Welp, the calendar may disagree, but summer is in full swing in my neck of the woods, and we’re making the most of it. So far, that includes a trip to the grandparents’, beach days, and heading to Starbucks to order off of the secret menu (hey, it’s the little things). Whatever season you’re in, no matter what’s happening where you are, I hope you’re enjoying time with family and friends and taking care of yourself.
Submitting your first page for critique may be part of that important self-care. Or, possibly, the idea of letting someone else read your writing is as appealing as dental work. If it’s the latter for you, get out your brown paper bag and take big breaths, because it’s time for another critique contest.
CONTEST CLOSED
If you’re working on a first page (in any genre except erotica) and would like some objective feedback, please leave a comment. Any comment :). As long as the email address associated with your WordPress account/comment profile is up-to-date, I’ll be able to contact you if your first page is chosen. Just please know that if I’m unable to get in touch with you through that address, you’ll have to forfeit your win.
Two caveats:
▪ Please be sure your first page is ready to go so I can critique it before next month’s contest rolls around. If it needs some work and you won’t be able to get it to me right away, let me ask that you plan on entering the next contest, once any necessary tweaking has been taken care of.
▪ I’d like to be able to use portions of winning submissions as illustrations in an upcoming presentation on first pages. By entering the Critiques 4 U contest, you’ll be granting permission for me to use small writing samples only (no author names or book titles).
Three commenters’ names will be randomly drawn and posted tomorrow morning. If you win, you can email me your first page and I’ll offer my feedback.
We run this contest on a monthly basis, so if you’d like to be notified when the next opportunity comes around, consider subscribing to our blog (see the left-hand sidebar).
Best of luck!
Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers—a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.
OK! The randomly chosen 3 winners for this round are Robert Easterbrook, Jarm Del Boccio, and Stephanie Wayman. Congrats!
Thanks so much for entering, everyone! Our new book is launching next month, so I don’t know how swamped I’ll be, and we may have to skip a month. If that’s the case, we’ll definitely run it again in August.
See you soon!
How fun!! We’d love to join the contest!!
-Jenn and Holly
I would like to throw my proverbial hat in the proverbial ring.
Here’s a random comment – hope you’re having a great day.
Thanks for this amazing opportunity.
A critique of my first page would be wonderful, thanks for the opportunity!
A critique of the first page of my WIP would be great.
Your site has been so helpful! And would value your read!
Happy summer!
Thanks for the opportunity.
My best,
Sure, why not? But which one do you want? #1 or #2? I’ll ponder that.
Hi Becca,
I’d love a 1st page critique! My WIP is a MG contemporary fantasy.
Thank you,
Julie
Hi Becca,
My first page of “Common Knowledge” , a historical fiction novel would appreciate your feedback.
Thanks!
What a wonderful contest. Thanks!
Thank you for this opportunity.
I hope I get picked! Thank you for the great opportunity!
Thanks.
My genre is action/adventure. Think Brad Thor, Marc Cameron, Mark Greaney, etc. It is the second in the Eric Burns series.
I would love to have a first page critiqued.
We’re having heavy rains over here. Then again, the plants did desperately need water.
I’d love some fresh eyes on my first page 🙂
I would love a critique on my first page. It’s a paranormal mystery with romance elements.
I could definitely use some help. Thanks!
Would love to get a critique of my first page!
I would love a critique. Thank you.
I am working on a contemporary piece/women’s fiction/intergenerational novel.
Hi Becca, I would LOVE to have a critique from you. My novel is Contemporary Women’s Fiction/ New Adult. It’s complete (after many, many revisions) and going through the beta-reading process right now. Thanks so much for your consideration!
I would love your feedback on my first page. It’s an adult fantasy called The Searing Sands.
Love this! Thanks!
I would love to get a critique done as unsure of best opening. Thank you for giving us the opportunity and for all the advice you give on your site.
Yes. I’m working on the second book in a series and have changed the opening twice already.
Your input would be both appreciated and very helpful. Please count me in. Thanks.
I just had my first page critiqued by my critique group and would love your opinion!
My page is ready to go. Thanks for running this contest!
I have a first page complete and ready for a critique. I’d love to be chosen for this opportunity. Thanks so much for doing this!
Where do I submit my first page?
You don’t submit it now. Becca will pick 3 winners from the comments and then will post the winners on this blog post tomorrow, so check back if your name is here. 🙂
Greetings! I would love to enter this contest. Thanks heaps!
Happy summer!! Enjoy it as best as you can while social distancing. I have a first page I would love critiqued.
Started a new novel in a new genre and would love feedback! Thanks!
Thanks for the possible opportunity!
Yes, I’m in for the critique. First page is ready! Thanks, Paula Cappa
Hi Becca,
Thank you for doing this.
eudor2000@yahoo.com
My story is called Feathers and is intended for a young adult audience.
Have a wonderful day!