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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition

May 18, 2023 by MINDY ALYSE WEISS

Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly critique contest. This month, we have a HUGE prize.
3 winners will receive feedback on 20 pages from a professional editor. So exciting!

This contest is closed. Please try again next month. If you’d like to be notified when the next one goes live, consider subscribing to the blog (in the sidebar).

How to enter:

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 you are 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.

Here’s the editor you’ll be working with:

Stuart Wakefield

With 26 years in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching under my belt, I have a visceral understanding of what makes stories work, and I’d like to share it with you because writing a novel doesn’t always have to be difficult and daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Understanding the process, getting started, and seeing it all come together can seem like an impossible mountain to climb.

As an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, I’m passionate about helping new writers craft stories with passion and purpose, momentum and meaning. I have an MA (Distinction) in Professional Writing, and my debut novel, Body of Water, was one of ten books long-listed for the Polari First Book Prize. My latest novel, Behind the Seams, was a 2021 BookLife Fiction Prize Contest semifinalist.

My first TV show is airing on the UK’s Channel 4 in 2023.

So, if you have a story in your heart, just waiting to be shared with the world, I’m here to offer you guidance and support from developing your story right through to pursuing publication. You can find my website, blog, and free self-editing cheat sheet right here: https://linktr.ee/thebookcoach

Contest Guidelines

  • Please be sure your first 20 pages are ready to go so Stuart can critique them before next month’s contest rolls around. 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and 12pt Times New Roman font. Feedback will consist of in-line comments concerning what’s not working and what is.

  • You’ll need to have a synopsis ready (a rough one is fine) so Stuart can make sure his feedback is in context.

  • This contest only runs for 24 hours, start to finish, so get your comment in there!

Three commenters’ names will be randomly drawn and posted tomorrow morning. If you win, I’ll contact you with information about sending it to me. Then, I’ll forward it to our amazing editor for 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 right-hand sidebar). 

Good luck! I can’t wait to see who the winners will be. 🙂

PS: If you want to amp up your first page, grab our helpful First Pages checklist from One Stop for Writers. And for more instruction on these important opening elements, see this Mother Lode of First Page Resources.

MINDY ALYSE WEISS
MINDY ALYSE WEISS

Mindy loves giving back to the writing community. She’s a founding member and Administrator on the From the Mixed-Up Files…of Middle-Grade Authors blog, an SCBWI volunteer, and host of the PBParty chats, New Draft Challenge & Critique Train, and annual contest. She writes middle grade novels and picture books filled with humor, heart, and hope and is represented by Joyce Sweeney.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christine Cameron says

    May 19, 2023 at 9:45 pm

    As an older yet budding writer, it would be wonderful to have someone of your caliber read my first few pages.

  2. Alice says

    May 19, 2023 at 8:49 am

    Congratulations to all the chosen! Yay.

  3. BECCA PUGLISI says

    May 19, 2023 at 8:39 am

    Thank you all for entering to win a critique of your first twenty pages from Stuart Wakefield. The three lucky winners are:

    Lavanya Anand
    Jan Sikes
    Cindy.V.F

    Congratulations! I’ll e-mail the winners with instructions and Stuart will be in touch. Thanks, everyone!

  4. Sam Muller says

    May 19, 2023 at 3:25 am

    Thanks for this service

  5. Jessica Walters says

    May 19, 2023 at 2:32 am

    I’d love to be considered! always a great competition

  6. Tabitha Das says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:49 pm

    What an amazing opportunity for the winners! Thanks for doing this contest.

  7. Jacquolyn McMurray says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:36 pm

    I’d love to have Start take a look at my first 20 pages.

  8. Catherine Claar Crawford says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:19 pm

    What an opportune moment…hoping fate kicks in! Thank you, Angela, Becca and Stuart. Thank you, Mindy, for letting us know about this!!

  9. Alice Fleury says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:55 pm

    Wow. What a sweet thing to do.

  10. Kamilla says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:39 pm

    What a generous offer! Thank you for taking the time to do this.

  11. Marilyn Allison says

    May 18, 2023 at 6:31 pm

    Thank you for offering this mentorship to writers. I would love to have my WIP considered.

  12. Brian Dale Pope says

    May 18, 2023 at 5:40 pm

    Here’s Hoping! Thank you!

  13. Doug Fricke says

    May 18, 2023 at 5:34 pm

    First ten pages last month, first twenty this month. Wow!

  14. Karen J Hughes says

    May 18, 2023 at 5:32 pm

    What a wonderful prize! Fingers crossed.

  15. Laurie Murphy says

    May 18, 2023 at 4:57 pm

    This is an exciting opportunity! Thanks so much, Stuart!!

  16. Liz Searle says

    May 18, 2023 at 4:30 pm

    Thank you!!!

  17. Elli Comeau says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    Amazing opportunity once again! Thanks Stuart!

  18. Donna Maloy says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:54 pm

    What a terrific opportunity! Keeping my fingers crossed.

  19. Deborah says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:53 pm

    Thank you also for all the wonderful articles with helpful advice.

  20. Natasha says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:49 pm

    Thanks for this amazing opportunity! Cheers!

  21. Alex Sousa says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    Twenty pages is hugely generous. Thanks for the opportunity. Good luck, everyone!

  22. Kathleen Mayes says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  23. Amanda says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:39 pm

    20 Pages! How exciting and very generous of Stuart! Good luck everyone!

  24. Patricia Bradley says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:33 pm

    Awesome! Thank you.

  25. Cynthia says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:26 pm

    Great contest. Thank you for the opportunity.

  26. Catherine Misener says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:13 pm

    What a generous prize! Hope I win.

  27. Maryrose Carroll says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:11 pm

    Terrific! I have a sequel to Love Follows Murder I would love to have you read. It starts with a drug cartel assassination at the table next to where my hero is introducing his love to his bigoted family. She is half-Taos Indian.

  28. CHERI CAMERON NEWELL says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:06 pm

    Thank you for your fresh eyes and input! I have rewritten my opening pages… hmmm… I’ve stopped counting! Let the contest begin!

  29. Jude Doyle says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:56 pm

    What a fantastic opportunity! Thanks!

  30. Nicole says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:39 pm

    Thank you!!!

  31. Susan Ward says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:09 pm

    I would love to have my first pages critiqued. I’ve only had one full request in a number of queries.

  32. Cindy Bell says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:06 pm

    Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity.

  33. Shannon O'Donnell says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:06 pm

    I’ve been a fan of Angela and Becca since before One Stop existed! They are THE BEST, and I couldn’t write without them anymore. Thanks for this amazing opportunity.

  34. Heather Camacho says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:01 pm

    This is a cool thing you do for other writers! I’ve seen this before but never entered. Thank you for such an opportunity!

  35. Diane Rinella says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:54 pm

    Awesome. I love that Stuart has a background in theatre. When I mentor, I always tell fiction writers to take acting classes, as they really help you gain perspective on how to build a character. Seems like a great match for my work. Thanks!

  36. Victoria Waddle says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    Thanks for providing this wonderful opportunity to a lucky winner!

  37. Aimee says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    What an amazing opportunity. Thank you for the chance.

  38. Melissa says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:31 pm

    Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

  39. Ann says

    May 18, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    Thank you for volunteering your time.

  40. Robert Marazas says

    May 18, 2023 at 12:56 pm

    My novel has come close a few times. Hope this might get me closer.

  41. Patrick Witz says

    May 18, 2023 at 12:51 pm

    Good day Stuart! Be it luck or destiny, I would enjoy the collaboration of refining my first 20-pages. Cheers!

  42. Frances Sheldrick says

    May 18, 2023 at 12:28 pm

    What a wonderful prize! Whoever wins will definitely benefit from Stuart’s expertise and experience. I know we’ll all be tuned in to find out who will be the lucky one.

  43. Constance says

    May 18, 2023 at 12:20 pm

    Sounds like a great opportunity. Here’s hoping!

  44. Laurie Wood says

    May 18, 2023 at 12:14 pm

    Thank you for continuing to run this contest! I would love to get Stuart’s input on my first 20 pages!

  45. Katie Fitzgerald says

    May 18, 2023 at 11:56 am

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  46. Christie says

    May 18, 2023 at 11:06 am

    Thank you so much for the opportunity!!

  47. Jeanne M Dickson says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:52 am

    Sounds terrific. Thanks

  48. Marie Powell says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:51 am

    Love these opportunities for critiques almost as much as I love One Stop! Thanks again!

  49. Shelley O'Rourke says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:49 am

    Thanks for the opportunity! Fingers crossed!

  50. Lisa Taylor says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:49 am

    This is a fabulous opportunity.

  51. Lisa Connors says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:24 am

    Count me in!

  52. Marianne says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:19 am

    What an amazing opportunity! Thanks!

  53. Jessica Federle says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:15 am

    Love the emotion thesaurus! Great contest

  54. Bob says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:10 am

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  55. Greta G says

    May 18, 2023 at 10:06 am

    Thank you for this opportunity.

  56. Sarah Talbert says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:59 am

    I’m excited about this opportunity!

  57. Mark Dooley says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:53 am

    What a wonderful gift. I’d like to be considered.

  58. Kerrie Herron says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:53 am

    Thank you for the opportunity! I would love to have Stuart’s input on my manuscript! 🫶🏻

  59. W.L. Hawkin says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:48 am

    Always love to get another set of eyes on my work!

  60. Becky says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:48 am

    I would love this!!!!

  61. Kathleen Saunders says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:47 am

    It would be fantastic to have my first pages critiqued. Writing well is such a learning process.

  62. Douglas M. Short says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:46 am

    THE FIRST PAGE MUST GRAB YOUR ATTENTION!… Did I grab your attention? 🙂
    I would love to work with a pro like you. Thanks

  63. KT says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:45 am

    Woop! Woop! What a treat!

  64. Ashley Cundiff says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:32 am

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  65. Tripp Davis says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:29 am

    Thank you for the opportunity.

  66. Liz says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:07 am

    Thanks so much for generously offering your time, Stuart!

  67. Abigail says

    May 18, 2023 at 9:06 am

    I love contests!

  68. Shirley Spain says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:56 am

    Thank you for your generosity Stuart to share your expertise. And thank you, Angela, for offering this critique lottery! It’s fun!

  69. Bruce Rule says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:55 am

    The feedback I am getting from agents is that the story is fun and the characters are good. My problem is that the first pages don’t make the agents want to champion the book. Your feedback on how to change that would be great.

  70. Jan Sikes says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:45 am

    I would be more than honored to have Stuart critique my first pages! Thank you, as always, for your generous offering!

  71. Cindy says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:34 am

    Amazing opportunity, thanks!

  72. Kim Newland says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:29 am

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  73. Donald Royster says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:09 am

    Awesome opportunity. My 20m pages are ready to go. Thanks.

  74. Margie Wood says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:06 am

    Thanks for this awesome opportunity!

  75. Amy says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:01 am

    Love your contests. Great opportunity. Thanks!

  76. Maria Singh says

    May 18, 2023 at 8:00 am

    The support is a huge encouragement. Grateful.

  77. Tracey Buchanan says

    May 18, 2023 at 7:46 am

    Great opportunity! Thanks!!

  78. Amy says

    May 18, 2023 at 7:39 am

    Exciting! Thanks for the opportunity!

  79. Jessica says

    May 18, 2023 at 7:37 am

    Yay!

  80. Josh Hagen says

    May 18, 2023 at 7:19 am

    Fantastic opportunity for a very lucky someone! Best of luck to all!

  81. Tracy Wood says

    May 18, 2023 at 7:09 am

    What a wonderful opportunity. Thank you for offering it!

  82. Sara Kalivas says

    May 18, 2023 at 7:02 am

    Great opportunity. Good luck everyone!

  83. Karin says

    May 18, 2023 at 6:52 am

    Sounds like a fabulous opportunity. Fingers crossed!

  84. Bonnie says

    May 18, 2023 at 6:39 am

    Me! Please pick me!

  85. Anita Banks says

    May 18, 2023 at 6:36 am

    How exciting!

  86. Mary Luce says

    May 18, 2023 at 6:05 am

    This would be so helpful!

  87. Judy Broad says

    May 18, 2023 at 6:02 am

    This is a wonderful opportunity for some lucky writers. The first pages are so important I would love to have you suggest how I can strengthen mine. Good luck everyone.

  88. Sue Burrows says

    May 18, 2023 at 4:32 am

    This is a fantastic prize . I would love it sooooo much.

  89. Mari says

    May 18, 2023 at 4:19 am

    I’d love feedback on my first twenty pages!

  90. ROCHELLE GOSLING says

    May 18, 2023 at 4:07 am

    WOULD BE THRILLED TO HAVE STUART LOOK AT MY WORK! CROSSING FINGERS.

  91. Laura says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:14 am

    Sounds like a great opportunity

  92. Dawn Knox says

    May 18, 2023 at 3:06 am

    Hi, I’d love it if you would give me feedback on my first twenty pages! Thanks!

  93. DIANE SHOTTON says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:19 am

    As a first timer, I’d love to have a professional review pages of my WIP. Best of luck to all!

  94. Virginia Suckling says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:06 am

    Hey, Stuart, you sound just the person I’d love to work with. Thanks for giving me the opportunity.

    • Stuart says

      May 18, 2023 at 2:12 am

      Good luck, Virginia!

  95. Glenda Thompson says

    May 18, 2023 at 2:03 am

    I would love to win a critique. I couldn’t write without One Stop for Writers. The thesauri help me flesh out my characters. Thank you.

  96. Anand Sivakumaran says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:55 am

    Just last evening I was wishing for a fairy Godmother/Godfather to pop up and transform the beginning of my book into something no agent can say no to. And Ta -dah…

  97. Brendan says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:53 am

    Thanks for the opportunity, I’d love the chance to have my work critiqued.

  98. Lavanya Anand says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:43 am

    Please. Please. Please help me! I have send 50 queries. Most say no (surprise surprise) but some say that they loved the synopsis but the first few pages didnt grab their attention. My MS was shortlisted for Pitch Wars and I think it has potential. Maybe I need professionally fresh eyes to tell em where I’m going wrong.

    Have I said please help me enough times?

  99. Susan Policoff says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:39 am

    Great contest! I’ve been following the entries in the fear thesaurus and found them really interesting.

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