That got your attention, didn't it?
No, of course I'm not talking about THAT type of hooker.
Sheesh, people...
The type of hooker I AM talking about is the kind that creates such a fabulous first couple pages of their novel that the reader is hooked and just has to turn that page.
As writers, we know that to catch an editor's or agent's interest, we must grab their attention and give them something so good they simply can't NOT keep reading. In other words, we need to have a great hook. It's more than creating a fabulous first line, although that's certainly a big part of it. But most editors and agents know within the first 5 minutes (or less) whether that story is one they will consider. 5 Minutes. That means you need to have something pretty spectacular in your first couple pages, or your manuscript will end up in the Rejection pile.
If you think your story has that special "can't stop reading" factor, then this might be the perfect contest for you.
The HOOK ME contest is sponsored by the ACFW Ohio Chapter and focuses on the opening of your book.
Here are the general details:
Submit the 1st 1,000 words of your book, and your back cover blurb (max 300 words)
Payment ACFW members: $15 Non-members: $20
Deadline for submission: October 31, 2010
Genre does not matter – we're judging how well you capture our attention in the first pages, and if the back cover blurb makes us want to read those pages. That's it!!
Each entry will go to three judges, with the score an average of the top two scores. Judges will make comments/suggestions on entries. All judges are published or experienced in contest judging, editing, or other aspects of writing/publishing.
1st prize: $50 gift card
2nd prize: $25 gift card
Winner's Choice: CBD, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon, Office Max or Staples.
All contestants receive:
- Comments/suggestions from the judges
- A download of writing tip articles from ACFW Ohio chapter members: published authors, experts, editors, and researchers
| Results will be sent to contestants by December 1 Winners will be announced on December 10 |
GOOD LUCK!
7 comments:
I couldn't find the article in FW on how to turn 24 hours into 32. That's really all I need. Just a few more hours each day to complete the tasks laid out before me. Since, I couldn't find that article I looked for "Living Without Sleep". Hard as I tried I couldn't find that one either. Then I searched for "How to Create a Husband That Does ALL Your Work While You Write." Could not find that one either! - I think that site is just not user friendly.
Thanks for the info Lynda, now. . . where is that tackle box???
Great link, I'll check it out. :O)
I have to admit, the picture of the hook didn't hook me- when I saw it posted on fb, but going through my reader- and reading "are you a great hooker?" I smiled and opened the post, knowing what it'd be about. :) I've thought about the hook contest-- don't know. we'll see. feeling squirmy about it.
Hey, I knew what you were talking about the second I saw your question and picture in my blogger dashboard. It sounds like a good contest. Maybe I'd enter... if I had the back blurb done.
I've got this on my schedule for this month - working on my blurb right now. (or I was earlier today, anyway!) I'll be in there.
Catchy title!!!!
Great post hook, Lynda! Thanks for advertising the contest. :)
cb
http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com
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