There are synopsis contests, first page contests, hook contests, first chapter contests, contests to test love scenes, conflict scenes and endings. These are questions you may wish to answer prior to sending your baby into the contest world for public scrutiny and critique, because the experience could make you want to quit writing altogether. The experience could also be the best thing you've ever done in your writing career.
Contests are ego busters.
The competition is fierce. There are hundreds of excellent writers out there, and they're all clamoring for a place at the top. Low contest scores and negative critiques can blow holes the size of Argentina in your self-esteem. If finding out your book isn't the brilliant piece of prose you thought it was makes you want to take up tatting instead of writing, contests may not be for you. If you're the sensitive type and can't get beyond emotions to view this as a learning experience, you may want to think twice before taking the plunge.