Whether you're playing to win or fishing
for feedback, the contest arena can be your manuscript's ticket
to an editor's desk.
With the quality of entries in RWA contests so high, how can you
make your entry stand out in a playing field that includes
writers who are at or close to publishing standard? Here are
some tips for getting the most out of contests that may also
help those submitting to an editor or agent.
Is this the right competition for my manuscript?
When I joined RWA several years ago, I entered the First Kiss
Contest. I didn't make it past Round One, setting a precedent
that I only broke last year. From the comments I received, I can
modestly say my ms wasn't badly written. Rather, the entry just
didn't contain much of a smooch. It was in the wrong comp.
Another pitfall is submitting an entry that doesn't meet the
targeted publisher's guidelines. For HM&B authors, if the
category wants fireworks between an alpha hero and a sassy
heroine, make sure your story's stars epitomize those qualities.
Don't submit a sweet romance if the line demands steamy,
"anything goes" scenes. Readers expect a certain type of story
and may
be disappointed if they're let down. And that can translate to
the loss of points.
Have I followed the rules?
Every year, great stories are
disqualified or marked down because of a broken rule. It's an
awful feeling, especially considering how much hard work goes
into the ms. But you can guard against this by using the contest
conditions as a checklist. Have you presented your entry in the
accepted format? Does your ms exceed the required page count?
Does your name only appear on the title page and not in the
manuscript's header? Are there enough copies of your ms for the
judging process? Did you mail the entry early enough to meet the
deadline?
Readability and formatting are
considered in contest criteria, and serious errors in either
category erode your chances of becoming a finalist or winner. It
might knock your book out in Round One, even if you received a
high score overall.
Dotting the I's and crossing the T's
Correct
punctuation, spelling and grammar can score a few points with
the judges. They don't want to read a sentence three times over
because it hasn't been punctuated or structured correctly. A
misplaced comma has the power to change the meaning of a
sentence. Incorrect tenses could send a judge's blood pressure
soaring. Homophone slips may be unintentionally humerus, er, I
mean humorous. All of these things can take reader out of your
story, no matter how brilliant
it is. Do the best you can to keep your audience focused on the
characters, not the typos.
No-one is immune to making spelling mistakes. Swallow your pride
and turn that spellchecker on. And even then, don't trust
Microsoft completely. Consult a good dictionary and thesaurus as
well. Don't forget grammar guides. A great new book called 'The
Gremlins of Grammar' by Toni Boyle and K.D. Sullivan (McGraw
Hill, ISBN 0-07-145668-6) is an excellent, easy-to-read
resource, particularly if you're targeting the U.S. market.
Other common black spots include non-existent paragraphing,
too-small margins and indents. All of
these are easy to conquer with a bit of patience.
Telling a good story
Now that you've
got the 'mechanics' of writing covered, cast a critical eye over
the story. Identify
awkward phrasing. Check facts. Is there a pleasing rhythm to the
writing? Has point of view changed in the middle of a paragraph?
Do you tend to skim-read over certain passages? Does the pace
drag? Are your characters standing around, just waiting for
something amazing to happen? Are they going through the motions
of everyday life (getting dressed; making an unremarkable
breakfast or coffee; driving to work, where nothing happens, and
then driving back home, where nothing happens)? Make every scene
advance the story to keep the reader interested in what's going
to happen next.
Synopsis schnopsis
Ask a roomful
of writers and most of them will agree writing a synopsis is one
of the hardest jobs. It's worse than childbirth, I hear. Even in
competitions where a synopsis is required but not judged, you
need to show you can write a cohesive summary of your novel.
Come up with an effective synopsis and you just might have the
judges salivating to read the rest of your entry.
Filtering feedback
Helpful
feedback from an unbiased, anonymous reader can give a troubled
manuscript a new direction and maybe push it further in another
comp. But what if the feedback isn't, well, helpful?
No-one likes bad feedback, even if it's good for us. Bad
feedback may comprise a low score without
explanation or any suggestions on how to do better next time. It
might hurt your feelings. Bad feedback could also be criticism
you weren't expecting, however gentle or constructive. If all
the judges mentioned the same problematic aspect, then it's time
to address it.
You may believe in your heart of hearts that the judges are
wrong. They might not 'get' the book or your style. In that
case, stick with what you know to be true. It may take you far.
You know your story better than anyone. Accept feedback
graciously, and do with it what you will.
Recommended reading/surfing
Some
Writers Deserve to Starve: 31 Brutal Truths About the Publishing
Industry' by Elaura Niles, Writer's Digest Books, 2005.
ISBN 1-58297-354-7. A humorous guide every writer should read on
what not to do in the world of publishing.
Macquarie Writer's Friend - A Guide to Grammar and Usage,
general editor JRL Bernard, The Macquarie Library, 1999. ISBN
1-876429-09-7.
EHarlequin-Learn to write pages.
Here you'll find sample synopses, manuscripts, query letters,
and writing guidelines.
Vanessa Barneveld writes for the YA market and is an RWA contest
finalist.
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