Does anyone know the etiquette for entering the same story into more than one competition? Is it allowed?

I have a story currently lodged with a short story competition, but am thinking of using it for this one too.

I presuming it's alright as long as the story doesn't (by some miracle) win a prize at the first competition. And if it does get somewhere, then I guess I would have to withdraw from the second competition.

Any thoughts?

Sibelius, depends on the rules of the competition(s) you're entering. The V.S Pritchett rules are clear - the story must not be entered for any other current competition. When you sign the entry form, you'll be agreeing to this.

You might think the chances of winning two competitions are slim, but I remember a couple of years back a slight catastrophe with the Fish story competition - they announced the winners and shortlist, then had to keep withdrawing names and moving others up the list, as it emerged that various stories been entered for (and been winners in) other competitions. Their original choice of a winner forfeited 10,000 euros! So it's not worth risking.

Frances

Yes, I've just realised the only story I could have entered is entered elsewhere. It's annoying, but at least the VSP have made it clear: they don't always, and if they don't, I go ahead and put it in, planning to play dumb if a miracle happens and withdraw it. Fortunately (unfortunately?) it hasn't yet, which is just as well, as it doesn't get you a good reputation.

Emma

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll have to put it down as a missed opportunity and hope the story wins the other competition!!

You can always put it in next year, if it hasn't got anywhere elsewhere meanwhile.

Emma

Thanks for the notification, Emma. I've managed a submission just in time for the extended deadline. Perhaps one of the reasons for the shortage of entries could be that it looks like it's a 'winner takes all' competition, i.e. no sign of runners-up, shortlists, etc., which could cause many of us to discount our chances.

it looks like it's a 'winner takes all' competition, i.e. no sign of runners-up, shortlists, etc.,

Yes, I guess because it's founded for the betterment of literature, not for the betterment of individual aspiring writers. Good luck to all who've entered, anyway.

Emma