The timer went off. I had just finished a productive 50-minute revising session. But then… my break turned into being online too long. I disappeared into the SCBWI website, reading all about upcoming webinars. Yes, I was procrastinating. Yes, I was hoping a super power would finish editing a chunk of my young adult novel. It was due to my young adult novel exchange partner in five days.
Just as I was about to close the website, one webinar jumped out at me. It cheered, “Sign up. Now! Don’t think. Do it.” The webinar featured an agent giving live feedback on the first 10 pages. Ten pages? Wow! Rare, I thought. And curious. One seat was left. It was mid-day. The pages were due at 5pm the next day.
“Nope, too late,” I thought. “Besides, my manuscript isn’t query ready.” Meanwhile, my neuro divergent brain was full speed ahead, doing a jig and high on a possible challenge. I quickly googled the agent’s website and Manuscript Wish List. I got goosebumps. She was seeking the themes steeped in my YA novel.
Minutes later, I was registered. Plus, I paid extra ($25) for the agent’s post webinar detailed critique of my first 50 pages. What an adrenalin rush! What a perfect way to put my pages out there. An audition of sorts.
The spontaneity was energizing. This wasn’t the first time that I had jumped and registered last minute for a pitch or contest. Perhaps, the stars simply align that way for me.
Unfortunately, in this instance, there was one problem. A big problem. I had not looked at the first five chapters of my YA novel in months. Many months. I had been hyper focused on cutting, editing and polishing the last act. Yikes!
I immediately hunkered into my editing cave. The good news, it was easy to cut and edit, because I had moved parts from the beginning to the second and third acts. The bad news, it was very challenging to re-figure the first chapter. It no longer fit, as a result of my final revision. I felt stuck and overwhelmed. If only it made sense to start with chapter two. But, I needed a set up. Ugh.
I re-read the Beat Sheets (from SAVE THE CAT! BEAT SHEET WORKBOOK by Jamie Nash) that I had done and re-done for this novel. I re-read the first act. I handwrote notes; did free writes of possible first pages. Geesh. Was I really going back to the drawing board? Insane! I couldn’t delay; couldn’t stop. I had a deadline.
Fast forward. The webinar was an incredible experience. Each attendee’s first five pages appeared on screen, while the facilitator read them aloud. The agent devoted six minutes to each work, giving succinct, insightful, thought-provoking feedback aloud that she had prepared in advance. Everyone listened. No interactions, discussions, questions. I loved the meditative, deep thinking mood – and generous quiet time to soak up the sound of our prose and a professional’s reaction.
Of course, I was nervous and full of “I should have changed this, cut that…” But it was too late. It was un-polished. It didn’t matter. My work was out there. The curtains were wide open. An audition.
Lesson learned: Put my pages out there before I’m ready to query. The webinar pushed me outside the “I have to” box. I have to have a full manuscript ready before I… Ever since, it has felt liberating and reassuring to keep entering pages in a contest, online sessions, etc. Intimidating? You bet! But these auditions keep me moving forward and believing in my novel. Best of all, they give me a reality check.
By the way, the agent’s detailed ($25) feedback was a huge perk. Pages of positives, keen insightful suggestions, along with discerning questions. I have added her to my To Query spreadsheet.
Here’s to auditioning your work in progress! Why wait? Give these opportunities a try and look for more. Congratulate yourself on putting your pages out there.
Webinars: SCBWI Regional Virtual Events https://www.scbwi.org/regional-virtual-events
March contests for YA novel excerpts: (Winners are assigned to an editor or mentor that coaches you to a polished manuscript.)
#RevPit 2024 Annual Contest https://reviseresub.com/annual-contest
First Page Prize https://www.firstpagesprize.com/
Gutsy Great Novelist https://gutsygreatnovelist.com/chapter-one-prize/
Uncharted Novel Excerpt Contest https://www.unchartedmag.com/uncharted-magazine-novel-excerpt-prize-judged-by-keshe-chow/
There’s no time like the present. –MG and YA acclaimed author, Victoria Hanley