Good news, wonderful
writerly people…it’s time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest, where we help transform your story’s opening from good to great!
If you need a bit of help with your opening, 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!)
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).
Two winners will receive feedback on their first 10 pages!
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 page.
Contest Details
- This is a 24-hour contest, so enter ASAP.
- Make sure your contact information on the entry form is correct.
- Two winners will be drawn. We will email you if you win and let you know how to submit your first 10 pages.
- Please have your pages ready in case your name is selected. Format with 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and 12pt Times New Roman font.
- You’ll need to supply a synopsis (a rough one is fine) so Stuart has context for his feedback.
The editor you’ll be working with: Stuart Wakefield
With 26 years of experience in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching, I’ve developed a deep love of character and what drives them. My coaching style is warm, thoughtful, and practical—I believe writing a book can be hard sometimes, but more often than not, it should be fun.
As an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, I specialize in story development, with a particular focus on character backstory and emotional depth. I’ve helped writers develop powerful, satisfying stories that hold up to editorial scrutiny—and two of my clients have books coming out this year.
I hold an MA in Professional Writing, and my most recent novel, Behind the Seams, reached the semifinals of the BookLife Fiction Prize Contest, scoring 10/10 in every category. I’ve also been commissioned to write a play, and my first TV show—based around celebrity characters—is available to stream online.
Grab my free ebook on emotional resilience for writers and learn more about my services at: https://www.thebookcoach.co/
I’m also the host of the podcast Master Fiction Writing, where I explore the craft of storytelling with writers, editors, and creatives from all walks of life.
Sign Up for Notifications!
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 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 annual contest and monthly New Draft Challenge & Critique Train. She writes middle grade novels and picture books filled with humor, heart, and hope and is represented by Joyce Sweeney. Find out more about her picture book critiques here.





A huge thank you to everyone who entered and to Stuart Wakefield for offering such an amazing prize.
The two lucky winners are:
Debbe Geiger
Susan Burdorf
Congrats! I’ll send an e-mail with instructions for sending me your first 10 pages and synopsis.
kimberly s zhuo is interested. UO not ou
That’s great, Kimberly. Don’t forget to fill out the entry form: https://forms.gle/cd3gNrK7k7xyGFpw8
The contest closes soon. If you miss it, keep your eye out because we have one each month. 🙂