I read through the Frasier guidelines, saw the terrific line-up of final judges, and figured I might as well enter. If I made it to the final round, I'd be a clear winner since I would get feedback from Susan May Warren, a top agent, and a top editor. Expert advice isn't easy to come by in this business.
Last year was pretty rough on me, but entering this contest was a bright spot, because on the day they announced the finalists, I got a message on my answering machine--from Susan May Warren herself!
I quickly made a house rule--no one deletes the message from Susie. No one! (Yes, I listened to it many times in the upcoming months!)
The winner would be announced during the MBT Pizza Party at the ACFW National conference, and I was actually attending the conference for the first time.
Did I win? No, but I truly was not disappointed. For me, being one of the final five was winning.
Not long after, I received all of my score sheets. When I read through the comments of the final judges, I was filled with gratitude. They all gave great suggestions and were very kind and encouraging. I reworked the opening 100 pages as a result!
Besides the great advice, I benefited in a few other ways. As a finalist, I had the opportunity to write an article for the now-retired e-zine, Voices. My Book Therapy also pays to advertise the finalists of The Frasier in the ACFW conference program, and several people I'd never met congratulated me. Ego boost! The pizza party gathered a small army of writers, and Susan herself made a point to encourage each finalist. This woman's generosity amazes me!!
I have been writing full-time for six years. There has never been a time that I didn't welcome expert advise. I still need it. I'll always need it. This kind of knowledge is precious.
What are you waiting for? The Frasier Contest can only help your writing!
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Entries for the 2013 MBT Frasier Contest for unpublished
novelists will be accepted through Saturday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. The
contest is open to Voices members. The winner will receive a scholarship to a
My Book Therapy coaching retreat ($500 value). Final round judges are
award-winning author Susan May Warren; literary agent Steve Laube and a TBD
fiction acquisitions editor. For more information, FAQs and to enter, visit www.mybooktherapy.com.
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Have you entered The Frasier contest? Are you considering entering this year? I'd love to cheer you on!
Have a terrific weekend!
