Want to win editorial feedback and take your story opening from good to great?
Well, my writerly friend, you’re in luck! It’s time for our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest. In this draw, you can win…
Editorial feedback on your
first 10 pages
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).
Entering is easy. Leave your contact information on this entry form. If you win the draw, we’ll let you know how to send us your pages.
Contest Details
- This is a 24-hour contest, so enter ASAP.
- Make sure your contact information on the entry form is correct.
- One winner will be drawn. If you win, we’ll email instructions for submitting your first 10 pages and synopsis.
- 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.
Did you know…
Some winners find their dream editor through this contest, and a few have shared with us that their polished pages have helped them secure representation. Talk about phenomenal reasons to enter!
Sign Up for Notifications:
Every month is a new chance to win feedback. Subscribe to our blog in the sidebar, and notifications about this contest and other helpful writing articles will come right to your inbox.
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.
Thank you all for stopping by Writers Helping Writers and entering our contest. The lucky winner of a 10 page critique from Stuart is…
Christine Lashinski
Huge congrats! I’ll e-mail instructions for sending in your 10 pages and synopsis.