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I’m not sure who first said, “Don’t work hard just for recognition. Work hard for your own inner satisfaction and to better yourself.”

The quote is spot on, especially right now. Since starting a writing business in the 90s, I’ve analyzed and reviewed work from the previous year. It’s a way to see your writing range, chart growth, determine if your style has or has not adapted. Basically, it is a measuring stick to set realistic goals and develop new ideas.

As a freelancer, I could submit work to the Nebraska Press Women communications contest since I was a member, but I chose not to enter. Teaching and coaching occupied most of my time. Sorting through potential entries, creating PDF tearsheets and navigating the cumbersome online entry form took time away from other responsibilities.

Once I started working full time in the industry, I entered work in the NPW contest and, as a journalist at a Nebraska Press Association paper, submitted writing, photography and advertising examples from the paper.

The biggest benefit to either contest is feedback. NPW has connections with top journalists across the country who judge entries. NPA works with different state press associations. This year, Nebraska journalists will judge work from the New York association. Back to the feedback. Occasionally, I receive a couple sentences about an entry. Usually, a thorough review is returned, especially from NPW judges. Critiques offer positive comments, in addition to ideas for improvement.

One of the best pieces of advice I received came from a sports photographer from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. A photo from a local basketball game received second place. In his page-long critique, the judge explained why it did not receive first, especially since it was his top choice. When placed on the Page, the photo was trimmed to fit space. To me, the players’ facial expressions told the story. The judge talked about flow and rhythm, how motion draws attention, tells a story. If possible, sports photos should show full range of motion. Food for thought. Since then, I look at the complete photo when placing it on the Page. Time to tell a good visual story, right?

Of course, a few times I’ve scratched my head about critiques. Like the time I wrote a story about the Ewing School board, quoted my brother-in-law, Jason, and was told by a judge from Los Angeles, I shouldn’t be writing about my husband.

“You’re obviously related,” the judge wrote, with a reminder that any other staff member should be covering the meeting.

Um, I’m the only writer. I got a good chuckle from that tidbit of analysis.

The biggest drawback to entering contests, in my opinion, is this: Entry fees are charged for each submission, which, honestly, adds up. When I do enter, individually or items from SAM staff, I do not submit the maximum number of entries in each category. I’m selective. I will not submit a piece for the sake of submitting an entry.

Do I or the paper need a certificate or trophy to validate work? While it feels wonderful to be recognized by peers, it’s equally, if not more important, to hear positive and constructive feedback from readers. That’s the audience we write and design for each and every week.

And, inner satisfaction, knowing a piece is done well, matters and offers opportunities for self-reflection, growth and improvement.