What do you need to know?

First step is to search out open contests. I described that on the other thread.

Then, I'd recommend reading the rules carefully. and then reading them again. Fastest way to get disqualified is to send in a recipe that doesn't fit the criteria.

Also, it's a good idea to do your own internet search to see if your recipe truly is original (many sponsors do that and disqualify recipes that are known or previously published) before you send it in.

Basically, it's a learn as you go kind of thing. You will get better as you compete. And the more recipes you create yourself, the better your instincts will become. There are some competitors who try and refine every recipe they submit--and then there's a bunch of us who create them on paper, and just send them in. Kind a joke with us when we bump into each other at cook-offs (did you try out your recipe before you sent it?--no--LOL). You will need to work on finding your own comfort zone as to how you create and test your entries.

If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to give a shout.

Oh, and always remember the advice one judge gave at one contest. "On another day, with another panel of judges, any one of these recipes could have won". That comment has stayed with me, and kept me humble when I've won, and hopeful when I haven't.

So do you travel a lot for this?

I did a couple of searches, but did not find the original thread. Could someone point me in the right direction?

I posted a link to it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Original thread for recipe contest info.

I haven't travelled so much lately because I've been avoiding contests that involve a lot of travel (due to taking care of my mom), but I've enjoyed free trips to Dallas, California, Tennessee, Florida, Cancun--and a lot of other places--that were either for cook-offs or the trips were actually prizes for contests I've won.

Prizes can also be appliances, products, or the always handy--cash.

If it's something you're interested in, recipe contesting can be a fun hobby, and a lucrative one. Of course, you also learn a lot about taxes and accounting along the way. It is a good idea, if any of you decide to get involved, to keep a careful record of all your expenses (ingredients, internet, phone, special utensils or appliances, cookbooks, etc) that you expend contesting because if you do win big, you may need to have some of those expenses to offset the windfall. Your accountant can help you with that, but he has to have the proof of what you've spent throughout the year to make the deductions work out. Even with that 'chore', it's a very worthwhile hobby.

I am so excited to find out about this. I am glad you posted about it. I appreciate all of your help.

You're very welcome. Best wishes that you get involved and find it as much fun, and as profitable as I have