Question about entries

by **Wrider** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:14 pm

Does the entire manuscript have to be completed by the Oct. deadline? I have a manuscript I might like to enter, but it may only be about half-done by then. I couldn't find any info for this side of things (though that might just confirm that I am indeed blind).

by **RedBaron** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:15 pm

No, you just need the first chapter and a synopsis

by **Wrider** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:30 pm

Thanks, Shari!
Is there a later deadline by which the book must be complete?

by **RedBaron** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 3:44 pm

Wrider wrote:Thanks, Shari!
Is there a later deadline by which the book must be complete?

I'd assume before December, so about a year, since winners will be announced December 1, 2009.

With regard to the prize, it should be noted that the editing component must be used before December 2010.

by **Wrider** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 5:36 pm

Mmm, ok! Thank you!

by **Deb Porter** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:08 am

Rachel, the winner has 12 months to submit their book for editing.

Love, Deb

by **yvonne** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:48 pm

Is there a word limit for the synopsis?

by **Wrider** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:10 pm

yvonne wrote:Is there a word limit for the synopsis?

On the submit page, it gives a limit of 500 words. However, I think Deb told someone else on another thread that it's just as guideline so the synopses don't become a mile long. So... I'd say shoot for 500 words, unless Deb wants to add clarification here.

by **yvonne** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:14 pm

Okay...thanks!

Vonnie

by **kahoosbt** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:24 pm

Some of us have been discussing this here .

Joanne said she thought there was a 500 word limit, but I checked the rules a little while ago and, unless I missed something it just says, "brief" in terms of the synopsis.

D'ya think 2 pages be considered "brief"? :mrgreen:

So far that's about as far as I've been able to condense an around 80k word novel, if in a real "synopsis" format, as opposed to more of a back cover copy / teaser format.

Hoping Deb will chime in here when she gets a chance!

Shelley

by **yvonne** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:26 pm

My synopsis is around 700 wds.

I suppose I could cut out more.

by **yvonne** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:27 pm

That link didn't work for me. ???

by **kahoosbt** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:47 pm

yvonne wrote:That link didn't work for me. ???

Hmmm...it works for me.

Anyway, it's in the "Countdown to Closing Date for Entries" thread.

Like I said in that thread...I'll adapt however I need to, but it will be challenging to get an effective synopsis into 500 words without having major plot gaps.

Challenge is good, though! And however this contest turns out results-wise, I'm enjoying working on it! :mrgreen:

Shelley

by **Wrider** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:05 pm

kahoosbt wrote:So far that's about as far as I've been able to condense an around 80k word novel, if in a real "synopsis" format, as opposed to more of a back cover copy / teaser format.

Which type of format is preferred???

by **kahoosbt** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:21 pm

Wrider wrote:
kahoosbt wrote:So far that's about as far as I've been able to condense an around 80k word novel, if in a real "synopsis" format, as opposed to more of a back cover copy / teaser format.

Which type of format is preferred???

I don't know. That's one of the things I'm hoping Deb will answer when she gets a chance.

When you google "novel synopsis" the results seem to be the longer full plot line summaries which basically outline the whole book, including "giving away" the ending. But if you search "short synopsis" you get some results that are more of the teaser-type.

So...I'm confused. :roll:

Since that's the case, my synopsis-writing is on hold pending clarification. :mrgreen:

Shelley

Question about entries

Question about entries

Who is online