May is here and it's time for another contest update.
Share your contest goals or tell us what you're planting
for a chance at today's giveaways.
First up a LI Bundle (print or Kindle)
Mending the Doctor's Heart,
The Lawman's Second Chance
The Bride Wore Spurs
for a chance at today's giveaways.
First up a LI Bundle (print or Kindle)
Mending the Doctor's Heart,
The Lawman's Second Chance
The Bride Wore Spurs
AND...
to one gardener ...
A pair of Muddy Mate Gloves.
AND we have a third giveaway of a one chapter and synopsis
(up to 35 pages) contest entry
critique of an inspirational or sweet romance, to include:
YA, Contemporary, Historical, RS, and WF.
Published Author Contests
The Maggie Awards for Published Romance Novelists. Deadline May 8.
Aspen Gold. Deadline June 1. Open to epublished books.
The Maggie Awards for Published Romance Novelists. Deadline May 8.
Aspen Gold. Deadline June 1. Open to epublished books.
Golden Leaf Contest. Deadline June 17. Open to RWA Region 1 and NJRW members published in novel-length romance.
Unpublished Author Contests
Ignite the Flame. Deadline May 11. Contest open to unpublished, uncontracted, book-length (40,000 words or more) manuscripts. COFW recognizes self-published books as published.
Entry: scene of your hero or heroine's first meeting or reunion (up to 15 pages.) You may also submit an optional, un-judged, one-page set-up providing necessary background for the first-meeting, as a page within your attached submission.
*Romantic Suspense -- Rebecca Strauss literary agent Mckintosh and Otis Inc
*Historical -- Julie Mianecki Junior editor Berkley
*Single-title -- Kate Dresser Editor HQN
*Paranormal -- Alicia Condon editor Kensington
*Young Adult -- Annie Stone associate editor Harlequin TEEN
*Erotic Romance -- Nicole Fischer Editorial Assistant Avon
*Category-length contemporary -- Allison Carroll Editorial Assistant Harlequin Desire
The Golden Acorn Quick Look Hook. Deadline May 20. Each entry includes: An attention-grabbing description of your book that will intrigue any reader (think of a book's back cover copy or the meat of a query letter). Limit 200 words.The first three pages of your manuscript, double spaced, proper ms format. For finalists, a synopsis will be required. Contest is open to unpublished and published authors (who may enter only with an unpublished manuscript).Categories and Final Round Judges:
Paranormal Romance - Chris Keeslar, editor Boroughs Publishing
Historical (short or long and Regencies) - Linda Ingmanson, editor Samhain
Contemporary - Rebecca Strauss, agent at McIntosh & Otis, Inc.
Mainstream with Romantic Elements - Susan Litman, Harlequin Special Edition editor
Young Adult - Eric Ruben, agent
The Emerald City Opener. Deadline May 31. Entry:Your novel's opening hook, the first seven pages of your manuscript.
Tara Parsons, Harlequin - Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Selina McLemorre - Grand Central - Historical
Chris Keesler - Boroughs Publishing - Paranormal
Sarah Younger - Nancy Yost Literary Agency - Contemporary
Courtney Miller-Callihan - Sanford J. Greenberger Associates - Young Adult
Ellen Smith, Publisher, Champagne Book Group - Erotica
Judith Engracia with Liza Dawson Associates - Romantic Suspense
The Catherine. Deadline June 1st. Entry: First pages plus a synopsis: Maximum 7500 words.
Entry: scene of your hero or heroine's first meeting or reunion (up to 15 pages.) You may also submit an optional, un-judged, one-page set-up providing necessary background for the first-meeting, as a page within your attached submission.
*Romantic Suspense -- Rebecca Strauss literary agent Mckintosh and Otis Inc
*Historical -- Julie Mianecki Junior editor Berkley
*Single-title -- Kate Dresser Editor HQN
*Paranormal -- Alicia Condon editor Kensington
*Young Adult -- Annie Stone associate editor Harlequin TEEN
*Erotic Romance -- Nicole Fischer Editorial Assistant Avon
*Category-length contemporary -- Allison Carroll Editorial Assistant Harlequin Desire
The Golden Acorn Quick Look Hook. Deadline May 20. Each entry includes: An attention-grabbing description of your book that will intrigue any reader (think of a book's back cover copy or the meat of a query letter). Limit 200 words.The first three pages of your manuscript, double spaced, proper ms format. For finalists, a synopsis will be required. Contest is open to unpublished and published authors (who may enter only with an unpublished manuscript).Categories and Final Round Judges:
Paranormal Romance - Chris Keeslar, editor Boroughs Publishing
Historical (short or long and Regencies) - Linda Ingmanson, editor Samhain
Contemporary - Rebecca Strauss, agent at McIntosh & Otis, Inc.
Mainstream with Romantic Elements - Susan Litman, Harlequin Special Edition editor
Young Adult - Eric Ruben, agent
The Emerald City Opener. Deadline May 31. Entry:Your novel's opening hook, the first seven pages of your manuscript.
Tara Parsons, Harlequin - Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
Selina McLemorre - Grand Central - Historical
Chris Keesler - Boroughs Publishing - Paranormal
Sarah Younger - Nancy Yost Literary Agency - Contemporary
Courtney Miller-Callihan - Sanford J. Greenberger Associates - Young Adult
Ellen Smith, Publisher, Champagne Book Group - Erotica
Judith Engracia with Liza Dawson Associates - Romantic Suspense
The Catherine. Deadline June 1st. Entry: First pages plus a synopsis: Maximum 7500 words.
Contemporary Series: Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin
Contemporary Single Title: Leonore Waldrip, HQN
Historical: Katherine Pelz, Berkley
Romantic Suspense: Leis Pederson, Berkley
Paranormal, Fantasy, Futuristic: Esi Sogah, Kensington
Strong Romantic Elements: Kathleen Gilligan, St. Martin’s
Young Adult: Karen Chaplin, HarperCollins Children’s
Lonestar Contest. Deadline June 8th. Entry: first 25 pages.Unpublished may enter any category. Published my enter any category in which they’re not published, or in which they’ve not been contracted for five years. Open to RWA and non-RWA members.
Contemporary Series
Agent – TBA
Editor – Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin
Epublisher – Leanne Morgena, The Wild Rose Press
Erotic Romance
Editor – Nicole Fisher, Harper Collins
Editor – Violet Hughes, Ellora’s Cave
Epublisher – Char Chaffin, Soul Mate Publishing
Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal
Agent – Pam van Hyckama Vlieg, Foreword Literary, Inc.
Editor – Junessa Viloria, Random House
Epublisher – Debby Gilbert, Soul Mate Publishing
Historical / Regency
Agent – Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds, LLC
Editor – Katherine Pelz, Berkley Publishing Group (Penguin Group)
Epublisher – Susan Yates, The Wild Rose Press
Inspirational Romance
Agent – Kimberly Shumate, Living Word Literary Agency
Editor – TBA
Epublisher – Nicola Martinez, Pelican Book Group
Romantic Suspense
Editor – Whitney Mae, Ellora’s Cave
Editor – Rachel Burkot, Harlequin
Epublisher – Lori Graham, The Wild Rose Press
Single Title
Agent – Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Epublisher – Chris Keeslar, Boroughs Publishing Group
Epublisher – Jennifer Lawler, Crimson Romance
Young Adult
Agent – Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
Editor – Aubrey Poole, SourceBooks
Epublisher – Kat O’Shea, Leap Books
The Maggie Awards for Unpublished Authors. Deadline June 10. Entry to consist of synopsis and prologue (if applicable) and first chapter(s). Total number of pages may not exceed 35 per entry. Judges are encouraged to add their comments directly on the manuscripts. Scores WILL NOT be released to the entrants.
Single Title Romance
Leah Hultenschmidt
Senior Editor (YA and romance), Sourcebooks
Contemporary Series Romance
Kathryn Lye
Editor, Harlequin HQ
Inspirational Romance
Nicola Martinez
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Pelican Book Group
Historical Romance
Tessa Woodward
Editor, Avon
Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Christopher Keeslar
Editor in Chief, Boroughs Publishing Group
Young Adult
Erica M. Chapman
Associate Editor, Entangled Publishing
Novel With Strong Romantic Elements
Deborah Smith
Vice President and Editorial Director, Belle Books
Put Your Heart in a Book. Entry period: June 1, 2013 – June 30. Entry: synopsis and first chapter/prologue (30 pages max).
Short Contemporary
Agent: TBD
Editor: Lauren Ruth, Entangled Publishing
Multi-published Author: Katherine Garbera
Single-Title Contemporary
Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, Three Seas Literary Agency
Editor: LaToya Smith, Grand Central Publishing
Multi-published Author: Margaret Mallory
Historical
Agent: Jordy Albert – The Booker Albert Agency
Editor: Tessa Woodward, Avon Books
Multi-published Author: Connie Brockway
Paranormal
Agent: Eric Ruben, Ruben Literary Agency
Editor: Melissa Johnson, Carina Press
Multi-published Author: Eloisa James
Young Adult Romance
Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Editor: Leah Hultenschmidt, Sourcebooks
Multi-published author: Keri Mikulski
Romantic Suspense
Agent: Pamela Harty, The Knight Agency
Editor: Patience Smith Bloom, Harlequin
Multi-published author: Diana Cosby
Category 5 Contest (Writers on the Storm- The Woodlands, Texas Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers). Entries accepted June 1 through June 30 deadline.Entry consists of:11 pages, the first page should be your 250 word synopsis single spaced with the same header information as the ten manuscript pages that follow.
Contemporary - Mary Keeley of Books & Such Literary Agency
Historical - Julie Gwinn, Fiction Manager for B&H Publishing Group
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller - Fay Lamb, Acquisition Editor for Harbourlight Books
Romance - Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency
Speculative/ Young Adult - Jeff Gerke, Founder of Marcher Lord Press
Keep Your Eye on the Windy City Four Seasons Contest. It opens August 1st with a deadline of September 1st. First 25 pages for entry.
This year they have added an Inspirational Category. Final judges info coming soon.
Contemporary Single Title: Leonore Waldrip, HQN
Historical: Katherine Pelz, Berkley
Romantic Suspense: Leis Pederson, Berkley
Paranormal, Fantasy, Futuristic: Esi Sogah, Kensington
Strong Romantic Elements: Kathleen Gilligan, St. Martin’s
Young Adult: Karen Chaplin, HarperCollins Children’s
Lonestar Contest. Deadline June 8th. Entry: first 25 pages.Unpublished may enter any category. Published my enter any category in which they’re not published, or in which they’ve not been contracted for five years. Open to RWA and non-RWA members.
Contemporary Series
Agent – TBA
Editor – Wanda Ottewell, Harlequin
Epublisher – Leanne Morgena, The Wild Rose Press
Erotic Romance
Editor – Nicole Fisher, Harper Collins
Editor – Violet Hughes, Ellora’s Cave
Epublisher – Char Chaffin, Soul Mate Publishing
Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal
Agent – Pam van Hyckama Vlieg, Foreword Literary, Inc.
Editor – Junessa Viloria, Random House
Epublisher – Debby Gilbert, Soul Mate Publishing
Historical / Regency
Agent – Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds, LLC
Editor – Katherine Pelz, Berkley Publishing Group (Penguin Group)
Epublisher – Susan Yates, The Wild Rose Press
Inspirational Romance
Agent – Kimberly Shumate, Living Word Literary Agency
Editor – TBA
Epublisher – Nicola Martinez, Pelican Book Group
Romantic Suspense
Editor – Whitney Mae, Ellora’s Cave
Editor – Rachel Burkot, Harlequin
Epublisher – Lori Graham, The Wild Rose Press
Single Title
Agent – Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Epublisher – Chris Keeslar, Boroughs Publishing Group
Epublisher – Jennifer Lawler, Crimson Romance
Young Adult
Agent – Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency
Editor – Aubrey Poole, SourceBooks
Epublisher – Kat O’Shea, Leap Books
The Maggie Awards for Unpublished Authors. Deadline June 10. Entry to consist of synopsis and prologue (if applicable) and first chapter(s). Total number of pages may not exceed 35 per entry. Judges are encouraged to add their comments directly on the manuscripts. Scores WILL NOT be released to the entrants.
Single Title Romance
Leah Hultenschmidt
Senior Editor (YA and romance), Sourcebooks
Contemporary Series Romance
Kathryn Lye
Editor, Harlequin HQ
Inspirational Romance
Nicola Martinez
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Pelican Book Group
Historical Romance
Tessa Woodward
Editor, Avon
Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Christopher Keeslar
Editor in Chief, Boroughs Publishing Group
Young Adult
Erica M. Chapman
Associate Editor, Entangled Publishing
Novel With Strong Romantic Elements
Deborah Smith
Vice President and Editorial Director, Belle Books
Put Your Heart in a Book. Entry period: June 1, 2013 – June 30. Entry: synopsis and first chapter/prologue (30 pages max).
Short Contemporary
Agent: TBD
Editor: Lauren Ruth, Entangled Publishing
Multi-published Author: Katherine Garbera
Single-Title Contemporary
Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, Three Seas Literary Agency
Editor: LaToya Smith, Grand Central Publishing
Multi-published Author: Margaret Mallory
Historical
Agent: Jordy Albert – The Booker Albert Agency
Editor: Tessa Woodward, Avon Books
Multi-published Author: Connie Brockway
Paranormal
Agent: Eric Ruben, Ruben Literary Agency
Editor: Melissa Johnson, Carina Press
Multi-published Author: Eloisa James
Young Adult Romance
Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
Editor: Leah Hultenschmidt, Sourcebooks
Multi-published author: Keri Mikulski
Romantic Suspense
Agent: Pamela Harty, The Knight Agency
Editor: Patience Smith Bloom, Harlequin
Multi-published author: Diana Cosby
Category 5 Contest (Writers on the Storm- The Woodlands, Texas Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers). Entries accepted June 1 through June 30 deadline.Entry consists of:11 pages, the first page should be your 250 word synopsis single spaced with the same header information as the ten manuscript pages that follow.
Contemporary - Mary Keeley of Books & Such Literary Agency
Historical - Julie Gwinn, Fiction Manager for B&H Publishing Group
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller - Fay Lamb, Acquisition Editor for Harbourlight Books
Romance - Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency
Speculative/ Young Adult - Jeff Gerke, Founder of Marcher Lord Press
Keep Your Eye on the Windy City Four Seasons Contest. It opens August 1st with a deadline of September 1st. First 25 pages for entry.
This year they have added an Inspirational Category. Final judges info coming soon.
Other Contests
Wow! Women on Writing Spring 2013 Flash Fiction Contest. Deadline:May 31.
Word Count:Maximum: 750, Minimum: 250 OPEN PROMPT! That’s right, this is your chance to shine, and get creative. You can write about anything, as long as it’s within the word count and fiction. So, dig out those stories you started way back when and tailor them to the word count. Any style and genre. From horror to romance! So, get creative, and most of all, have fun.Entries limited to a maximum of 300 stories. Please enter early to ensure inclusion. The winner not only gets cash and goodies but an agent read! The guest agent judge is Elaine Spencer of the Knight Agency
BOROUGHS 2013 NOVELLA CONTEST. Deadline May 31. Winner receives a publishing contract. "We invite you to submit your 25,000-40,000 word, completed novella based on the title of a song – any song – that you adopt as the title of your story."
2014 Great American Fiction Contest -The Saturday Evening Post. Deadline July 1. Prize is publication and cash! Stories must be 1,500-5,000 in length. (Thanks to Pat Jeanne
Davis for this info).
"Tribute to Our Troops" Essay Contest-The Saturday Evening Post Honor the Troops, Win a SpeidelWatch. 200 word essay. Deadline July 4.
The Family Circle 2013 Fiction Writing Contest. Deadline September 16, 2013. Submit an original (written by entrant), fictional short story of no more than 2,500 words (typed, double-spaced and page numbered on 8-1/2 x 11 paper), including your full name, mailing address, daytime telephone number (including area code) and e-mail address (optional) on each page by mailing story in an envelope with proper postage affixed to: Family Circle Fiction Writing Contest.Grand Prize (1): A prize package including a check in the amount of $1,000.00.
The Contest Update now presents this month's Contest Diva....
LYNDEE HENDERSON!
" I entered my first contest in 2009, just three months after I randomly decided to move from writing non-fiction to romance.
*And God rolled His eyes.*
I was green. How green? I entered my 1914-era inspirational historical romance in the contemporary category because I didn’t understand the differences between ANY of the categories. Bewildered and too shy to ask for help from my RWA chapter, I stepped out in faith and hit send.
Now here’s the hand of God. I WON THIRD PLACE!
*And God chuckled.*
The contest chair pulled me aside. Apparently, I’d caused a dilemma between the judges because the rules clearly state that entries are disqualified if they are entered in the wrong category. But SOMEHOW my entry fell through the cracks and moved forward.
*And God said, “I’ve got your back.”*
She also told me that had I chosen the correct category, she was certain I would have won first. Then she handed me a list of three requests, two from agents and one from a publisher. Sure. Right. Like I knew what to do with those!
*And God winked.*
Yes, I responded, but all requests were rejected. Why? Because none of them handle inspirational historical romance, of course! They thought they were requesting a contemporary.
*I believe that God has a sense of humor.*
My speeding train to publication morphed into a one-horse buggy. Which is what I write about, so it fits, doesn’t it? To everything there is a season. I keep entering contests as I hone my craft. Sometimes I place, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I win. But I keep at it, one foot in front of the other. And I trust the Lord as I stay on this mission to write a story with characters who might someday touch someone who needs to know His love.
With thanksgiving. Amen."
That's it. NOW GO FORTH AND CONTEST!
Wow! Women on Writing Spring 2013 Flash Fiction Contest. Deadline:May 31.
Word Count:Maximum: 750, Minimum: 250 OPEN PROMPT! That’s right, this is your chance to shine, and get creative. You can write about anything, as long as it’s within the word count and fiction. So, dig out those stories you started way back when and tailor them to the word count. Any style and genre. From horror to romance! So, get creative, and most of all, have fun.Entries limited to a maximum of 300 stories. Please enter early to ensure inclusion. The winner not only gets cash and goodies but an agent read! The guest agent judge is Elaine Spencer of the Knight Agency
BOROUGHS 2013 NOVELLA CONTEST. Deadline May 31. Winner receives a publishing contract. "We invite you to submit your 25,000-40,000 word, completed novella based on the title of a song – any song – that you adopt as the title of your story."
2014 Great American Fiction Contest -The Saturday Evening Post. Deadline July 1. Prize is publication and cash! Stories must be 1,500-5,000 in length. (Thanks to Pat Jeanne
Davis for this info).
"Tribute to Our Troops" Essay Contest-The Saturday Evening Post Honor the Troops, Win a SpeidelWatch. 200 word essay. Deadline July 4.
The Family Circle 2013 Fiction Writing Contest. Deadline September 16, 2013. Submit an original (written by entrant), fictional short story of no more than 2,500 words (typed, double-spaced and page numbered on 8-1/2 x 11 paper), including your full name, mailing address, daytime telephone number (including area code) and e-mail address (optional) on each page by mailing story in an envelope with proper postage affixed to: Family Circle Fiction Writing Contest.Grand Prize (1): A prize package including a check in the amount of $1,000.00.
The Contest Update now presents this month's Contest Diva....
LYNDEE HENDERSON!
" I entered my first contest in 2009, just three months after I randomly decided to move from writing non-fiction to romance.
*And God rolled His eyes.*
I was green. How green? I entered my 1914-era inspirational historical romance in the contemporary category because I didn’t understand the differences between ANY of the categories. Bewildered and too shy to ask for help from my RWA chapter, I stepped out in faith and hit send.
Now here’s the hand of God. I WON THIRD PLACE!
*And God chuckled.*
The contest chair pulled me aside. Apparently, I’d caused a dilemma between the judges because the rules clearly state that entries are disqualified if they are entered in the wrong category. But SOMEHOW my entry fell through the cracks and moved forward.
*And God said, “I’ve got your back.”*
She also told me that had I chosen the correct category, she was certain I would have won first. Then she handed me a list of three requests, two from agents and one from a publisher. Sure. Right. Like I knew what to do with those!
*And God winked.*
Yes, I responded, but all requests were rejected. Why? Because none of them handle inspirational historical romance, of course! They thought they were requesting a contemporary.
*I believe that God has a sense of humor.*
My speeding train to publication morphed into a one-horse buggy. Which is what I write about, so it fits, doesn’t it? To everything there is a season. I keep entering contests as I hone my craft. Sometimes I place, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I win. But I keep at it, one foot in front of the other. And I trust the Lord as I stay on this mission to write a story with characters who might someday touch someone who needs to know His love.
With thanksgiving. Amen."
~~~~~~~~~
That's it. NOW GO FORTH AND CONTEST!
Have a cuppa java and get those entries out, ladies and gents.
ReplyDeleteWhat am I planting? I'm not.
I'm pruning. Weeding.
Thank you, Helen!!! (This is me, using the new comment direct feature!!!! and grinning!!!!! See my big teeth??????)
DeleteYikes! I make a comment and go to bed. I get up and find the place has been remodeled!
DeleteSee your teeth just fine. :)
HAHAHAHA! I love you, Helen!
DeleteDon't you love the direct reply feature??? Now, we can go directly to Helen for our coffee!!! :)
DeleteI like this new reply thing. Now I can still get my comments toward the top even is I am a POKEY OLD LOSER about checking in. YAY EGO BOOST!!! :D
DeleteThis is what you call an ego boost???? We need to get you a life.
DeleteInto every manuscript a little pruning must go.
ReplyDeleteNESTED COMMENTS!!! Thank you, Tina!!! You rock!
DeleteThere's also some digging involved.
DeleteNow, all blogger needs to do is add a LIKE button. :)
DeleteI hate it. So don't get your hopes up.
DeleteLyndee, I enjoyed your contest experience story.
ReplyDeleteAnd no gardening here, it's too cold--snowing in May. Yeck.
This snow..... Well, I'm just not going to say a word, not one stinkin' word but remember this book: The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder....
DeleteAt least now we've got food for the latest storm! Dagnabbit....
I'm sharing reading The Long Winter right now with my one and only ds. There is so much there that I did not see as a child. My goodness...
DeleteIsn't that just an excellent book? It's a total diagram of a pioneer experience. My other favorite is Farmer Boy, Almanzo's story of being a farm kid in Malone, NY (that's where my first books the "North Country Series" were set.) They go through a year of showing the entire process of existence and the art Almanzo's mother made of being a farm wife and mother. Truly, that's got to be one of the best research books on the planet, right???
DeleteThanks, Melissa. Yikes on the snow. Stay warm!
DeleteGwynly and I planted a couple of perennials in a flowerbed. We're not yard people, so that was quite a feat for us.
ReplyDeleteI've entered my first published contests this year. It's a whole different experience having my debut novel in the running alongside those written by so many awesome authors, many who have been at this for years.
How cute are you?????? Yeah, the published ones are different, there's nary a weakling among 'em.... but it's just so wonderfully nice to have you on board with them, Gwynster!
DeleteA couple of perennials.... :)
I bought a flat of 12 darling little Marigolds, (just posted the pic on fb), but it's been raining the last 3 days and I can't plant them.
DeleteKeli, those 12 plants are probably going to be the extent of my flower planting too. I don't want to plant too much, then have to weed it. Yikes! lol
Entering contests is an excellent way to get feedback - for those contests that offer feedback.
ReplyDeleteLyndee, great contest story!
Morning, Edwina!
DeleteEdwina, of the totally awesome put-together look! You're right, no feedback.... unless it's a finals judge you LOVE and you think you truly have a shot... is a No Sale in Ruthy-land.
DeleteThanks, Edwina!
DeleteLoved that story, Lyndee!
DeleteThanks, Pam!
DeleteJust thinking...
ReplyDeleteif a manuscript has finaled and the name of the book announced, do you think it's a good idea to change the title when entering other contests where some of the same people may have been judges?
A judge may recognize the same story she's read before, but do any of you think it's more 'anonymous' to change the names? That's one of the negatives of announcing winners names and the entry's name. I suppose most writers are too busy to recall titles... what do the rest of you think?
Debra, I wouldn't change it.... If the judge has already seen the story and passed on it, I wouldn't enter that story in a contest he/she was judging unless I'd made big, in-your-face-obvious changes to it. But I'm looking forward to seeing what others might say...
DeleteI know folks say that if judges see your name in contests as winners, then they might be jaded, but I think having your name out there makes for familiarity.... And editors remember who/what/when and they also look for willingness to change things.... edit.... And anonymous really doesn't exist. Anyone can (and does) go to Google, type in the name of your manuscript and it's going to come up somewhere and BINGO!!! They know exactly who you are. That's today's reality, right?
And by the way, enjoy the 3rd 75 degree day in a row!!!! :) Love it!!!!
I didn't mean final judge but first round judge. A lot of us judge multiple contests. I have a couple stories out in contest land, have tried not to talk about them, the setting, etc, because I want them to stay under the radar. Yes, it's silly to think that can work unless contests stop announcing their finalists or writers stop using social media.
Deleteand, as lovely as the weather is, I REALLY prefer the 60s for major yard work... I should be out there now instead of writing and browsing, eh?
Debra,
DeleteI do see what you mean. Gina Welborn said something interesting on the ACFW loop this week when someone asked about submitting to several contests at once. She said that it is probably better to wait until the results come in from one before you submit to another. You can tweak accordingly and maybe improve your chances of doing better.
And even if you aren't out there talking about your stories, some elements do tend to stick out, as with my stories that make them less anonymous. Wish I had taken Gina's wise advice.
That said, I think that when contests publish the outcome lists, rather than using the writer's name or story titles, they should use the judging numbers for everyone except the finalists/winners.
Not really getting the point of changing the name. Do you feel you aren't getting a fair read? Or are you paranoid?
DeleteI don't think you need to change it. I think you can build some name recognition--as long as you're not entering the same manuscript year after year after year. Then that will start to look bad. :)
DeleteI think most judges, even if they recognize the name, will give fair judging. I actually had a judge who gave great feedback in one contest. Then she happened to get the book again in another contest later. She said she was thrilled with the changes I made and hoped to see it sell. And it did! :)
Tina, I think the question is, Is it possible for an entry to get a "reputation" if, as Debra is saying, there is a potenially small group of people who do the first round judging across all of the contests? An entry could get a "reputation" either way, positive or negative. Is that good or bad?
DeleteOr maybe I am just paranoid....
Yes. You are all paranoid. I don't think you all enter enough contests for that to be an issue. I think as Missy said, that name recognition is good among contests. We Seekers all found that to be a huge plus.
DeleteDebra, the judges are given the option to not judge something they've seen before. Though I've had one judge choose to judge it twice, but then, she liked it, so I'm not complaining. :)
DeleteYou know, either in Genesis or TBL a few years back, I got a manuscript entry that I'd seen four years before... and three years before. And both times I gave the same advice, because the manuscript was essentially unchanged. So this time, the third time I saw this entry, the author had turned the thing around, started at a much better spot in the story, cleaned up the number of names (too many, too soon) and the whole thing was SO MUCH BETTER.... I not only gave her a great score but I wrote her a note after the contest because I could tell she really "got" it now... that it wasn't the writing it was the setup and story arch that bogged everything down. I was so happy for her!!!
DeleteThanks for the confirmation, Tina...:) Great contest update too, by the way....
DeletePiper
All good advice...in both directions. Back in the day, there weren't that many contests to enter, and the deadlines were all at the same time of year, drat it!
DeleteSo I...um....well...I just threw every manuscript I had at every contest (read: editor/agent judge) that I thought I had a shot at, until my money ran out.
As far as changing the title: I would only change the title if the new title was stronger and fit the book. I wouldn't change it just for a contest.
Ruth, After all her perseverance, I can imagine the affirmation this contestant felt after reading your note and receiving a great score.
DeleteOh, hi there Pat Jeanne. How's the weather in Philly?
DeleteYay, Lyndee!
ReplyDeleteThere are some good contests coming up!
Yay, Lyndee is right!!! Go diva.
DeleteThanks, Annie.
DeleteTina - Diva...ha! In my sweats and yelling at the puppy to stop shredding pee pads. Yeah, very divaish today.
Thanks for this story of your road to publication, Lyndee. God is in the details! Now that I am finally finished with school, I have to tame the bushes in the back yard. I know there are three or four of them, but they are all connected by honeysuckle vines like a canopy. That is not good. I would love to win the bundle of books! Since graduation is in a few days, I can read whatever I want now! Will also be planting flowers in my flower containers and trimming other bushes.
ReplyDeletetscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net
sallyshupeseditingservice.weebly.com
Flowers, books, graduation!
DeleteSWEET!!!!! :) I love spring.
Congratulations, Sally and cheers for Spring that is occurring in some places, lol....and NOT in others.
DeleteYAY for you, Sally! Congratulations on graduation. You've traveled a long road and now you're free to read! I tutor a college student who will be graduating this December, and I can't wait for that moment when I can read whatever I want, so I REALLY get what you're saying! And thanks for the nice note about my post.
DeleteThank you!! Yes, a very long road! 10 years to get to this point, from when I went back to school in 2003, but the end is in sight. Congratulations to your college student as well!
DeleteSally, congratulations on the graduation. I've tangled with honeysuckle bushes, too. No fun there.
DeleteWorse than honeysuckle, bougainvillea. Those thorns kill you. They have them in Arizona. Who knew??
DeleteGood morning, Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteI love contest update days. Always such fun to think ahead and explore the possibilities.
Lyndee, I love your story. I can tell just from how you wrote it that I'd love your writing style.
Debra, I don't know how to answer your question. I used to have a theory going that one particular title always netted me a final. When I used it, the book would final, when I changed it - no final.
I did get fun contest news this week - an email informing me that I'm a finalist in the Laurie. :)
That's the last contest entry I had out (didn't enter Genesis this year), so maybe it's time to start looking again.
Happy Friday.
WOOO HOOO! Congratulations on the final in the Lauries! I need to pop over and look at them and see who your final judge is!
DeleteCongrats Mary!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS, MARY CURRY!!! I'm starting to develop a Mary is allergic to me complex.
DeleteCongratulations, Mary!!!!!!
DeleteYay, Mary Curry!!! Congrats!! I have a soft spot for the Laurie. That's the first contest I ever finaled in. First contest I ever won. And it came just as I had decided it was time to give up writing.
DeleteWoo Hoo! A Laurie finalist!!!
DeleteCongratulations on your Laurie final, Mary!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!! My fellow New Yorker, that just makes me smile!!!!
DeleteCongratulations, Mary!
DeleteWOW, Mary! Congratulations on the Laurie nod! That rocks!
DeleteAnd thanks for the sweet comment about my post. You warm my heart.
Congrats Mary!
DeleteYea, Mary! A big congratulations!!
DeleteCongratulations, Mary!
DeleteOh, Sally - missed yours. Congratulations on finishing school!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!
DeleteI was touched by Lyndee Henderson's story of submitting her first story and winning with God's watchful eye upon her. there will be others in seekerville that take the plunge during all the May contest, looking forward to seeing you excel.
ReplyDeleteI see we can win some print books this time, I am a reader that always smiles when I see this. Love the LI books. have missed seeing everyone and hearing your comments, have a great day and a great May, all
Paula O
Thanks, Paula, for the kind words. I enjoy reading the LI books, too. Glad to see you back here.
DeleteGood morning! Thanks for digging up and sharing this info with us.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll enter the Lonestar Contest. I'm going to study this list some more and pray about it.
One thing that confuses me about contests is when I get completely different feedback. Then I'm confused and don't know which way to go. So I kinda freeze.
How do you decide which contest to enter?
Thanks.
Jackie L.
Jackie, this is such a great question. First, don't freeze.
DeleteSecond, give yourself a day to weigh the comments vs, your reaction. Often we focus on the negative side of a comment and fail to see the positive intro....
"First of all I loved so many aspects of this entry, it's clear you're talented, but I had a hard time relating to your heroine because she went from stout-hearted to whiny without any good reason I could see."
Jackie sees: "Your heroine is weak and spineless and no one will ever like her in the history of the literary world, don't quit your day job."
Day two, Jackie sees: "She went from stout-hearted to whiny without any good reason I could see.
Ah.
HUGE DIFFERENCE. All they need is a REASON for the change. OR... the change to not be as severe or quick.
Also, if several judges offer similar nuggets of wisdom, that's a red flag to revisit most often.
Twenty-four hour freezing limit, dear girl. Then we pull our big girl panties up and forge ahead!!!
Jackie, several factors determine which contest to enter:
DeleteFirst why are you entering? For the grand prize? To get in front of an editor? To keep your name out there? Or for a fresh read and critique? Once you determine that then you can decide which contest fits your rational for entering.
Many times I have entered because I wanted the bling of the final prize.
Other times it because the final judge was from a publisher I was targeting.
Jackie, I agree with Tina. In the beginning, I entered for feedback. Then as I started finaling, I chose only contests with editors I was targeting.
DeleteSometimes I would just toss them out into a ton of contests, flinging them to see what would stick. :)
First, I loved Lyndee's story!!!!! It just made me smile because her wonderful attitude and pov are just precious! And I love the contest update.... although I'm sorry that fewer contests seem to be having inspirational categories.
ReplyDeleteI do remember this happening when we had just formed the Seekers and we bombarded the contests.... and FH&L and ACFW loop.... with pushing to get people to enter.
You lose 100% of the races you don't enter.
So, maybe this is that time, repeated? Maybe we need to make a concerted effort to get folks out, ask for the category and go from there. What do youse all think?
I noticed the lack of inspirational categories as well. Is it worth entering an inspirational romance in a plain ol' romance contest category? It would offer up a whole different set of eyes, I suppose.
DeleteKav, I've done it before. Have even finaled. Can't remember if I won, though. So I think it's possible to have success that way. But you also risk getting a judge who can't stand Christian fiction.
DeleteWell, as far as Windy City's Four Season's contest, I am the Inspy contest chair, so I'll be begging and pleading, because I've been trying to convince them that this is a category that should be added. And they did! I just posted below that we have lined up Elizabeth Mazer from LI as the editor judge. Stay tuned for the agent judge.
DeleteAnd thanks for the nice words, Ruthy. You've been an inspiration to me.
DeleteEMBEDDED COMMENTS, SAINTS ALIVE!!!! CAN I HEAR AN HALLELUJAH CHORUS????? OH, TEEEEEEENA..... IT WILL BE FUN TO SEE THE REACTION ONCE FOLKS REALIZE WHAT YOU'VE DONE!!!! I'M MOVING UP THE LINE TO PLAY RIGHT NOW!!!! GIGGLING NON-STOP!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh must say this is cool. I've seen it 'out there' but I'm liking it a lot here. Wow, this can get messy.
DeleteWe'll see how it goes. Ruthy made me do it.
DeleteI love being able to reply directly, but then I wonder how much I'll MISS that's embedded since in the past, my comments were my place-holders on how far I'd read in the comments.
DeleteOkay...lots of links to click and review. I'll have to do that later or I'll be late for work!
ReplyDeleteLoving that hair and new pix, Rose.
DeleteDitto to that Tina.
DeleteOh dear, my Seekerville fix could last all day now that we can reply to individual comments. Ack!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading Lyndee's contest story. Still find the whole idea confusing, especially since so many people seem to have such conflicting outcomes with the same story BUT -- I'm a contest toe-dabbler now. I entered two contests completely at the last minute and with no end of technical glitches. Argh!!!! And after I sent them I just knew there were areas that I should have spruced up first. AND one has a spelling error. :-( And every day I think of another thing I should have/could have done to improve that first chapter. But I'm proud of myself for entering and wondering how many times a body should enter the same thing in different contests.
This weekend I'm going to plant lettuce and spinach and peas. Simba man and I are going to get the raised bed ready tonight after work. We seem to have gone from winter to summer in a nanosecond so I thought I'd start with the cool weather lovin' plants and see what happens. And I have tons of raking and pruning and crawling around in the dirt to do which is good because I do my best plotting while I'm plotting. :-)
Good for you for entering, Kav!! You sound like me, always worrying about any mistakes I may have made. It's just part of the job of being a writer. :)
DeleteI agree with Missy. CONGRATULATIONS KAV YOU CONTEST DIVA YOU!!!
DeleteGo Kav!
DeleteYay, KAV! The best part about hitting send it 'it's over.' Release it and keep writing. Go girl!
DeleteWay to go, Kav! I did the same thing last fall--entering two contests very spur/last moment. It was thrilled, scary, exciting! I hope you final in them!
DeleteCongratulations, Kav! You've taken a major step forward. I know what you mean about plotting while plotting.
DeleteHappy Friday Seekerville! I love the new embedded comments. It makes it so much easier to follow the comments.
ReplyDeleteYard work? Me? Not on your life. The last time I did real yard work I was not quite 7 years old, my mother made us all wear our rain boots because she had soaked the ground the night before so we could pull weeds in the backyard of our first home in Japan. Well, a huge and I do mean HUGE critter joined my little foot in my right boot and when my mom pulled the boot off out scooted a HUGE spider. He left me in hysterics and my hives sprouted hives. Had to make a trip to the hospital emergency room on base. Wasn't a good experience. To this day, I hate working in the yard and I am deathly afraid of spiders.
Lyndee, loved your story about entering the wrong category. One day I will be ready to enter a contest or too but I am far from that moment.
Many blessings to you all today.
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
Okay, Cindy. Your story has officially given me the heebedie-jeebedies.
Delete{{{shudder}}}
I was on the edge of my seat thinking snake, snake, snake. Just the thought of snake or spider makes me want to take my pour little marigolds back to Lowes!
DeleteOnce, the boys put a green rubber snake in the flower bed. (Well, back when I actually HAD flower beds!).
Writing, ACFW work, the day job, and motherhood took away my desire for flowers for several years. Now that I'm working from home, I decided to have just a little bit of color in the yard this year.
(Seriously deep breathing - no spider zone here!)
DeleteCindy,
It's not that scary, (certainly not like finding a spider in your boot!) once you put your mind to entering a contest. But I get your hesitation. To everything there is a season. I must say that ten times a day! Keep writing, and don't be like I was, shy and afraid to ask for help, because there are a bucket of experienced and loving mentors here who would love to walk you through hitting that send button!
Lyndee, I loved your story!! And I love your attitude about it. Hang in there, and I'm sure we'll be reading one of your books before you know it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest update, Tina!
Thanks for the encouragement, Missy!
DeleteLyndee-what a fun story, and how sweet of God to affirm the writing gift He gave you for story. :) Loved it. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I'm not planning to enter any contests right now. Too much on my plate. I'll be looking back at this later though, and see if there's something I feel ready to enter. :)
I love that Seekerville compiles all these contests in one place!! Thank you, Tina!!!
You are very welcome.
DeleteYes, Jeanne, you got the word - affirm. I felt that placing in a contest that was more than a long shot was truly God's affirmation that my foray into inspy romance was the right path. I hope things settle for you. Keep writing!
DeleteOkay, when I stopped by here to comment this morning, the format um, didn't look like this. I thought perhaps I'd hit the wrong website somehow when I came back a few moments ago. :)
DeleteLikey!!
LYNDEE -- I love hearing about your contest journey. It sounds as if you have what it takes--the perseverance gene!! You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Glynna. You know, my middle name is Jobe - pronounced like Job, so I've always felt that was a badge to remind me to have the patience of Job!
DeleteWow, Lyndee! I am impressed that you still finaled! You must be a very talented writer! And you have a sense of humor, which might be even more important in this ridiculously up-and-down business.
ReplyDeleteSigh.
The journey of "suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character" continues long after you get the first contract. The course of publication never has run smooth, for me anyway. *sniff sniff*
Ach, Mel... "And this too shall pass..."
DeleteMary Connealy's mom said that to us yesterday and it's so true. We weigh good and bad and everything eventually comes out medium.
Hugs to you.
Thanks, Melanie. Your post reminded me of my very young daughter when things weren't going her way. I told her that God was helping her build character, to which she responded, 'Can you tell God I've had enough character for one day?' That was a hard day! As a woman of faith, you know that everything is in God's time. And the books you've already published have touched me and I'm sure others feel the same. Rejoice in the gifts you've already distributed! And be assured more are yet to come. Hugs.
DeleteIt doesn't run smooth for anyone,Mel. We just lie about the bad stuff.
DeleteI haven't entered a lot of contests but the ones I do, I always sort of think entering was the hardest part. Oh the stress of hitting that "Send" button. It takes a lot of courage and bravery (not my strong points) to put something out there to be judged, especially when it is so close to my heart. Like Jackie, I've experienced several instances of varying, almost opposite responses leaving me not knowing how to proceed. I've finally decided that I can't please everyone nor can I take everyones opinion into account. The most important opinion being MINE. Any suggestions how meek little me can get brave enough to enter more contests?
ReplyDeleteThe most important opinion is the editor, lol. Be brave and hit Send. No guts. No glory. No risk. No reward. Right??
DeleteCindy - get everything ready, and then have someone else actually hit that button for the first time. After that, it gets easier :)
DeleteBig and brave and bold, Cindy. That's what I teach my little ones. I'm with Tina on this one. We lose 100% of the races we don't run.
DeleteGo for it.
The more you enter, the easier it will get. Promise.
DeleteAnd when you're unsure of feedback, study it, think about it, put it to the side, then come back to your story and work on it some more.
Those suggestions that resonate with you and your story will rise to the top and you'll incorporate them naturally.
I'm not saying this process is easy or fast. sometimes it took me a long, long time to accept and incorporate suggestions into stories. And other suggestions I never did use.
Be brave, Cindy! I know you can do it!
DeleteIt's true, Cindy. The more you enter the easier it gets. So go for it. As far as receiving confusing feedback, I know what you mean.Of course, I'm thrilled when someone thinks my submission is ready for publication. But I've been helped the most when it's a painful critique, but the judge has gone to great trouble to provide an in depth one.
DeleteLyndee, thanks for sharing your contest experience. Love your humorous writing style! Know you'll sell.
ReplyDeleteMary, congrats on the final in the Laurie!
Sally, congratulatons on graduating!
The trees and bushes are abloom here. Just gorgeous. Our creeping Phlox out front is a mat of pink. Love Spring!
Tina, thanks for the contest update!
Janet
Oh, Janet, I love creeping phlox and verbena that comes back year after year. That's my kind of flowers! :)
DeleteI used to have some phlox, but dh decided we need a shed there more than we needed the flowers. Not cool! :(
Thanks, Janet. I've got The Bride Wore Spurs sitting on my desk. Hope to get into it next week. Love the title and I'm sure I'll enjoy the book!
DeleteThanks, Janet!! Once I do I can hang out more here!
DeleteAnother great contest update, Tina!
ReplyDeleteLyndee, oh my, what an experience! The right editor is waiting for you, I'm certain!
Thank you for your encouragement, Myra. :)
DeleteTina, great contest update. woo hoo Don't we love contests!
ReplyDeleteLyndee you are tooooooooo funny. Best wishes.
Thanks, Sandra!
DeleteTina you are killing me. Something new to learn. LOL
ReplyDeleteSo we can comment and also comment on comments. Interesting.
But like someone pointed out this could be very addictive.
You know, I love this because you can carry on conversations within conversations.... and that's huge. AND... I don't have to back-and-forth scroll....
DeleteI love peeps. I know I talk way too much, but I just love being connected. Seekerville rocks. :)
I loved reading Lyndee's story. What fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks to Tina's hard work, I keep finding contests to enter. The Tara and Fool for Love last month, and I'll be looking at the Lone Star for this month. Maybe the Golden Acorn, too.
And I'm happy to announce that after two years, I'm finally putting a garden in at our new house (yes, it still feels new - probably because there's no garden).
If you had seen what I had to leave behind in Kansas...apple trees, raspberries, blackberries, asparagus, four raised beds.... I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get myself excited about gardening here until I figured out that leaving my Kansas garden was the last straw. I have built and left behind so many gardens that I just didn't have it in me to build another.
But this year I bought a kit to do a square foot garden. The big thing? They're portable. I never have to leave it behind! (Not that we plan on moving again - but then I never plan on moving.)
So next week the garden goes in. Not plants yet, though. Way too early for that. I'm waiting until Memorial Day this year...
JAN!!! That's when if finally starts feeling like home... the garden...
DeleteAnd then the wood stove.
Seasons come and seasons go...
...and the wood stove is being installed on the 16th :)
DeleteThanks, Jan. I feel for you leaving your garden behind. Once we had a house with a massive red raspberry garden in the backyard and during peak season I picked berries up to five hours a day! As a family, we put up about a hundred jars of jam every year. It was a blast. Since then, we've moved four times and I've never been in one place long enough to rebuild that wonderful berry patch. Recently I drove by the old place. Sadly, the owners have ripped out the bushes. They don't know what they are missing!
DeleteI miss my peonies and lilacs from Colorado.
DeleteSniff.
All the best with a square foot garden, Jan. This year hubby is trying raised beds and he's put in a variety of early veggies. The problem is we forgot about the resident groundhog. Fortunately the critter's only eaten the lettuce.
DeleteOh, Pat Jeanne, the critters.... :) I hear you! Tina, I wonder what will grow in your new garden?????
DeleteThanks, Lyndee for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll enter the Golden Acron with my Regency (not inspiritual yet) since I need a blurb. Chapters are finished. I've already read the books being given away, but would love to be in the running for the gloves (I need them) and the critique.
I need a chocolate fix today. Anybody got some?
You're welcome, Elaine. Congratulations on polishing your chapters. Be bold and enter. I have one lonely Hershey's kiss in the back of the pantry that I'm happy to offer. It doesn't have dog hair on it, I promise! ;)
DeleteI'm at Mary's house and there is NO CHOCOLATE None, Elaine, so I'm FEELING YOUR PAIN!!! :)
DeleteMary's company should be enough, I suppose but sadly: NO
:)
Are you saying we need to cut the kiss in half?
DeleteCongratulations to Lyndee and Mary!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen. Couldn't make it without your coffee!
DeleteNestled Comments!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder this site is behaving so badly today! I actually shut it down twice and came back twice to try and bring it back to normal!
It’s elitist! Are ‘like’ buttons next? Everyone can tell how many comments your comment was worthy of. And the comments are not in the time order they were written. Everytime you come back to Seekerville, you have to run down all the comments to see what’s new. That takes a lot of time that could be spent on FB or writing on your WIP.
I like starting at the bottom and just reading upward until I get where I left off. Why this is like reading a book where new material keeps appearing on the pages you already have read!!!
Back in the 1950’s we’d think the John Birch society was behind this. Today, it is more like that New York City mayor and his Nanny policies. Like Billie Joel sings, “This is a New York state of mind”.
Why this is like waiting in a long line and having to watch people being let in ahead of you. Oh, yea, they had a friend old their place but there is a basic injustice embedded in the very thought.
I will not use a comment reply button! Here I make my stand. If this be heresy, take it up with Martin Luther or Billie Martin Joel (see the Yankee NY tie-in?)
Vince
Hey and Mr. Elitist, I would like to point out that you, Vince, are basically the sub-plot to every single post in Seekerville. There are folks who come to Seekerville simply to see what You are going to say.
DeleteYou are a fan favorite. You have your own cult following.
You are like that charismatic secondary character that your editor warns you about who keep outshining the hero, because he's just sooo darn appealing.
Eventually you have to give him his own story. Yours is in July I believe. So don't tell me about elitist.
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND!!!!! Next you'll be crooning ..."bottle of red....mmm... bottle of white.... it all depends upon your appetite... I'll meet you any time you want, in our Italian restaurant....
DeleteI just love Billy Joel. LOVE HIM!!!!
Vince, I agree, you are the main man, the center attraction, the billboard leader....
:)
AS IT SHOULD BE, MY FRIEND!!!! My advice, honey:
Write faster, lol!!!
And it's really not almost all my fault. This was Erica Vetsch's idea that it's hard for guest bloggers to make sure they get back to all the commenters because we do kind of take off on fun tangents.... WHICH I LOVE!!! :)
Don't blame the messenger.... We'll target Erica but we can't really, not today, because they have 15 inches of SNOW... we have to be nice to her, right?
I love the cut in line analogy. Whoo-hoo, I just cut in line ahead of Sherida! lol
DeleteBlame it on Ruthy, Vince.
ReplyDeleteI've hit reply a number of times as I read the various comments so not sure where this will end up.
ReplyDeleteIt's a learning curve, and evidently I didn't get the memo. :)
Okay, my comment ended up at the end. That works for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina, for the great contest update. I'm heading to the PO to mail my Maggie entry!
Lyndee, loved reading your story. God is so good. So are you. And so close.
But, Debby, when you come BACK, you'll have to read the entire thread to catch up with what's going on all down the line.
DeleteWe're like a flock of geese in flight, with the head goose falling back every few minutes to chat along the way until she gets to the end.
Thanks, Debby. You're so sweet.
DeleteRose, love the new you.
ReplyDeleteLoved the old you, of course, but the new look is exciting.
LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS IF YOU ARE UP FOR ANY OF TODAY'S GIVEAWAYS OR THEY GO BACK IN THE VAULT.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the May Contest Update. I look forward to those. Waiting for the name of the editor for the Lone Star to be announced. Would like to enter that one. Please put me in for the 1st chapter critique, please.
DeleteYou are very welcome!!!
Delete“The Lawman’s Second Chance” Saved My Petunias."
ReplyDeleteThat’s right! I was going to buy my Wave Petunias last week but I just happened to start reading “The Lawman’s Second Chance” and it is all about setting up a garden. So I decided to wait until I finished the book and learned more about flowers (and there is so much that I didn't know) and what happens? We have the latest frost in Tulsa’s history. Maybe more to come!
I was saved by the book!
Thanks Ruth.
Vince
Hahahah! I'll tell Lisa that together she and I have helped the Wave Petunias of Tulsa. Don't you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Wave Petunias? What a stinkin' breakthrough that was. Right up there with Knockout Roses... Love 'em both!
DeleteTrying to nest with Cindy W's comment. Not sure where I'll end up.
ReplyDeleteYou lived in Japan as a child? So did I. Where was your dad stationed?
I must be a non-nester.
ReplyDeleteHeading to the post office...
Is it any surprise Ruthy likes nesting? She raises litters of dogs and has twelve kids. A born nester.
DeleteThe "nested" or embedded comments was ERICA'S IDEA!!!!
ReplyDeleteHonk if you love it!!!
Well I am not crazy about embedded, nested and elitist comments but I can live with them.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to reply to a particular comment hit the reply button after that person. If you want to start a new thread start at the bottom.
The problem I see is I have to go all the way to the top to read them all. We have too many comments in Seekerville for that to be time and user friendly. Especially for a hostess.
It's faster to just see what came in that is new.
On the other hand I like that I can reply individually.
Will keep it for today and see what folks think.
Actually I'll keep it for the weekend. Then individual bloggers can decide if they want it on or off on their blogging day. I want it off.
ReplyDeleteWhen I come back and check there are 3 new comments. But they aren't at the end so I have to search for them. Not helpful at all.
Whoa, new look! So, Tina, if I post something on a reply, then do I have to keep going back to that post to see if someone answered me, which means I have to keep reading those posts to see if someone answered me? Teehee...You don't have to answer that. It's my confused self talking. This format looks quite nice. Thanks for the great contest update.
ReplyDeleteAnd look at this segue:
WINDY CITY CONTEST NEWS: Harlequin Associate Editor Elizabeth Mazer has signed on to be one of the final judges for the Inspy category. The agent is yet to be named, but what a great start. I hope all of you will consider entering. This is the inaugural year for the Inspy category in this contest and I bent a lot of arms to convince people this is the right move.
Thanks for the nice comments about my fluke contest placement. Your support is fantastic. HUGS,
Enjoyed your contest story. Thank you for this contest news and your efforts to have inspy included.
DeleteAhhh, thanks, Pat. I got the Inspy category into the Windy City Four Season's contest, but Tina gets credit for the contest listings.
DeleteYes. I echo your concerns, Lyndee. You do have to keep scanning the entire post comments. This is okay for a small audience blog. Call me skeptical but I think for our audience and chat level of MACH V this is going to be difficult.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think you're right. You have to keep starting at the beginning, which can be difficult as the day goes on. It was great this morning!
DeleteTina,
ReplyDeleteHow do you do that? Post at the speed of sound!
Ha. Ha. Smoke and mirrors.
DeleteGiveaways! How could I forget?
ReplyDeletePut my name in the hat!
See. I checked in last and there were 93 comments. Now there are 115. Where are they? HUH? HUH?? I gotta go FIND THEM.
ReplyDeleteNow I'm getting cranky.
Lyndee, what a charming contest story!
ReplyDeleteTina, thank you for the contest update! I will be entering another contest (one on the later side), but please don't enter me...I have all the books!
Yesterday I got the feed back from the one contest I entered. I'm near the bottom...but I'm still thrilled! Because:
1. I actually entered a contest this year!
2. The negative comments I understood. (But I LIKED my prologue--but okay, I'll change it!)
3. There were encouraging comments about my dialogue (surprise!), characters and writing style...and they sounded sincere!
I learned SO much from these comments and from the contest I judged this year (what a stretch for me). Thank you, Seekerville, for all the advice. Maybe I've developed that tough skin...why else would I be DELIGHTED with the contest feedback? I will continue writing and entering contests. This was fun!
Sherida has been bitten by the contest bug! :)
DeleteWonderful Sherida!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!!!
DeleteWe're proud of you. Ha. Everyone likes their prologue BTW. We all hate axing the suckers, but they tend to be an information dump.
Sherida, good for you!!! Having that positive attitude will go a long way to keep you moving toward your goals. Good luck revising!
DeleteYay for you, Sherida, for summoning that courage to hit send! It's a big step, but now it's old hat. You'll be a regular.
DeleteCongrats, Sherida! It will get easier to enter--I think it is waiting for the results that is hard!
DeleteI was surprised by a bit of advice I recently got in a contest--to include a prologue. Hmmm. No. I tend to agree with Tina....
Hi everyone. :)
ReplyDeleteGANISE!!!! HOW ARE YOU?????
DeleteThanks for the contest update, Tina---still amazes me how MANY contests are offered for both pubbed and unpubbed.
ReplyDeleteYAY for Lyndee the Contest Diva!
Happy Friday everyone! I'm hoping to plant marigolds and zinnias (but not today, because it looks like rain). ~ Please enjoy the Georgia Peach cookies I brought (not homemade--they come from a local market). Hugs, Patti Jo
Thanks, Patti Jo. OH, peaches sound so good right now! Happy Friday right back atcha.
DeleteThis is so bizarro. 154 comments and it looks like about 50. Embedded is right.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I just discovered Piper's comment about Gina's comment about not entering a new contest until the last one is back. Gina I humbly disagree and so does Marlena Fortune. You can find more about Marlena (now retired) under the labels column.
But during once interview that very question came up and here is her response.
TR: A very concerned reader asks about the possibility that a manuscript entered in several contests with different judges is requested by multiple judges. She further asks if it would be better to wait until the results are in on one contest before entering the same manuscript in another.
MF: Darling, sit down. We need to chat. The concept of refusing to allow multiple submissions, is not a practice that is for your convenience. Contests are the one venue where you the writer who is not agented have a measure of freedom from these ridiculous practices. There are only two scenarios where you should wait until the results are in before entering a manuscript in the next contest. One would be you are serving 20 to life in the state pen and have a lot of time on your hands. Two would be you aren't very bright. I will assume that since you are in Seekerville, neither applies.
Your wildest dreams should be that you get a call that two judges from different publishing houses or literary agencies want your manuscript. Send those puppies out and politely advise the requesting parties of your delightful predicament. Then celebrate.
I would also add that the typical life cycle of a contest is six months to a year. If you only sent to a contest when the results came back and you edited, you would enter one manuscript a year. You would be MY age by the time you sold.
DeleteDon't do that.
Ruthy concurs and is loving that Tina and our old advisor MF were both able to help with advice!!!!! I entered a bunch of contests simultaneously and that seemed to work well.... And then if I got feedback that made me think hard, I changed it for future possibilities.... But I'm with Tina on this: Life's too short to let those rules dictate your options.
DeleteOk, ok. I get it! But both you and Marlena are hilarious--going to find out more about her now...
DeleteHi Tina:
ReplyDeleteNavigating this site today is just like my early days learning how to fly. I’d turn the wheel, the plane would start turning, I'd hit my heading, say 270 degrees, but the plane would keep turning! 290, 310, 340, “Stop!” “Stop!” 360, 010, Stop it! HELP! Stop this thing!
“What do you think? You’re driving a car?” My instructor would say.
Just now I was spinning down the list of comments, I saw the one I wanted, but it just kept going, going, and goind. It’s like the new COKE – nobody wanted it – except the people in charge.
I'd like to write more but I have to go find my dizzy pills.
Vince
P.S. RUTH > That little girl in “The Lawman’s Second Chance” asked the same question I always wanted to ask: “Why would anyone buy annuals?”
Vince, don't you love that question???? :)
DeleteI was just updating my website and installed the coolest Amazon book carousel on my website!!! I do love teaching myself new things but on that I copied MISSY TIPPENS!!!
Vince, are you having agita???? I have some digitalis, honey!!!
Hi Tina:
ReplyDeleteI know there are probably ten threads on the contest theme already but it would take too long to find them all and then I’d have to decide which of those is most appropriate for my comment. You know, the next improvement in the historical progression of what is going on, is to hide the reply replies so that they have to be clicked on to be viewed. Won’t that make finding the comments you want to answer easy!!!
About the contests: This is a great selection. From my POV, the best I’ve yet seen here on Seekerville!
It looks like most contests allow a synopsis! Oh, how I love, synopses. A synopsis is like having a wife who understands you! (Or a husband who, while he doesn’t understand you, still loves you the way you are).
There is also enough advance time to enter them. There is one of first meeting, one on a fast start, some that allow many pages, everything seems ideal – unless they require RWA membership.
So I hope to enter:
Ignite the Flame. Deadline May 11. Contest open to unpublished, uncontracted, book-length (40,000 words or more) manuscripts. COFW recognizes self-published books as published. Entry: scene of your hero or heroine's first meeting or reunion (up to 15 pages.) This is a great idea and this is one of the best parts of my book!
The Emerald City Opener. Deadline May 31. Entry:Your novel's opening hook, the first seven pages of your manuscript. That’s not too much to have to polish. It also is short enough to rewrite and see how a different approach would work on a chapter you are actually pretty happy with.
The Golden Acorn Quick Look Hook. Deadline May 20. Each entry includes: An attention-grabbing description of your book that will intrigue any reader (think of a book's back cover copy or the meat of a query letter). Limit 200 words.The first three pages of your manuscript, double spaced, proper ms format. For finalists, a synopsis will be required. Wow! This is what I did for years as an advertising copy writer. This is my best chance to final!
The Catherine. Deadline June 1st. Entry: First pages plus a synopsis: Maximum 7500 words. This is long enough to need until June 1st to polish. This is like a mini marathon.
Lonestar Contest. Deadline June 8th. Entry: first 25 pages. They are silent on synopsis but they have a paranormal category that I’d like to enter and see what happens. They would better understand a metaromance without a synopsis.
Put Your Heart in a Book. Entry period: June 1, 2013 – June 30. Entry: synopsis and first chapter/prologue (30 pages max). Good points: it has a synopsis and the paranormal category. Would need to June 30 to polish that much copy.
Category 5 Contest (Writers on the Storm- The Woodlands, Texas Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers). Entries accepted June 1 through June 30 deadline. Entry consists of:11 pages, the first page should be your 250 word synopsis single spaced with the same header information as the ten manuscript pages that follow. A synopsis and only 11 pages – that’s a nice distance. It’s like a 5K race. Worth a try.
This is a very good selection for someone who is learning how to write and does not yet care who the judges are. I don’t like that contest that does not give scores. That seems counterproductive.
Is there going to be a prize for entering the most contests? Hehehehe….
Vince
You're quite ambitious this month!!!!!
DeleteI'm trying to reply to a reply to a comment. Or is it comment on the reply to a comment. Or maybe reply to a reply on a reply.
DeleteFun with Comments. :)
No. Actually it is not fun. It is bamboo shoots under the finger nail not fun.
DeleteIt's like being in an overcrowded chat room.
Tina, don't hold back, honey!!! Tell us how you really feel!!! :)
DeleteI have a hard time expressing myself.
DeleteContests again? Already?
ReplyDeleteWow, time is flying by. Once again I'm going to try to stay away from the contests until some of ongoing work is complete.
Someone help me!!!
My life is crazy and I've not gotten any writing done since SpeedBo.
* My MIL moved in w/us about 3 weeks ago after a battle w/cancer. We're working on our camping trailer trying to get it ready for her to move in. She went back into the hospital on Wednesday w/breathing problems.
* My dad had a heart attack 2 weeks ago, came home on Tuesday from the hospital and just heard he had to go back in today. (Same hospital, so that's good.)
* My daughter has a baby due June 1st, baby shower on Sunday.
* One son is graduating from HS on June 1st...haven't sent the invitations yet.
* Another son is getting married June 8th.
* My dog had a litter of Great Dane pups 3 weeks ago.
*Good news, my husband started a new job on Wednesday that he loves after leaving his old job of 15 years.
Calgon, take me away. I really want to disappear for a week and write.
Connie, honey, you need a vacation. OH my. Prayers dear.
DeleteConnie, I'm just huggin' you from afar, honey! Oh my stars the litter of dogs is just getting big enough to be a hassle but I'm so happy about the good news about hubby's job, but you are in sensory and emotional overload right now. Praying for your strength to stay strong and your humor to escalate as needed!!!
DeleteThanks Tina and Ruthy.
DeleteMy kids help a lot w/the pups. All sold except one little girl. That's good. The buyers all want pic updates. That's bad. My internet connection is slow.
Try not to write too much or else I might just kill everyone off.
Another Windy City Four Season's contest tidbit. (They're dribbling into my email and I'm passing them along!)
ReplyDeleteLast year's contest garnered ten requests and one sale with a second sale a strong possibility. Pretty nice odds.
Well tell them to allow published authors in the category they are not published in, Lyndee. Come on. You have the inside track.
DeleteOoooo, good idea! Thanks, Tina!
DeleteLyndee, I love your story!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Cara.
DeleteAgent news: Agent Amanda Luedeke from MacGregor Literary will join Elizabeth Mazer from Harlequin as the final round judges for Windy City's Four Season's contest!
ReplyDeleteIn case anyone is out there this late on Friday night!
Have a great weekend all!
Wow. most excellent, Lyndee!!!!!
ReplyDelete