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Last month I discussed how to prepare a three-minute promotional speech for agents at conferences, or at book festivals or presentations. This month I want to continue what I've learned at conferences concerning writing contests and sessions at conferences.
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Conference Pluses
Two pluses from conferences (and sometimes book festivals) include entering contests offered by the conference and the sessions concerning bettering one's writing.
Contests: Many conferences offer contests, with entries due far enough before the date of the conference that judging can be finished. Most, but not all, judges for conference contests return some feedback.
Any feedback from a judge or evaluator is worth more than any entry fee you might pay. I enter the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation) contest each year. The deadline is the last of January the year of the conference, which is always held the first days of May each year in the Oklahoma City area. Almost every judge has given helpful comments with each of my entries. This past year, the judge loved the Midnight Hours manuscript, but he/she had a couple of suggestions that made the plot even better. I contacted the book designer, and we made some last minute changes, improving the book.
One thing that is important, find details for conference contests far enough in advance to meet the deadline AFTER you have time to write a good entry or good entries. I'm preparing material to be sent to the OWFI contest before the end of January.
Also, be sure you follow the guidelines for a contest exactly.
If you don't have enough time to meet the deadline with well-written entries, copy all the information and keep it for the following year. I have the information for a book festival and contest for a year from now. I didn't discover it until too late to enter the contest this year.
Attend sessions on entering contests: I know I use the OWFI Conference as an example for many points concerning conferences, but I'm more familiar with it than other conferences or book festivals. This past conference included two sessions dealing with writing for and/or entering contests. Some of the information was helpful, gave insight into what judges look for in entries.
At the top of list for every speaker, having a mechanically perfect manuscript is a must. Check for spelling errors, including using the correct word (not using too when two is correct, for example). Be sure sentence structure isn't defective. If you don't know correct punctuation, have someone who does proofread for you.
Part of the mechanical part of any submission or entry is following the format guidelines. If the rules say one inch margins all around, don't try to use one and a fourth inch margins. If 12 point font is required, don't use smaller or larger. If the guidelines ask for Times New Roman or Courier, don't use anything else.
Finally, Submit the entry, and include the correct entry fee if there is one. The OWFI entry fee is $20 whether a person send one entry or thirty-three. That low fee is a very good deal.
So preparing for the next contest is part of continuing the excitement brought from the conference. Looking at the copy of my prize check and the certificate showing that Midnight Hours took second place in the mystery/suspense division also helps keep the excitement alive.
In August, I'll give some more ideas to keep that conference excitement going.
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Writings from W.Com
The following were entries in the Midnight Hours Book Launch Party
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Words from Our Readers
Cubby~Cheering House Florent! 
Interesting newsletter, Viv. I hope someday I'll be able to attend a conference. My problem though, is I wouldn't be very good speaking to more than one person. I have a terrible anxiety when speaking in public. I freeze... and forget what I wanted to say. Frown But it sounds to me like you are doing great! That is wonderful, and I'm so happy for you! (((HUGS)))!!!
~Cubby
Cubby, the thing about attending a conference is you don't have to speak to a bunch of people. You attend, learn, and maybe have an appointment with a qualified agent, editor, or publisher -- one on one.
Maria Mize 
It's nice of you to share this useful information. Thank you.
IGWOOTEN 
Hello Viv,
Excellent tips in a short, concise NL. I already have my speech written out as a generic outline, all I have to do is add the details to fit whatever it is I am trying to promote. I haven't published yet but I think the trick is to be 'be prepared'. Those Boy Scouts have something there. Thanks for a very informative NL.
Ingrid
Raine
Vivian, you always give such good, useful advice. Keep it coming! This is something we all, especially newbie's who want to sell their writing, are going to need to work on. Thanks!
1leila123
I really enjoyed this newsletter and I think it will better prepare me for when I start advertising my book. Thank-you!
Thank you, all, for letting me know you found last month's newsletter helpful. I try to bring information to readers that they can use.
Thanks for joining me again this month. Next month I'll cover more about conferences and how to keep the excitement alive, even if you haven't attended one yet.
Viv |
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For Authors: July 09, 2008 Issue [#2490]
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