There is nothing as exciting as entering a
contest and winning!
Last month we had fourteen inspiring authors from
South Carolina polish the first page of their manuscript and submit it to our
contest. We had the best time reading through each entry, and we have some wonderful rising authors on our heels.
Judging each entry was a Managing Editor for Heritage
Beacon Fiction, Smitten Historical Romance, and Lighthouse Publishing of the
Carolinas.
Each first page was scored according to
the following criteria.
1 to 5 points each for qualities
outlined in submission guidelines.
5 points = excellent (not perfect).
- Hook (first sentence, first page overall)
- Characterization (believability, empathy)
- Setting (time period, location, description, mood)
- Conflict (gripping, problems introduced)
- Voice (style, including active, deep POV and showing over telling)
- Neatness (typos, grammar, punctuation)
A comment from the judge.
“Because of the
emphasis on the hook, the first page, and creating a powerful beginning in this
contest, there were some examples of super strong writing that may not have won
or placed. Some just need a little tweaking to start in the most compelling
place.”
A drumroll please ...and the winners are:
- 1st place: Winner requested we not post her name and title at this time due to the guidelines for another contest she has entered. - 30 points
- 2nd place: Joni Vance - Repercussions – 28 points
- 3rd place: Candy Arrington - The Appledore Legacy- 26 points
Each of our three finalists were
encouraged to submit their completed manuscript to Lighthouse Publishing of the
Carolinas. How exciting is that?
