No, I do not find it difficult to place an entry in a quilt show.
Only enter local shows and modestly speaking, it is fun to see it displayed with all of the other quilts.
It is a terrific opportunity to have a 'professional' report. Funny enough, the critique was in sync with my self analysis. There were even some nice [surprise] comments.
A really good learning experience.
Or some quilters take the 'private' route and pay for a quilt appraisal. :D