Writing is a touchy business. All subjective and sometimes VERY opinionated. Tom Hanks famously said, “there’s no crying in baseball.” Well, let me tell you, there’s a lot of crying in the writing business.
It’s hard to know if you’re on the right track, reaching readers, connecting, luring them in with the words you’ve spent many pain-staking hours selecting. Did you choose the right POV (Point of view)? Did you spend too much time describing something? Did you get to the heart of the matter quickly enough?
As a newbie writer – not yet published in long fiction format – I rely on the advice of those who’ve gone before me. But even that is confusing because what works for one may fail terribly for another. What to do? What to do?
I like contests and have entered quite a few. I’ve grown kind of picky of the contests I enter; however, because I don’t just want a score, I want the reason behind the score. Numbers mean nothing to me. But, should they?
A high enough score makes the different between finaling in a contest and not finaling. Finaling is a good thing. Finaling gets you farther down the road to publication and, presumably closer to knowing you’re on the right track. You’ve connected with enough people who like what they’ve read to push you to the next level. The numbers matter.
The problem with contests, is the numbers. Everything is scored. I mean, how else do they determine a winner? Numbers don’t lie. It all boils down to math. Every vote counts, that sort of thing. And, like the Olympics it might come down to a fraction of a point.
Recently I entered the Great Beginnings Contest sponsored by the Utah chapter of RWA (Romance Writers of America). I’d heard that you get written feed-back from every judge. Bingo! That’s what I’m looking for. What about my manuscript did you like or not like? How can I do better next time? Talk to me judges.
Lo and behold, I finaled! Say what? I know, right? I scored high enough to advance to the next level. Yay!! The numbers matter. Excitement and hope surged. Maybe I’d win. A win means that not only did the first round judges like me, so did the second round judged. They like me, they really like me.
The second round judges are more important (or so one would think) than the first round judges. These judges are people “in the industry” and “know what they’re doing.” Or so the theory goes.
The date came to announce the winners. With sweaty palms I opened the website and scrolled down to the appropriate place only to find my name conspicuously missing from the winners list. Say what? I know, right? Damn. Did the numbers lie? I finaled, but I still suck? Why am I wasting my time?
You see, this business of writing is a series of ups and downs, highs and lows, peaks and valleys, tears and wine. Why? Because it’s all subjective. You want a good high score, but does that number mean you’re good? Apparently not, because despite my high scores, I still wasn’t good enough.
Here’s how my score sheets looked:
Hook: Judge 1 – 7.8; Judge 2 – 9; Judge 3 – 10. Awesome right? 10 out of 10? Can’t get better than that.
Storyline: Judge 1 – 7.7; Judge 2 – 8.5; Judge 3 – 10. I really like Judge 3.
Writing Mechanics: Judge 1 – 8.9; Judge 2 – 9.5; Judge 3 – 9.5. So I know HOW to write, at least I’ve got that going for me.
Voice: Judge 1 – 8.9; Judge 2 – 9; Judge 3 – 10. I really, really like Judge 3.
Overall Score: Judge 1 – 8.5; Judge 2 – 9; Judge 3 – 10. Did I mention I really like Judge 3?
Moving on to the final round – the all-important finalist judge. Here’s how I faired:
Hook: 7
Storyline: 7
Writing Mechanics: 9.5
Voice: 8
Overall Score: 7.6
What does one do with scores like this? Does my manuscript require changes? Not based on the initial round scores. But, there’s that “industry professional” who’s opinion supposedly matters if you want to get your foot in the door, who really didn’t like it very much. So, changes? Perhaps. Maybe. No. Give up writing altogether.
I think not. I still have the privilege of calling this manuscript a contest finalist and that my friends means something. It’s not a number – it’s a distinction given by first round judges who obviously know a good story when they read one. (wink)
So I ask you dear readers, do the numbers lie? What’s your opinion about writing contests? Yay? Nay? Have you ever judged a contest?
Word of the Day: Orthognathous
Fun fact about me: I enjoy reading contest submissions. Lots of times I feel so much better about my own writing when I’m done.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, May 2017.
I admire your determination. I entered a contest or two earlier in my career but decided the judging was too subjective so I no longer enter them.
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I know exactly what you mean about contests. These days I only enter the ones that offer feedback, because I do find that helpful most of the time. If more than 1 judge says the same thing, it’s probably worth taking another look. But, it can be frustrating at the same time because I don’t want to write to the norm, I want to write MY story.
As long as the writing mechanics are good – and all of my scores lead me to believe mine are – I’m just going to keep on trucking. I look at it this way: 3 out of 4 of the judges liked it so that’s a win.
As always, thank for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I enjoy hearing from you. Have a wonderful Memorial day!
Patricia
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BTW, I guess I have an orthognathous profile.
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Another word I had to look up – ortho as in straight – which is why I enjoy your posts – straight from the heart and straight to the point. Keep writing, keep seeking feedback, life takes hard work and being there at the finish… as Churchill said, never, never give up. Have a great day and enjoy it to the fullest. Peace.
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Aw, you’re sweet, Clay. And, I enjoyed your “word of the day” post yesterday. I shall endeavor to use it at some point in my writing whether that writing wins a contest or not.
Yes, life is hard, but what’s the alternative? Exactly. Keep on keeping on.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy your Memorial Day.
Patricia
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Way to go, you finalist you! Those scores are great and you should definitely celebrate! I’m still not sold on contests, even though I was a finalist in a couple. Sometimes, the scores and opinions are so widely varied that it’s more confusing than helpful. I once had a judge 3 like yours, and a judge who absolutely hated my writing, so…it’s subjective, just like real readers, I guess. And those in the industry are readers with opinions too, although they probably have a better idea of what sells. Even though you didn’t win, those numbers are something to be proud of and prove that you’re oh so close. Woo-hoo!
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Thanks CJ. I know I’m improving and getting close to that “really good” point. I feel ready to present some of my work to the world. I actually think contests using “non-professional” judges give you a better understanding of who the general public will see your work. Those “non-professionals” are real readers who read a lot and know what’s good. Industry “professionals” tend to be overly critical (IMO) and tend to look for things to gripe (reject) about. I’d rather have 3 honest to goodness real readers give me their opinions than 1 industry “professional” looking for a reason not to like it.
I appreciate your kind words. I know my fellow writers get it and understand how tricky and confusing this business is. Positivity is good.
Have a fantastic rest of the week.
Patricia
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Congrats on your contest final! Even if it’s not a win, it’s still a big accomplishment. I’d put more stock in what the readers like than the industry people. If they knew what would sell every time, every book would be a best-seller.
I used to enter the occasional RWA contest. I soon learned to skip any that didn’t drop the lowest score, because I’d invariably get one judge who just didn’t like my voice or get my story. Supposedly that’s a sign of a strong voice… or maybe just goes to show how subjective this whole business is.
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Yes, I agree. Throw out the highest and lowest (especially if there’s an extreme difference in those 2 numbers) and then average the remaining numbers. That’s probably the most accurate judge.
And, I’d have to agree, if someone absolutely does not like your “voice” it’s because you’re good and you’ve hit one of their proverbial “buttons.” That makes them uncomfortable.
Thanks for your comments and support. It means a lot.
Patricia
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