Many writers throughout the contest wrote to us to express their thanks and appreciation to the judges of Ink & Insights. Here are what many of them had to say.
"The depth of the feedback alone is well worth the entry fee. Not only do you receive extensive insight about your work, but you get a range of responses across four judges, which allows you to better understand how your work will resonate with diverse readers. Considering many of us leverage readers within our circle of friends and family, the variety provided by Ink & Insights is essential.
In every respect, this is easily the best writing contest I've encountered. The opportunity to connect with agents is rare and invaluable, and the candid professional evaluation is essential for aspiring or established writers of both fiction and nonfiction. It also demonstrates the passion, professionalism, and skill of the Critique My Novel team."
--Dane
I'm still taking time to go through the judge's feedback, but already I'm surprised at the detail given by each. It really feels as though the writing has been thoroughly read and considered, already I'm making notes for improvements. Your competition is truly amazing, I haven't seen its like before and I'm so glad I entered. Again, thank you. I'll be recommending you to my writing groups!
--Nemma
"Wow! I received my feedback on the second ms I submitted to Ink & Insights. All four judges provided thorough notes on the first 10,000 words. I appreciated all of the comments -- from those focusing in on the details to the big picture items. This has been a great experience and extremely helpful. Thank you for hosting. :-)"
--Peggy
"The feedback that I got for both entries was so in depth and amazing, it was everything I hoped for in the contest, since I figured I didn't have a chance at winning. But in a way I did, because it has given me confidence where I had none. It has already made me a better more conscious writer!
Though I will admit that one entry seemed to hit the desk of three judges who completely missed the mark. Luckily, one of the judges understood exactly what I was trying to accomplish with the story.
*Judging is Subjective* and sometimes hard to swallow. That is just part of being a writer. Just look at how many agents and publishers mistakenly passed on JK Rowling."
--K.A.
"Many thanks for the return of the score sheets. These are incredibly detailed and useful as always. I particularly loved the increased depth of the feedback this year and how each aspect of novel writing was addressed. This will undoubtedly improve the quality of my novel and I want to say a huge thanks to you and your team of judges! It is without a doubt, the number one writing contest in terms of receiving feedback that will allow you to improve your manuscript."
--Stuart
"The best part of this contest, except winning, is the feedback. Thanks to the judges who gave their time to give the writer important feedback on their writing. When I received mine, I checked my submission since some things on the sheets didn't sound right and discovered I had sent in the wrong draft - shame on me. But...I did receive a lot of details that can be used for the entire manuscript.
See...even if we are not winners, we all come away with a prize -- the reviews!"
--Sharon
"Whether you're an aspiring new author or have previously published, the Ink and Insights competition is a valuable resource to help you hone your writing skills. In the Master Category, four judges provide thorough feedback regarding all aspects of the story, including character development, plot and theme. The amount of detail in these critiques (which includes advice on how to improve writing as well as what you're doing right) is worth the entry fee and then some. I'm glad that I gave it a shot and entered!"
--Mel
Thank you for creating and running this contest; the feedback I have received is incredibly helpful. I'm very grateful.
--Amy
We feel we made a very good decision in choosing to submit our book to the Ink & Insights contest. We are happy you have included a Non-fiction category.
We are impressed with the format of the scoring sheets and the categories used to judge the work. The judges comments are very helpful and we will use them as we work to make the book the best it can be. Thank you so much for this very valuable help.
--Karen and Dale
"I received the feedback from the critiques this morning. I did a quick read and was very happy with the comments I received. I love to get feedback from people who know what they are talking about. I see variations in the responses as well as common themes. That's good. The variation reminds me that reading is subjective, the commonality shows where things missed the mark or could be improved.
I Just wanted to drop you a note with my thanks and comments. I really feel like I got a lot out of this. Thanks for pulling this together."
--James
"Thanks for providing this great opportunity to better our writing, I look forward to next year's competition."
--Laetitia
"I received such great feedback last year with this contest. I used most of it, landed and agent and earned a two-book deal with Forever Yours!! The first book came out at the beginning of the month and book 2 is due in September! Good luck to everyone who submits this year!!!"
--Christine
"I am so pleased at the speedy response. I’m also thrilled at the depth and quality of the four critiques.
I admit that it is rather overwhelming, especially with the variance in the scores. Certainly reminds one how subjective judging is and also how those who read the finished novel will have different reactions to the story.
This is the first time I have received scoring that is so meaningful and valuable, and all for such a bargain price.
I am so glad I came across your contest. Thanks so much."
--Judythe
"Thank you so much for hosting Ink & Insights, and a big thank you to those judges who read my selection.Their comments have been very helpful and it's nice to seewhat I'm doing right as well as where I could improve. I'm looking forward to August when we get to find out more!"
--Leann
"My Husband entered four books and I entered one. The critiques were amazing! We never dreamed the details would be so in depth! We wish that we could make the changes and re-enter again this year instead of waiting until next time. We love this contest!"
--Claudia
"Thank you so, so much for the invaluable insights into my novel. You all must be quite dedicated to do these incredibly detailed evaluations. All of the criticism was well placed. I understood and agreed with all of it. I've already started to incorporate the suggestions and I'm sure that my novel will be a better novel for it. I will be sure to give credit to your site and will recommend you to all my author friends.
Thank you"
--Debra
"Just got the comprehensive feedback from the four judges. WOW! Thank you so much. I am busy studying your comments.Each is priceless. THANKS!"
--Henya
"The feedback is all the more interesting and useful by having several different perspectives. I tried a critique last year but was not very pleased with it as, I felt, it didn't give me anything solid to work with (and that was from a highly recommended place). That hasn't happened with your competition. My manuscript still needs work and I'm thrilled to have some of its flaws pointed out. I am so glad I entered. "
--Nemma
"I received my feedback on my novel today and was amazed by the level of detail provided by the judges. As another entrant noted, the diversity of opinion makes the critiques even more valuable. This has been a great experience."
--Peggy
"I got my reviews from the Judges today... all very good details and really gave great insights on what I should have added and more in-depth for next time... my 2nd book is apparently just that... next time I like to get them review my book number two."
--Jacy
"I entered my submission and received the score sheets much sooner than I expected. The feedback I got was extremely useful and well worth the $ I risked on this venture. Initially, I was a hesitant because of the standard "don't enter a contest that charges a fee" but I got exactly what I wanted out of this: insightful, honest and detailed opinions from knowledgeable readers. I would recommend this to any newbie author. Well done, Catherine."
--Joseph
"Wow, your contest provides one hell of a bang for my buck. It is obvious to me that much time and thought was put into each critique. The diversity of the judges also helped to weed out common issues and offer individual suggestions, which were in general well appreciated. Please thank your Judges for me. They are appreciated."
--Edward
"Thanks very much. The depth of feedback is wonderful. I can only imagine the tremendous work involved in this contest. Good luck with the rest and I expect I'll work with you folks again."
--Richard
"Thank you. These are so helpful and the first professional critiques I've received on this work. There is much todo, so I best get busy"
--Jearl
"Really loved the feedback sheets this year! Such good comments from my judges! They confirmed my suspected my weak point and my known strong point... Now to wait for where I placed."
--Cathryn
"Great commentary from the four editors who read my manuscript. Lots of value for a small investment. Pinch me!"
--Gregory
"Thank you so much for the amazing feedback!
I am thrilled about the mix of positive and constructive criticisms from the judges, and I really hope I place well. :)
Thank you so much for offering this amazing opportunity to us writers."
--Chris
"I just received my feedback and I want to thank the four judges for critiquing my debut novel. Your professional insights will help me perfect my novel, and I will know what to look for when making revisions for the sequel, which is in the works. Again thank you all."
--Eileen
"Thank you so much! Lots of valuable comments that will help me make this shine. :) Please thank the judges for their insights and expertise."
--Melissa
"Just got my judging back. Wow! Very detailed. Loved it. Thanks to the Judges for putting in all that time."