Blogger: Mary Keeley
This is the time of year when contests will be won and awards will be announced. A few will get the prize; most will not. Since I am out of the office attending BEA this week, I …
Contests
The Dreaded Synopsis
Blogger: Mary Keeley
I talked to two writers this week who were struggling to get the synopsis for their books right. I understand the challenge. Knowing what is necessary to include and what isn’t can feel more like an obscure …
When Publishing Trophies Become Meaningless
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Publishing trophies come in three forms: signed contracts, making a best-seller list, and winning a writing award. But, with all the changes in the publishing industry, these trophies are beginning to look like kids’ sports trophies–if …
2016 Writing Contests
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Following last week’s blog about editing, I was reminded that entering writing contests is another low-cost way to receive professional feedback on your manuscript. The season for this year’s writing contests is upon us, and an update …
Splickety Flash Fiction Contest Finalists
Blogger: Rachel Kent
I’m happy to be the one to announce the top ten Splickety Prime Flash Fiction Contest finalists! Here’s a link to the original posting about the contest, in case you are interested. The winner will be …
When You Get a Proposal Request
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Agents and editors are aware of what their request for a proposal means to an author. Some will request the first few chapters, and others may ask for the complete manuscript, especially from debut authors. That’s often …
Flash Fiction Contest
Guest Blogger: Meagan Briggs
Show us your flash fiction skills.
Splickety Prime is hosting a nano fiction contest, and we want your entries. In 100 words or less, write a story that encompasses our holiday theme (see below) and meets …
The Flash Fiction Challenge
Guest blogger: Meagan Briggs
From Janet: Come on in, we’re about to have some fiction fun! Books & Such is teaming up with Splickety Prime, a quarterly magazine that specializes in flash fiction. Joining us as a guest blogger is …
When Marketing Goes Too Far
Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
I recently saw two marketing ideas that generated a lot of online noise. They did so because they crossed an invisible line–the line that causes potential customers to be repelled.
Both marketing ploys were contests.
The …
Contests: To Enter or Not
Blogger: Mary Keeley
Over the holiday weekend I spent time debriefing after serving on faculty at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Up until now, I’ve had vacillating opinions about the long-term value published and unpublished authors reap from …