Have you got a knack for writing? Then why not let everyone else know and get yourself noticed by entering your compositions into short story contests. Many a famous writer was discovered by entering them. You could be the next great writer who rises to fame by submitting your work and getting it published.

Story contests have short prerequisites to entering. Many give you a topic and you just need to follow those guidelines for entry. Typically you have already written several short stories. When contests appear then you can enter them and have the material already set to enter making it easier for you.

Entries for contests, especially if you win, will want information. You will need to write a bio of yourself. Most writers find this the most challenging because they don't like writing about themselves. You will need to do it or have someone else write it for you. Speak of yourself, where you live, your aspirations and your passion for where the stories come from.

Many sites are online that have lists of contests you can find. You can also get a Writer's Market and find them or go to your local library and borrow their copy to look for them. You will want to mail in and follow all of their entry guidelines to avoid disqualification. Many contests are now all through online entry sources so that makes it easier for you in many ways.

If choosing what contest you want to enter you can also look for the periodicals that you read yourself and would like to see published in. You can also look for approved contests and periodicals that are recognized by the guild for the most prestigious establishments. But you can also look at new contests by independent companies and organizations.

If your work is good and you enter enough short story contests your work will be seen and you can get published and work toward the eventual goal of being a successful published writer. But it all starts with the basic thing that all writers know. You have to keep writing no matter what.