep enough into yourself is another problem I’d love to see corrected by some talented writers. Several writers, some with professional credentials, seemed to keep their essays superficial. It’s another flaw I struggle with. Here’s my suggestion. As you write and re-read, ask yourself, “Why is that?” several times throughout the story. You might be surprised at what you realize. It also allows you to be vulnerable, which makes your story personal.

Finally, a call for essays is a call for essays. We turned down some good fiction and poetry, because it wasn’t what we wanted. But if that’s your specialty, when we call for fiction, I hope you’ll still submit to us.

It’s Like Martial Arts

    When I taught martial arts, you had to perfect the basics before you could move on to the higher levels. My students always thought it was fun when they started learning flying kicks and techniques like that. But when it comes down to a street fight, to protecting yourself, you always go back to the basics. Bruce Lee even said that. You can learn advanced techniques and earn degrees of black belts in different styles, but when you need it, the only thing that counts is how well you do the basics.
    Our book is like that, too. It's basic, easy reading. It's not filled with big words and theories. It's all things you can read and use immediately, today. "The Right to God" really is about your right to God, one of the most basic concepts there is. But when it comes right down to it, that's what's most important … the basics.
    ---Ron Dugan