Nobody accuses a defendant of cheating because they hired a barrister. Nobody says a company’s annual report is inauthentic because a copywriter polished it. Nobody tells a novelist the book doesn’t count because an editor shaped it. But somehow with awards, there’s this strange fantasy that everyone is supposed to wing it armed with a biro and sheer moral fibre, and anyone who gets help has somehow gamed the system.

Hiring an award’s writer isn’t cheating or disingenuous. Those outraged cries of ‘of course they won, they had help.’ or ‘it’s unfair, I wrote my own’. Some see using a specialist as taking away the authenticity of their submission, or that those who use a specialist have an unfair advantage.

This perspective doesn’t hold water, and why enlisting a specialist is a smart, strategic move for your business.

Award writing specialists are like any other experts you’d hire. They know the ins and outs of award criteria and what judges are looking for. This know-how means your submission isn’t just a dry list of achievements or a boring recitation of facts and data; it becomes a compelling story that stands out from the pack.

No awards writer I know can guarantee wins because it’s up to the judges. People hire writers because they know how to translate business achievement into evidence a judge can evaluate, not because they’ve got a back channel to the awards. If wins were for sale, I’d be running a very different and far less exhausting business.

The misconception of cheating

1. Perceived lack of authenticity: Some believe that having someone else write their award submission means the story isn’t genuinely theirs.
2. Unfair advantage: There’s a notion that writing the submission themselves is the “right” way to do it. They believe outsourcing could give them an unfair advantage or diminish the value of their accomplishments.
3. Misunderstanding the role: Many people don’t understand what an award writing specialist actually does. They might think it’s just about fancy writing, rather than strategic storytelling.

Writing your own award submission is harder than it seems. When you’re so close to your business, it’s tough to step back and see what truly makes it special. Plus, self-promotion can feel awkward, and finding the time to run everything else is nearly impossible.

Conflict of interest

A conflict of interest exists when there’s a personal benefit.

• A sponsor quietly influencing category winners.
• A board member voting on their spouse’s application.
• An award writer getting a kickback or access to the judges.
• A judge who owns shares in an entrant’s company.

That’s conflict. There’s a gain on the table that corrupts the decision.

A writer being paid by a client to articulate that client’s achievements? The benefit is the fee for the service rendered. That’s not conflict, that’s commerce. The same arrangement exists between a business and its accountant, its lawyer, its PR agency, its web designer. Nobody argues an accountant has a conflict of interest when they prepare a tax return that results in a refund. The accountant is paid to do the work. The tax office makes the decision. Same structure, exactly.

For a conflict to exist in award writing, you’d need to be benefiting from the outcome in a way that corrupts the judging. You don’t. You get paid whether the entry wins or loses. You don’t sit on panels judging your own clients. You don’t have relationships with judges that tilt decisions. The judges don’t even know which entries came through your business. The benefit you receive is the fee, which is disclosed, contracted, and entirely separate from the result.

The people making this argument are either confused about what conflict of interest means, or they’re weaponising the term because they don’t like that someone used an award writer. Blaming the existence of writers is easier than examining their own approach. It’s the same pattern as people dismissing successful businesses as lucky. It saves having to ask harder questions.

I write an entry. Judges read it. I have no contact with the judges. I don’t sit on the panel. I don’t know what they ate for breakfast. They have no idea the entry comes from an agency. Where is the conflict? The only thing I influence is how clearly the business’s achievements get articulated, which is what every entrant is trying to do, whether they do it themselves or outsource it. If clarity of communication is cheating, the entire professional services industry is a crime scene. Put up the yellow tape.

The benefits of using a specialist

1. Building the case: A specialist doesn’t invent facts or achievements; they work with what’s provided. They help present the story in the best possible light, ensuring it’s clear, compelling, and aligns with what judges are looking for.
2. Play to your strengths: Think of it like this: just as you’d hire a graphic designer to create a professional logo or a marketer to promote your brand, hiring a writer ensures your submission is polished and professional. It’s about playing to your strengths and getting expert help where needed.
3. Criteria interpreters: Specialists have a keen eye for what makes a submission stand out. Many people gloss over important facts, not realising that it’s those unspoken pearls of insights and experiences are what makes an award submission pop. They know how to effectively highlight your achievements and can identify unique angles that you might miss because you’re too close to the subject.
4. Presentation: Award submissions have specific criteria and formats. A specialist knows how to navigate these requirements and can ensure your submission meets all guidelines, making it easier for judges to appreciate your story.
5. Focused efficiency: Preparing a high-quality submission is time-consuming. Hiring a specialist allows you to focus on running your business while they handle the heavy lifting of telling your story. This efficiency doesn’t detract from your authenticity; it enhances your ability to communicate your achievements effectively.
6. Experienced perspective: Award writers bring expertise and a fresh perspective, highlighting strengths and achievements you might overlook. They know how to frame your story to meet the award criteria, increasing your chances of success.
7. Countdown: Preparing an award submission is time-consuming. By outsourcing, you free up valuable time to focus on running your business. The specialist handles the detailed work, ensuring a high-quality submission without distracting you from your core activities.
8. Cost vs price: While there’s an upfront cost, the potential return on investment is significant. Winning awards can boost your credibility, attract new clients, and open doors to new opportunities, making the initial expense worthwhile.
9. The case depends on you: Working with a specialist doesn’t mean losing control. You’re involved in the process, providing input and feedback every step of the way. It’s a collaborative effort to ensure your story is told accurately and compellingly.

As a business owner, it’s tempting to try to wear all the hats and do everything yourself. After all, no one knows your business better than you. Taking on every task solo can actually be more of a hindrance than a help. Your strengths lie in running your business and driving it towards success. Focusing on what you do well and outsourcing other tasks means you can focus on working in your business.

Next time you’re considering entering an award, don’t let the misconception of cheating or not being authentic hold you back. Outsourcing is smart business.

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