We
always hear grumps and groans around contest time. And there are some valid
reasons.
Contests
often have to rely on fairly new authors to judge because…well…a lot of folks
simply don’t volunteer. Life gets in the way. And when that happens, the new
judges can have difficult times learning the ropes.
It’s
rather like the want ads:
Help
Wanted/Hair stylist. Must be able to do all styles for men, women, and
children. High end saloon. Five years experience needed.
Huh?
What about all the newbies who just graduated from the school of Clip ‘em and
Run? Someone has to give the new grad the opportunity.
The
point is, we all need the chance to break into a new gig. Particularly when it’s
so hard to find folks to volunteer and
judge all of the entries.
Do we
all want perfection? Yes. Are we always going to get it? Absolutely not.
So
what’s a person to do? I have found that if you toss out the highest and lowest
scores in a contest, you will generally
come up with a fair idea where you would fall in the ranking. This doesn’t
always work, but for the most part, it comes pretty close.
And
one other thought? If you know you are not qualified to judge a contest, no
matter how much your ego is stroked when someone asks you, don’t do it. Talk with
others who have judged, try to work as a critique partner first, and then wade
into the deep. But be sure you have the basics down fairly well before you
decide it’s for you. Not everyone is ready.
Here’s your
chance. Have you entered a contest? How did you like the experience?
5 comments:
Yes, I've entered a contest or two. The feedback was good, but it's so subjective. What one person likes, another doesn't. Still, it's a good learning experience if you get judges who provide solid input (as opposed to just circling a number with no explanation). I've never judged one, but am considering getting more involved in a few!
Contests are a microcosm of the submission process. Rejections occur often based on a very superficial look at the process and possibly by readers who are young and just learning their job. What we hope for is for it to be bucked up into the hands of someone who knows what they are doing and can make a decision. And no matter what the level the reading preferences of the person looking at it is of major importance. The subjective judging process if contests gives you a close look at this process with one difference. You will hear back which doesn't always happen in the publishing world.
Absolutely! I have to say, I really disliked one of the books up for a Pulitzer this year and do I think that author would lose any sleep if he knew? Not only no, but heck no. And rightly so, it is completely my opinion and nothing more!
And your writing is solid, Tom. You are also compassionate, would make you a great judge!
... the school of clip 'em and run - Linda you crack me up!
Such a good post with great advice. I hope many will take courage and enter a contest now.
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