I've been thinking about how I'm going to approach the job of going through the entries starting tomorrow and doing my little part to make sure the best entries make it to the next round. I have some ideas, but it's going to be a daunting task and I'd like to hear any ideas you may have come up with and are willing to share.
- How do you plan to find the gems among the 300+ entries?
- Are you going to rate the non-gems? If so, how?
- Are you going to comment on all of the entries you rate? If not, what will determine whether or not you comment?
- What will give an entry a ten from you?
- What will guarantee that it doesn't get a ten?
- Is there any kind of author conduct that will guarantee that an entry will not get a ten from you?
- Are you planning to limit the number or percentage of tens that you give out?
- Are you just going to start rating or are you going to read several entries before you give out ratings?
- Are you going to read as an editor or a reader?
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Comments: 17
At any rate, I think your questions are valid ones that anyone voting should ask.
Again, thank you for all you and Pat and all the others have done to help us newbies to the gather voting process!
2. Actual rating the none gems: probably not.
3. I will actually comment on every one that I read. Even if its as simple as not bad keep trying though.
4. If it moves me. In other words if I find it; Boring. Overly normal. A theme of ten of thousands of books out there. Then don't expect a 10.
5. Didn't follow the directions of the contest. I moved around my own structure to make sure my entry fell within the guidelines. I expect no less of a 10.
Grotesque writing: Numerous typo's. And I'm not talking style. I'm talking full of them not a handful. That after all is why publishing companies have editing departments and still half the books I read have one's I notice.(And I'm not a good editor.) But if you can't do basics you can't make it.
6. Conduct not so much. Maybe overreacting to criticism. Again though it would have to be an extreme.
7. I would love to find twenty-five 10's. So far doesn't look like I'm going to have a problem. But who knows if I find more they will get the proper rating in my mind.
8. I'm plan on reading them all before I start rating/commenting.
9. I want to read as a reader. But from writing and editing I can't help but edit while I do it. Again I am not a great editor, so if I can find something that stands out… then it REALLY stands out.
Just to share… some people will not take criticism well. And I don't want to squash anyone's hopes. So I will find at least one nice thing to say on all. I think if everyone kept that idea there will be a lot less stress amongst what I hope are all in all friends on the site. If not friends think of them as co-entrepreneurs.
The only thing I can think of is to start with my "connections" list and try to read as many as I can. I'll be voting right away as I come to them, and since it's an all or nothing vote, I'll try to make sure the 10's go to ones I could REALLY see as a published Romance book. Published tomorrow.
So far, I've seen at least a handful of 10's.
Good luck to everyone!
I think everyone who enters deserves feedback. From years of judging and running RWA contests, I know it's always possible to provide constructive criticism, which I hope to do for most if not all that I read. (This might be an overly-ambitious goal!) I also know that I know a 10 when I read one, no matter the genre or subject matter. Quality stands out, and I won't have to hesitate or count how many other 10's I may have given.
I'm looking forward to honest critiques from other writers -- keeping in mind that encouraging words are always welcome!
I think I'm going to approach reading kind of like Tracy is. I'll read until I lose interest. I'm sure there will be entries with subject matter that just doesn't interest me. Out of fairness to these, I will probably just skip them. I don't think I'll rate the non-gems. I'll comment if I have something of value to say. I've judged a lot of RWA contests and find the hardest entries to comment and provide constructive criticism on are the ones that are just all right. They're competently written, formatted properly, but nothing sparkles. So often it's hard to point to what's wrong with them. Technically, maybe nothing except they aren't exceptional.
Since I'm new here, I'll probably be looking for recommendations for what to read on threads like these.
Pertinent questions, Dale!
I shall be reviewing the entries as a reader and editor, and always, always, looking for something positive to say. Let's face it, putting our writing out there is like taking our babies out for a stroll for the first time; we hope everyone thinks our child is beautiful, and if they don't, smile and nod, and move on.
Constuctive criticism is welcome. That's what we want, ever mindful of improving our skills.
I've been reading about drive-by voting from the last contest, deliberate low ratings, perhaps due to envy. Come on! Be positive, professional and ethical. Honestly, the best entry, whichever one that is determined to be, deserves to win.
Character-driven, authentic settings, vivid descriptions, and well-crafted writing, these stories will receive a 10 rating from me. I hope to read all of the entries, at least I'm going to try.
I wish all of you the best of luck!
I intend to read or try to read all of them. But Dale has some good questions. I like Starr T's comment. We all need constructive criticism to improve and GROW/MATURE as a writer. A good example would be those that read Norah Roberts and Jayne Anne Krentz--I've read some of the first books both wrote and you can see their growth and maturity through the years. Experience and acting on constructive criticism.
I have been reading and boy there are some great Stories out there so far. Impressive.
You are right Stephanie, it take a lot of guts to put your work out there. Good luck all!
Sylvia
Beyond The Shadow Of Fear
Editor or reader? Sorry, writers. I'll probably have my editor hat on. But I don't intend to edit in my comments, as I did with First Chapters. I may have suggestions, however...
Of course, if I'm engaged with the writing from the start, my reader loves it and my editor stays quiet.
Patricia, a private email to anyone who comments is a delightful treat for any reviewer. Of course, authors can and do comment on their threads. But you're right, keep the comments to a minimum. And as a suggestion, try not to get involved in an argument with a reviewer on your thread. That never goes over well with other readers.
I'm not sure about pointing out grammatical stuff. People take it the wrong way, but sometimes I think they just can't be bothered to check before they publish and that shows a lack of respect for the reader. I want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.
Here's that handy link:
Read and Vote Now on First Chapters Romance Entries
As for what I'll look for and how I'll vote.
I keep a spreadsheet of everything I rad, my comments, impression, etc., with a preliminary rating. I'm only going to give 25 ten ratings. The top 25 I think should move on. That's why I will read and comment first, then revisit later to drop off the stars.
On the non-gems, I'll leave a comment if I can find something useful to say, but probably will just pass.
On the almost there, but not quite 10's, I'll leave a comment on what I think could be done to strengthen the writing, improve the story, whatever it is. And I'll leave stars, but not a 10. Everybody deserves to know where they are in the pack. A friend is using "teacher" ratings, and it sounds good to me. 10 = A++, 9=A, 8=B, etc., down to 5=F (but still better than a zero!) It doesn't mean your work is lousy, it just means it's hitting in the middle of the group.
I'll let a few typos or missed words pass, but not many. Every writer I know has been working incredibly hard editing their work to make it as perfect as possible. They've posted it for input, they've shopped it around trusted friends, critics, critque partners, etc., to get the editable stuff cleaned up. So they set a high standard.
Poor grammar, or egregious misuse of the language will get you a pass from me. Writing is about language and words, crafted into something beautiful. If you can't look up a word, or pick up a book on grammar, you're not really all that into learning the craft. By the same token, if you're trying to impress me with a $10 word when a nickle word will do, I'm not going to be impressed unless you execute it flawlessly and stick the landing. It has to fit.
With only one chapter, it's going to tough to see how the characters are driving the plot, but the characters need to at least fit the archetypal romantic model. A sympathetic heroine I'm going to like. At least some hints about the irresistable hero with whom I'm going to fall in love. A believeable conflict. Bonus points for an original take on the story.
I'm reader, and I'll be reading as a reader. A reader who loves romance, and am excited about so many new stories to explore! Best wishes to all the entrants!
I'll give scores on all I read based on my views as a reader and writer. I won't comment on everything only because I'll lack the words and would rather not be considered a biotch when I give my own honest opinion.
We should all keep in mind, however, that this business is very subjective and you're story isn't going to please everyone.
Best of luck, all!
Terri
Dark Obsession
Click on this book cover
Like Pat, I kept a spreadsheet and was planning on giving out 25 "10" votes and otherwise not voting. In the last few days, I mainly concentrated on reading and commenting, and voted as it seemed appropriate.
I just looked at what I gave out and there were 27 "10" votes; just a couple too many deserving entries I guess. And, as far as I can tell, I did manage to read and comment on all of the chapters for people who commented on mine. I read some others as well.