Writers who participated in Ink & Insights 2020 were asked to give their thoughts about their experience.
Here are what some of them had to say.
I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with the whole Ink & Insights experience. I had heard great things about the contest, but the judges' feedback exceeded my wildest expectations. It was very detailed, incredibly well-structured and provided me with many invaluable insights. In my opinion, the feedback is a prize in its own right, well worth the entry fee. Thank you for organizing such an amazing contest.
--Sam
This is something any writer could make valuable use of. It's almost impossible to get this level of input for this small cost.
--Craig
I am so glad I entered the Ink & Insights 2020 contest! As a total novice, I was struggling with whether or not I should even keep on writing. The judges' comments gave me the encouragement I needed to keep on going. This has been a very positive learning experience and has given me new insight into the broader picture of what I need to be aware of when I am putting a story together. It's reminded me that the more I learn, the more I enjoy the process of writing, and the easier it gets. Thanks, Ink & Insight judges and crew!
--Anita
Ink & Insights reviewers combine a variety of commentary techniques that provide by far the most insightful and useful critiques of any contest I've encountered.
--Mike
I entered the contest just to get the reviews of the judges. I needed a professional opinion of the manuscript, not the biased opinion of my family. I could tap into the expertise offered to me with the judges scoring and comments and utilize them to the greatest degree. It helped with learning about my weaknesses and strengths. It was extremely enlightening. I don't know why more authors don't use this resource to get a professional opinion before they launch into the daunting process of publication. I see so many authors or would-be authors struggle to get their work published, not understanding a professional opinion prior to that is what is needed. The I&I contest stands out as the leader in helping authors to understand how their work can be improved and therefore more publishable.
--Fran
Being a participant in Ink and Insights was among the best things I’ve done as a writer so far. The judging was thorough, knowledgeable and professional. What a great experience!
--Olyn
My four judges were all skilled professional skilled editors and writers. Their comments clearly were intended to assist me in strengthening my manuscript and working on problems in my technique. All of them addressed problems with gentleness so I didn't feel attacked but helped, and all of them included strengths in my manuscript along with problems. I was astonished at the detailed help. I wasn't really expecting the judges to be so generous with their time and so willing to dig in and suggest ways to improve clunky scenes. This competition is an asset for all writers. Entering it has been a life-affirming experience for this first-time novelist.
--Lynette
If you are serious about writing and you want some fair, honest, and useful feedback. This is the place to get it. It is certainly value for your money.
--Craig
I recommend Ink & Insights to all my writing students. The scoresheet alone offers valuable criteria for evaluating one's own writing.
--Barbara
The Ink & Insights Writing Contest is the perfect place to bring your manuscript for the detailed feedback you need. The judges' thoughtful insight helped me improve my craft and brought my novel one step closer to publication. Highly recommended!
--Jolie
It's worth entering the competition for the helpful advice from the fantastic judges even if you even if you don't place anywhere. Advice from editors and experts for the price of an entry fee. Who doesn't want that?
--Jennifer
I feel the feedback you get from 4 judges is a great value for the entry fee. I got a lot of good suggestions for improvement that I intend to incorporate into my next editing run. Thank you!
--Cindy
The feedback was phenomenal. I'm excited to dive back into my novel and improve it based on the judges' suggestions. There really is no better contest, whether you win or lose, you still win in the end with the multiple pages of advice you get back.
--Kaitlyn