tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post5685393496570803001..comments2024-03-28T08:14:28.881-04:00Comments on Authoress: In Response to Your ResponseAuthoresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223228949688667517noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-5311943400591828742013-05-22T22:40:23.316-04:002013-05-22T22:40:23.316-04:00I agree with SC and Ashes. There is a great learni...I agree with SC and Ashes. There is a great learning oportunity from withdrwawing your manuscript and waiting 6 months or more - edits! It is so sad to click on an MSFV contest and see 30 entries that I just saw somewhere else. So, I secind (third?) the idea....don't let the 6 month rule expire or we will all just see the same first pages here as we see ina dozen other places.SAHMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-76637173088927313082013-05-21T18:45:29.815-04:002013-05-21T18:45:29.815-04:00I just read some of the comments on the other post...I just read some of the comments on the other post: They are COMPLETELY out of line, and I agree with your thought in this post. You are the greatest writer-helper-who-is-a-writer in this writing community. Of course you'll get some critics, but don't worry: You are awesome.SC Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10382410035007943921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-80182752477768003562013-05-21T14:43:59.534-04:002013-05-21T14:43:59.534-04:00I agree with Ashes. The 6 month wait between conte...I agree with Ashes. The 6 month wait between contests is part of what makes the MSFV contests so helpful. I've heard so many agents say that they're tired of seeing the same manuscripts over and over again in various contests, and I try to make sure I only enter mine in one or two (with different participating agents) before retiring it from the contest scene.<br /><br />For me, contests are a great way to get critique and feedback from other authors & publishing professionals, and although the contests may result in representation or even (in rare cases) book deals, I'm not holding all of my hopes on contests. I can take the feedback I receive in a contest and make my manuscript/query better before sending individual queries to the agents on my wish list. :)Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-89584148827912852142013-05-21T12:45:41.760-04:002013-05-21T12:45:41.760-04:00^ I did several contests last fall, ending with th...^ I did several contests last fall, ending with the Baker's Dozen, and I have to say, it got pretty intense and difficult to manage! But if an MS is ready, and the feedback is taken into account, reworked, and the MS is submitted again, I see no issue with entering multiple contests. It really depends on the feedback the writer is getting, what they are doing with it, and also educating ones self on the market, what is selling, and whether the entry is a reflection of a story that won't sell, or a case of a writer not quite being ready. Contests are great opportunities to learn those things. Though too many contests at once could potentially be a drawback for the writer if there isn't time taken in between to make edits.<br /><br />I must have missed the stay at home mom comment. That kind of dig really says a lot, doesn't it? Good writing is good writing, regardless if it's written by a woman with a full time job and no kids, or a mother fitting in writing time while her kids are at school. Writers should be able to seek feedback and critiques without being slammed for choosing to raise a family while also wanting to work toward publication. Stephscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06328839483008086049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-56811508432547039342013-05-21T10:18:20.683-04:002013-05-21T10:18:20.683-04:00I love the point about contest-hopping. The last t...I love the point about contest-hopping. The last thing you want an agent to think when they see your QL is 'haven't I seen this before?' Maybe they saw it before on several blogs, maybe they were even interested but couldn't request because they weren't judging. Either way when an agent is looking for something fresh the last thing you want to give them is deja vu. <br /><br />Choose your contests wisely and carefully. And the 6 month wait at MSFV is *not* a bad thing. Please keep this guideline. Asheshttp://www.twitter.com/whittwritesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-29326080059722335392013-05-21T00:27:04.484-04:002013-05-21T00:27:04.484-04:00This community of this website, the SA contest and...This community of this website, the SA contest and the critiques all have been very helpful to me. I'm happy to have benefited from the low turnout on the SA contest this month, being one of the 48. I've received some very helpful commentary, and I hope I've left some. Like some others, I hope I haven't been too cheery, but I think it's always helpful to the writer to point out what's good as well as what's in need of some further attention, work, etc. I just want to say I very much appreciate all the work this blog takes to run, as it certainly is considerable, and the great service it provides, free of charge, for all aspiring writers.Pamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-1158619048474826642013-05-20T23:11:59.537-04:002013-05-20T23:11:59.537-04:00Hello! I am returning to the writing scene. A big ...Hello! I am returning to the writing scene. A big episode with focusing on college disrupted my writing and I'm mad at myself for letting that happen. I barely have WIPs and I am still very doubtful in my abilities.<br /><br />But it's blogs like these where we, the readers, can better ourselves even when we're not in the contest by reading and helpfully critiquing others' WIPs with support and helpful tips that make me put this blog in my notifications. I get giddy when I read other entries because it makes me hopeful for whenever my day comes. The SA contest is an awesome idea, and yes, I do truly mean "awesome". I meant to say it in the previous post, but thank you for making an encouraging and helpful blog. It really motivates me. So, I do hope this contest will get more entries, and this was just a shortage for the month of May. May is pretty busy at times.<br /><br />PS:<br /> <br />If I sounded a bit cheerleaderish, it's one of my many things I've come to accept. I'm an upbeat type of person with smiley faces galore, but I'll save them for now. <br /><br /><br />Again, this was a great post. Mad respect for your humble and understanding approach.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04798194712737818268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-85945748837486924352013-05-20T20:15:06.881-04:002013-05-20T20:15:06.881-04:00Really?
How anyone can take the time to disparage...Really?<br /><br />How anyone can take the time to disparage Authoress or this blog is beyond me. <br /><br />The simple fact that Authoress posed the original question demonstrates her desire to make the blog as helpful to writers as possible. <br /><br />In addition to helping me get an agent, she's provided a forum to improve my writing and connected me with other writers who greatly enrich my life.<br /><br />I'd write more but I just got home from my fulltime job and now I need to tend to the kids. Then I want to spend some time reading Adam Heine's blog.<br /><br />Thank you, Authoress, for caring about what your readers think and for taking the risk to ask.Dana Ehttp://momslifeponderings.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-45307882156635072952013-05-20T18:18:29.838-04:002013-05-20T18:18:29.838-04:00Authoress,
I guess there are people who think ev...Authoress, <br /><br />I guess there are people who think every negative comment must be true and anything positive must be a lie. Writers ought to hear the positive, as well as the negative, or else how are we supposed to know when we're on the right track?Mary Holmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00413720275477716972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-24096520212806240612013-05-20T17:41:04.914-04:002013-05-20T17:41:04.914-04:00This unagented working mother writing MG and YA th...This unagented working mother writing MG and YA thinks you and the contests you host are FANTASTIC. Thanks for all you do! :DShari Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12495151345889657066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-15498722058957023392013-05-20T16:11:08.117-04:002013-05-20T16:11:08.117-04:00I'm a SAHM who writes MG, runs a part-time bus...I'm a SAHM who writes MG, runs a part-time business from home, and cares for 4 kids under the age of 13. SAHMs & SAHDs have barriers to their writing time just like anyone else. <br /><br />I've been lurking on your site for over a year and gobbling up all of the great insights offered by the agents and other commenters. I can't wait until my MG manuscript is complete so that I can start to enter your contests!<br /><br />In the meantime, I try to offer comments during the contests if I think I can add something of value or for entries that have the fewest comments. I'm trying to pay it forward for my future entry. :)<br /><br />Carry on, Secret Authoress!Liz Brownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-58823784483449163522013-05-20T15:25:53.699-04:002013-05-20T15:25:53.699-04:00I'd just like to say thank you. Your candor, e...I'd just like to say thank you. Your candor, enthusiasm and determination to offer a valuable resource to fledgling writers is truly treasured by many.Writer of Wrongshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04542818490324422576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-80665194811552190972013-05-20T15:17:19.085-04:002013-05-20T15:17:19.085-04:00I love getting your blog posts in my inbox. I subs...I love getting your blog posts in my inbox. I subscribe to very few blogs because there just isn't enough time, but your posts are encouraging and entertaining. And I like reading about other people's success. Your recent post was so thoughtful. And even though parts were evidence of the old adage, no good deed goes unpunished, I'm sure there are many published and unpublished authors grateful for the work you do. Here's to success on *your* writing journeyJudy Mintzhttp://www.judymintz.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-73851157552910895042013-05-20T14:59:09.162-04:002013-05-20T14:59:09.162-04:00Just read a quote on facebook the other day which ...Just read a quote on facebook the other day which pretty much sums it up. "Haters don't really hate you. They hate themselves because you're a reflection of what they wish to be." I never enter or post (too cowardly), but I lurk religiously and would need to find a new religion if MSFV went away!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06421087515636461779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-44542428253682632712013-05-20T13:49:43.605-04:002013-05-20T13:49:43.605-04:00I subscribe to your blog and enjoy reading it, hav...I subscribe to your blog and enjoy reading it, have entered several contests, but rarely (except for the contests) do I comment. But "Anonymous Publishing" snob made me want to say something. MSFV <i>is</i> a site dedicated to serious writers. I also follow many publishing info sites and read a lot of articles about writing/publishing, but you fill a definite and important niche. You have no control over people who re-enter the same book's beginning again and again because they can't let it go. But you know what? I've seen some of those shopped-around-for-two-years ms's get published! So they <i>did</i> learn something, it just took longer. <br /><br />Cheerleading and a**kissing is part of the business, too, O-Anonymous-Publishing-Person. It's a brutal business and people need some support, but I've seen fewer "vacuous" cheerleading comments on this blog than on many others. <br /><br />You should give negative comments no more sway than positive ones. Everyone has different tastes, and if people don't like this blog they can move on to somewhere they feel more comfortable, just as published books don't appeal to everyone (unless they strike that vast 12-yr-old audience that seems capable of making bestsellers out of trash). You're a smart lady, surrounded by smart people, so follow your gut instincts about changing rules or making "improvements." <br /><br />Personally, I think MSFV is perfect as it is. It helped me more than any other blog did, and I'm now agented.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-33037905130652848362013-05-20T13:32:49.740-04:002013-05-20T13:32:49.740-04:00Thank you for always leading by the example of a c...Thank you for always leading by the example of a cool head, empathetic heart, bravery, and clear words.The Kranky Crowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03540879407267148397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-29484407285098100162013-05-20T13:30:59.508-04:002013-05-20T13:30:59.508-04:00I did read through all the comments yesterday but ...I did read through all the comments yesterday but never left a response--anything I would have said had already been said.<br /><br />I have nothing against the contests and often read the entries and comments even if I haven't entered. They are most helpful!<br /><br />So bravo to you for this site, and bravo for your responses to the responses.<br /><br />Sending virtual chocolate to you!justJoanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10377292351547511489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-17810874001071267902013-05-20T13:17:37.418-04:002013-05-20T13:17:37.418-04:00Thank you Authoress for your response and seriousl...Thank you Authoress for your response and seriously responding to all of the points brought up. Thank you for your example of graciousness when others lash out at you. This biz can tear you down and suck your eyeballs out if you listen to all the negativity. Thanks for the positive POV. And pleeease, consider changing 6 months to 4 months. Would be great!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14324491231695823916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-27202394738179193132013-05-20T13:10:18.184-04:002013-05-20T13:10:18.184-04:00What a thoughtful post! I have so much to say, but...What a thoughtful post! I have so much to say, but I'll summarize it as this: You are providing an amazing opportunity for not just querying writers, but for writers in various stages of their career. You don't have to do it. You don't have to put countless hours into this blog, contests and doing all that you do just to help out a fellow writer, but…you do. The fact that there are people that find even a nugget of fault is mind-blowing. <br /><br />I commend you for asking for input to improve this blog and contests. That said, it wasn't an open invitation for people to whine and complain about what is 'fair' and 'unfair' with the way you run things. If they don't like it, they can run their own and make up whatever rules they want. I was especially angry about people complaining about the behavior of agents. Agents are people. No one can control other people. That's all. Agents have a job and some do things the way we wish they would, and some do not. How anyone can think that's a reflection of YOU, and what you're doing is being me. For every query this blog sees the exposure is massive. While I don't know specifics there is no doubt other agents and publishing professionals, aside from the ones participating in any given contest, checking out entries. I can think of no other way for a query to get so much attention.<br /><br />I'd love the person who said 'It's all SAHM's that write YA' to elaborate, but I can guarantee that would only fuel my rage. As a SAHM myself we don't have endless time to devote to our writing just like a person who has a out-of-the-house job. It was a ridiculous and judgmental thing to say.<br /><br />The fact of the matter is that you are helping, not hindering, someones path. I, for one, am grateful for that and others should be too. Querying is a long, often lonely road. There are days…weeks…sometimes months of rejection. Having someone basically say, "Hey! I've been there! Let me see if I can help!" is refreshing and inspiring. I sincerely hope I can do the same someday. Melissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-2426225683929743712013-05-20T12:49:36.285-04:002013-05-20T12:49:36.285-04:00I love your contests - they were an eureka moment ...I love your contests - they were an eureka moment for me, the first time a writer friend entered and I popped over here to see what the fuss was all about. I'm glad you are extending the submission window - now I won't have to rush home on my lunch, so flustered and nervous I wear mismatched shoes!<br />Keep up all the wonderful work you do.J D Wayenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-20104256508047921222013-05-20T12:12:09.586-04:002013-05-20T12:12:09.586-04:00Time commitments keep me from hanging out here as ...Time commitments keep me from hanging out here as much as I'd like, but I want to thank you for all that you do and all the crap that you take and yet you keep on doing so much for the writing community. Despite some of the negativity, this really is a safe harbor for many writers and an excellent critique forum. And, as evidenced by all the success stories, an amazing place for writers and agents to come together. Thank you for listening to your readers and thank you for advocating for writers. Danielle La Pagliahttp://www.daniellelapaglia.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-49209742883291036972013-05-20T11:43:41.478-04:002013-05-20T11:43:41.478-04:00Awesome response, Authoress. Big hugs to you!
I&#...Awesome response, Authoress. Big hugs to you!<br /><br />I'm not a stay-at-home-mom, but I am a stay-at-home-author. I continue to read and support this blog because I started to follow it five years ago, before I found my agent and before I was published. I think it's a wonderful service for all writers, unpublished and published both.<br /><br />I may not be able to participate in the SA contests, but I do like to participate in the Drop The Needle critiques. I've found them to be immensely helpful for my WIPs, whether they're contracted or uncontracted. It's always great to get a fresh pair of unbiased eyes on my work.<br /><br />I recommend this blog to every writer I know. :)Karen Duvallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01839711547501582977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-34406551693854539142013-05-20T11:09:58.383-04:002013-05-20T11:09:58.383-04:00I'm sorry, but I want to poke the 'anonymo...I'm sorry, but I want to poke the 'anonymous publishing professional' in the eye. Anonymous comments are easy enough to make, and it's easy enough to call yourself anything when making them. "Look at me! I'm the heiress to the Sultan of Brunei!" If you don't feel comfortable saying something with your name attached, don't say it. <br /><br />I don't always read every bit of this blog, and I rarely comment, but you've been helping me and writers like me since this blog's inception. I try to pay it forward with comments when I feel I have something worthwhile to say. Keep on doing the good work, and don't let anyone make you feel bad about a single stitch of it. B.E. Sandersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04336115135400388268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-3317059398182601802013-05-20T10:44:04.716-04:002013-05-20T10:44:04.716-04:00I commented a lot on the other thread, so I don...I commented a lot on the other thread, so I don't have much to add other than thank you Authoress for this great site you have brought to the writing community. I think most of us are truly grateful.<br /><br />BTW, I'm a stay-at-home mom. I home school my teenage daughter during the day and cook dinner and take care of my son (he's 8 and in public school) in the evening, while trying to find time to write in spurts through the day. And I don't write YA. I only write adult fiction. I also don't disparage those who write for teens and younger. The explosion of books for children and YA is fantastic because it means in this culture of the internet and smart phones, young people still read. That needs to be celebrated and authors who write for those age groups need to be thanked.<br /><br />Okay, so I wrote more than a simple thank you. :)Lanettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09987748870291077638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-51041842552692758192013-05-20T10:20:16.733-04:002013-05-20T10:20:16.733-04:00So far, your contests seem like the most substanti...So far, your contests seem like the most substantive out there. Thanks or the reminder to enter all contests after careful thought though. I'm finding some of them a bit ridiculous and too much like a high school popularity contest. Keep up the good work! I'm also not a stay-at-home mom, BTW (although sometimes, I'd like to be!)HEATHER LYNNE DAVIShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04324491728569039272noreply@blogger.com