Marcher Lord Press Select -- Please Participate!

Whythawye · **Posted:** November 19th, 2009, 9:31 am

Greetings,

Here is something that I hope will be of interest to all of you here on the Holy Worlds forums.

Quote:

October 19, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marcher Lord Press Announces Marcher Lord Select

(Colorado Springs, CO)–Marcher Lord Press, the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction, today announces the debut of a revolution in fiction acquisitions.

“Marcher Lord Select is American Idol meets book acquisitions,” says publisher Jeff Gerke. “We’re presenting upwards of 40 completed manuscripts and letting ‘the people’ decide which one should be published.”

The contest will proceed in phases, Gerke explains, in each subsequent round of which the voters will receive larger glimpses of the competing manuscripts.

The first phase will consist of no more than the book’s title, genre, length, a 20-word premise, and a 100-word back cover copy teaser blurb. Voters will cut the entries from 40 to 20 based on these items alone.

“We want to show authors that getting published involves more than simply writing a great novel,” Gerke says. “There are marketing skills to be developed–and you’ve got to hook the reader with a good premise.”

Following rounds will provide voters with a 1-page synopsis, the first 500 words of the book, the first 30 pages of the book, and, in the final round, the first 60 pages of the book.

The manuscript receiving the most votes in the final round will be published by Marcher Lord Press in its Spring 2010 release list.

No portion of any contestant’s mss. will be posted online, as MLP works to preserve the non-publication status of all contestants and entries.

Participating entrants have been contacted personally by Marcher Lord Press and are included in Marcher Lord Select by invitation only.

“We’re also running a secondary contest,” Gerke says. “The ‘premise contest’ is for those authors who have completed a Christian speculative fiction manuscript that fits within MLP guidelines and who have submitted their proposals to me through the Marcher Lord Press acquisitions portal before October 29, 2009.”

The premise contest will allow voters to select the books that sound the best based on a 20-word premise, a 100-word back cover copy teaser blurb, and (possibly) the first 500 words of the book.

The premise contest entrants receiving the top three vote totals will receive priority acquisitions reading by MLP publisher Jeff Gerke.

“It’s a way for virtually everyone to play, even those folks who didn’t receive an invitation to compete in the primary Marcher Lord Select contest.”

The premise contest is open to anyone with a completed Christian speculative fiction manuscript that meets MLP guidelines for length, content, genre, worldview, audience, etc. To enter, authors must complete the acquisitions form found at the Marcher Lord Press site and supply all the components listed below on or before October 29, 2009.

Marcher Lord Select officially begins on November 1, 2009, and runs until completion in January or February 2010. All voting and discussions and Marcher Lord Select activities will take place at The Anomaly forums in the Marcher Lord Select subforum. Free registration is required.

“In order for this to work as we’re envisioning,” Gerke says, “we need lots and lots of voters. So even if you’re not a fan of Christian science fiction or fantasy, I’m sure you love letting your voice be heard about what constitutes good Christian fiction. So come on out and join the fun!”

They are going into the second round. Voting will take place at the end of next week. And one of our very own members is a competitor! Becky Minor has made it through the first phase and is advancing. Her work is worthy (and it looks better than most of the other stuff on there, good as they are), and I would like it if we could all go over there and vote for her. Make sure that you read the rules (such as you have to vote for at least three entries), so that your vote will count!

I am sure that if Marcher Lord Press Select works, they will continue to do it, and we might be able to avail of that service in later years to get our novels published. So lets make sure it works!

Hope to see you over there,

With joy and peace in Christ,
Jay Lauser aka Sir Emeth Mimetes

beckyminor · **Posted:** November 19th, 2009, 10:40 am

I'm so flattered that you would endorse my work, Jay!

But aside from my book being involved, I do think that the contest poses a great chance for readers to make it known what they like in a book. It's as much marketing research for Marcher Lord Press as it is a chance for the authors in the contest to "get discovered."

I think it's also great for writers to take a look at the process, because it gives you a pretty good idea what goes into taking a story from something you enjoy putting down on paper to an entity that can possibly be published. I've learned more about writing in trying to cram my ideas into tiny packages (blurbs and short synopses) than I ever thought possible.

So, by all means, read the entries and see what you like...if you vote for me, that's great. If you don't, then that works with the spirit of the contest as well.

PrincessoftheKing · **Posted:** November 19th, 2009, 11:19 am

Wow! Great job, Mrs. Minor!

Arias Mimetes · **Posted:** November 19th, 2009, 12:59 pm

Sounds pretty cool. Do you have a link so I can go vote for Mrs. Minor's story?

Willow Wenial Mimetes · **Joined:** September 27th, 2009, 1:28 pm **Posts:** 1588

ditto to sapphira! Could we have a link, please?

Whythawye · **Posted:** November 20th, 2009, 1:16 pm

Sapphira wrote:

Sounds pretty cool. Do you have a link so I can go vote for Mrs. Minor's story?

There are links in the article, but the coloring was not clear enough. I colored them red so you can see them.

Hope that works!

Arias Mimetes · **Posted:** November 20th, 2009, 2:25 pm

Cool, thanks Jay. I'll go check it out.

beckyminor · **Posted:** November 20th, 2009, 5:36 pm

First of all, let me continue to say a big "thank you" to any of you who have stopped by the contest. I also appreciate your encouraging words over here!

If you're struggling to figure out where to click over at http://www.wherethemapends.proboards.com, I have detailed instructions in a note on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/becky.minor?v=app_2347471856

Let me know if you can't see those, though, because I can't remember who I said could "see" that post when I saved it...whether it was just my "friends" or "everybody."

The hardest part about this contest is that I'm not really supposed to speak on my own behalf over there at "The Anomaly." When I get a piece of negative feedback, my gut instinct is to say "Wait...you wouldn't feel that way if I explained..."

So far, I've gotten a negative on "cliched behavior" regarding two fighting teenage boys, which I totally appreciate Jay coming to my defense there.

In my mind, boys fighting isn't cliched, it's familiar, typical and part of the life of a young woman who the only female of eight children.

My other negative feedback was a use of modern situations and language. I'll admit, with my novel, I didn't use archaic wording or structure for my characters' dialogue (at least not the protagonist and her immediate family) because I felt it would distance the reader from her...make her harder to relate to. (The elf she meets later, he's another story.)

But this all leads up to a question I'd like to pose. With many of you being homeschooled and having read a great many of the classics, do you find you have no taste for modern fiction? I actually rewrote my entire novel, removing the more formal language in the mouths of my protagonist etc. because of advice that it didn't work. Just curious about your feelings about the language that comes out of character's mouths. While I don't go so far as to use anachronistic slang, I didn't write in "formal English" either. What do you like to "hear" from the characters you read?

Arias Mimetes · **Posted:** November 20th, 2009, 6:50 pm

I personally don't like "classics" (although I've never read a classic that's a fantasy, if such things exist...), and I can't stand writing a story that doesn't use contractions. Too formal for me. Although, if Elves are a bit more formal, it seems normal.
It depends on the writer's style. Do whatever you like to do. I'll read pretty much anything fantasy (well, anything Christian), and I'm not too picky.

beckyminor · **Posted:** November 20th, 2009, 8:03 pm

Sapphira wrote:

Do whatever you like to do.

That's the trick, isn't it? To write solely for oneself and for God's pleasure, and ignore the people who shop for books in this world, right? I struggle with the worries about whether any living person will read what I've poured so much of my life and soul into.

Deep breath...acceptance or rejection of my work has no impact on my value as a person...keep that thought in the forefront, right?

Arias Mimetes · **Posted:** November 20th, 2009, 11:30 pm

I always tell myself to have fun with what I'm writing, and please God, and if He wants other people to like it, He'll make it happen.

Whythawye · **Posted:** November 24th, 2009, 11:42 am

Hmm....

I love classical English, and I hate it when people mess it all up (thoueth is not a word

).

I also hate it when people use words like "hello" in medieval or fantasy cultures. That was invented by Edison.

A Classic is an enduring book that has the ability to appeal to people of a broad age and interest range. Examples are Lord of the Rings, Ben Hur, Les Miserables, Count of Monte Cristo, etc. They all are generally over everyone's head just enough to teach them to swim better, and they last past the first thrill of newness. Some people might disagree with my list and definition, but from my research, it is pretty well established.

I would possibly prefer a slightly more period talk in The Sword of the Patron (from what I have read), but it definitely is better than most other works of fantasy fiction. I say: stick with your world.

beckyminor · **Posted:** November 25th, 2009, 5:45 pm

Sir Emeth Mimetes wrote:

I would possibly prefer a slightly more period talk in The Sword of the Patron (from what I have read), but it definitely is better than most other works of fantasy fiction. I say: stick with your world.

I thank you for your input there, Jay.

I'm guessing you might get a bit more of what you crave once Praesidio (mentor) and Culduin (elven healer) arrive on the scene. The kicker is that they don't show up during the first 60 pages of the novel, so the folks at Marcher Lord Select won't "meet" them. Sigh.

The contest so far has shown me just how important that opening to your book can be, if shoppers really do base their purchases off of reading the cover and the first couple pages. (I, personally, never commit to buying a book without a glowing recommendation from a trusted friend, to be honest, but I suppose I'm not the average book buyer.)

What I am finding funny is that the prologue, as I wrote it originally, jumped right into an explosive situation. But at the writer's conference, where I had a critique with Marcher Lord Press, Jeff Gerke said he would like to see the prologue "slowed down;" I should establish normal before I throw a wrench into the works. So now, I believe my first 500 words serve to do that, which should please Jeff, but many of the vocal voters seem to want the first 500 to jerk the rug out from under the reader (Like in Neil before God.) It will be interesting to see if I get voted through so that people can get a taste of the "action" of the story or not. (Of course, I can always hope that my MS will draw the editor's attention, even if it gets passed over by voters.)

But the whole scenario just goes to show, the only thing you will do in trying to please everybody is make yourself crazy.

Willow Wenial Mimetes · **Joined:** September 27th, 2009, 1:28 pm **Posts:** 1588

I don't really enjoy old english. It's easier for me to read a book if I don't have to keep stopping to remember if ye or thee is plural or singular.

That's just me though.

beckyminor · **Posted:** November 27th, 2009, 9:53 pm

Just to let you guys know...the voting for Phase Two went "live" earlier than expected. The polls were available starting about 9:30 pm EST on Friday night. Voting runs until Midnight on Monday (also EST)

Hope to see you there, and happy voting.

Whythawye · **Posted:** November 29th, 2009, 4:38 am

Everyone make sure to remember to vote in Phase Two! Here is the link:

Phase Two Voting

beckyminor · **Posted:** November 29th, 2009, 2:29 pm

And don't forget, you have to vote for a minimum of three, a max of 6.

beckyminor · **Posted:** December 1st, 2009, 1:48 pm

For those of you who voted, I cannot say THANK YOU enough! It turns out the voting came down to around a hundred votes separating the frontrunner from those who were eliminated...which is a tight, tight race, considering over 1600 votes were cast. I'm so grateful to have gotten into round 3, the semi-finals!

Now The Sword of the Patron has to stand up against the first 30 pages of the other books that are left. Not my will...

Whythawye · **Posted:** December 3rd, 2009, 7:06 am

Congratulations! We are eager to read more!

Willow Wenial Mimetes · **Joined:** September 27th, 2009, 1:28 pm **Posts:** 1588

Oh, yes! *high five* Congratulations!

PrincessoftheKing · **Posted:** December 3rd, 2009, 8:08 pm

That's awesome!!! Great job!!!

beckyminor · **Posted:** December 3rd, 2009, 11:13 pm

Thanks so much, everybody! We'll see what kind of chatter the excerpt draws at this stage of the game. It's taking the posters over there a lot longer to talk about the books this time, since there's so much more reading involved.

By the way, polls for this round are open from the 7th to the 15th, last I heard. Bring a friend.

Whythawye · **Posted:** December 15th, 2009, 10:28 am

Polls are closing today! Make sure you vote!

beckyminor · **Posted:** December 15th, 2009, 8:20 pm

Thanks for doling out the reminder, Jay... stay tuned either late tonight or tomorrow morning. I don't know when the results will post.

(Skitters off to wring hands)

Whythawye · **Posted:** December 16th, 2009, 8:52 am

Well, unfortunately, none of my picks made it.

I am very glad that they made it as far as they did, though. Sorry you didn't go all the way Lady Minor! You certainly deserved it!

beckyminor · **Posted:** December 16th, 2009, 11:08 am

Sigh...none of my picks made it through either. I stared at the list for several, dumbfounded moments, to be honest. The books that made it through totally took me by surprise. I was sure that Vinnie's Diner and H2O were going to be among the finalists. It will be interesting to see how the voting goes.

I have no inclination to hang my head at this point, though. The discussion regarding my book in this past round proves to me that there is a readership for my book...it just isn't the mainstream reading public. I have revisions to make, so I don't have time to pout anyway.

I also have to get to the bookstore to get Sally Stuart's Christian Writer's Market so I can start my hunt for an agent.

Whythawye · **Posted:** December 16th, 2009, 11:59 am

We all (my family) voted for Vinnie's Diner, Chasing the Shadows, and The Sword of the Patron (of course

). I expected H2O to come through too, though. Funny. Hope it goes well! Have you heard of Randy Ingermanson (the Snowflake Guy)?

beckyminor · **Posted:** December 16th, 2009, 8:24 pm

I have heard of Randy Ingersman and the Snowflake method...one of these days I'm going to write something I plan that in-depth before I start cranking out words. :roll:

Fortunately, my background in filmmaking has ingrained the three act structure pretty deeply into my subconscious, so that skeleton tends to underpin my longer works. But it certainly doesn't hurt to go back and analyze my "already written" stuff to make sure I've covered all the angles.

As for MLS, we shall see how that all pans out. Jeff keeps saying that he wants to keep a close eye on all the semi-finalists, so I suspect he intends to pull some of them onto future release lists. While I will keep that in mind, it won't be the only basket into which I put my eggs. I would be remiss in not keeping my options open.

So continues the adventure.

Whythawye · **Posted:** December 17th, 2009, 6:39 am

That is the right way to think (insofar as I know). Keep going!

The Snowflake method is very good, but my siblings prefer using our own variations (of course). Fractalling a story after it is written is fine.

You should subscribe to Randy's newsletter, it is very good so far.

Willow Wenial Mimetes · **Joined:** September 27th, 2009, 1:28 pm **Posts:** 1588

i'm sorry you didn't make it through.

But congrats on getting so far! Is this an annual contest?

Whythawye · **Posted:** December 18th, 2009, 9:04 am

Mindy E. wrote:

i'm sorry you didn't make it through.

But congrats on getting so far! Is this an annual contest?

Everyone is hoping that it is.

beckyminor · **Posted:** December 20th, 2009, 5:46 pm

Sorry for the delay...I've been running all directions with Christmas being this week.

Thanks for your kind words on my "change of gears" with my novel. As for whether the contest is annual, I know that Jeff Gerke is waiting out the end of this year's event to evaluate how the whole thing went and to make further decisions on if to do it again, and if so, what he would change about the process.

Since I'm now an admin over there, I wonder if I'll get to put my 2 cents in on that?

Whythawye · **Posted:** December 21st, 2009, 6:06 am

You're an admin over there now? Congratulations!!

Tell your family Merry Christmas!

Mama Raven Mimetes · **Joined:** December 30th, 2009, 12:55 pm **Posts:** 381

Sir Emeth Mimetes wrote:

Fractalling a story after it is written is fine.

Curious about this line. Is it expounded anywhere on the forum?
If not I'd like more information on this.
Thanks!

Raven

Whythawye · **Posted:** January 4th, 2010, 12:59 pm

White Raven wrote:

Sir Emeth Mimetes wrote:

Fractalling a story after it is written is fine.

Curious about this line. Is it expounded anywhere on the forum?
If not I'd like more information on this.
Thanks!

Raven

http://siremethmimetes.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/fractalling/

Marcher Lord Press Select -- Please Participate!

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