How do I know if my novel belongs in the Apprentice or Master category?
How many of the following circumstances apply to you?
- I just finished writing my novel. Now what?
- This is my first or second novel. (Sometimes it even takes a third novel to develop enough skill. Practice, practice, practice.)
- I have gone as far as I can with my own revisions, and I need to know how to improve further?
- I published my novel, but reviews have not been so great, or they say my manuscript has major issues.
- I have never let anyone else read my work.
- I like to write in my genre, but I don't read books of this genre, or I don't read novels at all.
- I haven't done revisions. My novel is perfect the way it is.
- My novel is not finished, but I'd like feedback to see if I am on the right track.
- I have done some revisions here and there to strengthen the weaker spots.
- I may have some issues with technique, plotting, character building, or structure, but I'm not sure.
- I don't know which category to choose.
- I am interested in feedback and constructive criticism on a beginner level from objective parties and industry professionals.
If several of the above circumstances apply to you, you should enter under the Apprentice category.
(In the Master category, scoring will be rigorous. If your novel is not ready, you could earn a low or even negative score!)
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If several of the below apply to you, you may be ready for the Master category.
- I have had a professional editor work with me on my novel.
- I have had several positive reviews from people that are not family and friends.
- I have done so many rounds of revisions, written so many drafts, that I can't even count them.
- I am ready for tough criticism and to have my work scrutinized under a harsh spotlight.
- My novel is ready for the world. Others agree who are not friends or family.
- I entered my novel in this contest last year and placed in the top 30.
- I am interested in feedback and constructive criticism from objective parties and industry professionals.
Is there any difference in the judging between the Apprentice and Master categories?
Yes.
Judging for the Apprentice category will be similar to previous years. The manuscript is broken down into individual components with a numerical score given depending on how well the writer succeeded at each. In other words, earning points based on the writer's strengths.
Judges understand that the writers of these manuscripts are still learning and will be less nitpicky in their scores. But more importantly, feedback will be geared toward helping strengthen your technique and the building blocks of your novel. We hope to give you the tools to prepare your manuscript for the Master category next year.
The Master category will be much tougher. The scoresheet is set up basically the same, except that points will go both ways. As in other categories, the submission earns points for the good stuff, but unlike the other categories, it can also lose points for bad stuff. (But hopefully we won't need to worry about taking points. Master manuscripts are ready to stand strong!) Feedback will focus on tightening the story and smoothing out the rough spots.
Judges will be less forgiving in their scores for the Masters because these novels need to be ready for the agents. Even the smallest issues will come up.
Getting to the top will not be easy. We have a several agents reading the winners, and we want manuscripts that will excite each one of them.
Even if your manuscript doesn't make it to the top of your category, you will have helpful feedback from four different industry professionals. Everyone wins!