Polish Your Writing Contest or Scholarship Entry: Expert Feedback & Guidance
Turn Your Writing into a Winning Entry! With expert instruction and feedback from a writing contest judge and author, this interactive workshop helps young writers refine their poetry, essays, or stories for contest success.
Gina Conroy
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(361)
Rising Star
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Feedback will be provided throughout the class as students share their writing, with one final edit available after the course ends, provided submissions are sent within one week of the last session.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Turn Your Writing into a Winning Entry & Scholarship Money! Struggling to perfect your writing contest or scholarship entry? Not sure where to submit? This interactive, live workshop will help writers refine their poetry, essays, or short stories for competition and scholarships. With expert feedback from a seasoned contest judge and author, students will sharpen their writing’s clarity, creativity, and impact. My hands-on teaching style includes engaging discussions, writing exercises, and practical revision techniques to make each piece stand out. I’ll also guide students in finding the best contests to enter and tailoring their submissions for success. Learners will receive personalized attention through group activities, Q&A sessions, and breakout rooms for 1:1 feedback. Topics include mastering contest guidelines, strengthening narrative structure, and applying powerful writing strategies for a polished, compelling entry. This class will help you present your best work—and boost your chances of winning!
Learning Goals
Where to find the best writing contests for writing rewards and scholarships
Understanding contest guidelines, judging criteria, and submissionsDeveloping a strong hook and engaging storytelling techniques
Finding your voice
Self-editing strategies: cutting fluff, strengthening word choice, and improving flow
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Finding the Right Contest & Understanding the Rules
Come with something you're working on or start something new
Writing exercises to enhance voice, tone, and originality 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Strengthening Your Writing & Crafting a Compelling Entry
Developing a strong hook and engaging storytelling techniques
Improving clarity, description, and creativity.
Expert feedback on drafts 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Editing, Polishing & Making Your Writing Stand Out
Self-editing strategies: cutting fluff, strengthening word choice, and improving flow
Revision techniques for poetry, essays, and stories
Breakout room sessions for 1:1 feedback and fine-tuning entries 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Submission Success, Feedback & Last-Minute Enhancements
Optional peer feedback and instructor review of contest entries
Checklist for a strong, polished submission
Writing contest etiquette: cover letters, bios, and professionalism 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Paper, pen/pencil Folder or 3 ring binder to organize materials Access to google docs
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Student will be doing an online search for writing contests
Joined February, 2018
4.8
361reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Oral Roberts University
I am a published author, journalist, and novelist with over 30 years of writing experience. For more than 20 years, I have taught and tutored students and adults, helping them refine their writing skills. As a writing course creator, contest judge, and conference speaker, I am passionate about guiding writers to bring their best work to life and achieve success in competitions and beyond.Reviews
Live Group Class
$125
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
2-6 learners per class
