Comments on: What’s the difference between a competition and a slush pile? http://www.electricalphabet.net/2008/05/07/whats-the-difference-between-a-competition-and-a-slush-pile/ Writing and publishing in the digital near-future Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:13:46 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Gary Kemble http://www.electricalphabet.net/2008/05/07/whats-the-difference-between-a-competition-and-a-slush-pile/comment-page-1/#comment-59 Gary Kemble Mon, 12 May 2008 23:53:46 +0000 http://electricalphabet.wordpress.com/?p=50#comment-59 One possibility - media coverage. 'Competitions' are likely to attract more media coverage than a publisher contracting a writer through the slush pile. You get coverage when the winner is announced, and coverage when the book comes out. Regarding how authors respond, I think most unpublished writers are willing to take a hit on their first book, with a view to then using that publication to build a career. I agree of course that writers *should* be able to negotiate the terms of the contract, but it's a supply and demand-driven situation. One possibility – media coverage.

‘Competitions’ are likely to attract more media coverage than a publisher contracting a writer through the slush pile.

You get coverage when the winner is announced, and coverage when the book comes out.

Regarding how authors respond, I think most unpublished writers are willing to take a hit on their first book, with a view to then using that publication to build a career.

I agree of course that writers *should* be able to negotiate the terms of the contract, but it’s a supply and demand-driven situation.

]]> By: Beth Fehlbaum http://www.electricalphabet.net/2008/05/07/whats-the-difference-between-a-competition-and-a-slush-pile/comment-page-1/#comment-57 Beth Fehlbaum Wed, 07 May 2008 17:12:33 +0000 http://electricalphabet.wordpress.com/?p=50#comment-57 You bring up some intriguing points. I, too, have wondered about the wisdom of submitting a manuscript to a contest rather than a publisher-- of tying the work up for a long period of time or possibly forever. I like your site; thanks for letting me stop by! Beth Fehlbaum, author Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com Chapter 1 is online! You bring up some intriguing points. I, too, have wondered about the wisdom of submitting a manuscript to a contest rather than a publisher– of tying the work up for a long period of time or possibly forever.

I like your site; thanks for letting me stop by!

Beth Fehlbaum, author
Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse
http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com
Chapter 1 is online!

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]]> By: Peter Quinn http://www.electricalphabet.net/2008/05/07/whats-the-difference-between-a-competition-and-a-slush-pile/comment-page-1/#comment-58 Peter Quinn Wed, 07 May 2008 09:00:03 +0000 http://electricalphabet.wordpress.com/?p=50#comment-58 Hi. I am a long time reader. I wanted to say that I like your blog and the layout. Peter Quinn Hi. I am a long time reader. I wanted to say that I like your blog and the layout.

Peter Quinn

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