Hey, wonderful
writerly people!

It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first five pages, today’s the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! (We’ve had past winners tell us they’ve found their dream editors through this contest, and even ended up with offers of representation!)

Entering is easy. All you need to do is leave your contact information on this entry form (or click the graphic below). If you are a winner, we’ll notify you and explain how to send us your first five pages.

Contest Details

  • This is a 24-hour contest, so enter ASAP.
  • Make sure your contact information on the entry form is correct.
  • Seven winners will be drawn. We will email you if you win and let you know how to submit your first five pages.
  • Please have your pages ready in case your name is selected. Format it with 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and 12pt Times New Roman font. 
  • It would help to supply a synopsis up to 500 words (a rough one is fine) so Michelle has context for her feedback.

The editor you’ll be working with:

Michelle Barker

Michelle holds an MFA in creative writing from UBC and has been a senior editor at The Darling Axe since its inception. She has experience with both developmental and line editing and loves working closely with writers to hone their manuscripts and discuss the craft. Many of them have gone on to win publishing contracts and honors for their work. 

You can find Michelle on Twitter and GoodReads.

If you’d like to be notified about our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest, subscribe to blog notifications in this sidebar. 

Good luck, everyone. We can’t wait to see who wins!

PS: To amp up your first page, grab our  First Pages checklist from One Stop for Writers. For more help with story opening elements, visit this Mother Lode of First Page Resources.


Mindy Weiss

Mindy Alyse Weiss is a glitter-loving kid at heart and serves as WHW’s Administrator. When she’s not keeping things organized around here, she’s writing middle-grade novels, picture books, and mentoring writers through PBParty chats, draft challenges, and annual contests. (Mindy also does picture book critiques, too!) She is represented by Joyce Sweeney at The Seymour Agency.

5 Comments.

  • Thanks, Mindy and Michelle! Much appreciated!

  • MINDY ALYSE WEISS
    October 18, 2024 2:37 pm

    Thanks so much for entering and good luck, everyone! I’m about to have Random.org choose the winners.

    The seven lucky winners are…

    Marie Powell
    Barbara Angermeier Malcolm
    May Zullino
    Laura Barry
    cynthia hughen
    Vivek Channamsetty
    Tim OBrien

    Huge congrats! I’ll email the winners with instructions for sending five pages for feedback. 🙂

  • Five pages! Fantastic opportunity!!

  • Teresa Hanley
    October 17, 2024 4:04 pm

    Would live some help with a couple of writing projects

Comments are closed.