Today I’m announcing my intention to enter the Gather First Chapters Contest. I plan to submit Tracks, my novel in stories, this week. I’m in, and I’m in to win!
But I’m not just starting a campaign; I’m starting a conversation -- with you. With the people of Gather. Because we all need to be a part of the discussion if we expect Tracks, my novel in stories, to win.
Hop aboard. Let’s talk about Tracks, what you like about it, what you don’t like. Let’s discuss ways to improve the writing and ways to garner more high ratings.
I grew up in middle-class America believing that I was going to become a published novelist. I believed in that promise. I still do. I’ve spent my entire life trying to make good on it.
Now, thanks to you -- the Gather community -- we can make that dream come true. Just read Tracks and rate it as you see fit. And leave a comment if you’d like.
So let the conversation begin. I have a feeling it’s going to be a very interesting ride.
NOTE: This is not meant as a political statement, but special thanks to Hillary Clinton’s speech writer for the use of this inspiring language. See it in its original context at the link below.
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Comments: 32
Carol, I plan to enter it by Friday -- I'll be sure to let you know. I appreciate it!
And I have to agree with Natalie: in all fairness, read other first chapters too, as I know most of you have and are doing. One nice thing about this contest is it's not just a vote for or against -- it's a rating of 1 to 10. So it's possible to "vote" for more than one.
In fact, I've said to several of my friends (the competition) that there's room for 20, so we're free to lift one another up (based on the quality of writing and storytelling, of course).
And Ernie's right too: although luck is a big part of it, the hard work, love of the labor and dedication to craft make all the difference for a writer.
Thanks everyone! And keep the dialogue going!
That means you have to wait a year, you know. :)
It is sad, however, that only one work out of thousands submitted will be published. The authors put years of hard work and creative effort into their work. One good thing about an internet contest like this one is that a wide range of readers read these works and give their honest input. I have seen several entries which have the mark of quality. I have noticed some authors griping about foul play. It is imperative that both the readers and the organizers of the contest ensure the contest is a fair game. The success of the contest along with the charm of its cost-effectiveness will set a brave new trend in the publishing industry.
If there is booming market for books, I hope, more contests will be organized and more entries will have an opportunity to get published.
Best of luck, everyone!
Dolphi, it is a shame that only one will be published. And you never know -- if a couple marketable gems are found in the finals, maybe the publisher will offer a contract to another author outside the contest.
But, the unfortunate fact is that these odds are actually better than most. Only one in 30,000 novels submitted for publication to a major publisher is accepted. One in 30,000! So the odds are agaist us.
It's also worth noting that the average "slush pile reader" will pass on a manuscript within the first five pages. So it's not really that unusual to run a contest that begins with just the first three chapters. In fact, most agents and publishers ask for the first three chapters before calling for the full manuscript.
Thanks for the dialogue -- and let's keep it going!
Oh, and you said you weren't sure you were capable of rating it? Just use the usual tip scale. If you normall give 10 to 20 percent tip, give me as many points. Although the hightest you can give is 10, so that'll have to do!
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976929638
Lee, I've considered POD technology before. And I've been offered advance-less contracts with smaller presses before. I just keep holding out for one of the bigger publishers. But ten years down the road, if I'm still holding my breath, I may end up going that route.
James, thanks for your read, rating, and comments on Tracks. Unfortunately, one thing I've learned is that name recognition is a big part of the book business. It's not exactly in my nature, but I've forced myself to become a shameless self promoter when I need to be. You're right -- although some of the entries are more polished and professional than others, but I'm sure most of us have harbored the dream for some time.
Thanks for keeping this dialogue going!