Writers who participated in Ink & Insights 2018 were asked to give their thoughts about their experience when the final placement notices were sent.
Here are the comments we have so far.
I have entered numerous pitch events, purchased many books and workbooks in an attempt to improve my writing skills but this contest has been the best money I have spent. Even as a brand new writer the judges were kind and encouraging while being very specific in the actions needed to improve my novel. I attribute the difference in my scores from last year to this primarily to this contest and it's very specific advice and how actionable those comments were. I really like that Ink and Insights seeks to improve each year as well. This is a well thought out and spectacularly helpful contest and I appreciate the time and effort to give such specific assistance. Worth every penny!
--Vickie
A quote from my blog post ('cause I just can't say enough good things about this contest!):
"To my fellow writers: if you have a manuscript you think is ready to be sent forth into the world or even would just like some feedback on, I strongly encourage you to join me in the 2019 Ink & Insights Contest.
The nominal entry fee is repaid a thousandfold by way of the invaluable feedback each entry is guaranteed to receive. Not to sound hokey, but whether you place, rank in the top 10 or are even last in the lineup, everyone who enters this contest truly wins. The time and dedication that the judges put into scoring and personalizing feedback for each and every entry is rewarding all by itself. Pure, unbiased insight into your writing: good, bad or downright ugly, the judges' comments are enormously constructive!"
--Erin
This is a wonderful competition! It has a thorough and quantitative scoring system complete with in-depth comments from the judges (which I found to be the best part). It made me want to sit down right away and work through my revisions using the suggestions given by the judges... Kind a' like having my sophomore English teacher give me all her attention minus the bloody Chicago Style slash marks! ...And, no, the judges don't use red ink pens like they did when I was jus' a lil' critter... At no time did I feel like I was competing for a "prize". Thank you Ink & Insights for a GREAT CONTEST!!!! Please keep doing this year after year....
--David
Ink & Insights delivers high value to a writer -- from detailed scoresheets to judges' personal comments, which are specific, professional and compassionate. I found it rewarding and extremely helpful on my journey toward publication.
--Jennifer
The contest has proved me with a wealth of information about the story writing process and recommendations on how to improve the quality of my writing.
--Brian
The judges' advice was phenomenal. I was impressed by how much they offered in every aspect of the scoresheet. It helped in my revising and editing! I look forward to entering again with a new piece.
--Kaitlyn
I entered Ink & Insights for the first time and was pleasantly surprised at how great the experience was! The judges really take the time to read your work thoroughly and give positive, constructive feedback. I would absolutely encourage everyone to enter!
--Jordan
If you're going to enter a novel contest - this is the one to choose.
--Nemma
Some of the comments tested the strength of resolve - wanting to instantly defend my writing. BUT ... on consideration, I acknowledge the validity of the critique, and accept them as ideal for continuing to make improvement. So, thanks for showing me the way forward.
--Barbara
I know of no other opportunity to get feedback on a significant chunk of my manuscript from FOUR judges with one entry fee. Comparing the respective scores/opinions truly revealed issues I needed to deal with in the manuscript -- and that is invaluable. THANK YOU for offering this to writers.
--Kristine
Ink and Insights does a great job of providing feedback for a very reasonable fee. The system of having four judges gives more bang for the buck (excuse trite expression) because if several of them give the same feedback, it's more believable.
--Linda
Ink & Insights is simply an amazing novel contest. The judges are experienced editors, and I love that not only one judge, but FOUR of them took a fine-toothed comb to my work and gave me detailed feedback. It was enlightening to see some common praise they all had, and similar critiques they all made. (If one editor points out a flaw in my book, it could be their personal preference or something that just didn't work for them. But if FOUR editors point something out, it's a sign I might want to make some edits!)
The scoresheet for this contest is inspiring---I feel the wide variety of well-phrased questions guided my judges to consider all aspects of my story, to see its strengths, and find actionable elements that could be improved upon. I already have plans to look at this scoresheet when revising my next novel, using the questions as guidelines for writing better books. Thank you for all the work you put into this!
--Leslie
I have to thank everyone involved in this contest for a wonderful opportunity to get many skilled "eyes" on my first manuscript. The feedback is thorough and thoughtful. The judges helped me see the strengths and weaknesses of my story, and their insights will help me with not only this work, but the ones to come. Well worth the investment, and I will definitely participate again!
--Cindy
I really love this contest! The feedback is invaluable and worth every penny of the entry fee. As long as I have a story to enter and I'm still working on my craft I can see myself entering.
--Julie
I'm thrilled with my feedback. It was professional and given with much care and consideration. I'm pleased to hear people from other cultures participated in the judging. This is an invaluable experience for aspiring and emerging writers and I am grateful for the opportunity and the feedback.
--DD
I loved all the different points of view; each judge had a different way of viewing the story, whether it leaned towards more of the technical aspect, or the feel of the characters, etc. The flaws in the story were pointed out, but done so in an encouraging way. I'm so glad I learned about this contest!
--Katherine
I'm so grateful for the deep and thoughtful comments from all four judges. It is obvious they all read it with careful, intelligent and kind eyes, and that they all found unique aspects to comment on, which is immensely helpful. I'm stunned. Thank you all so much for all of your hard work and advice.
--Sara
A very big kudos and thank you to all my editors. I think they did an incredible job of reading, interpreting, commenting and suggesting on my manuscript.
--Jacquie
Ink & Insights is such a great resource for writers. Winning is not really the point - the quality and depth of the feedback from the judges is invaluable. I'll certainly apply again.
--Kelli
A fruitful undertaking. A useful outcome.