August 22, 2006
5:01 pm • Filed under: Uncategorized
I received the results of a contest I entered back in June. I entered a scene from a manuscript I wrote for HQ Blaze (never sent it), and yeah, I didn’t place, but my average score was 84.67.
Not great but not terrible. Here were the break downs — 4 scores, lowest thrown out — 95, 86, 73, and 64(!!!).
The two highest scores, you could tell they’ve read some Blazes. I felt like they “got me,” and what was so funny is that one of the judges said, “heat this up a notch or two and make it erotic romance!” Ha ha, I’ve been thinking of doing that with this manuscript, so I found that fitting.
The 73 was a bit too picky about adverbs and thought the premise was completely unbelievable, which was fine cos she also admitted she doesn’t read Blazes at all. The worst score actually gave me the most interesting comments. She didn’t think the story was bad, just needed some work. And she had some interesting points that I won’t go into here cos they’re just too numerous! Plus, she wrote all over the entry so she really put a lot of time and energy into it, which I appreciate.
I don’t plan on entering any more contests - I sent this one off the day before I submitted Release Me to Cobblestone, and I’m not saying I’m a bad ass or anything, but I don’t want to enter contests because I just want to get to work on submitting actual manuscripts to publishers.
Besides, they cost too much and right now we’re broke.
So do you find contests helpful or a waste of time? I know people have blogged about this before but I just wanted to get opinions.
And I do plan on revising and sending that Blaze hopeful to an erotic romance publisher. I hope to work on that near the end of the year.
On another note, my daughter went to her first day of preschool today. **Sniff.**
She was so excited, and did so good. I’m proud of her.
Kelley says:
I know I’m going to have a hard time the first day my daughter goes to preschool. They grow up so fast. It is just amazing!
I haven’t entered any contests yet. I’m not sure why I haven’t gone that route.
Tempest Knight says:
Congrats on getting such a great score! Indulge in something you like to reward yourself.
Amie Stuart says:
I found contests very helpful when I entered them. I probably never would have gotten the hang of writing a synopsis–okay maybe eventually. =)
CaliMarie says:
Karen, I’m going to be honest with you and say that I know I’m truly blessed by God. I’ve been presented with opportunites most writers haven’t been presented with so early on in their careers.
I’ve never entered any contests and I’m one who believes you don’t need contest wins in order to substantiate yourself as a writer.
If you learn the basics about the craft, write what you’re passionate about, and keep at it…you’ll accomplish whatever it is you set out to do.
Believe in that…never let anyone tell you otherwise…and it will happen for you.
God will see your dreams through. He puts certain passions within our hearts for a reason.
The problem with people is that they want things to occur on their own time instead of His…and they often give up before their time comes.
Not trying to preach to you…just passing on some useful information my mother has always shared with me.
Many hugs and much love.
Bebe Thomas says:
I don’t do contests. Well, I’ve entered one or two, but they were free. And one got me a contract for Aurora’s Passion.
I’d rather submit to publishers. They pay me, not the other way around.
Melissa Marsh says:
I don’t enter contests anymore for two reasons: one, I can’t afford it and two, they’re very subjective. I’d rather just have a few gals from my own RWA chapter read it and critique it instead.
My daughter’s first day of first grade is coming up soon. I’ll probably cry like I did last year at kindergarten. ;-)
Sheri Livingston says:
Hi, Karen. Thanks for the note on my blog.
Sheri Livingston
M.E Ellis says:
Awww re: preschool. Dreading that day myself, my last little one going off…
:o(
Stacy Dawn says:
Good for you on the contest. I did a couple and that was fine for me too.
((hugs)) on the preschool. It’s not easy on us mothers LOL.
And thanks again for helping me on Tuesday’s flirt post
Shelli Stevens says:
Aaah preschool! You must be freaking
Contests… yeah. I’m not crazy about them. I only enter ones that are specific to what I write. Like the humor one out of NY, or the Stroke of Midnight. Be choosy if you enter. Make sure it has a category for your voice.