Hey, wonderful writerly people! It’s time for our monthly first-page critique contest 🙂
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 if you’re working on a first page (in any genre except erotica) and would like some objective feedback. 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 (double-spaced in 12-point font) 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.
▪ 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, 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 right-hand sidebar).
Best of luck!
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.
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.
Delia A Keymel says
Thank you. Hope this is not a duplicate.
Delia A Keymel says
Thanks for this opportunity. You’re the best.
Kim Duran says
The magic eight ball has spoken, well not literally.
Geez. Calm down Cujo. It will be alright.
Back to what I was saying.
I asked the magic eight ball if this was the best place for a contest and it said, “Hell yeah.” So, here I am.
MINDY ALYSE WEISS says
A huge thanks to everyone who hopped over to Writers Helping Writers to enter our contest.
The three lucky winners are:
Melissa
Hollow Raine
V.M. Sang
Congrats! Look for an e-mail from me with details about how to claim your prize. 🙂
Zach Shaw says
What an awesome opportunity. Glad I saw this. Thanks for making this available.
Kelly says
Yes please! Thanks!
Brooke says
This would come at a perfect time for me! I’m grateful for the opportunity to enter the contest
Rylea C. Penhold says
A critiquing for my first page would be so great! Thanks for putting this opportunity out there!
Mon says
I’m new to this community and your resources but I’m throwing my hat into the ring.
Diane Rinella says
Thanks so much!
Gifford MacShane says
Would love a critique! Thanks!
Deborah says
your first pages checklist is so helpful; thanks.
Patrick Witz says
😎
Jessica Walters says
would love to be considered! thanks for this competition 🙂
Ave says
This is such a cool opportunity for so many writers!
Nki says
I love your website and have bought several courses. I would live to have you read the first pages of a novel I’m writing.
Talia Goforth says
Oooooo I just finished my first chapter last night and would love some feedback!
Laurie Wood says
I’m a faithful reader and user of One Stop for Writers. Thanks for this opportunity!
Kim Stout says
Here is hoping! Thanks, Kim
Cheri Cameron Newell says
Holding my breath!!
Laurie Murphy says
Thanks so much for this opportunity!!
Tracey Thiessen says
Would love to win this one. Have a wonderful day!
Sarah R Gunther says
Hello, my name is Gunther. I’ve been working on a thriller/horror novel called “The 13th Floor” for a year. I would really appreciate special feedback on the first page by a professional writer. Thanks for the opportunity!
Jeanne M. Dickson says
Thanks for the contest!
Melissa says
Thank you for the opportunity!
Carla Young says
Crossing my fingers!
Randy Landenberger says
Thank you once again for the opportunity !
Jessica Tudos says
Thanks for the contest opportunity!
Caroline says
Thanks for the opportunity!
Bella says
I have lost track of how many times I’ve rewritten the first pages of this book! I could definitely use some help.
Wendy says
Great contest
Katie says
Thanks for the contest!
Helen Landalf says
I’ve never done this before, but I’ll throw my hat in the ring!
Judith Levine says
This contest and your website are excellent. I have printed many of your articles. Thank you.
Sally Ottmann says
I’ve been working on my cozy for 5 years. Turtle progress but progress nonetheless. I would heartily welcome feedback from a source that has not read it before. Thank you for extending this opportunity to us.
Saraina says
*decides to try this again* The first page of my post-WWI historical romance may need some work! 😛
Elizabeth Bradley says
I love that you do this each month- thank you!
Jackie Baker says
Thank you for the opportunity!
Glenn says
I’m looking forward to this opportunity!
Natasha says
Love this contest! Good luck everyone! Thanks for the opportunity!
Greta G says
Thank you! This opportunity is wonderful.
Ellen Mulholland says
Polishing my MG horror.
Kathleen Mayes says
Hoping for a break this month!
Beverley Burgess Bell says
Such a great opportunity. Thank you so much
Robin Wiesneth says
My first page is jumping up and down. Pick me! Pick me!
Lois says
Please, I need eyes other than my own.
donalee Moulton says
Great contest.
Anita Banks says
Yippee! Time to try again!!!
Anne says
I’d love some honest feedback
Kim Larson says
Glad I found your blog.
Colleen says
Thanks for the opportunity! Would love to see if the first page of my Christmas rom-com has what it takes to pull readers in!
Carrie says
Thanks for offering this – fingers crossed!
Ruth Khan says
I’d really appreciate this amazing offer of help!
Cindy Vallar says
Thank you for this chance. I started this story back in college, many years ago. It’s gone through a major revision and I’d love some feedback.
Bonnie Bonaduce says
Loving your website. Fingers and Toes crossed!
Mary S Luce says
I really need this!
Diane Spigonardo says
Thanks for the chance. Would love to see if my first pages, of my historical romance, has the hook to grab readers in.
Carolyn Crow says
Would love the chance to see if my first words of my novel will hook them in!
Adam Lee Weatherford says
I’d love the oppurtunity.
Hollow Raine says
First time trying something like this.
Bonnie Bonaduce says
I’m loving One Stop for Writers! Fingers (and toes) crossed you pick me.
Tolu Senok says
Would love feedback on my first page. Thank you!
Dallas DeFee says
This would be so helpful! Here’s hoping. Thanks for the opportunity!
V.M. Sang says
I’ve just written the first chapter of my latest historical novel. A critique if the first page sounds just what I need.
Thanks for this opportunity.
Anand Sivakumaran says
Ok I need help. Am on my umpteenth reversioning of the first two chapters and now I just have no clue what’s working and what’s not. Please, please shed some light. Promise to courier cupcakes.
DIANE SHOTTON says
Great opportunity!
Laura says
Sound like a great idea
Cynthia says
I’m excited for this contest.
Karin says
Keeping my fingers crossed! Thank you x