Thanks so much for all of the great contest ideas! I’m so ready for this contest. You know. Once we decide what it’s going to be.
I’ve whittled down some of the suggestions into a handy-dandy poll. Vote today, and whatever is winning when I write the This Week in Publishing post tomorrow will be the contest.
Oh — and as for the prize, I’ll let the winner(s) choose one of a query critique, partial critique, 10 minute phone conversation (I’m really not that interesting, but ok), or one of my clients’ books. Hopefully the winner(s) will find something useful out of those prizes.
Here are the contest choice finalists:
– Short short fiction (thanks to Cam for suggesting first)
– Dialogue (thanks to Steve Axelrod)
– Elevator pitch/hook (thanks to Heidi)
– Prompt contest where I provide the start and everyone has to work with it (multiple variations suggested, thanks to everyone)
– First page (thanks to Chris)
Which shall it be?
Thanks Nathan for being so brave with this contest & offering the phone conversation. As much as I’m sure I would love to talk to you (since I do enjoy your blogging) I would have to opt for the critique 🙂
And I’m in for the first page … since it would be great to have a critique of one of my works in progress!
Sounds like fun, I’m in for something. A first page would be great but I’m not picky.
I think Nathan should set up an email address for one-time use only. Call it NathanContest@hotmail.com Then all the entries can go there and the blog won’t get all cluttered up. Shut the address down when the contest is over. Unless the object is for everyone to read the entries? Hmmm… if so, then the email thing won’t work.
Dialog or first page, I likes ’em both. 8^)
Josephine said: “You can always seek Nathan’s advice in an email – you don’t have to wait till you win that contest.”
Oh, but I wouldn’t presume on Nathan’s good nature. He needs to spend time on his own clients, not someone else’s.
“So, what do you think will be most interesting?”
“Dialogue, no doubt. Eavesdropping always makes for a good time.”
“Especially in the Blogosphere. Yeah, I agree. Let the contestants speak.”
If first page wins, maybe you could limit the number of entries, say the first 30 or something. I wouldn’t want you to burn out.
Well I went for first page as well, we’ll see what happens…
It was a tough call. I write better than average dialogue, but love the challenge of a prompt.
I went with prompt in the end.
Personally, I’d be happy with a book.
I don’t think my vote went through … it just keeps saying “loading.” But I’d like to see first pages, for the same reason michelle moran gave.
Dialogue is losing. *sob* Okay, first page would be my second choice, so I’ll be satisfied if that wins, too.
So if dialogue doesn’t win this time, and if you’re crazy–I mean awesome–enough to do another contest in the future, pretty please can that one be for dialogue? Pretty please?
L-A-Z-Y. You ain’t got no alibi, you’re lazy.
First page? Come on, people.
I find it disappointing that when Nathan puts the idea of a contest out there, people just want to submit their polished work instead of challenging themselves with an impromptu type of contest.
Here’s a thought: 1. Pick the five best first page submissions 2. have those people submit the hook that would have made Nathan want to see that first page. Best combo wins.
I voted for the prompt because it lets me write FOR the contest.
And also, because, with a common beginning, all the individualism of the various voices out there still comes through. I rather like that chorus.
But, if it turns out to be first page, will it be first page of what? A book-length novel or can it be the first page of a short story too?
Whatever, when the decision is made, please clarify. -Thanks!
Also, I would really really like to read everyone’s entries, so I hope they are all posted on the blog!
And I also hope it isn’t limited to how many can enter. Seems fairer to limit it to how long the contest stays open.
My 2 cents. Nathan, this IS fun!
You are so great Nathan, this is an excellent idea.
The first page bit rules!
You’re a brick for doing it, I second Michelle!
Hey! We disappointed Stiffler’s mom! Now that deserves a pat on the back! 🙂
I totally voted for the first page.
Nathan! The people have spoken!
A first page contest it will be.
There’s always next time for the runner ups.
Josie imagines the following scenario:
*vrooom*
Nathan driving to work through foggy streets, grips steering and prays, Please God, not a first page contest, let them have picked something – anything – besides that first &%#$@^ page contest.
*creak*
Nathan opens office door.
“Please God, please God.”
*click click*
Nathan turns on computer.
“God, I’ll never watch The Hills again if you just answer this one prayer.”
Nathan sees polls results and weeps. Minutes pass. He wipes his eyes, blows his nose and dials the phone.
*ring*
“ABC Liquor Store. How may I help you?”
“Ummm… ah… I need to order a case, hell, make that two cases of Captain Morgan. You do deliver don’t you, cause I’ll be bound and tied to my computer, day and night, all week.”
“Debit or credit, Mr. Bransford?”
To quote Michelle Moran – “but I really like the first-page idea best, since it means that writers can work with what they have, and the feedback may prove useful to them.”
Quick Survey – How many people are expecting some kind of feedback on their entry even if they don’t win?
I was thinking that only the winner was getting feedback/critique on their work. With 455 voters so far, I hope I am not alone.
I think first page could be useful, but perhaps say when exactly you lost interest???
Stiflersmom: if these entries are posted on our blogs, or posted here – we can comment to each other – but I think only the winner will be getting feedback and/or prize from Nathan.
We gotta see what the logistics are first – he may have us email them to him – but we’ll always have the option of posting them on our own blogs as well.
That would be really neat to have someone post them on their blog and then we could all give each other feedback. Is anyone up for doing that? I don’t have a blog, but I bet I could get one if no one else is interested in hosting.
Chris, you can get a blog up and running in five minutes, and even delete the posts when you’re done with the contest. Lots of folks have a blogger account just for commenting, or with a link to their website. Or you could ask a buddy to post your entry.
I’m sure some won’t want anyone but Nathan to see their entry, while others will welcome feedback from the group.
Yay! First page is winning! At least this is part of the WIP so its like moving forward.
It’s great we get to pick the prize.
I think a critique on chapters would be invaluable. That would be the best prize.
Just my two cents.
josephine-
No, I really can’t click around all over the Internet to find people’s entries. Everyone will need to put their entry into the comment section, and while it would be fine for them to solicit feedback, I can’t have a system where the entries are scattered.
I would also assume that the feedback goes to winner or winners (depending on if there’s a second or third place). Giving everyone feedback would probably just take way too much time, but I don’t want to speak for Nathan.
Also, to Chris (or anyone who’s interested) setting up your own blog is extremely easy. Blogger.com walks you through the process, and helps you do everything from design your page to creating your profile. No HTML knowledge is required. If it was I wouldn’t have a blog. 😉
Nathan, fully understand, but it will be the world’s longest blogger column… maybe email entries?
Part of the fun is seeing all the entries. It will be long, but I’m ok with that.
Thanks Nathan,
I’ll hold off on a blog for now, but if anyone wants more feedback after the contest, let me know and I’ll set one up.