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Contests 101: 5 Editor Takeaways

Contests bring out the best in all of us—the entrants, the judges, the agents. 

Contests-101-five-editor-takeaways-tisha-martin-author-editor

I’ve been on the receiving and giving side of both ends of the manuscript contest spectrum.

This blog posts focuses on the editor’s response to contest critiques.

As an editor with experience in evaluating and editing manuscripts (250 since 2017), I understand what it takes to catch an editor’s eye. I value the awesome responsibility required to evaluate and comment on a writer’s beloved work. And I respect what’s needed for each manuscript that comes across the work desk. It’s exhilarating. Truly.

Five Facts about Evaluating Contest Manuscripts

  1. Evaluating is hard.
  2. Evaluating is vulnerable.
  3. Evaluating is empowering.
  4. Evaluating is responsive.
  5. Evaluating is unpredictable.

I’d like to think that these are five of many possible facts about evaluating contest manuscripts.

Five facts from an editor’s perspective in evaluating manuscripts

  • Hard, because we know the author has poured blood, sweat, and tears into their manuscript, and it’s as much a part of them as their massive library collection.
  • Vulnerable, because we’re judging blind, not knowing who wrote what we’re reading. Yet we want to offer kind and helpful comments for each entry.
  • Empowering, because to think that we get to empower and validate a writer we don’t know is just the best thing there could ever be. That’s just pure bliss right there, and tastes richer than any mint dark chocolate bar in the whole wide world.
  • Responsive, because hitting that Submit button after judging an entry because we hope we have judged to the best of our ability and respected the author’s voice, their story, and the message while providing active feedback tailored for each manuscript.
  • Unpredictable, because once we hit that Submit button, there is no turning back. No guarantee that the writer will agree with us as we prayed our way through each story for wisdom in assessing and for words of encouragement in offering helpful feedback so that the story can be improved and scale up the ladder toward publication success.

What ebb-and-flow levels of curiosity and responsibility, huh?

In truth, most editors are happy to review manuscripts, to offer advice, to empower authors because if it weren’t for authors, we’d be out of a job. Publishers would not survive. Bookstores would not add to their shelves. And readers would have no books to enjoy.

Contests 101: Five Editor Takeaways

  1. Evaluating is easy.
  2. Evaluating is protection.
  3. Evaluating is discouraging.
  4. Evaluating is empowering.
  5. Evaluating is predictable.

I know, I know. Oxymoron, but we’re doing a switch on the “fear” words from the five facts about evaluating contest manuscripts.

  • Easy. While we realize that we take great care in providing useful, helpful, and honest feedback to each writer’s entry, we know that being as clear as we can about how the writer can implement our comments will be easy for them.
  • Protection. Most contests have high guidelines for their judges (or they should!). We know that a contest that has solid expectations for each entry is gold because we do indeed value each submitted manuscript and want to critique it to the absolute best of our industry knowledge. This creates a sense of protection for the entrants because the judge knows what they’re looking for and will have your story’s best interest at heart.
  • Discouraging. We sometimes do have to provide the author with a low score because perhaps the story is not where it needs to be . . . yet. And that yet is so empowering!
  • Empowering. And sometimes we give a great score because the writer did well in their story presentation.
  • Predictable. In all, we know that if the writer has done their homework, studied the craft, enlisted beta readers or a professional editor in the editing and proofreading stage, and knows that a contest does not define them or their writing, then we are confident that our comments on the writer’s manuscript will be received in a manner of gratefulness and encouragement.

And, who knows? You might even place in the contest, like one of my author-clients did!

Above all, each judge should view your manuscript through the eyes of grace. If they don’t, then please by all means, you’re free to chuck their advice. Grace given is a valuable and precious gift.

So, my writer-friend, don’t bemoan when submitting to contests. Exercise due diligence. Find out what your manuscript needs *before you submit. Most often, this includes reaching out to a trusted and experienced editor who knows what they’re looking for and who can give you the best overall critique advice for your story—in hopes of getting great feedback on that story submission.

If you’re worried about the cost, it’s usually not much. The cost of a critique is basically the same cost as a cup of coffee—-in general terms of experience. Both prices and experiences are just right.

So . . . are YOU submitting this season? Le me know in the comments!

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Contests 101: 5 Author Takeaways

contests-101-five-author-takeaways-tisha-martin-author-editor

Contests bring out the best and the worst in all of us—the entrants, the judges, the agents or editors. 

As a published author and professional editor, I’ve been on the receiving and giving side of both ends of the contest spectrum. And though I often didn’t like the judges’ score, I did appreciate their gracious feedback and insightful questions.

Their feedback and score did not define me or my writing skills.

I’m still alive and well to tell about it. Like now.

This blog focuses on the author’s response to contest judges’ feedback. (Next month, I will share the judges’ side.)

As a writer with about twenty years behind me (well, twenty exploratory, learning, and professional years combined, but still counts!), and having submitted to college contests three years in a row with nothing but disappointment (and I was a writing major), and having submitted to professional contests three years in a row with nothing but confusion and tears to show for (didn’t my writing degree prove anything??), I’ll share my personal journey with you.

Five Facts about Submitting to Contests

  1. Submitting is hard.
  2. Submitting is vulnerable.
  3. Submitting is empowering.
  4. Submitting is scary.
  5. Submitting is unpredictable.

I’d like to think that these are five of many possible facts about submitting to contests.

  • Hard, because we will never know if our manuscript has been edited enough. What if we missed that comma that we didn’t know we missed? What if our dialogue doesn’t sing? What if . . .? What if someone is just a better writer than me? Oop, let’s just close the computer right now and hang it up forever.
  • Vulnerable, because someone we don’t know is going to read our precious words. Oh my gosh, that’s just too much for me. What if this judge absolutely hates my story because their uncle chased them with a scary clown mask. giving them lifetime nightmares too? Oh dear. That’ll disqualify me for sure!
  • Empowering, because to think that someone we don’t know is going to possibly, hopefully validate us is just the best thing there could ever be. That’s just pure bliss right there, and tastes richer than any mint dark chocolate bar in the whole wide world.
  • Scary, because hitting that Submit button just might seal our fate to never ever send out our work again, so we might as well just keep sipping coffee and eating dark chocolate and loving, appreciating our words, as if no one else will ever like them but us.
  • Unpredictable, because once we hit that Submit button, there is no turning back. No guarantee that a judge will agree with us. No promise that a judge will believe in us or our story.

What ebb-and-flow levels of fear we’ve created, huh?

True. If you are not inclined to submit because of these fears (yes, let’s say what they are), then you won’t follow through. If that sounds harsh, please understand that I have been in that spot before.

I didn’t follow through because I sincerely thought my manuscript idea and story was not good enough. No one would like it. The judges would give my manuscript a total score 40 and tell me I needed to enhance my characterization, my theme, my dialogue. Blah. Why enter if I was going to get that kind of rejection? Not worth it!

Ohhh, but what I didn’t realize was that submitting to contests *was worth it! Don’t believe me? That’s okay. You’re not inclined to; but if you’ll stick with me to the end, I’ll share five things authors can takeaway from submitting to contests . . .

Contests 101: Five Author Takeaways

  1. Submitting is easy.
  2. Submitting is protection.
  3. Submitting is discouraging.
  4. Submitting is empowering.
  5. Submitting is predictable.

I know, I know. Oxymoron, but we’re doing a switch on the “fear” words from the five facts about submitting to contests.

  • Easy. This might sound confusing or intriguing. When we dash the fear that submitting is hard, submitting then becomes easy. Not necessarily easy in the act of hitting that Submit button, but easy in knowing that whatever happens, it’s easy to let go and trust God and the powers that be.
  • Protection. Mmm, yes. Protection. Most contests have strong guidelines for their judges (or they should! If you’re unsure, then take the power plunge and query them for judges’ guidelines or qualifications). This creates a sense of protection for the entrants because the judge knows what they’re looking for and will have your story’s best interest at heart.
  • Discouraging. This is a heavy word, but it’s truth here. You may not get a good score when the results come in. That’s life. That’s reality. That’s discouraging. However, if the judge behaved objectively (as they should), then their comments will be comforting, encouraging, and empowering. You’ll know what to do next time! Isn’t that encouraging?
  • Empowering. And sometimes you’ll get a great score on one score sheet. Yay! Go you! Or maybe you’ll receive a personalize comment from a judge who discloses their name and email address, specifically telling you to contact them when you’ve made changes. Ooo! (Now, they’re generally not supposed to, but in the faith-based market, judges are also sometimes editors, so they know a good story when they see one; and often reach out to help authors who show promise—in the hopes that the author will one day impress and agent or publishing board.) How cool is that?
  • Predictable. Hmm, this one is interesting, because it’s kinda like gambling, isn’t it? I say submitting is predictable because if you have done your due diligence and gotten good solid feedback on your manuscript before submitting . . . meaning, you have had encouragement from a trusted source (published author, skilled editor), then chances are, you’ll have great results after hitting that Submit button.

And, who knows? You might even place in the contest, like one of my author-clients did!

Above all, each judge should view your manuscript through the eyes of grace. If they don’t, then please by all means, you’re free to chuck their advice. Grace given is a valuable and precious gift.

So, my writer-friend, don’t bemoan when submitting to contests. Exercise due diligence. Find out what your manuscript needs *before you submit. Most often, this includes reaching out to a trusted and experienced editor who knows what they’re looking for and who can give you the best overall critique advice for your story—in hopes of getting great feedback on that story submission.

If you’re worried about the cost, it’s usually not much. The cost of a critique is basically the same cost as a cup of coffee—-in general terms of experience. Both prices and experiences are just right.

So . . . are YOU submitting this season? Let me know in the comments!

We’re into the submission season. There are still open contests out there!

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How to Have the Right Perspective

This blog post first appeared September, 2017.

Since I enjoy researching and writing about the WWII American home front and polio, I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend, Starr. I met Starr through a Post Polio group and I was so inspired by her love for life and her beautiful heart. As I got to know her, it became apparent that a beautiful heart is all about having the right perspective. Starr, thanks for letting me interview you and for sharing your life with us.

1940s wheelchair
1940s wheelchair

My character, Laurie, contracts polio in 1943, a time when America was engulfed in the throes of a world war, but also, fighting a home front war, the war against this crippling disease. What is your polio story?

Starr — Where should I begin. I have thought about it for a long time. I became sick at age 6 months old. I was born to teenage parents, Mom was 16 and Dad 15. They did what all parents do and I was vaccinated on schedule. It was my third dose, which was the live virus which I contracted polio. I have had good times, bad times, sad and happy. But looking back I would not change a thing. It is what made the person I am. It got me to where I am today. I love my life and I feel very blessed.

I know hospitals are not fun, but you’ve talked about some fascinating stories between you and a boy you met while in the hospital. What is your favorite memory?

Starr — This is an easy memory for me. Christmas Eve, the hospital was empty just a few of us there. They would take us to the auditorium and show Laurel and Hardy’s March of the Wooden Soldiers. We had popcorn and laughed a lot. My husband and I were friends back then. We both were in and out of the hospital and it seemed it was always at the same time.

I’m sure being in and out of the hospital was a love-hate relationship, especially because your best friend became your husband. 🙂

How did you spend your summers after polio?

The Eye of the Mustang
Sister, the Paint Mustang

Starr — Well, I discovered early on that I was different. I didn’t go outside that often, most were spent indoors either at home or the hospital. But I found ways to enjoy the change of seasons. I watched the colors change, and saw life from a window. In my teens, my parents bought a horse, they thought it would be good therapy. And it was, because the horse became my legs. I was able to go where ever I wanted. I know this sounds strange but I would go to a grave yard with a pad of paper and draw nature. And talk to the graves as if they were old friends.

My character has a horse, too, and has to learn how to ride again. Riding is wonderful therapy for anyone.

How did you meet your husband?

Starr — We met when we were six. Both in the hospital for two different reasons. We were on mats in physical therapy waiting our turn. He and another boy were behind me laughing. They took turns pulling on my pig tails. I cried and they [nurses] had to take me back to my room. Yes, and I married him. But there were many stories between then and our marriage.

That’s funny and cute. I’m sure he’s glad you decided to marry him too.

What is your hobby?

Starr — I have many. I paint, draw, write poems, write short stories, crochet, cook, compose music and play many instruments. I sang and gardened prior to PPS.

Just so our readers understand what PPS is, PPS is called Post-Polio Syndrome.

I enjoy poetry and the hope it gives. You wrote a poem called “Whispers of Heaven.” I think our readers will love this section you wrote:

A life unvarnished, rattled with pain

And back to this life I did reclaim.

The time has since has passed seeming far away

But still I am here and will remain,

thinking of time and that I must stay

For all we are now, and all we’re to be

We must follow the path that leads to thee

I know not where nor do I the time

What life I now have alone it is mine

But knowing what waits beyond is not pretend

For each of us holds to love when it’s our life’s end.

From my research, I’ve learned that Post Polio is a syndrome where the challenges of polio come back after a 20-40 year span. What is your approach to PPS?

Starr — I deal with it day by day. I try to enjoy every day, and am very thankful that I am here. Because I know life can be gone in an instant.

Through your life experience, how have you become a better person?

Starr — I am more sensitive to other people’s feelings and am very patient.

Being patient truly is a gift. What are some things that make you happy?

Starr — Well right now it is being a grandmother. I have wanted to be one for such a long time.

Who was instrumental in shaping you into the wonderful person you are today?

1940s ApronStarr — I would have to say my Mom, because she pushed me. She was hard on me, but did it to make me stronger. And also all the staff at the children’s hospital I spent most of my life in.

What is your encouraging advice to others, and something that writers can infuse into their own characters’ lives?

Starr — Never be defeated, defeat the circumstance. Let go of pain, both emotional and physical. And the last is to forgive all those who have hurt you, and forgive yourself. It will lift such a weight off you. I have found that if you allow the sorrow to fill you with hate, you will never have the love you seek.

Thanks for sharing with us today, Starr! Your story is beautiful, inspiring, and a great reminder that we can have confidence no matter what we go through. We all have challenges in life, and I’m encouraged by your outlook on life.

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In a world of fall color: give thanks

Fall is one of my favorite time of the year because it brings comforting things—coffee every day, thick sweaters, warm boots, evening reading with a flickering candle beside, and a season of thankfulness.

What and who are you thankful for? What do you enjoy about the fall season? I’d love to hear your comments!

 

Next month, I’ve got two great post #giveaway for you that you won’t want to miss! #amreading and #amediting … For the authors AND readers in your life! Just in time for the season’s shopping and fall reading!

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4 Inspirational Quotes About Fall + Photos

Welcome, September! I love your colorful leaves that inspire me, your blustery walks down a country road or city sidewalk, your chilling breeze as I sit before a fire and brown marshmallows with family and friends.

Here’s a few of my favorite quotes and poetic bits going into the Fall season and the month of September. I hope you enjoy them.

Coffee Book Window Fall

Just smell it! Bring on the fall with #books and #coffee.

 

annie-spratt-144480

“There’s a little bit to love right here in September.”

— Cara Grandle

 

daiga-ellaby-154929

By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer. — Helen Hunt Jackson

 

Books are the window to the soul.john-mark-kuznietsov-266553

 

 

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Perspective: Polio Interview with Starr Tillman

Since I enjoy researching and writing about the WWII American home front and polio, I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend, Starr. I met Starr through the Post Polio Facebook page and I was so inspired by her love for life and her beautiful heart. As I got to know her, it became apparent that a beautiful heart is all about having the right perspective. Starr, thanks for letting me interview you and for sharing your life with us.

1940s wheelchair
1940s wheelchair

My character, Laurie, contracts polio in 1943, a time when America was engulfed in the throes of a world war, but also, fighting a home front war, the war against the crippling disease. What is your polio story?

Starr — Where should I begin. I have thought about it for a long time. I became sick at age 6 months old. I was born to teenage parents, Mom was 16 and Dad 15. They did what all parents do and I was vaccinated on schedule. It was my third dose, which was the live virus which I contracted polio. I have had good times, bad time, sad and happy. But looking back I would not change a thing. It is what made the person I am. It got me to where I am today. I love my life and I feel very blessed.

I know hospitals are not fun, but you’ve talked about some fascinating stories between you and a boy you met while in the hospital. What is your favorite memory?

Starr — This is an easy memory for me. Christmas Eve, the hospital was empty just a few of us there. They would take us to the auditorium and show Laurel and Hardy’s March of the Wooden Soldiers. We had popcorn and laughed a lot. My husband and I were friends back then. We both were in and out of the hospital and it seemed it was always at the same time.

I’m sure being in and out of the hospital was a love-hate relationship, especially because your best friend became your husband. 🙂

How did you spend your summers after polio?

The Eye of the Mustang
Sister, the Paint Mustang

Starr — Well, I discovered early on that I was different. I didn’t go outside that often, most were spent indoors either at home or the hospital. But I found ways to enjoy the change of seasons. I watched the colors change, and saw life from a window. In my teens, my parents bought a horse, they thought it would be good therapy. And it was, because the horse became my legs. I was able to go where ever I wanted. I know this sounds strange but I would go to a grave yard with a pad of paper and draw nature. And talk to the graves as if they were old friends.

My character had a horse, too, and had to learn how to ride again. Riding is wonderful therapy for anyone.

How did you meet your husband?

Starr — We met when we were six. Both in the hospital for two different reasons. We were on mats in physical therapy waiting our turn. He and another boy were behind me laughing. They took turns pulling on my pig tails. I cried and they [nurses] had to take me back to my room. Yes, and I married him. But there were many stories between then and our marriage.

That’s funny and cute. I’m sure he’s glad you decided to marry him, too.

What is your hobby?

Starr — I have many. I paint, draw, write poems, write short stories, crochet, cook, compose music and play many instruments. I sang and gardened prior to PPS.

I enjoy poetry and the hope it gives. You wrote a poem about “Whispers of Heaven.” I liked this section you wrote:

A life unvarnished rattled with pain

And back to this life I did reclaim

The time has since has passed seeming far away

But still I am here and will remain

thinking of time and that I must stay

For all we are now, and all we’re to be

We must follow the path that leads to thee

I know not where nor do I the time

What life I now have alone it is mine

But knowing what waits beyond is not pretend

For each of us holds to love when it’s our life’s end.

From my research, I’ve learned that Post Polio is a syndrome where the challenges of polio come back after a 20-40 year span. What is your approach to PPS?

Starr — I deal with it day by day. I try to enjoy every day, and am very thankful that I am here. Because I know life can be gone in an instant.

Through your life experience, how have you become a better person?

Starr — I am more sensitive to other people feelings, and am very patient.

People/things that make you happy?

Starr — Well right now it is being a grandmother. I have wanted to be one for such a long time.

Who was instrumental in shaping you into the wonderful person you are today?

1940s ApronStarr — I would have to say my Mom, because she pushed me. She was hard on me, but did it to make me stronger. And also all the staff at the children’s hospital I spent most of my life in.

Encouraging advice to others, and something that I can infuse into my own character’s life?

Starr — Never be defeated, defeat the circumstance. Let go of pain, both emotional and physical. And last is to forgive all those who have hurt you, and forgive yourself. It will lift such a weight off you. I have found that if you allow the sorrow to fill you with hate, you will never have the love you seek.

Thanks for sharing with us today, Starr! Your story is beautiful, inspiring, and a great reminder that we can have confidence no matter what we go through. We all have challenges in life, and I’m encouraged by your outlook on life.

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A poetic bit

image

Photo credit: blue table writers

So, inspiration comes at odd moments. When we least expect it.

Mine came on the frigid Friday evening when five writers and an artist gathered around an inspiring blue table.

Haiku. We all had to write a haiku based on the topic of flowers.

I agonized over correct wording and imagery, and managed to pen three haiku right on the spot.

In the words of Catherine Drinker Bowen, “For your born writer, nothing is so healing as the realization that he has come upon the right word.” Well, I may not have scored the right word yet, but we artists did have fun creating fragrant haiku.

What poetry or snippets of words have you created recently?