AWW Contest Rules & Entry Info

A Woman’s Write Competitions – Dec 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008

We’ve been running the “Good Read” novel writing competition for two years. In that time we’ve observed that most writers, even those with solid, publishable books pending, are in a quandary when it comes to writing a compelling, concise query letter or synopsis.

We also note that elementary mistakes of grammar and syntax, often repetitive, appear in far too many otherwise good book submissions. Those entrants who did not choose to pay extra for a critique would not know that some simple changes might have made the difference in whether a book was passed on to our judges. Most publishers will see a few such errors and put the book in the trashcan.

We’d like to help you avoid some of these common problems by making our critiques more affordable. And your submission will still be eligible to win a prize.

Therefore, for the next four months (competition ends April 30, 2008), A Woman’s Write will offer our editing/judging expertise to

1. women who have a book in progress (may be fiction or non-fiction and it need not be completed),
2. women who need an effective query letter to accompany their book (could be a fiction or non-fiction work), and
3. women who need help writing a powerful synopsis.

In each competition, we will edit the work sent to us and include a sensitive, thoughtful, thorough critique. Fees will reflect this service.

Competition # 1 – Work in Progress
Send us the best 50 pages of your latest novel or non-fiction book. Any adult genre, except pornographic/gratuitous violence.
Format: Times New Roman size 12, line spacing one and one-half. You will receive a thoughtful, thorough opinion with professional editing comments and corrections, delivered in a timely fashion (no less than 1 month from time of receipt).
Fee: $50.
Prize: $150 for the best Work in Progress.

Competition #2: Query Letter
Send us your most earnest effort. Query letter must be based on a book you have written, whether complete or in progress, fiction or non-fiction. Font, format and spacing, your choice. All entries will be insightfully edited and kindly critiqued in a timely manner.
Fee: $12. 
Prize: $25 for the best Query Letter.

Competition #3: Synopsis
Publishers often ask unknown writers for a synopsis. Let us help you write a synopsis that impresses. Font Times New Roman size 12, double-spaced. Limit, 20 pages. We will send you commentary and corrections in a timely manner.
Fee: $25. 
Prize: $50 for the best Synopsis.

Instructions

Send all submissions as attachments in Word. Put contest name (Work in Progress, Query Letter, or Synopsis) in the subject line. If submitting for more than one competition, send separate files for each one. Author’s name should appear at the top of each page of the submission. Please read the rules CAREFULLY.  Failure to follow the rules will disqualify your work from the judging, though we will send a critique for all work submitted.

Email all submissions to awomanswrite at yahoo dot com.

Payment should be made via Paypal to: editor at awomanswrite dot com. You can use the handy “button” provided. If you do not wish to use Paypal, contact our Editor (awomanswrite at yahoo dot com) for instructions on how to pay by regular mail.

Good Read Fees

Work In Progress--$50 Query Letter--$12 Synopsis--$25

Winners of the three competitions will be posted no later than May 31, 2008.