From Contest to Publication

Yes, there will be a thorough editing step—more thorough than I have experienced at Analog or Clarkesworld or some anthologies. Jody really wants to help you shine (but you have final decision).

There's also 1 + copyediting rounds. Word choices to confirm clarity, commas (adding or subtracting), etc.. 

The bar in my story was called Beat Nick (like Beatnik). A place for nonconformists. 

The copyeditor thought that might befuddle the reader and asked if I could dig deeper. 

I'd wanted it to be named Tech Noir, but of course I couldn't, so I let names rattle around my brain for a bit before settling on Trip Tech. I got the tech part in there and alluded to or foreshadowed the MC's future "trip". 

Personally, I enjoyed that part, although there were a few times I might have wanted to keep a word in there (a curse), I knew there may be compromises, and in the end, I got to choose / approve all the changes. 

Well,  apparently, Cameron never asked Ellison, so...

Posted by: @bootzenkatzen

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what happens after you win? 

I thought they get an album out of you, then dump you on the curb somewhere, like any manufactured pop group.

That's my biggest  concern, apart from flying, you don't want to peak too early, then not be able to back it up and fade away.

The fact they have a week of classes, when you apparently just won an award for best in the world, is a red flag.

Sounds harsh, but shouldn't the winners be giving the classes?

"Here's your purple heart, good luck in boot camp."

The contest is only for those on the cusp of professional publication. Thus, if you have novel contracts or too many professionally published short stories, you are "pro'd out". 

The workshop isn't a writing seminar, it's classes/lessons designed to springboard you into your career. The instructors teach such topics as how to be a pro, how to handle yourself at cons, how to build a brand (websites, social media). Plus, you made face-to-face contact with other pros in the industry who are there to help out. 

Jody Lynn Nye blurbed David Hankins's debut novel. Why? Because she said during the week, "let me know how I can help your career." David asked - she said yes. 

Some fade, yes. Others stay involved with the industry but never break out, while some become NYT best sellers. 

Lastly, the gala introduces Writers of the Future to the world. What you do after - is up to you. 

Posted by: @tj_knight

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settling on Trip Tech. I got the tech part in there and alluded to or foreshadowed the MC's future "trip". 

 

lol. I thought that was in reference to triptych - 3 story panels joined together by hinges and a reference to WOTF's penchant for 3 act structure.. 🤣