Merlyn’s Pen is one of my favorite sites to submit poetry because they make submitting writing more fun and interesting. Merlyn’s Pen holds various contests for poetry, fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, and a category for pieces that do not fit in the previous categories. They hold contests that are themed or un-themed for these submissions. In my opinion, specific topics can be fun and also helpful if you do not have your own idea. Themed writing also allows creativity to flow naturally, opening many other doors to new subjects of which to write about.
If you would like to enter a current contest, simply go to www.MerlynsPen.com, and under “You Write” is the “submit your writing button.” What I love about this submission page is that it asks for your school, English teacher, and principal so that they will hear the good news, too, if your submission wins. Instead of waiting for either an acceptance letter or a rejection, Merlyn’s Pen keeps their writers informed at all times. After you submit your work, you will receive a tracking code. This allows you to see where your work is at. There are ten steps your work may go through. The first step is, “Thank you for submitting your work. Your entry is now waiting to be seen by the first Merlyn’s Pen editor.” Your submission will then move on to the next step. Along with each of these levels is an editor’s letter. The letter is very personal and warming. Even if your submission fails to move on to the next level, you will receive a letter of great encouragement. Or, if your submission has gone to the next step, the letter will be of congratulations, and it will include comments on specific lines from your submission.
The most recent competition, Down to the Sea Writing Contest, has just ended, and its winners will be announced soon. Then a new contest will be announced with another great theme.
After one’s submission is accepted, their work will go to the site’s library. Here people can read their work as well as other winner’s work from previous contests. I especially enjoy this library, because it gives me and everyone else a chance to read and acknowledge the work of teenagers. After you submit a piece of work, check out Merlyn’s Pen’s library and marvel over the stories, poems, and essays.