Comments | ken_schneyer: Nice WotF News

ken_schneyer

Nice WotF News

Mar 22, 2009 16:00

Joni Labaqui just phoned to say that I'm a semi-finalist in the Writers of the Future Competition for the First Quarter. It isn't on the WotF blog yet, but I presume she's waiting until she's notified everyone.

Very pleased, especially as it's only my second submission, and the third submission is already in.

I'll probably revise the story again ( Read more... )

slush readers, contests, joni labaqui, submissions, wotf, writers of the future

Comments 12

girlspell March 22 2009, 20:47:09 UTC

Well, I would. I only read short stories in SciFi anyway. I'm always looking for the rankings of the story beforehand.

ken_schneyer March 24 2009, 23:59:16 UTC

Hi, Rachel.

ajjones March 23 2009, 02:38:24 UTC

Congrats!

ken_schneyer March 24 2009, 23:59:25 UTC

Thanks!

hhbarmaid March 23 2009, 04:32:20 UTC

You are on a roll my friend!

ken_schneyer March 24 2009, 23:59:53 UTC

Here's hoping! Thanks, Aleta.

ninja_pencil March 23 2009, 21:21:56 UTC

Hey, congratulations!!!!!

ken_schneyer March 24 2009, 23:59:34 UTC

Hey, thanks!

davidkudler March 23 2009, 23:49:25 UTC

You know, that's a very good question. I mean, will it say, "Hey: this is a story that other editors have found interesting" or will it say, "Huh: if they didn't bite, neither should you." :-p

Honestly? My sense is that the story clearly stands on its own merits. I think I'd let it sell itself.

ken_schneyer March 25 2009, 00:02:03 UTC

Hi, David.

I agree with you, but slush readers are in the business of rejecting stories as fast as they can. The question isn't whether the story sells itself, but rather whether the reader gives it an extra few seconds, maybe turns the first page and reads the second page. Saying "I've been to Clarion," or "I really am a Martian," or "This story won an international burping contest" may be enough to pique the reader's interest.