• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
    • About WHW
    • Press Kit
    • Resident Writing Coaches
    • Contact Us
    • Podcasts & Interviews
    • Master Storytelling Newsletter
    • Guest Post Guidelines
    • Privacy Policy
    • Charities & Support
  • Bookstore
    • Bookstore
    • Foreign Editions
    • Book Reviews
    • Free Thesaurus Sampler
  • Blog
  • Software
  • Workshops
  • Resources
    • List of Resources
    • Recommended Writing Books
    • WHW Descriptive Thesaurus Collection
    • Free Tools & Worksheets
    • Grab A Free Show-Dont-Tell Pro Pack
  • WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Surprise Giveaway: Writers, Come Win Something Awesome!

April 1, 2021 by ANGELA ACKERMAN

So, I think we can all agree it’s been QUITE a year. Most of us feel like we’ve aged 10 years.

BUT.

We’re turning a corner, oh-so-slowly, but it’s happening. So let’s celebrate hope. And optimism.

And while we celebrate these, Becca and I have a few things to add, milestones we’ve skipped over as it never felt like a good time with everything else going on in the world. Yes, Covid is still here, but we’re breathing a bit easier as vaccines roll out. Plus, can’t we all use some celebratory cheer just now?

So, drum roll….and go!

A business milestone. Becca and I don’t often talk about the business end of One Stop for Writers mostly because it’s a lot of hard work and would bore the pants off you. But as some of you know, at the end of 2019 we were hit with a curve ball when third musketeer/co-founder at One Stop for Writers decided to exit. Becca, Lee, and I had dreamed up OSFW and spent years building it and so the void he left was huge, especially as Lee handled the technology side while Becca and I created IP, ran the business, marketing, and day-to-day support. Being non-technical, we suddenly had a rapid, steep learning curve to be able to continue. Thankfully our core developer was our technology bridge and we were just figuring things out when Covid hit.

The business owners among you know the terrifying, wheezing-into-a-paper-bag feeling of having employees depending on you while the people you serve are rapidly cutting costs due to Covid. And in our case, we also had a partner to pay out. As a subscription-based business, we felt pretty vulnerable.

The long and short is we worked like crazy to pivot. Thankfully a lot of people decided it was a good year to write novels. 2020 was a trial-by-fire year for us as business owners, but we came through it stronger than before. A genuine thank you to everyone who subscribes to One Stop. You guys are so appreciated, and we love being able to help you!

Book Milestones. We’ve been sort of terrible about celebrating these the last two years. Becca and I write books, teach, and run our businesses on our own, meaning we’re usually too busy to take a breath. And honestly, so much horrible stuff has been going on in the world that pulling attention to ourselves would have felt totally wrong. So we passed our 500,000th book, and then our 600,000th book. We’re now moving closer to 700,000 and it’s time for us to take a moment and feel good about where we’re at. It’s exciting. More amazingly is we’ve achieved this through mostly word-of-mouth, as we don’t aggressively do ads or sales.

When we started down this thesaurus road we had no idea we were creating things that would allow us to help so many people. As you guys know, helping is what fuels us. Thank you all so much for being part of our journey and supporting us.

Finally, a website milestone! Writers Helping Writers has a new look! We moved to WordPress in 2013 and kept meaning to update our design but there was never time. The developer of our theme stopped supporting it after a time and in the summer of 2020, stuff started to break. By October, WHW’s theme was in cardiac arrest. So we hired Alexis at Eat, Laugh, Learn, and ta-da, here we are! Our branding matches our One Stop for Writers site now and our design has enabled us to put together some amazing pockets of information on the home page. HINT: Check out the I need help with… section!

We’re still updating (thank you for being patient) but this milestone prompted me to check our stats. Between Writers Helping Writers and our old Bookshelf Muse site at blogger, we’re over 11 million hits!

So, with hope on the horizon and these personal milestones to celebrate, it’s time to run up the giveaway flag.

And you, my friend, can win some amazing stuff!

This giveaway has ended…watch your inboxes!

Prize #1: Ten Editorial Critiques

One thing we love about our job is that we meet so many talented, caring people in this industry. When our friends at Angelella Editorial heard about our desire to hold a giveaway to celebrate optimism, hope, and our personal milestones, they wanted to join in and have offered the most amazing set of prizes.

For those of you unfamiliar with this incredible editor collective, well, the team at AE are all about helping you put your best work on the page. Their clients have gone on to sign with dream agents, sell books at auction, and become bestselling and award-winning authors. Angelella Editorial also specializes in kidlit but also edits new adult, adult & literary fiction, nonfiction, business books, short stories, plays, poetry, and screenplays, the whole package, and here’s what you can win:

  1. From Kate Angelella, a 5-page critique (any genre) and 30-minute follow-up call for brainstorming or anything other literary thing the winner wishes to discuss!
  2. From George Jreije, a 10-page or query critique (any genre!)
  3. From David Fey, a 10-page critique (YA, NA, or Adult), in any genre, plus an optional 30-minute follow-up call!
  4. From Danielle Sunshine, a 10-page critique of MG, YA, New adult, or memoir. (No high fantasy or erotica).
  5. From Diane Telgen, a Picture Book critique or first 10 pages of a MG or YA, any genre. Diane will answer questions by email if the winner has any.
  6. From Denise Santomauro, a 10-page critique of MG, YA, or Adult, any genre, plus a 30-minute follow-up phone call.
  7. From Emily Young, a 10-page critique of MG, YA, NA, or Adult fiction, either speculative (science fiction / fantasy) or action/adventure, plus a 30-minute phone call.
  8. From Jay Whistler, a synopsis critique for MG or YA. (No SFF, please).
  9. From Jenn Bailey, a Picture Book critique (no rhyming) or the first 10 pages of a MG, any genre. Jenn will also give a 30-minute follow-up call to the winner afterward.
  10. From Marissa Graff (our Resident Writing Coach!), a 5-page critique (non-rhyming, prose PB, MG, or YA) and 30-minute follow-up call, for brainstorming to discuss any other literary things the author wishes to.

Holy Bananas, am I right? Very excited to see who wins these critiques. I encourage you to follow each editor’s links to get a feel for who might be the best fit for you, and while you’re there, poke around. Angelella Editorial also has a terrific podcast, blog, and offers coaching if you need it, too.

The form to enter for a chance to win a critique is here. Enter for any you wish (that match your genre!). If you win, your name will be excluded from other critique draws only. This way we can spread the love when it comes to professional feedback.

Prize #2: A Hot-off-the-Presses Copy of Wide for the Win (6 books to be won)

Mark Leslie LeFebvre is brilliance in a bottle. The former self-publishing director at Kobo and current director of business development at Draft2Digital, Mark is intensely curious and innovative, and is always seeking to use his knowledge to help others. And he does so in a big way with this one-of-a-kind guide, Wide for the Win.

If you are looking for ways to stop being dependent upon only Amazon for your author income, to expand and grow your sales on multiple platforms around the world, and to create a “publish wide” strategy, then this is the book for you! Six copies are up for grabs: 5 Digital and one Print!

Authors, you need this book! Enter for Wide to Win right here. Then go join the Wide for the Win Facebook group and check out Mark’s website, podcast, and skeleton sidekick, Barnaby.

Prize #3: A Character Traits Thesaurus Box Set (3 sets to be won)

The Positive Trait and Negative Trait Thesaurus are fan favorites for their ability to help writers build amazing, one-of-a-kind characters, and work best when used together, so we’ve bundled them up. But rather than squish two books together in a digital box we’ve actually cross-linked them, meaning if you follow a link from an entry in the Positive Trait Thesaurus that goes to an entry in the Negative Trait Thesaurus, BOOM, it takes you there.

Is this witchcraft? Do the two books exist in a parallel universe? WE DON’T KNOW. But you could maybe win one by going here.

Prize #4: A 6-Month Subscription to One Stop for Writers (2 to be won)

If you like what Becca and I do with our books and at WHW, we encourage you to come visit us at One Stop for Writers. It’s where we help writers beyond our writing guides. How? By tackling our “I wish this writing tool existed” list and building storytelling tools that are game changers.

We aim to make a writer’s life easier, and whether it’s our Character Builder that’s smart enough to take key details about the character you’re brainstorming and create an accurate Character Arc Blueprint for you, the largest descriptive THESAURUS database found anywhere (15 topics and growing), or something else, you’ll find it at One Stop. Enter for a chance to win here, and then go sign up for One Stop’s Free Trial.

Ready to win yourself something amazing? Enter for all draws below, and good luck! (No purchase necessary, no cash value, subject to legal blah-blah here.) Giveaway ends April 7th, midnight EST.

This giveaway has ended…watch your inbox!


And because we know everyone can’t win…

We have something for anyone who’d like to try One Stop for Writers for a month: a 75% off code.

To use it, register or sign in, and then visit My Subscription, add the code MILESTONE, and select the 1-month plan. This will reduce this first month to $2.25. (Note: This code can only be used with the 1-month plan).
Code expires April 8th.

Happy writing, all!

ANGELA ACKERMAN
ANGELA ACKERMAN

Angela is a writing coach, international speaker, and bestselling author who loves to travel, teach, empower writers, and pay-it-forward. She also is a founder of One Stop For Writers, a portal to powerful, innovative tools to help writers elevate their storytelling.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: About Us, Contests, Description, Goal and Milestones, Marketing, One Stop For Writers, Past Events, Publishing and Self Publishing, Sales Numbers & Helpful Data, Show Don't Tell, Software and Services, The Business of Writing, Time Management, Uncategorized, Writing Resources

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joanne Van Raaphorst says

    May 8, 2021 at 1:58 am

    Congratulations on your milestone.

    • BECCA PUGLISI says

      May 10, 2021 at 5:53 am

      Thanks, Joanne!

  2. Diane M says

    May 1, 2021 at 12:49 pm

    I love the “Negative Trait Thesaurus.” As a counselor I’m good at setting up the stages of character arcs, advances and set backs, but this Thesaurus has made it all simpler. The sheets in the Appendix are VERY helpful, it says that copies are available online, but I can’t seem to find those. Can you give me the link to get the sheets in Appendix A, B, and C

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      May 3, 2021 at 11:33 am

      Hi Diane, thanks so much for the kind words. I’m so glad you like that book especially. You can find all of those printable pages here: https://writershelpingwriters.net/writing-tools/

  3. Candice Jarrett says

    April 26, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Oh no! I found this too late to enter. So many fantastic prizes. Congratulations on hitting these fabulous milestones!

  4. Carol Schoenig says

    April 7, 2021 at 6:37 pm

    Congratulations! You have done an outstanding job serving writers. I recommend your site whenever I have the chance. Keep up the wonderful work!

  5. Ted Atchley says

    April 6, 2021 at 3:45 pm

    Congratulations on all your success. I signed up for One Stop for Writers during your Black Friday promotion and I’m so glad I did. Your site was incredible in helping me revise my current Work in Progress novel. I love how it walks you through all the important questions for creating a character and I’m using your timeline feature as an outlining tool. Highly recommend for anyone who is thinking about trying it out.

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 6, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      Ted, thank you! I’m so glad you found your way to One Stop and glad you are finding the tools helpful. The timeline tool is one of my favorites as well – it’s so helpful for plotting and tracking different story things. I find it works well with how I like to think about a series of events or how certain things within a story are connected. 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting and commenting!

  6. Billie Wade says

    April 5, 2021 at 10:04 pm

    Congratulations, Becca and Angela! When I entered the scene, WSFW was already in full swing. I’ve been an avid follower ever since. I even won a prize in youor launch party sweepstakes! Sara Letourneau rocks! I’m about three months in to my 6-month membership and not getting to use it as much as I’d like. So, when it expires, I’ll purchase another one. To say I’m happy about all you have done would be an understatement. Thank you!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 6, 2021 at 4:43 am

      Billie, you are so kind to say all of this! I am hugging you so hard. Sara is terrific, isn’t she? And please if there’s anything we can do to help you use OSFW more fully, just shout!

  7. Jami Gold says

    April 5, 2021 at 9:20 pm

    All the congratulations, my friends! You’ve been so helpful to so many, and I’m so happy to know you both. *hugs* 🙂

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 6, 2021 at 4:42 am

      You are so lovely, Jami! We are the lucky ones to know you!

  8. Michelle Gregory says

    April 5, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    A huge congratulations to both of you! (For some reason I can’t get rid of the caps… anyway…) I remember how glad i was to have found The Bookshelf Muse way back when. you’ve really come a long way.

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      Sorry about the all caps–It’s something WP is doing that I’ve yet to figure out how to fix. And thank you for the kind words – I always love seeing familiar folks here from the old days!

  9. Nan Reinhardt says

    April 5, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    Love the New Look! I use your site all the time! Thanks for all the great support! For some unknown reason, all the words are i-capping. No clue…

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:34 pm

      Hi Nan! Thank you and yes, sorry about the caps. I’m trying to get that sorted–it’s something WordPress is doing.

  10. Rose says

    April 5, 2021 at 1:09 pm

    It’s inviting with easy access—a perfect combo! Well done! (Although the comment section capitalizing every word is a little Unnerving. ;0)

    • Rose says

      April 5, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      Oh, look! It Doesn’t display that way! How odd.

      • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

        April 5, 2021 at 3:34 pm

        I know–it is so weird! I’m trying to get that sorted–it’s something WordPress is doing.

  11. Darlene Foster says

    April 5, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    The website looks fabulous. Congratulations on all you have accomplished!!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      Thank you, Darlene! Happy to see you in the comment box 🙂

  12. Karen Cioffi says

    April 5, 2021 at 12:52 pm

    Congratulations on all your milestones and your reinvented website. It looks great and easy to navigate!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Thanks, Karen!!

  13. Elli Comeau says

    April 5, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    Great work. the site looks awesome! and you guys deserve to celebrate loud and widespread, because you are amazing and so giving and selfless.

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:35 pm

      Elli, you are so kind–thank you for that. We love doing what we do 🙂

  14. Elizabeth Wilkerson says

    April 5, 2021 at 12:45 pm

    Such a beautiful new website, easy to navigate!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Thank you, Elizabeth–very glad you’re exploring and finding your way around. 🙂

  15. Michelle Cornish says

    April 5, 2021 at 12:39 pm

    Congrats and thanks for all you do for the writing community!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:37 pm

      Thank you, Michelle! <3 Appreciate the kind words .

  16. Amber Mae says

    April 1, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    Congratulations on all the hard work ladies, and Thank you for all the great resources you offer.

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:12 am

      Thanks so much Amber! We’re so glad that this site is helpful to you 🙂

  17. Tracy Perkins says

    April 1, 2021 at 10:45 am

    Love the new website! Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment! Way to go!!!! Thank you for all that you do.

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:13 am

      Thank you for the kind words, Tracy. It’s been such a journey, and I wouldn’t trade it from anything! 🙂

  18. Jennifer Lane says

    April 1, 2021 at 8:03 am

    Congratulations on all of your success–well deserved!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:13 am

      Thank you, Jennifer–so kind of you to say!

  19. Vyjanthini Spicer says

    April 1, 2021 at 7:45 am

    Congratulations, angela & Becky!! so wonderful and inspirational to see all your mega hard work pay off 🙂 Love the new look of the site, i actually thought i’d clicked on the OSFW by mistake *lOL* And such generous giveaways too, you guys spoil us!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 5, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you! And yes, we’ve updated the colors to match because OSFW is such a big part of what we do and how we help writers now. We thought it was time for us to match! 🙂

  20. Natalie Aguirre says

    April 1, 2021 at 7:30 am

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway. And congrats on your milestones. It’s important to celebrate them.

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:14 am

      I agree. We sometimes get too busy to, or too many other things are going on and it’s easy to just let them pass by.

  21. Marissa Graff says

    April 1, 2021 at 6:49 am

    Congratulations! I’m blown away by all you two have accomplished. Thank you for having the editors and Angelella Editorial participate in the fun and thank you for being YOU. The writing community has benefited tremendously from all you’ve done!

    • ANGELA ACKERMAN says

      April 4, 2021 at 8:15 am

      Thanks Marissa! Glad to have you guys be part of this! I’m so excited for the people who will win all those terrific critiques!

Primary Sidebar


Welcome!

Writing is hard. Angela & Becca make it easier. Get ready to level up your fiction with game-changing tools, resources, and advice.

Follow Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe to the Blog

Check your inbox to confirm! If gremlins tried to eat it, you might have to check your spam folder.

Read by Category

Grab Our Button

Writers Helping Writers

Software that Will Change the Writing Game

One Stop for Writers

WRITERS HELPING WRITERS® · Copyright © 2023 · WEBSITE DESIGN BY LAUGH EAT LEARN

Cookies are delicious and ours help make your experience here better. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with our cookie use. Cookie settingsGOT IT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. More on our Privacy Policy here.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...