For the first level, roughly 10000 authors (5000 general fiction, 5000 YA fiction) were judged on the quality of their novel's 300 word "pitch" -- a short summation authors might use to generate interest in their manuscript from agents or publishers. Out of those, 1000 per category were chosen to move on to the second round.
For the next round, our 3k-5k word excerpts will be judged by a mysterious group known as Vine Reviewers. After that, the full manuscripts are critiqued by assorted experts all the way through to the finals. The Grand Prize includes cash and a publishing contract with Penguin. (cue drooling)
Is it a long shot? Ohhhhh yes! But I'm realistic about the odds and, all in all, it's a very cool thing to get this far. I'm thrilled my pitch was judged worthy of advancement and hope my little novel continues on to the upper levels of the contest.
Positive thoughts, prayers, and finger-crossing will be cheerfully accepted.
4 comments:
Congrats, Roger, that's great news! Hope you get through this next round, too :)
Thanks, Brooke! It's one of those fun "small victories" that can make your day.
Go Roger!!
Mine made it through to the quarterfinals last year and it's VERY hard not to be excited. In the end I got some nice review comments but obviously it wasn't good enough. Or, as I tend to mumble while sitting in a corner rocking to and fro, "The reviewers are morons, the reviewers are morons..."
I would love to read some of Leonard one of these days, if at all possible. Maybe a sampling? ;-)
Good luck for the next round!
Keith
Thanks, Keith! Let's hope I catch my Vine Reviewers in a kind and forgiving mood!
I was very impressed "Island of Fog" made it to the quarterfinals last year. That is no small accomplishment. Personally, I thought it should've gone all the way. Good YA fantasy adventures apparently have a tough time against the teen angst-y stuff.
I'd love to send you a sampling of my manuscript and will do so over the weekend. Thanks for asking.
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