Welcome to the October 2011 Contest Update.The prize vault is open and we're giving away a copy of each of Seekerville's
October releases in print or Kindle format. (2 winners)
Oklahoma Reunion (now available)
&
The Captain's Mission (releases Oct 4)
To be entered in the drawing simply comment on today's contest options. What are your contest plans? Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.
&
The Captain's Mission (releases Oct 4)
To be entered in the drawing simply comment on today's contest options. What are your contest plans? Winner announced in the Weekend Edition.
Unpublished Author Contests
The Emily Contest. Deadline: September 30, 2011.All Electronic No synopsis ~ maximum of 7,000 words, Three first-round judges ~ lowest score dropped
Final Round Judges:
Contemporary Single Title:
Agent ~ Stephany Evans, FinePrint Literary Management
Editor ~ Frances Jalet-Miller, Grand Central Publishing
Contemporary Series:
Agent ~ Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Literary Agency
Editor ~ Susan Litman, Harlequin Enterprises
Erotic Romance:
Agent ~ Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds, LLC
Editor ~ Katherine Pelz, Berkley
Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal:
Agent ~ Vickie Motter, Andrea Hurst & Associates
Editor ~ Amanda Bergeron, Avon Books
Historical:
Agent ~ Laura Bradford, Bradford Agency
Editor ~ Leah Hultenschmid, Sourcebooks
Novel with Elements of Romance (including Women's Fiction):
Agent ~ Jenny Bent, The Bent Agency
Editor ~ Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Romantic Suspense:
Agent ~ Elizabeth Pomada, Michael Larsen - Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents
Editor ~ Patience Bloom, Harlequin Enterprises
Young Adult:
Agent ~ Suzie Townsend. FinePrint Literary Management
Editor ~ Sarah Shumway, Katherine Tegen Books
Best of the Best:
Overall contest winner receives a critique of the first 50 pages by Leis Pederson, Berkley Books, Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Judge ~ Karla Hoode, Katy Budget Books
The Mills & Moon New Voices Contest which launched September 13. Deadline October 1oth for entries.
13th September: Upload your first chapters, and read and comment on entries.
10th October: Deadline for your first chapters to be uploaded to the New Voices site.
20th October:It’s the final countdown. The Top Twenty is announced. Woo!
21st October: Second chapters ahoy! The top ten submit more fab writing, and its time to vote for your favorite.
26th October: We announce the Top Four.
27th October:A kiss to remember. Our Top Four upload a pivotal scene to help our judges - and you - pick a winner.
4th November: Our winner is announced.
Prizes include:
Publication of your book
A Mills & Boon Editor for the year
An iPad
A Mills & Boon hamper
2012 Golden Heart Contest
September 21, 2011
2012 Golden Heart Contest opens to entries. Contest entry form will be available on this date.
November 15, 2011
Entry forms and fees must be received by the RWA Office.
December 2, 2011
Entered works must be received in the RWA Office. Failure to meet this deadline shall result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.
December 20, 2011
In case of dispute as to whether the entry form and fee were received, the entrant must produce proof of receipt via copy of canceled check, front and back, or evidence of a credit card charge.
Early January 2012
Preliminary-round judging begins.
March 1, 2012
Preliminary-round score sheets due to RWA Office.
March 26, 2012
Notification will be sent to finalists via e-mail and in writing via a method with signature confirmation. Phone calls to notify finalists will also commence. Complete release of the official finalist list on the RWA website by 2 p.m. CT.
April 14, 2012
Final-round judging begins.
June 1, 2012
RWA Office to receive all final-round score sheets.
The Phoenix Rattler. Opens October 1 and closes October 29. Ten page entry. All electronic. Check out these judges!!
Contemporary Fiction Don Pape, Publisher, David C Cook
Bill Jensen, William K Jensen Literary Agency
Historical Fiction Karen Schurrer, Acquisitions Editor, Adult Fiction, Bethany Hs
Joyce Hart, Agent, Hartline Literary Agency
Suspense/Thriller/Mystery Sue Brower, Executive Editor for Fiction, Zondervan
Elizabeth Mazer, Assistant Editor, Love Inspired Suspense
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory Jeff Gerke, Owner, Marcher Lord Press, Author, Jefferson Scott
Amanda Luedeke, Agent, MacGregor Literary
Young Adult Becky Monds, Associate Editor, Fiction, Thomas Nelson
Rachel Kent, Agent, Books & Such LiteraryAgency
Joanna MacKenzie, Browne & Miller Literary Associates
Women’s Fiction Ami McConnell, Senior Acquisitions Editor, Thomas Nelson
Sandra Bishop, Agent, MacGregor Literary
Judy Mikalonis, Senior Agent, Andrea Hurst & Associates
Linda Howard Award of Excellence. E-Deadline October 15. (A terrific contest, that I won in 2009 with my October release Oklahoma Reunion!) Entry consists of the first 25 pages.
Series/Short & Long Contemporary
Final Judge - Editor: Susan Litman, Harlequin
Final Judge - Agent: Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhil Associates, Ltd.
Single Title
Final Judge - Editor: Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Final Judge - Agent: Jessica Alvarez, Bookends, LLC
Suspense
Final Judge - Editor: Kristin Sevick, Tor/Forge
Final Judge - Agent: Joyce Holland, D4EO
Historical
Final Judge - Editor: Megan Records, Kensington
Final Judge - Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
Unique Genres (Paranormal, Futuristic, Fantasy, Time Travel)
Final Judge - Editor: Melissa Frain, Tor/Forge
Final Judge - Agent: Marlene Stringer, The Stringer Literary Agency
Young Adult
Final Judge - Editor: Adam Wilson, Harlequin Teen
Final Judge - Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
Gotcha! E-Deadline October 30. (A great contest to test the contest waters!!) Submit the first 15 pages.
Harlequin/Silhouette Series:
Susan Litman, Silhouette
Single Title/Mainstream Contemporary:
Meredith Giordan, Berkeley/Jove
Mystery/Romantic Suspense:
Allison Lyons, Harlequin Intrigue
Historical (Before 1945):
TBA
Paranormal (Specialty/Time Travel/Fantasy):
Sue Grimshaw, Ballentine/Bantam Dell
Inspirational:
TBA
Pikes Peak Fiction Writing Contest. (Membership in the Pikes Peak Writers is free!) September 15, 2011: The 2012 PPW Fiction Writing Contest opens and begins to accept entries. November 15, 2011, 11:59 p.m., Mountain Time: Deadline to submit contest entries. All electronic. Check the guidelines as this contest is also open to short stories. Basically the synopsis and first chapter. (synopsis up to 1,250 words and first chapter up to 4,000 words)
Keep an eye on the website. Finalist judging list is incomplete at this time.
2012 Contest Categories
Children's (Ages 8-12)
Young Adult (Ages 12-18)
Historical Fiction
Mainstream
Mystery/Suspense/Intrigue
Romance
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
Short Stories (all genres)
Published Author Contests
RWA RITA Award
September 21, 2011
RITA Contest entry is available for Eligible Novels and Novellas. Contest entry form will be available on this date.
November 30, 2011
Deadline for entry forms and fees to be received by the RWA Office.
January 2, 2012
Deadline for books to be received at the RWA Office. Failure to meet this deadline will result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.
January 20, 2012
Preliminary-round judging begins.
January 20, 2012
In case of dispute as to whether the entry form and fees were received, the entrant must produce proof of receipt via a copy of a canceled check, front and back, or evidence of a credit card charge.
March 7, 2012
Preliminary-round score sheets due to RWA Office.
March 26, 2012
Notification will be sent to finalists via e-mail and in writing via a method with signature confirmation. Phone calls to notify finalists will also commence. Complete release of the official finalist list on RWA website by 2 p.m. CT.
April 9, 2012
Deadline for finalists to send additional books to the RWA Office.
April 14, 2012
Final-round judging begins.
June 1, 2012
RWA Office to receive all final-round score sheets.
Everything Else
The Suzannah fits both the Published and Unpublished Categories so it is definitely a fun contest concept, here's more...
The Suzannah is different from most other writers’ contests in that published authors and unpublished writers all compete against one another in a single pool of entries without categories. Yep, you read that right. Published and unpublished writers all hashing it out together for a spot as one of the six finalists. The only criteria we require is that the manuscript fit within the romance genre and that it be unpublished and uncontracted.
Why would we do such a thing? Because this format allows published authors to anonymously test the waters in a new genre. It also gives unpublished writers the experience and prestige of having their writing judged as in the ‘real world’ against already established authors—just the way it is on an editor’s desk! And the best part is, if you final, your work will go before a panel of at least six (YES SIX!!) agents and editors who will pick the best of the lot.
September 1st–the Suzannah is open for entries from the general public
October 1st–the Suzannah is closed for entries. Entries must be received by midnight CST.
All six finalists will have their entries evaluated by the full panel of agents and editors.
Our 2011 panel of final round judges includes:
• Megan Records, Editor, Kensington Books
• Leah Hultenschmidt, Senior Editor, Sourcebooks
• Johanna Raisanen, Editor, Harlequin American
• Helen Breitwieser, Literary Agent, Cornerstone Literary Agency
• Weronika Janczuk, Literary Agent, D4EO Literary Agency
• Laura Bradford, Literary Agent, The Bradford Literary Agency
Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
Three hundred dollars in cash, donated by the Nelson Family in memory of romance author Suzannah Nelson Davis, and a trophy.
Contest capped at 120 entries. Entry should be a maximum of 7,200 words, including synopsis.
WOW: Women On Writing Fiction Quarterly Contest. Open September - November 30th, Midnight (Pacific Time). "WOW! hosts a (quarterly) writing contest every three months. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, communication, and well-rewarded recognition to contestants. The contest is open globally; age is of no matter; and entries must be in English. We are open to all styles of writing, although we do encourage you to take a close look at our guest judge for the season and the flavor of our sponsor, if you are serious about winning. We love creativity, originality, and light-hearted reads. That's not to say that our guest judge will feel the same... so go wild! Express yourself, and most of all, let's have some fun!"
Maximum: 750--Minimum: 250 The title is not to be counted in your word count. We use MS Word's word count to determine the submitted entry's word count.Open Prompt: Open to any style and genre. From horror to romance!
Entry Fee: $10.00 We are limiting the amount of entries to a maximum of 300 stories. Please enter early to ensure inclusion. If we reach 300 entries, we will disable the PayPal buttons.
Check out the great prizes, including cash! Final judge is Literary Agent Andrea Hurst.
That's it. Now, go forth and contest!
The Emily Contest. Deadline: September 30, 2011.All Electronic No synopsis ~ maximum of 7,000 words, Three first-round judges ~ lowest score dropped
Final Round Judges:
Contemporary Single Title:
Agent ~ Stephany Evans, FinePrint Literary Management
Editor ~ Frances Jalet-Miller, Grand Central Publishing
Contemporary Series:
Agent ~ Scott Eagan, Greyhaus Literary Agency
Editor ~ Susan Litman, Harlequin Enterprises
Erotic Romance:
Agent ~ Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds, LLC
Editor ~ Katherine Pelz, Berkley
Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal:
Agent ~ Vickie Motter, Andrea Hurst & Associates
Editor ~ Amanda Bergeron, Avon Books
Historical:
Agent ~ Laura Bradford, Bradford Agency
Editor ~ Leah Hultenschmid, Sourcebooks
Novel with Elements of Romance (including Women's Fiction):
Agent ~ Jenny Bent, The Bent Agency
Editor ~ Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Romantic Suspense:
Agent ~ Elizabeth Pomada, Michael Larsen - Elizabeth Pomada Literary Agents
Editor ~ Patience Bloom, Harlequin Enterprises
Young Adult:
Agent ~ Suzie Townsend. FinePrint Literary Management
Editor ~ Sarah Shumway, Katherine Tegen Books
Best of the Best:
Overall contest winner receives a critique of the first 50 pages by Leis Pederson, Berkley Books, Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Judge ~ Karla Hoode, Katy Budget Books
The Mills & Moon New Voices Contest which launched September 13. Deadline October 1oth for entries.
13th September: Upload your first chapters, and read and comment on entries.
10th October: Deadline for your first chapters to be uploaded to the New Voices site.
20th October:It’s the final countdown. The Top Twenty is announced. Woo!
21st October: Second chapters ahoy! The top ten submit more fab writing, and its time to vote for your favorite.
26th October: We announce the Top Four.
27th October:A kiss to remember. Our Top Four upload a pivotal scene to help our judges - and you - pick a winner.
4th November: Our winner is announced.
Prizes include:
Publication of your book
A Mills & Boon Editor for the year
An iPad
A Mills & Boon hamper
2012 Golden Heart Contest
September 21, 2011
2012 Golden Heart Contest opens to entries. Contest entry form will be available on this date.
November 15, 2011
Entry forms and fees must be received by the RWA Office.
December 2, 2011
Entered works must be received in the RWA Office. Failure to meet this deadline shall result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.
December 20, 2011
In case of dispute as to whether the entry form and fee were received, the entrant must produce proof of receipt via copy of canceled check, front and back, or evidence of a credit card charge.
Early January 2012
Preliminary-round judging begins.
March 1, 2012
Preliminary-round score sheets due to RWA Office.
March 26, 2012
Notification will be sent to finalists via e-mail and in writing via a method with signature confirmation. Phone calls to notify finalists will also commence. Complete release of the official finalist list on the RWA website by 2 p.m. CT.
April 14, 2012
Final-round judging begins.
June 1, 2012
RWA Office to receive all final-round score sheets.
The Phoenix Rattler. Opens October 1 and closes October 29. Ten page entry. All electronic. Check out these judges!!
Contemporary Fiction Don Pape, Publisher, David C Cook
Bill Jensen, William K Jensen Literary Agency
Historical Fiction Karen Schurrer, Acquisitions Editor, Adult Fiction, Bethany Hs
Joyce Hart, Agent, Hartline Literary Agency
Suspense/Thriller/Mystery Sue Brower, Executive Editor for Fiction, Zondervan
Elizabeth Mazer, Assistant Editor, Love Inspired Suspense
Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Allegory Jeff Gerke, Owner, Marcher Lord Press, Author, Jefferson Scott
Amanda Luedeke, Agent, MacGregor Literary
Young Adult Becky Monds, Associate Editor, Fiction, Thomas Nelson
Rachel Kent, Agent, Books & Such LiteraryAgency
Joanna MacKenzie, Browne & Miller Literary Associates
Women’s Fiction Ami McConnell, Senior Acquisitions Editor, Thomas Nelson
Sandra Bishop, Agent, MacGregor Literary
Judy Mikalonis, Senior Agent, Andrea Hurst & Associates
Linda Howard Award of Excellence. E-Deadline October 15. (A terrific contest, that I won in 2009 with my October release Oklahoma Reunion!) Entry consists of the first 25 pages.
Series/Short & Long Contemporary
Final Judge - Editor: Susan Litman, Harlequin
Final Judge - Agent: Nalini Akolekar, Spencerhil Associates, Ltd.
Single Title
Final Judge - Editor: Deb Werksman, Sourcebooks
Final Judge - Agent: Jessica Alvarez, Bookends, LLC
Suspense
Final Judge - Editor: Kristin Sevick, Tor/Forge
Final Judge - Agent: Joyce Holland, D4EO
Historical
Final Judge - Editor: Megan Records, Kensington
Final Judge - Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
Unique Genres (Paranormal, Futuristic, Fantasy, Time Travel)
Final Judge - Editor: Melissa Frain, Tor/Forge
Final Judge - Agent: Marlene Stringer, The Stringer Literary Agency
Young Adult
Final Judge - Editor: Adam Wilson, Harlequin Teen
Final Judge - Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
Gotcha! E-Deadline October 30. (A great contest to test the contest waters!!) Submit the first 15 pages.
Harlequin/Silhouette Series:
Susan Litman, Silhouette
Single Title/Mainstream Contemporary:
Meredith Giordan, Berkeley/Jove
Mystery/Romantic Suspense:
Allison Lyons, Harlequin Intrigue
Historical (Before 1945):
TBA
Paranormal (Specialty/Time Travel/Fantasy):
Sue Grimshaw, Ballentine/Bantam Dell
Inspirational:
TBA
Pikes Peak Fiction Writing Contest. (Membership in the Pikes Peak Writers is free!) September 15, 2011: The 2012 PPW Fiction Writing Contest opens and begins to accept entries. November 15, 2011, 11:59 p.m., Mountain Time: Deadline to submit contest entries. All electronic. Check the guidelines as this contest is also open to short stories. Basically the synopsis and first chapter. (synopsis up to 1,250 words and first chapter up to 4,000 words)
Keep an eye on the website. Finalist judging list is incomplete at this time.
2012 Contest Categories
Children's (Ages 8-12)
Young Adult (Ages 12-18)
Historical Fiction
Mainstream
Mystery/Suspense/Intrigue
Romance
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror
Short Stories (all genres)
Published Author Contests
RWA RITA Award
September 21, 2011
RITA Contest entry is available for Eligible Novels and Novellas. Contest entry form will be available on this date.
November 30, 2011
Deadline for entry forms and fees to be received by the RWA Office.
January 2, 2012
Deadline for books to be received at the RWA Office. Failure to meet this deadline will result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.
January 20, 2012
Preliminary-round judging begins.
January 20, 2012
In case of dispute as to whether the entry form and fees were received, the entrant must produce proof of receipt via a copy of a canceled check, front and back, or evidence of a credit card charge.
March 7, 2012
Preliminary-round score sheets due to RWA Office.
March 26, 2012
Notification will be sent to finalists via e-mail and in writing via a method with signature confirmation. Phone calls to notify finalists will also commence. Complete release of the official finalist list on RWA website by 2 p.m. CT.
April 9, 2012
Deadline for finalists to send additional books to the RWA Office.
April 14, 2012
Final-round judging begins.
June 1, 2012
RWA Office to receive all final-round score sheets.
Everything Else
The Suzannah fits both the Published and Unpublished Categories so it is definitely a fun contest concept, here's more...
The Suzannah is different from most other writers’ contests in that published authors and unpublished writers all compete against one another in a single pool of entries without categories. Yep, you read that right. Published and unpublished writers all hashing it out together for a spot as one of the six finalists. The only criteria we require is that the manuscript fit within the romance genre and that it be unpublished and uncontracted.
Why would we do such a thing? Because this format allows published authors to anonymously test the waters in a new genre. It also gives unpublished writers the experience and prestige of having their writing judged as in the ‘real world’ against already established authors—just the way it is on an editor’s desk! And the best part is, if you final, your work will go before a panel of at least six (YES SIX!!) agents and editors who will pick the best of the lot.
September 1st–the Suzannah is open for entries from the general public
October 1st–the Suzannah is closed for entries. Entries must be received by midnight CST.
All six finalists will have their entries evaluated by the full panel of agents and editors.
Our 2011 panel of final round judges includes:
• Megan Records, Editor, Kensington Books
• Leah Hultenschmidt, Senior Editor, Sourcebooks
• Johanna Raisanen, Editor, Harlequin American
• Helen Breitwieser, Literary Agent, Cornerstone Literary Agency
• Weronika Janczuk, Literary Agent, D4EO Literary Agency
• Laura Bradford, Literary Agent, The Bradford Literary Agency
Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
Three hundred dollars in cash, donated by the Nelson Family in memory of romance author Suzannah Nelson Davis, and a trophy.
Contest capped at 120 entries. Entry should be a maximum of 7,200 words, including synopsis.
WOW: Women On Writing Fiction Quarterly Contest. Open September - November 30th, Midnight (Pacific Time). "WOW! hosts a (quarterly) writing contest every three months. The mission of this contest is to inspire creativity, communication, and well-rewarded recognition to contestants. The contest is open globally; age is of no matter; and entries must be in English. We are open to all styles of writing, although we do encourage you to take a close look at our guest judge for the season and the flavor of our sponsor, if you are serious about winning. We love creativity, originality, and light-hearted reads. That's not to say that our guest judge will feel the same... so go wild! Express yourself, and most of all, let's have some fun!"
Maximum: 750--Minimum: 250 The title is not to be counted in your word count. We use MS Word's word count to determine the submitted entry's word count.Open Prompt: Open to any style and genre. From horror to romance!
Entry Fee: $10.00 We are limiting the amount of entries to a maximum of 300 stories. Please enter early to ensure inclusion. If we reach 300 entries, we will disable the PayPal buttons.
Check out the great prizes, including cash! Final judge is Literary Agent Andrea Hurst.
That's it. Now, go forth and contest!
So so so wonderful to meet all the Seeker/Seeker Villagers who were at ACFW!!!!
ReplyDeleteQuestion about contests... what is meant by 'contemporary series'? Is that like a 'Love Finds You in...' thing? Or that I plan for my MS to be first in a series?
Maybe it's conference overload but I'm not sure on that one ;).
Virtual hugs to all who weren't at conference! Wish I could have met all of you too!
And virtual Panera too :D. The calorie free kind!
carolmoncado at gmail dot com
The coffee pot is ready.
ReplyDeleteJanet was right about our highest and lowest moments seeming to come back to back.
I received great news and tips Thursday and Friday. Then Friday night I got word of the suicide in my family (as posted late that night). A lot to deal with.
Overall the conference was wonderful. I smoozed, learned, and networked. Now I have work to do.
One of the new friends I made is Rose Zediker. She has to be the sweetest thing in South Dakota!
Prayers for my family are still coveted.
Helen
You know, I haven't really thought too much about entering a contest yet since my first completed manuscript needs to be edited still, and I'm only four chapters into my second manuscript... But I remember someone posted the other day here about entering contests even if you don't have a completed manuscript, to see if you're on the right track. So...would any of you Seekers be willing to pray for me to see if I should enter a contest? I'd sure appreciate it! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Phoenix Rattler looks right up my alley if I were to enter a contest! Fabulous judges, only 10 pages, and a possible chance to win ACFW conference registration for next year!! It would be a dream come true. :)
Not sure yet if I'll enter, but I'll keep it in mind and pray about it. Thanks so much for these updates! :)
Oh, and I'd love a chance to win The Captain's Mission! Thank you!
~Amber
stokes[dot]a[at]suddenlink[dot]net
Helen...
ReplyDeleteI'd missed that info. Will certainly pray.
That's a reality check for us all.
Thx for contest info Tina. So your wonderful book was a big winner in 2009. And now it's here!
Carol, Helen and rest of Seekerville - so glad a fun time was had by all. Thanks for sharing the fun.
I don't think I'll be contesting just now. Perhaps in spring with book 2, but we'll see. :)
Lots of great contests. Unfortunately I haven't been writing because I've been preoccupied with a new baby this summer. It will be awhile before I get back into a regular writing routine.
ReplyDeleteCarol, series romance = category romance. For purposes of contests that means Harlequin: Romance, American, Supers, Intrigue, Love Inspired etc..
ReplyDeleteTeenster, thanks for the update, chica!
ReplyDeleteCAROL!!!! So wonderful to meet you in person and thank you for the real cookies!!!! I'm still loving them from afar!
Helen, oh, so sorry! I didn't see you to hear that on Saturday, but yes, praying. Suicide is so tragic on both sorrow and guilt... Always the question of "I would have helped if I'd known..."
Praying, my sweet friend. I was so delighted and pleased to meet you and just have so much fun with you.
Carol, loved meeting you and the cookies you brought were YUMMY. And real. Not virtual. How great is that?
ReplyDeleteHelen, it was super meeting you also and I'm so sorry about your family crisis. Praying for all of you. And you're right, Rose was the first Seeker friend I met during my short pop in.
Loved meeting others and seeing some of you I'd met before. I was only there one evening so missed many of you. Glad you all had such a great time.
Amber, go for it. Phoenix Rattler is a great start. You will get good feedback I'm sure.
Tina, you're always so super with the contest updates. Woo hoo. I get to enter published contests this year.
Wow! Being new to this blog, I didn't realize that you post upcoming contests. That's great. Do most contests provide feedback for the entries submitted?
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these. I don't know if I'll submit to any this month, but I plan to in the future. Thanks for showing us what's coming up.
For me, the conference was wonderful but overwhelming. I didn't meet nearly as many of you Seekers and friends of Seekers as I'd hoped to. Guess that means I'll have to go again next year :)
ReplyDeleteI first read about last year's Gotcha contest here and entered. The judges' comments were invaluable in helping me prepare my Genesis entry--which I also read up on here. I read Dr. Stanley Williams' article here and signed up for the early bird . . . I could go on and on!
Thanks for all you do, Seeker ladies! Blessings!
Wow, that's a lot of contest! I not a writer - just a reader so I don't enter writing contest.
ReplyDeleteHelen, so sorry about your bad news. Hope things are getting better. I pray God gives you and your family comfort.
I'm off to get coffee!
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Oh, all these contests look so tempting! Will have to think and pray...the Phoenix Rattler is tempting, but that WOW short story contest looks like fun :)
ReplyDeleteGlad everyone had a great time at the conference. Wish I could have been there, and not just for cookies! Am already saving up for next year.
And Helen, so sorry to hear your news. We fight against a terrible enemy. My prayers will be with you and your family...
Jeanne, I'd say all of them provide feedback except the Golden Heart which is the top of the pack. The creme de la creme of unpublished writing contests.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back conference goers! Hope you had a super time!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. I've been working on an entry for the Emily, and the Linda Howard Award of Excellence looks like a possibility.
I'm excited, because this week I start judging entries for a contest. It's my first go around judging and I look forward to the experience and pray I can provide some help to those entered.
--Kirsten
This is where it all began folks. All the Seekers started as contest divas. Entering small contests and working our way up the line.
ReplyDeleteGlynna Kaye sold due to the Golden Pen, Ruth due to Finally A Bride.
They are also a great way to meet editors and agents.
No risk, no reward. So if your msc is ready and you're ready..take that first step.
Start out small as Renee did with a 15 page contest like the Gotcha.
And WOOT WOOT, Renee Ann Smith WON HER CATEGORY OF THE GENESIS!~~
Congratulations, Renee, you diva you!!!
Patsy, um...
ReplyDeleteThe phrase "just a reader" is NOT ALLOWED in Seekerville... Dear heavens, woman, we LOVE READERS....
I'm so glad you come over here, it's just a hoot of fun. And writers like nothing more than talking books/writing/reading/readers/plots fun stuff that we get a kick out of sharing with youse guys.
Just a reader???? Honey. You're what every one of us covets... Nicely, of course!!!!!
Kirsten, judging is hugely helpful to your own writing. Come back and share when you are done. No names, but I mean how it helped your writing.
ReplyDeleteYep. No readers = no books.
ReplyDeleteWe love readers, librarians, booksellers and chocolatiers.
Thanks for the contest updates. I think I'll try a couple different ones this month too.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back all of you who were in St. Louis this past weekend. Looking forward to hearing how it was.
Blessings,
Jodie Wolfe
Helen, prayers for your family. When you're ready, the book Aftershock by David Cox might be helpful. I know it has been for many people, including me.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting and waiting for the Rattler to roll around! =) Since my book isn't a romance, well, the one that's finished, hehe, I've been much pickier. Chasing the Lion gets Rattler, and then Genesis next year, and then that's it. It goes under the bed to age like fine wine while I'm working on the STILL untitled contemporary romance.
Thanks Tina!
Wise, Nancy. It is always wise to have a game plan. Always.
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteTaking a quick break from work to stop by.
FABULOUS to meet everyone!
And Tina, great contest post. I still in Post Conference Shock Disorder - so I might not be entering any contests for a few months...but who knows.
Chocolate for medicinal purposes can cure PCSD, I hear. Oh what am I writing? Chocolate cures all sorts of things ;-)
Just finished some tips from post conference ups & downs posted at The Writers Alley- if you guys need some encouragement.
I needed the reminder, because sometimes the post conference crash can be tough.
And someday....SOMEDAY, I'll be able to use the acceptance speech I didn't write to mention how much I love the Seekers ;-)
(figure that one out)
Soooo sorry, Helen.
ReplyDeleteWill be praying for your family
My condolences and prayers, Helen. May you and yours feel God's comforting arms about you.
ReplyDeleteWith love Tina Pinson
Thanks for the contest updates. Not sure which, if any, I'll enter. Must think some more!
ReplyDeleteHelen, so sorry to hear of your family's loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
It would seen I won the Phoenix Rattle was a year too soon. The line up of Judges looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest update Miss T.
Blessings
Tina II
You can read your acceptance speech here, Pepper. Cause you are always a winner to us.
ReplyDeleteDropping off fresh brownies... I need a mid-day pick-me-up. I know, I know... it should be cabbage related.
ReplyDeleteBut the cookies look better.
Tina's right about contests. If your manuscript is ready to be read by critiquers, it's ready for small contests....
OR....
Work harder and get it more ready. Thing is, it's not always easy to see the problems through our eyes, right???
Oooo, WHAT FUN!!!!
ReplyDeleteI already gave the preview to Debbie and Janet. LOL
Btw, Camy emailed the finalist to make the acceptance speech 30 seconds or less. I emailed her back and said, "How am i supposed to do that? You know once I add my Appalachian accent I'll barely be able to get out "I'm honored" and "thank you Jesus" -so she said she'd give me 45 seconds. :-)
READY!
Sometimes dreams are so big that it takes lots of people to dream them with you. My parents and granny dreamed with me since I was a little girl making up crazy stories -a nd now that I'm a big girl making up crazy stories, God's added so many people to dream with me.
I won't be able to mention everyone, but I'd like to acknowledge two wonderful groups of ladies.
1. The Alley Cats who have inspired me with their love and encouragement for over a year now. I'm so glad God brought you all into my life.
2. The FABULOUS FIFTEEN of Seekerville. You will never know what inspiration you have been to me.
It's wonderful to be a part of a group of people who still believe in imaginary friends - but more importantly it's a blessing to be a part of a group of authors who believe in a Savior who dreams BIG for his kids.
So- there ya go. Seekers and Alley Cats (and all those in between) that's my thanks ;-)
Ruthy's probably vomiting in her mouth right now.
Geez, I need an editor for my speech.
ReplyDeleteMy brain is mush - so ignore the bad writing :-)
Great speech, Pepper! I'm glad we got to see it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mia.
ReplyDeleteMary Curry put up a video of her speech and it's super-sweet! I think she might have mentioned it in one of her comments. The Seekers are in her speech too -so if you have time you should check it out :-)
We were texting during the announcements. Good times! :-)
Welcome back from ACFW, everybody! Congrats to Renee Ann and the finalists who rose to the top of a very large pile to be among the best in the business.
ReplyDeleteOn a somber note, thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Helen.
ReplyDeleteCAROL!!! It's' the cookie girl!!!
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your coffee was just as delicious in person as it is here.
ReplyDeleteJust exactly as delicious.
No better.
No worse.
:)
PEPPER!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI saw you right at the end while we were waiting for a shuttle. I stood too far from you to talk, thinking I should stay in line. And then the shuttle finally came and I couldn't find you? Did you leave? Take a taxi? I knew someone did grab a taxi and I wondered if you hopped in, too.
Welcome back from ACFW, everyone! Hope your time there was blessed.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really considered entering contests, and I'm not sure why. A few of those look interesting, but since my WIP isn't necessarily a full-on romance, I may need to look elsewhere. Although the Phoenix Rattler looks like it might work, and woo! The winner gets ACFW registration next year! I may try just for that!
Prayers for you and your family, Helen.
~Stephanie
Hey Mary,
ReplyDeleteMary Vee was going to miss her flight if we didn't leave earlier, so we took a taxi with Ramona Richards (TOTAL God-thing ;-)
Mary Vee made it to her flight with only minutes to spare!
PTL
I would have loved to chat, but I have PLENTY of wonderful memories(and hugs) with you to remember, Mare. You are such a blessing! LOVED seeing you!
I love Pepper's speech! I was one of those folks who really had not considered winning a possibility and had not written a speech. I was holding my camera ready to snap Kelli Hughett's pic (the woman I expected to win) and suddenly heard my name . . . I intended to thank the generous ACFW authors who help so many of us and think I did get words to that affect out. Oh, well . . .
ReplyDeleteBTW, I do want to add that all you Seekers and friends of Seekers are pretty gorgeous in person. Your photos don't do you justice!
And, Helen, I'm praying for your family. So sad for all of you.
Welcome back everyone. Hope you had a great time at conference. Great post Tina! Thanks for the contest updates.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying the Phoenix Rattler in October to get my feet wet. I think I may have said that on here already. LOL. I'm looking forward to it.
Oh! Shameless plug for my first ever writing blog: sweetsouthblog.blogspot.com. I'm starting a series on Encouragement for Writers From Women of the Bible where I'll be hosting fictional interviews with Bible characters. I'm so excited about it! Stop by and comment on my latest post if you want to suggest a woman to interview. :)
I simply CANNOT believe it's time for the contest update!! IIIMMMMpossible! It simply CAN'T be October on Saturday!
ReplyDeleteI'm not entering contest in October, though it was originally in my plan. I'm replotting and character creating, etc etc etc on my current WIP, so I can write it up for NaNo (yeah- my first year of it! gulp!).
But that doesn't mean I don't want a book :) please enter me.
joanne(at)joannesher(dot)com
Helen,
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for your family. Didn't realize the pain you were going through while at ACFW. All I saw was your beautiful smile.
Carol,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the cookies!!! So yummy! Now to exercise the calories away.
So good seeing you. Thanks for the hugs too!
Good luck to everyone who enters!
ReplyDeleteCynthia, enjoy every minute with your sweet baby. They grow up too fast. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for your loss, Helen. I'll be praying for God's grace to be with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteRenee, so great seeing you at ACFW!!! You looked beautiful on stage receiving your award!!! YAY, you!!!!
ReplyDeleteWaving to Amber! Thanks for mentioning my book! :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously?? Where is Mary Curry's video posted. Oh THAT is going in the WE ed. for sure.
ReplyDeleteGive me a link someone.
Pepper,
ReplyDeleteLoved your speech, honey! Thanks for mentioning the Seekers.
And you rode to the airport with Ramona? My, my, God is bringing you two together at every turn.
Smilin' in GA!
Here ya go, Tina
ReplyDeletehttp://myplacebythesea.blogspot.com/
Debby,
ReplyDeleteI'll take those smiles ANY TIME - but please add some prayers along with them ;-)
Ramona is a real sweetheart (and a Tennessean, which makes her even sweeter ;-)
Natalie,
ReplyDeleteLove your new blog. Tried to leave a comment, but blogger was acting up!
BTW, one of my fav Bible gals is Deborah.
Wonder why? :)
Yes, yes, yes, Pepper!
ReplyDeleteLots of prayers!
BTW, I'm praying for everyone working on a submission, especially for any requests from ACFW.
ReplyDeleteTalked to my sister today. Her family is in disarray. All so sad. Thanks to everyone for your prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on those submissions Debby mentioned. Hard to stay focused.
Helen
Still praying, Ms. Helen!! hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get home to watch Mary's video. That clever girl!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful to have all the Seekers here again. Great speech you wrote, Pepper. Rejoicing with all the finalists and the winners of the contests. Thanks, Tina, for the contest update. I'm thinking of you, Helen, and praying.
ReplyDeleteI'd love 1 or 3 of Carol's cookies right now! Thanks so much for sharing them!!!
ReplyDeleteConference was great. It was fantastic to meet so many new people--especially people whose names I see every day on this blog. And of course, I always look forward to meeting other Seekers.
Cara - it's part of my diabolical plan to... er, something ;). I tried to use them to pry Candy Calvert's latest MS out of her. It didn't work as well as I'd hoped... But don't tell her that.
ReplyDeleteI did, however, finagle the very first ever Pepper Basham autographed ACFW gala program.
Be jealous. Be very jealous.
:D
Helen - praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWas so wonderful seeing you again.
Oh Pepper, Now you did it!
ReplyDeleteLOL
Yes, Tina, I figured out a way to say thank you and make a fool of myself at the same time. :) I tried to post a thank you to the ACFW loop but I'm not even sure it went through.
And yes, I might have thanked Seekerville in it. :) And the gang who hung out with me online Saturday night.
I had to find some way to say thanks because I felt so badly that I couldn't thank everyone in person.
Helen, I'm praying for you and your family. I've had a few friends go through that so I know how hard it can be.
Renee!!!! I know I got to say CONGRATS on our Northeast loop but congratulations to you. I know what you mean about waiting to see someone else's name go up. I'm glad I just heard there's a copy of the stream because I was so busy thinking they had the wrong picture up that I kind of missed it.
Happy Monday, Seekers. Can't wait for your October celebration.
Mary
Pepper - I love your speech.
Glad you conference ladies are back....safe and well! I would love to win either of the books offered today! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the contest updates! I am not planning on entering any of the contests but good luck to all who do. Hugs and prayers for your family Helen!! I am looking forward to all the pics and stories from ACFW!! Would love to win either book! I brought some tea to go with the brownies that were dropped off if there are any left.
ReplyDeletefantum2004ATsbcglobalDOTnet
Glad everyone had a blast at the conference.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to stick to my rule not to enter a contest until I have the manuscript finished, but the Rattler is sure tempting. I've never entered it before.
I'd love to either book.
I've been looking at the Pheonix contest, but I think I need to skip the prologue.
ReplyDeleteGotcha sounded interesting, so I may look into that also.
Thanks for the list and reminding I need to enter.
I'd love to win Tina's book. (Already read Debbie's)
Thanks!
Jackie
Thanks for the contest updates, Tina! Loved seeing everyone in St. Louis but it's great to be back home in Seekerville! Cngratulations finalists and winners!!
ReplyDeleteCarol M, delicous chocolate chip cookies! Thank you!
Pepper, loved your speech!
Janet
Helen, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Janet
Thanks for all this information, Tina. Hmmm....not sure yet about contests, but most likely will wait and enter the Genesis again. ~ For some reason I was thinking you'd be at the ACFW Conference and kept looking for you! When I finally asked someone (can't remember who) if they'd seen you, they told me you weren't there. *sad sigh* ~ Anyway, one of these days I DO hope to meet you in person. And it was WONDERFUL meeting some of the Seekers and Seeker Friends!! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Patti Jo
Congrats to all the winners! I'm also one of those "just a reader" but I am grateful to all of you who write because without you, what would I read???!! I live with chronic pain (a new lifestyle I'm getting used to now) and the only thing that gets me through many of my worst days is your books so thanks from the bottom of my heart! I'm glad so many of you enter these contests because that's how I have new writers to enjoy! Good luck to all who enter! Can't wait to read Tina's book! I've been waiting for it to come out!
ReplyDeleteValri westernaz@msn.com
P.S. Dear Helen, I just now read your sad news, and please know you and your family are in my prayers. ~ On a positive note, it was wonderful meeting you (in the ladies' restroom, where I met several folks this weekend, LOL - - at times that seemed "the place to be"). Hugs and Prayers, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteI would love to enter a contest but I'm just not ready yet. Guess I need more discipline. Would love to be entered to win The Captain's Mission or Oklahoma Reunion. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteSmiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
No contest plans as I'm only a reader not a writer. I'd love to win these books to read.
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Patti Jo, I am sure we will meet in the restroom, soon! LOL. That's how I met Ruthy!! Good things happen in the ladies room.
ReplyDeleteSo many contests...so little time!
ReplyDeleteI'm a reader, not a writer but I do have a blog where I enter reviews and list contests that I have entered. A BIG thank you to all you writers, where would us readers be without you! Love ya.
ReplyDeletewfnren(at)aol(dot)com