by Marnee | May 27th, 2010
I entered another contest.
I’m not sure if I should have. My mom actually talked me into it. She’s here, distracting me in the last week before my kid comes. I was explaining how the last contest I entered was only the first chapter. I was wondering how my second chapter would go over with readers, especially because the second scene in my second chapter (got that?) ends a little disturbingly—with my heroine (a mistress) being raped by her benefactor.
My mom said I should enter a contest that would get that scene in front of readers because an agent/editor is going to read that if they request a partial. So, if it’s going to fall flat, it’d be nice to have some indication of that sooner than later.
Mind you, both my CPs have really liked the scene which alleviates a lot of stress. But it’d be nice to have some additional feedback from folks unfamiliar with my writing and the opportunity to get in front of an agent/editor.
I realized this might be an odd reason to enter a contest. But in my mind, I think it’s good to go into a contest having a realistic expectation. Maybe it’s that just for some general feedback. Maybe a contestant enters, interested in getting in front of a dream agent/editor. Or maybe the entrant is trying to get a final or a win to put on their query letter.
I know there’s a love/hate relationship out there about contests. So I thought we could chat about why you would (or wouldn’t) want to enter a contest. Have you had good experiences? If so, please share. If not, why do you think they weren’t positive? Why do you enter or not enter contests? Are there any things that would make you enter?
Sorry for the short, lame-ish blog. I’m a little off my game right now. (Less than 5 days and counting!!)
*Note to self…figure out how much to charge for in person pitching for other authors…
*note to Chance…charge a lot*
I must admit, I like to put a contest final on my query. I think it’s because I have a strange fascination with having balanced paragraphs in my query letter and that’s another sentence in the last paragraph. LOL!! Anal retentive much, huh?
I agree that it’s probably like putting memberships to RWA or chapters or whatever. They probably see it all the time and just don’t see it as an immediate line to “this is going to be good writing.”
Am I the only pirate who didn’t get 100+ comments this week?
I’m talking about belly button lint next week. You wait.
I like balanced paragraphs too, Marn. Stick to your guns!