Friends, we need your help.

We’ve sent notices to the four corners of romance. . . but we need more judges.

Would you consider judging one or two entries OR forwarding our plea to any writing organization you’re a part of?  

If you don’t feel qualified, take a look at what a first-time judge had to say:

“This is my first time judging for your contest, and I have to say that truly, this was the most positive judging experience I've had. Your resources and blog training were so helpful, and the emphasis on positivity and constructive criticism nearly brought tears to my eyes. In particular, seeing your post on all the judge comments you've received - for a book that was bought by Harlequin with no edits - really helped me as a writer. I enter a lot of contests, too, and there have been several where the judges forgot that I was a human being. One most recently was rough, but judging in this contest really vindicated that experience. Thanks for doing such a great job organizing, training, and encouraging both entrants and judges.” Brandi S.

Please send your friends here to our blog site to sign up. Or pass along our direct link: 

Sign up here: http://bit.ly/NTRWA_GE_JudgeForm

We hope you can help,

~Angi

NTRWA GE Judge Coordinator

TOPIC: Why Are You Judging?

• giving back
• helping the chapter
• it's for the contest
• it's a favor
• paying back some karma 
• I learn from reading other writers
• the GE helped me become a better writer
• judging helps my own writing

There are lots of reasons to judge any contest. Each person has their own. Find yours.

No matter if you're published or still on the road to get there, it takes great courage to put your writing in front of strangers.

I encourage you to critique wearing two hats. One as a writer. One as a reader.
It takes both to be a good judge.

Even though grammar and sentence structure are important, don't get bogged down line editing an entry instead of concentrating on the story-telling. Some entries need more help than others. Pick one or two things the contestant can concentrate on AND add suggestions or articles.

So why are you judging?

~ ~ ~

Most of the opinions on judging and interpreting the questions’ intent are my own words. I’ve been in the business over 15 years and have spoken to many authors, gathering information. A lot of the time when a question is asked, I go to authors who publish in that genre for advice. Please use your own expertise and experience, but keep our humble interpretations in mind.

~Thanks, Angi Morgan

AngiMorganAuthor.com

Contributions and edits by Fenley Grant.

Additional help tips for judging all entries are available through our judge training on the blog.