Tag: contests

Categories
Guest Posts

How to win book awards. Advice from the Experts!

Guest posts

Paula Sheridan, Founder of Page Turner Awards, offers advice to authors on how to get their books to win awards so they can become award-winning authors.

1. Book Cover:

Your book cover must be professionally designed to create intrigue and thus hook the reader and award judges to choose it to open the pages. It’s a myth that book cover designers are expensive. Most designers will charge a few hundred for a cover. Ask for recommendations in your writing groups. If you’re short on budget, search the internet for book cover solutions.

We’re often told ‘not to judge a book by its cover’ which has a different meaning for humans than for books. Most readers will buy a book based on the feeling they get when seeing the book cover. Equally, for a book award, judges will be drawn to covers they like and that will encourage them to read on. Which brings me on to the next important point…

2. Opening Chapters:

The first page and opening chapters must hook the reader or judge within the first paragraph or two. Ensure your story’s opening grabs the reader or judge by their collar and pulls them along. And, before they know it, they are reading several chapters and can’t put your story down. This is vital for book awards and writing contests.

3. Grammar and Prose:

In your opening chapters, be vigilant with grammar and checking for typos. You cannot have a judge put your book aside due to bad workmanship. A free trial with a great piece of self-editing software, like ProWritingAid will ensure that you don’t have any mistakes in your submission. Don’t rely on Microsoft Word to do this very important job for you! A sterling editing software, like ProWritingAid, will also improve your prose by pointing out where you’ve used too many adverbs and it even lists words that are over-used. If you haven’t tried such a ‘writing wonder’, I highly recommend it.

4. Compelling Characters:

Start your story with a compelling character, either a heroine or a villain but most likely the main hero of the story who is someone the reader or book award judges will care about almost straight away. They must capture the reader or judges attention, so they engage with the character and they continue reading to see what happens to the character. This should be the case for any self-published book, whether you intend to enter a book award or not!

Winning book awards can help your book get discovered. They provide new promotion opportunities for you and your book.

5. Be Brave:

Don’t be afraid to try something new and show off your writing flair with original thoughts and ideas. For example, take a character’s personality or a plot point that we know as familiar and flip it in a way that we don’t recognize, then the reader or judge will find your writing exciting and new, so they’ll want to keep reading. Write something unexpected in plot, or concept. Another given for all stories you intend to self-publish.

6. Find High Value Prizes:

When searching book awards to enter, check out the awards where the prizes are of real value to writers and authors, such as a writing mentorship or PR plans for book publicity, or critical feedback. These are all essential elements of a writing or book award, but not all have them. Page Turner Awards offers these prizes and much more. That’s probably because as an author myself, I created the awards with judges and prizes that I wanted to find in a literary award but couldn’t find. As writers, we want to win prizes that will improve our writing or help to propel our careers.

7. Book Promotion:

Remember that a book award is another form of book marketing. Having a book award under your belt means you can promote your book as an award-winning book. If you’d like help with promoting your book, try out this book marketing trio, which you can download for free https://BookHip.com/XXBVFC

8. Finding the Right Contest:

Lastly, many writers and authors are skeptical about entering a new book award with no track record. If you find one that is new and you’re not sure if you should enter, check their previous successes. Success stories from Page Turner Awards inaugural awards include three writers winning literary representation, six writers winning a writing mentorship, five writers winning a publishing contract and thirteen independent authors winning an audiobook production.

Good luck with your book awards entries!

Paula Sheridan is founder of Page Turner Awards, Book Luver and Writing Goals. She writes and publishes under the pen name of Paula Wynne. Paula’s career spanned several decades as a book publicist and marketing expert (check out Pimp My Site).

Categories
Screenwriting

This is a Test

Recently I received a notification on social media about this year’s film awards.  Traditionally, November through February is awards season in Hollywood. Not just for the blockbuster movies released this year, like Roma  or The Irishman or the big awards shows that are aired nationally:

  • Oscars
  • Golden globes
  • People’s Choice Awards

It’s also award season for screenwriting competitions. For many aspiring screenwriters, the lure and hope of winning a competition is a ray of hope and gift of breaking into the industry. Everyone wants an easy path to their writing dreams. The contest business is a booming industry for screenwriters.

Contests?

When I first started writing screenplays over a decade ago, I thought all I had to do was win a screenwriting contest and agents and the money would follow me everywhere. Back then, I was ignorant of how the industry works and what the real benefits of contests are.

First, I want to be clear about what contests aren’t:

  1. A guarantee of getting a movie sold or produced.
  2. A shortcut to screenwriting success.
  3. Like buying a lottery ticket and hoping you win the jackpot.

These are just a few of the myths I bought when I started screenwriting. But, over the years I’ve learned the real benefits of entering the screenwriting contests. They may not pack as much bang for the buck as I’d hoped, but there’s still a lot to be gained from competitions.

  1. Contests are a way of making connections in the industry, and networking is the name of the game in Hollywood.
  2. If you’re just starting, contests are a great way of getting some feedback about your writing skills. Just be sure to enter contests that offer entrants feedback or as we call it, coverage.
  3. If you are a skilled storyteller, contests are way of marketing your script to the powers that be in the industry. Be sure to check on who the judges are in the contest before entering.

All in all, a contest can still be a starting point for your career by landing you future writing jobs or they may simply build your reputation within the industry.

Starting Points?

At best, a contest or gets you meetings with managers, agents, and studio heads. If you play your cards correctly, you may walk away with an option or two if there’s enough interest in your writing chops.

Eight years ago I won a regional screenwriting competition in Georgia and I remain in contact with the creatives I met through the contest. Although I didn’t get a big sale from the contest, I did learn about screenwriting and walked away with a wealth of knowledge.

In closing, I want to encourage you to do your homework before entering a contest.  Check and see if it is worth the investment of the entry fee. Not all contests are created equal. Some may offer a cash prize, but no coverage of your script or credible contacts into the biz. Below are a couple of the main contests that can help launch a career.

  • Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship – This is the most respectable competition and is run by the Academy of motion pictures (Oscars). Past winners include Erin Brockovich.
  •  The Austin Film Festival – past winners include Juno.
  • Final Draft’s Big Break competition – most winners land management or writing gigs.

Remember if you’re still trying to break into the screenwriting industry, a contest is simply a starting point, not the end of your journey. Ultimately, the truth is about screenwriting contests; it’s a test.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Three Things I Learned in Wimberley, TX

This past month I packed up my little bag, tucked my insecurity into the glove box and drove south to Wimberley, TX to participate in the Serious Writer Tour conference.

The sun shone, the chickens clucked and y’all, I’m here to tell you, it was a great day.

Carpets of Texas bluebells added beauty to my journey.

Here’s some of the conference highlights:

  1. Children’s writers are eight times more likely to be published in nonfiction. Wendy Lanier shared this fantastic statistic, plus a slew of information on the various types of nonfiction that are published (hint: it ain’t just biographies).

From trade to literary, commercial to persuasive, there’s plenty of flavors within the nonfiction realm to explore. Until this point, I hadn’t considered writing nonfiction. I think I (incorrectly) imagined the process being very similar to writing an encyclopedia. But I like researching. And in the middle grade arena, tapping this market first could help build your credibility.

  1. Contests. One of the many info nuggets dispensed by Michelle Medlock Adams was that contests matter. Why? Because agents and editors who are on the hunt often look specifically at – you guessed it – contest winners. And you can’t win if you don’t enter.
  1. Always be ready to pitch. I wasn’t expecting to have one-on-one time with acquisitions editor Rachel Lamonica Pellegrino from Little Lamb Books. But guess what? I got it. And when she asked what I was working on, friends, it wasn’t pretty. I messed up in every possible way.

After I stopped chewing on my feet, Ms. Pellegrino gracefully gave me constructive, actionable feedback. Even though it was ultimately a positive experience, I fumbled into an important life lesson. So let me serve as a cautionary tale: Do your prep work. Create a concise, thoughtful pitch. Rehearse it. Because you never know what kind of opportunities you’ll have. You want to put your best foot forward instead of shoving it firmly into your mouth.

BONUS ITEM:

  1. Get out of your comfort zone. If you’ve read along and thought “This is all well and good, but I could never go to anything like this. I’m ______,” allow me to gently and kindly take you by the shoulder and say “Yes you can.”  Not only can you, if you’re serious about writing, you should invest time and energy in learning new things about your craft.

At a writing workshop or conference, you’ll meet other writers. Confession: this intimidates me sometimes. But I remind myself that writers are my people. For every writer in the room, there’s a unique path that led them there. I don’t have to worry whether or not my path is like theirs. There’s room at the table for all of us.

What do you think? Are you planning to attend any conferences or workshops this year? Which ones?

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

Categories
A Pinch of Poetry

Poetry Contests: Where to Find Them

Since there is not a high demand for poetry in the publishing industry, one way to get your poems out there is by submitting to contests. And winning contests can lead to hidden doors of opportunity.

[bctt tweet=”Winning contests can lead to hidden doors of opportunity. #poets #poetry #writers”]

Below are places I recommend you research to find the right competition to match your style.

Winning Writers

With a database full of free contests in every genre, Winning Writers actually seems to emphasize poetry. Currently they are offering their own Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest, which is also completely free to enter. Once you sign up, you can browse the site for more opportunities. Additionally, they offer articles on tips for submitting poetry to contests and how to avoid scams.

Poetry Society of South Carolina

Poetry societies can be found across the nation. I am a member of the one based in the South Carolina low country, which allows me to enter both the fall and spring contests for free. Otherwise they do offer most of their contests to anyone for a small fee of $5 per entry. Not bad when you consider the cash prizes are between $50-$500.

Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Card Contest

This is a free biannual contest. They do favor a particular style of poetry so be sure to check out their guidelines and previous winners before submitting. They offer a cash prize for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

Fresh Voices Writing Contest

Our very own Almost an Author website sponsors the Fresh Voices Writing Contest for multiple genres, including poetry. The fee is $10 per entry and one entry for poetry can be up to 3 poems. Currently there is no cash prize, but don’t let that stop you from submitting. Winning contests builds your writing resume. The more accolades you can bring home, the better.

[bctt tweet=”Winning contests builds your writing resume. #poets #poetry #writers”]

Local poetry contests

Another place to look for contests is locally. Find out where poetry happenings take place near your town. In Columbia, S.C., the poet laureate organized a poetry event recently through the arts initiative. I had the opportunity to have one of my poems published in the chapbook and participate in the event poetry reading. So be on the look-out in your area for happenings such as that.

Conference contests

If you plan to go to a conference, see if they sponsor any contests. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers’ Conference sponsors their own competition each year, and the money from the fees provides for scholarships for conferees who couldn’t attend without assistance. There is no cash prize, but you receive a very nice award at fine banquet and ceremony. The experience is highly worthwhile. I happened to win 1st place for poetry this past year, which encouraged me in so many ways. It also contributed to the opportunity to write this very blog!

Beware of Scams

Unfortunately some companies thrive on tricking writers into purchasing publication which is deceptively masked as a contest. Winning Writers offers great information on how to avoid scams that are disguised as poetry contests. If you’re not sure if a contest is legit, it’s better to stay away from it. Any “contest” charging a high fee and guaranteeing publication is probably not a true contest.

So now, it’s time to get it out there.

Research contests, study previous winners, and submit your work.

Know any decent poetry contests you could share with us? Tell me below.