Christmas to Epiphany Wishlist Contest!

Christmas to Epiphany Wishlist Contest!

So the editing advent event is over, but there are still prizes to be won!

To celebrate Christmas, the Christmas to Epiphany Wishlist contest is up! From today to January 6th you can enter the contest using the form at the bottom of the page. Just fill in the blanks and you're game!

Remember to check both mine and Gabriela's wishlists and choose one of us to submit your entry to. You can enter the contest through either blog regardless of the editor you choose, just mark the correct editor on your form. But please choose just one of us. We don't want to have to fight over Christmas gifts!

On your form, paste your query and your first few pages and make sure you stay within the word count on both. Don't forget to mention in your query why you think your manuscript fits the editor's wishlist. And remember to end your excerpt on a natural break. Sometimes less is more.

And you do remember the prizes, right?

Gabi's winner: Edit of 40 pages + 30% off any services you wish to hire (There might be honorable mention prizes too!)

Cassandra's winners: US$35 gift cards to be used towards any services you want (up to three winners)

So what are you waiting for? Enter using the form! We can't wait to read your entries!

And of course, have a very Merry Christmas and an amazing New Year!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 24! Win a FREE $35 gift certificate to EditorCassandra.com!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 24! Win a FREE $35 gift certificate to EditorCassandra.com!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day during the advent, and TODAY is the last day!

The previous winner was Emily!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's a $35 gift certificate!!

That's good for any of my services,  

including towards the cost of a full edit or to give as a gift!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Do you want even MORE chances to win $35 gift cards?  I've teamed up with Gabriela Leesa for a Christmas to Epiphany Wishlist contest!

On Christmas day, we'll both post our a form for you to fill out with the details of your book. If we like what we see, you could win a $35 gift certificate from EditorCassandra.com to be used towards ANY services or a 40 page edit and 30% discount on any services from GabrielaLeesa.com!

The entry form will be up on both of our sites from Christmas day to January 6th. You'll be asked to enter your information plus your query (500 words max) and your first few pages, ending on a natural break (1,500 words max). You’ll also be asked to choose a judge (me or Gabriela), so make sure you check both our wishlists and pick the one that fits you best. 

So what's on our wish lists? 

My list:

• YA Contemporary and/or Adventure, something other than whining and pining about boys. A romance is a-okay and even encouraged, but I want MORE.
• I’m not afraid of sex in books, a good pregnancy scandal or aftermath of a termination, first-time awkwardness, girls that enjoy sex and being sexy without it being a feminist issue, etc.
• YA sci-fi, space stuff, not so much the technical or typical aliens
• YA steampunk, please please please! Adult too!
• I love fantasy, but it’s gotta be more than the genre standard.
• Humorous MG, perhaps with pirates, Girl and/or boy “club” books are great, adventures or problem solving are awesome
• I love those dual timeline books, like REVOLUTION and DELIVERANCE DANE, and would love to see an adult or YA or MG with that.
• I’d even like to see author/illustrator picture books (can send .pdf)
• I love quirky and out of the ordinary stuff. I like time travel, and regular global travel, and interesting ways of traveling. Stuff that’s MORE than just genre standards, that brings something fresh or has an interesting twist to it.
• I love “gap year” books, or stuff from the years after high school/college and transitioning to adult life.
• I love anything “special” that blends genres, kick-ass characters, innocent characters, less love for the completely snarky, but funny sarcastic is great, books that will make me laugh AND cry.
• I love a good romance, but the plot can’t rely on just miscommunication or misunderstanding. No “instant love” or “undeniable attraction” stuff, I want REAL relationships. Cultural divide books are great, circumstances keeping two apart, wrong timing books (like the movie ONE DAY with Anne Hathaway).
• “Lost” princesses, or the characters finding out that they are royal or come from famous stock, something that makes them special, I’d love to see those.
• Military stuff, young military wife, military kids, even military memoir would be good.

Gabriela's list was posted yesterday! She's got you adult thriller, memoir, romance, and literary writers covered! YAY!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 23! Win a FREE $35 Gift certificate from Freelance Editor Cassandra!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 23! Win a FREE $35 Gift certificate from Freelance Editor Cassandra!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was Tome!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's a $35 gift certificate!!

That's good for any of my services,  

including towards the cost of a full edit or to give as a gift!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Do you want even MORE chances to win $35 gift cards?  I've teamed up with Gabriela Leesa for a Christmas to Epiphany Wishlist contest!

On Christmas day, we'll both post our a form for you to fill out with the details of your book. If we like what we see, you could win a $35 gift certificate from EditorCassandra.com to be used towards ANY services or a 40 page edit and 30% discount on any services from GabrielaLeesa.com!

The entry form will be up on both of our sites from Christmas day to January 6th. You'll be asked to enter your information plus your query (500 words max) and your first few pages, ending on a natural break (1,500 words max). You’ll also be asked to choose a judge (me or Gabriela), so make sure you check both our wishlists and pick the one that fits you best. 

So what's on our wish lists? 

Gabriela wants:

• Really cool and well-written multicultural fiction. Multicultural is hard to write because it’s hard to introduce a different culture without getting too descriptive. I’ve seen good ideas, but no fantastic manuscripts. Nothing that makes me think of Javier Moro’s Passion India, my favorite multicultural ever. I would love to see a story full of flavor from a country I don’t hear about often, a manuscript that takes me somewhere I’ve never been and still gives me a fantastic plot that mixes cultural clashes, romance and overcoming difficulties sometimes unknown to other cultures.
• Anything that focuses on cultural or age clashes, written in an original way.
• Outstanding contemporaries that really bring something cool to the genre. There’s a hunger for great contemporaries out there. Good contemporaries are never too much. So I definitely want to see great contemporary MG, YA and adult fiction.
• Romance that is truly original and brings something very unique to the table. I particularly love contemporary romance, romantic comedy, chick lit (yeah, I said it) and general fiction with strong romantic elements.
• Literary fiction with a commercial appeal and a really strong voice (if it’s sarcastic or bitter, even better). Like Tom Rachman’s The Imperfectionists and Jonathan Tropper’s This Is Where I Leave You.
• Historicals that deal with important issues and transcend genres. I’m very picky about historicals. Really.
• Anything that could be turned into a movie and starred by Robert Downey Jr.
• Women’s Fiction that brings something new to the table. Like Jennifer Weiner or Emily Giffin.
• Suspense / thrillers with an original “villain”. Somehow it seems to be always the Russian, the Chinese, the Middle Eastern or the Colombians, always the medical industry, the terrorists, the Wall Street guys or the drug dealers. Yeah, I know, I’m eliminating all normal possible villains. What can I say? I’m really all for originality.
• Memoirs with a great, fun voice, like Jen Lancaster’s Bitter is the New Black, or with a multicultural theme and strong difficulties, like Loung Ung’s First They Killed My Father and Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Infidel.
• Voice, voice, voice. A great voice is everything.

My list will be posted tomorrow! I've got you YA writers covered! YAY!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 22: Win a $35 GC for any editing services from editorcassandra.com!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 22: Win a $35 GC for any editing services from editorcassandra.com!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was Sophia!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's a $35 gift certificate!!

That's good for any of my services,  

including towards the cost of a full edit or to give as a gift!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Just a note, once you win a prize, you are NOT eligible to win another prize. Those that have already won and comment again are disqualified. Also, it's easier for me if you guys do separate comments, but I know it's hard to remember to do that. I've still been counting your entries even if they are all in one comment. HUGE karma points to those who have been making separate comments! Also, if you blog and use those extra five entries towards a day's prize, you must blog again to earn five entries for another day. 

I'm trying to keep everything fair and give everyone the opportunity to win an editing prize. Your cooperation is very appreciated :)

Editing Advent 2011: Day 21: Win a FREE ten page critique!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 21: Win a FREE ten page critique!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was LM!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's a free ten page critique!!

That's a $35 value!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

My family met up with my godmother and her family to swap presents on Sunday. Have you guys started to swap presents yet?

Editing Advent 2011: Day 20: Win a free query submissions package critique from freelance editor @CA_Marshall!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 20: Win a free query submissions package critique from freelance editor @CA_Marshall!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was JA!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's a free submissions package critique!!

That's a $35 value!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Happy Hanukkah to my menorah lighting friends!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 19: Win a Submissions Package Critique!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 19: Win a Submissions Package Critique!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was Kate!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's a free submissions package critique!!

That's a $35 value!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Can I ask you guys for a favor? There's this thing called Writer's Digest, have you heard of it? (hah!) They do this thing every year where they give props to the 101 best websites for writers. They are currently accepting nominations. To nominate someone, all you have to do is:

Send an email to: writersdigest@fwmedia.com, Put 101 Best Websites Nomination in the subject line,

and write a brief note asking for WD to consider the site for inclusion in the 101 Best Websites list. If you nominate someone, make sure to provide both the NAME of the blog/site, as well as the URL.

If you have enjoyed my blog this year, like my posts about Word Count Guidelines, How To Format A Manuscript (With FREE Downloadable Checklist), The Nine-Grid Plan (with FREE Downloadable Template), How To Use Word's Track Changes Feature, and Eight Reasons I Hate Your Book, and of course, the Editing Advent event, and

wanted to nominate me, you'd just say: I nominate Cassandra Marshall's Freelance Editor : Author : Lit Agency Intern at http://camarshall.com

The deadline for nominations is January 1st, and winners are announced in June.

Even if you don't nominate me, I urge you to pick your favorite blog or website and give them a nomination. There are a ton of them out there that totally deserve a nod and a little publicity :)

Please and thank you!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 18: Win a FREE half hour Q&A chat!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 18: Win a FREE half hour Q&A chat!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was Crystal!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's free half hour Q&A chat with me

 to ask any questions you'd like about editing, interning, revising, querying, etc!

That's a $35 value!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Can I ask you guys for a favor? There's this thing called Writer's Digest, have you heard of it (hah!) They do this thing every year where they give props to the 101 best websites for writers. They are currently accepting nominations. To nominate someone, all you have to do is:

Send an email to: writersdigest@fwmedia.com, Put 101 Best Websites Nomination in the subject line,

and write a brief note asking for WD to consider the site for inclusion in the 101 Best Websites list. If you nominate someone, make sure to provide both the NAME of the blog/site, as well as the URL.

If you have enjoyed my blog this year, like my posts about Word Count Guidelines, How To Format A Manuscript (With FREE Downloadable Checklist), The Nine-Grid Plan (with FREE Downloadable Template), How To Use Word's Track Changes Feature, and Eight Reasons I Hate Your Book, and of course, the Editing Advent event, and

wanted to nominate me, you'd just say: I nominate Cassandra Marshall's Freelance Editor : Author : Lit Agency Intern at http://camarshall.com

The deadline for nominations is January 1st, and winners are announced in June.

Even if you don't nominate me, I urge you to pick your favorite blog or website and give them a nomination. There are a ton of them out there that totally deserve a nod and a little publicity :)

Please and thank you!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 17 - Win a FREE 10 page critique!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 17 - Win a FREE 10 page critique!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was A. K.!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's free ten page critique!

That's a $35 value!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Can I ask you guys for a favor? There's this thing called Writer's Digest, have you heard of it (hah!) They do this thing every year where they give props to the 101 best websites for writers. They are currently accepting nominations. To nominate someone, all you have to do is:

Send an email to: writersdigest@fwmedia.com, Put 101 Best Websites Nomination in the subject line,

and write a brief note asking for WD to consider the site for inclusion in the 101 Best Websites list. If you nominate someone, make sure to provide both the NAME of the blog/site, as well as the URL.

If you have enjoyed my blog this year, like my posts about Word Count Guidelines, How To Format A Manuscript (With FREE Downloadable Checklist), The Nine-Grid Plan (with FREE Downloadable Template), How To Use Word's Track Changes Feature, and Eight Reasons I Hate Your Book, and of course, the Editing Advent event, and

wanted to nominate me, you'd just say: Cassandra Marshall's Freelance Editor : Author : Lit Agency Intern at http://camarshall.com

The deadline for nominations is January 1st, and winners are announced in June.

Even if you don't nominate me, I urge you to pick your favorite blog or website and give them a nomination. There are a ton of them out there that totally deserve a nod and a little publicity :)

Please and thank you!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 16--Win a two pass query critique!

Editing Advent 2011: Day 16--Win a two pass query critique!

All through December, I'm giving away an editing prize to a lucky commenter each day! Check back now through Christmas Eve to win!

The previous winner was Jenny K!! Please email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Behind today's door there's another free two-pass query critique!

That's a $35 value!

To win:

• Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post +1
• Tweet using #editingadvent with a link to camarshall.com or editorcassandra.com +1
• Blog about the editing advent event +5

• Leave a comment for each entry (only one comment needed for blogging. Please post links to tweets/blog posts)
• Winner will be announced the following day and they have 24 hours to contact me to claim their prize.
• Only one prize per person.

Can I ask you guys for a favor? There's this thing called Writer's Digest, have you heard of it (hah!) They do this thing every year where they give props to the 101 best websites for writers. They are currently accepting nominations. To nominate someone, all you have to do is:

Send an email to: writersdigest@fwmedia.com, Put 101 Best Websites Nomination in the subject line,
and write a brief note asking for WD to consider the site for inclusion in the 101 Best Websites list. If you nominate someone, make sure to provide both the NAME of the blog/site, as well as the URL.

If you have enjoyed my blog this year, like my posts about Word Count Guidelines, How To Format A Manuscript (With FREE Downloadable Checklist), The Nine-Grid Plan (with FREE Downloadable Template), How To Use Word's Track Changes Feature, and Eight Reasons I Hate Your Book, and of course, the Editing Advent event, and
wanted to nominate me, you'd just say: Cassandra Marshall's Freelance Editor : Author : Lit Agency Intern at http://camarshall.com

The deadline for nominations is January 1st, and winners are announced in June.

Even if you don't nominate me, I urge you to pick your favorite blog or website and give them a nomination. There are a ton of them out there that totally deserve a nod and a little publicity :)

Please and thank you!