New Voices Hangover
The top ten have been announced for the big New Voices comp (Abbi is also talking NV on the Sisters’ blog) (congrats winners!) and of course, law of averages…most of the entrants didn’t make the top ten cut. Including some chapters I really, really enjoyed. (please know, I read a lot of chapters that I LOVED and felt were top ten material that didn’t make it).
All of you who entered can hold your heads up high. This was a very scary way to showcase your work. Not just to readers. Not just to peers. But to competitors. *shakes in pointy-toed metallic flats*
It’s hard to feel encouraged though, when you really felt you had a chance…or even didn’t, but hoped…and you don’t see your name on the all-important list.
And this is where I get to tell a grandma-Maisey story. (meaning you’ve all heard it)
Me and contests….contests and me. We aren’t friends. Oh, I like them just fine…they just don’t seem to like me.
I entered my very first romance chapter that I’d ever written in the Instant Seduction contest over two years ago. I was so excited…so full of hope! And then the winners were announced…not me. And then they said they had such a high level of skill in the entrys they would be giving some people feedback! *sigh* Also, not me.
There were 500 entries in that contest. All I could think of was that if I couldn’t stand out in a crowd of 500, there was no way I could stand out in the big ol’ slush pile.
I submitted anyway, mostly because I was just too far into my WIP (different than my comp chapter) that I didn’t want it to be for nothing.
Well, I waited. And I waited. And I got a request for revisions on my partial! And then I waited again.
And then during the wait I thought I’d enter the Feel the Heat competition because then I could get two things in front of editors.
Guess what? I didn’t win that contest either. 🙁 Feedback? Nope.
But…I think it was maybe a week later I got a full request!!
Followed by more revisions. Followed by more revisions.
And then I got The Call. And The Call had nothing to do with my standing in contests, or lack of standing in them.
That isn’t to diminish how great it is to win. Lynn Raye Harris and Lucy King are great examples of that. But you don’t have to win. Or final. Or even get feedback! Not getting it doesn’t mean you won’t sell, to HM&B or to another publisher.
In my case, I sold to the line and the publisher I had been aiming for in the contests. My problem is, on the first go, my beginnings are rough. My synopses suck. Well, I’m not great comp material when that’s the bulk of what’s required of you!
So chin up everyone! And I really am hoping there are a lot of requests as a result of the contest.
But no matter what…this isn’t the end…cliche alert…it can be the beginning. A contest loss was the beginning for me.
I’m currently working on my sixth book for Harlequin Presents…so being a loser has worked out okay for me. 😉
(ooh! I’m also at iheartpresents today!! come see me!)
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Great post, Maisey, and I’ll second you. I sold without ever entering a contest, but when I had a, um, “career setback” after a few books, I tried using contests to get my work in front of fresh editors. The best I did was a second place in one small contest—but the editor who judged didn’t ask to the see the book. Nonetheless, I managed to sell the book within a few months.
The key to selling isn’t contests. It’s persistence and determination, mixed with a good dose of talent.
I never placed in a contest until I’d already contracted the story. I always entered first drafts, which for the most part weren’t great. Also, contests require something really specific. You need to have the right scene for the right contest. For example, in New Voices, you needed to enter your first chapter. In my current WIP, the hero and heroine don’t meet until the second chapter. How could I show sexual tension when they haven’t even met?
So it’s important to remember that not every contest fits every WIP.
And that there’s a lot of publishers and a lot of ways to get your work out there.
Good topic, Maisey
Lisa, I like that about the career setback too, actually. (though I’m sure YOU didn’t like it…) Because it’s important to know that getting published isn’t reaching the finishline. It’s not a free pass. There’s still work involved, and crap still happens. And you can come back from that too! And spectacularly…*cough Immortal Brotherhood cough*
Daisy, that’s true too. Not every contest will suit every WIP…or every writer.
Did you have to mention the word hangover??
Maisey, you are, undoubtedly, the biggest and bestest loser I know! I want to be just like you when I grow up.
Miss Maisey guess what?! Kate Walker gave a Maisey reference on her blog 🙂 I don’t know about you but I’m a big fan of a Maisey Yates reference!
Hi Maisey, great post. I was just wondering if either of your contest entries have subsequently seen the light of day, albeit re-worked?
I didn’t enter the New Voices contest, had to sit on my hands, though. I received positive feedback and a “please send something else” on the last Presents contest I entered which made me happy.
But I find the contest route very much a roller coaster ride and it can really derail you from moving forward with your writing when you don’t win, or you don’t receive feedback. The first Presents contest I entered I received no feedback and spent ages wondering what was wrong, if it was that bad, etc. What should I do with the story I’d entered?
Same with the pitch contests on eharlequin. If I don’t get picked does it mean my hook isn’t hookey enough? Should I abandon this story and try something else?
None of this second guessing is helpful, it just makes me spin my wheels. So, I’m trying to the old-fashioned route for my next couple of submissions. Or at least until the next contest comes along and I can’t help myself.LOL.
Very wise words, Maisey.
And I totally agree with Anne. In some ways, I wish I had just got on with the requested partial from the Medical Fast-track instead of starting something new and spending hours angsting over it. Anne was certainly much wiser than I!
Back to the WIP so I can sub by the end of the month. I have a goal and some Minxes behind me with a whip and a very large stick 🙂
I must listen to the wise Maisey. And you’re right, contests aren’t for everyone. I’m just stubborn about it.
I am subbing soon. All hail the slush pile!
Abbi 🙂
Hello ladies!
Maisey, thanks for sharing your experiences with all of us. Most members of my writing group didn’t enter the competition either. I helped to promote New Voices, but I felt the old fashion way it’s still the best route. About editors’ pitches. I think many writers feel they hit gold after winning a pitch, only to end up disappointed while receiving another R form. Getting a request for a partial or a full after winning an editor’s pitch, means that the editor likes your idea for a story, and by now most of us already know, what matters it’s the execution.
There is nothing wrong with the slush pile boot camp. Some of us need to spend time inside it, in order to really learn this craft. I realized it after reading a book from a New York Times Best Seller list’s author, who was as skillful as any unsuccessful contest’s participant. This writer never heard of writing rules or blatantly ignored them. I did some research, I needed to know why this person got away with most couldn’t. The answer was in the author’s biography. After being rejected a few times, this writer self-published erotic ethnic books that found an audience. Marketing evidence in hand getting a contract from a major New York publisher was logical. Sadly, the books are still slush pile R form quality. The author might smile while checking the bank, but the shadow of mediocrity will always linger. So, slush pile boot camp isn’t that bad after all. Anybody who graduates from it, it’s ready for publication. And can be proud of his/her creations.
Best of luck to all of you, nice to see you again!
“My problem is, on the first go, my beginnings are rough. My synopses suck.”
Can I please please use this as my reason to not get anywhere on Contests too? 🙂
Thanks for the reminder that it’s not the end of world if you don’t get anywhere in contests, Maisey. Needed to see that.
Sri.
Aideen, I thought you might appreciate that. 😉 And thank you, dear. Being a winner is awesome, but being a loser can work out okay too! You’re a good example too, since you got a full request from Feel the Heat!
Miss Lacey! I will have to go see…vain beast that I am *I* love a Maisey Yates reference too…
Lorraine, I haven’t, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t. I was relieved that I didn’t have to finish that first entry. It was far too flawed, and I knew that. As for the other one, it is a full manuscript, and it’s still on my computer. I would have to rewrite it. And at the moment…I don’t want to.
But in my case, time and distance have let me see how flawed *my* entries were. (beginnings…)
Anne, very true, and as Daisy said, contests are specific. They can be great, but they aren’t essential and YES they are a roller coaster.
Good for you on the old-fashioned route!
Also, wanted to add, I do think it’s easy for some people to use contests as an excuse never to submit, so that can be a BERY BAD THING. 🙂
Joanne, no harm in trying. But now you know what you have to do. You got some great feedback. Hold onto that!
Joanna, interesting! And true. I think some people make it TOO early. The skills, and lack of ego, to allow you to revise are hugely important.
And slush pile boot camp, as tough as it is, isn’t a bad thing either. Winning contests and skipping steps can be great, and some winners have BEEN in boot camp for a while, and that shows in their writing skills. But I do believe it can come to people who are unprepared.
Sri, it’s true! It’s all true! I used to love beginnings…till I realized that’s where most of my revisions and wrong turns were! Then I realized I were doin’ them wrong! Now I spend ages on the beginning stage in hopes of cutting out some of those dreaded revisions!
And let’s not even talk synopses…
Thanks for sharing your experiences Maisey. NV “Hangover” is appropriate, as I may have used a Bloody Mary (or two or…heeheehee) to help ease the pain a little. : )
I started writing romance about a year ago. After completing my first manuscript I subbed to two contests because I wanted the promised feedback. I live two hours away from the nearest RWA chapter and haven’t yet found a CP or critique group, though I do lurk and post at eharlequin. For me, at this moment, the feedback from those contests is invaluable. Though, I admit, the win would excite me, too… “vain beast that I am.” LOL
Tina, I’m five hours from the nearest RWA so I feel your pain.
As for Crit Groups, mine is online. You might check out the eharl section where people are looking for CPs. They don’t have to live near you. A Google or Yahoo group works! Mine has for more than two years now.
Feedback is great, and super valuable! But, I submitted my first partial with only my husband’s feedback. No matter what stage you’re at…as Tim Gunn would say…you can make it work!
“You can make it work.”
That should be a bumper sticker OR one of those inspirational posters we could all hang in our “offices.”
Thanks for the advice. I will start my online search for a crit group. Kinda like a treasure hunt!
Tina, it could have a close up of an ant carrying something huge and in the black band it would say Make it Work: because no one will do it for you, and you’ll never make it unless you try!
Great post m’dear. Think me and contests shall part ways from here on in. 😉
*sigh* I would say the same, but I seem to have entered the RITAs. *gulps*
I second Jackie. I think I’m much better suited to the slush pile lol 🙂
Yay for RITAs! So exciting!
Nothing wrong with slush at all!! And your chapter was fabulous, Lacey. 🙂
Awww thanks! *whispers* I usually target Desire 😉
Really? Do the UK office! You have a great voice for it! I know a little birdy who was targeting Desire and ended up selling to a certain line in a matter of weeks after switching over…
Maisey, thank you for dragging me out of Jackie’s living room and over to your gorgeous blog. Your story is EXACTLY what I need to hear.
Right now, I would be happy with anything from HQ… feedback, a requst for a partial, a request for a full!… just something to make me feel like I’m moving forward.
My plan now is to diligently polish the full MS for my NV entry and get the next MS partial completed… that way if anyone asks for ANYTHING I’ll be little-miss-efficient and be able to load them up with goodies. And in the meantime I’ll probably go ahead and sub as well.
A plan. Gotta feel good about having one.
BTW… no suck-up intended, I have Virgin Acquisition next to my bed, and am thoroughly enjoying watching Elaine loosen a few of her tightly wound strings. Have to love a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it!
Jo, first off, please…feel free to suck up. 🙂 And also…so glad you’re enjoying Elaine!! And HVA!! Wee!!
Second, I truly hope you get a request off of it, and even if you don’t…you have the exact right idea!
Always glad when I can offer some encouragement!
Great post, Maisey! Not placing in a contest of this magnitude is not something to be ashamed of. With 824 entries, the competition was fierce. There were a lot of great chapters posted. Maybe some will get a call anyway.
I like the bumper sticker idea. Reminds me of watching ‘Bob the Builder’ with my grandson, where someone asks, “Can we build it?” and the others answer, “Yes, we can!!!”
Abbi from Mean Ebil Spam: All HAIL THE SLUSH PILE!
Lorraine, yes indeed! Certainly no slouch number! Much fiercer competition than the ones I entered! *whimper* I’m hoping, and thinking, that there should be much feedback!
Really? A little birdy huh? The UK is a little intimidating with all those “most popular M&B lines” 🙂
Do it, Lacey!! DO IT.