Fiction Submissions Checklist
By Helen Sears
The quality of submissions we’re receiving for the contest makes taking a turn at editing something we all look forward to. Thank you to everyone who cares enough about solid writing to submit a piece for consideration!
We receive so many good entries it’s difficult to choose just one with the designation of “winner.” At the same time, we’ve noticed that several of the pieces miss the top slots because of similar revision “soft spots” which may have been overlooked when redrafting.
Because we are students of writing and consider ourselves on a continuous learning path, we want to offer some of the elements in our own work we wrestle with when approaching the last drafts: (these apply primarily to prose, poetry being a country all its own)
- Whatever is mentioned first has great weight in setting up the “contract” with the reader. Stay true to it and weave it throughout the piece, even if in subtle, slant ways. Develop this concept or image, then come back to it at the end in a way that completes its arc.
- Every detail should have its own arc (pattern of development) within the story, but always in conjunction with the main arc: images, descriptions, dialogue. This provides movement within the piece in addition to the main arc.
- Decide where to linger. These are opportunities to emphasize a moment by slowing the pace down via greater detailed reactions, descriptions of objects noticed by a character, gestures.
- Put dialogue and its connected action in the same paragraph. This helps the reader keep track of who’s speaking and moving.
- Avoid clichés by any possible means, both in narrative/dialogue and plot. This includes any element that is too predictable.
- Endings: as our faculty members say, endings need to surprise, yet seem inevitable. Special care to give an unexpected twist or dimension, yet click perfectly into its prepared place, provides more satisfaction for the reader. And setting up an ending is as important as the ending itself. A final lingering to notice things with changed eyes or enlarged scope adds depth and resonance. Everything in the story beginning with the first word needs to work up to the ending.
Thanks, again, for submitting your good work. We look forward to the contests ahead!
(note: do not use the comments area below for submissions. We mean it. We will immediately delete submissions posted as comments.)
16 responses so far ↓
Jane Banning // June 1, 2009 at 2:30 pm |
Hi,
May an author submit a prose AND a poetry piece? I see you request ‘no multiple submissions’, so I’m just checking.
Thank you.
whidbeystudents // June 2, 2009 at 1:35 am |
You can submit prose one month, and poetry the next, but not during the same month. Exactly right, no multiple submissions.
Jane Banning // June 1, 2009 at 11:13 pm |
Hi,
Are authors allowed one poem and one fiction piece, or one piece overall?
Thank you,
Jane
whidbeystudents // June 2, 2009 at 1:33 am |
We only choose one entry each month. It all depends on who knocks the judges socks off first. Why not submit one of your pieces next month, that way you won’t be entering against yourself. (A person can win twice, or more, after all.)
Jane Banning // June 2, 2009 at 3:02 am |
Thanks!
Gary Bell // June 7, 2009 at 10:33 pm |
Hi,
Do you offer feedback on submitted material?
Thanks
Gary
whidbeystudents // June 8, 2009 at 2:39 am |
Hi, thanks for the inquiry. Generally, we don’t offer feedback, though it can vary from judge to judge.
Gagan Sohal // June 8, 2009 at 5:45 am |
Is this contest open for Indian nationals?
whidbeystudents // June 12, 2009 at 8:49 pm |
Yes, we get submissions internationally.
sg92 // August 2, 2009 at 2:19 am |
Is it acceptable to send in an entry under a pseudonym?
whidbeystudents // August 2, 2009 at 6:09 pm |
It’s entirely up to the submitter. Since there’s a $50 prize, you’ll also need to note you prefer to be published under a pseudonym, and supply your real name and address so that, should you be chosen as a given month’s winner, your prize can be correctly administered.
Sidney Harberbridge // October 30, 2009 at 6:46 pm |
I thought the competition closed 10/31/09? I was about to submit but your website now says:
“The submissions mailbox is now closed. Please check back November 1.”
whidbeystudents // October 31, 2009 at 8:50 pm |
See the Student Choice Contest Rules. The mailbox will reopen November 1, and early in the month is the best time to submit. Good luck!
Edoka Peter-Paul // October 30, 2009 at 8:05 pm |
I would want further information on competitions. Thanks
whidbeystudents // October 31, 2009 at 8:51 pm |
See the Student Choice Contest Rules
Sidney Harberbridge // October 31, 2009 at 8:58 pm |
So I gather the contest happens every month?
This is not clear from the website, nor is it stated in the Contest Rules.