The semi-finalist results for the annual Genesis contest came out on Friday. Which means two things: Some people were super excited. Some people were feeling pretty deflated.
It also means there are going to be lots of posts flying around the blogosphere congratulating the semi-finalists. And there absolutely should be. Semi-finaling in the Genesis is a great accomplishment. One worthy of celebration.
But I also know reading those posts will be hard on the people who didn’t final.
So as happy as I am for those who got a phone call on Friday (one being my fabulous critique partner, Jeannie Campbell, who is an incredibly talented writer and an all-around amazing woman), I want to speak to the second group today.
I want to offer some encouragement.
Some hope.
A silver lining.
Last year, I read an email on the ACFW loop from a contestant who didn’t final. It went something like this: I hear a lot of stories about people who final in the Genesis contest and go to be published. I’d like to know if there’s anybody who has NOT finaled in the Genesis contest but went on to get published.
I could hear this woman’s desperation. She didn’t final and she wanted to know. Can this still happen for me?
At the time, I couldn’t answer. Because I wasn’t that person.
But this year is different. This year, I get to respond to that woman. And I have good news to share.
Here’s my story.
I entered the Genesis contest in 2009. Okay, let me clarify. I didn’t just enter. I entered three manuscripts. Yes, three. I remember secretly hoping all three would final. But May rolled around and I didn’t get a phone call. Not a single one.
I went to the 2009 ACFW conference, surrounded by people wearing those shiny Genesis Finalist badges on their name tags. I remember feeling inadequate. How would I ever snag an agent or editor’s attention without one of those shiny badges?
But two months later, I got a phone call from Rachelle Gardner and all of a sudden, I had an agent. I didn’t final, but I had an agent.
I decided to enter the Genesis again in 2010. This time, with incredible trepidation. Because this time, I had an agent. I don’t know if you know this or not, but a very real fear by most agented authors who don’t have a contract is losing their agent because their work won’t sell. Not finaling in the contest would do nothing but exacerbate that fear.
Guess what?
I didn’t final.
Enter humiliation.
Lots and lots of humiliation.
And an exacerbated fear.
I went to the 2010 ACFW conference. I still didn’t get to wear one of those fancy badges.
But two months later, I got another phone call from Rachelle. With news I desperately wanted to hear. Waterbrook Multnomah offered me a two-book deal.
My first book is scheduled for release in May, 2012. It’s a book I entered twice in the Genesis. It’s a book that never finaled.
So for those of you out there wondering. Can this can still happen for me?
It can.
I’m proof.
Take the feedback. Use the good stuff. Ditch the crazy stuff. Improve your manuscript. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep putting yourself out there. And trust that God has a plan and a purpose for your words.
Let’s Talk: How are you feeling post-Genesis results?
Katie,
Love your encouragement and proof that we can still have success w/out the coveted Genesis finalist beside our name.
Here's my story about the Genesis contest and not finaling.
http://faithchats.blogspot.com/2011/04/when-to-care-about-others-opinions.html
As of today, a week later, I have two agents who requested my manuscript. Yea!
Katie, what a wonderful, encouraging post! Thank you.
I didn't enter this year, but did last year. The feedback taught me a lot.
I'm sure there are a lot of people who didn't final, but got contracts. We just don't hear about them. Perhaps all of those authors might want to do what you did today and give others hope.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
Thanks for the encouraging post! I've never even entered the Genesis, but at least I have some perspective on the importance of being a finalist…or not. Thanks for your honesty in this, it's really encouraging!
Katie,
What a great post! I did happen to semi-final in Genesis this year (first year entering) but after reading so many posts about those who didn't, I started to feel a bit conflicted about posting my results. But, I entered 3 contests last fall and didn't make it to round two or final so I know the disappointment. It is great to see an uplifting blog reminding people that a contest isn't the be-all-end-all on the path to publication. I look at them now as mini-critique sessions. I hope more people have the courage to enter despite the subjectivity invovled. Fresh eyes on a page can produce great insight you might otherwise miss; I know it does for me. Plus, when we all get the 'call,' the editors will bleed all over the work anyway. 🙂
Katie,
I've got to add my vote. I entered the Genesis contest early in my road to writing, didn't final, and one judge shredded my entry so badly I was ready to quit.
Instead, I looked at the comments–not of the judge who bled all over my paper but the other two. And I wrote some more.
I now have a fantastic agent. My third novel was just published, my fourth is due out in September. I never entered another contest, but I learned from my one and only attempt. Judging, whether in a contest or by an editor or agent, is subjective. Ignore the hurt, try to take something positive from comments when you get them, and persevere.
I entered the Genesis last year, but I decided not to this year. For one, it's expensive, and for two, I wasn't sure my ego could take another beating this year!
Thanks for sharing your experience–not everyone can final, but that doesn't reflect on their chances of publication.
What an encouraging post Katie!!!
I entered two manuscripts for the first time this year and didn't make the semi-finals. I have to admit, it was disappointing, after spending the last four years pouring myself into learning my craft and the "new" rules of writing that have changed so much since I was in college. I really thought I had got to the point where I had a quality product. However, I entered specifically in hopes of getting some useful feedback. I haven't read my comments yet–I decided to wait till I was over the initial disappointment before exposing myself to more! But whatever they say, I know I won't quit. I'll just keep working and improving until someone, someday, sees merit in my work!
thanks for the shout out, katie-girl. i love you so much.
jeannie
Enough on not reaching the finals–I usually bounce back because hey–I'm good.
What I want to know is how do YOU get 31 responses to your post? (32 with mine!) I'm excited when someone responds once to me.
Teach me. PLEASE.
And congrats on your books.
Great post! And I'm fascinated by this. But what is the Genesis contest? Off to read below and see if you explain it.
Thanks so much for sharing that. It is very encouraging to hear it! And congrats on your deal – it sounds like you have worked very hard.
Blessings.
Love this story! Found it very encouraging.
We're all Christians, right? We're all expecting God to bless us and have us succeed. We're all prayed up. Yet not all of us can win. I haven't got my scores back yet, so I'm not as deflated as I might be next week. But it comforts me to know that God has a plan for my Genesis entry, even though I'm not a winner this year.
I'd MUCH rather have a two-book deal than a sparkly badge at the conference. ; )
It's a great thing for people to hear stories like this. My work wouldn't sell in the CF market so I have never entered. One thing I do know is that God does not need a blazing path to take you where he wants you to go. He is more than capable of getting you where you need to be. Contest final or no. 🙂
I'm feeling great today! Even though my name wasn't on the list, I'm so thankful for the comments I received. Not to mention all the wonderfully encouraging posts I'm finding today that offer hope and a "try again" spirit. Writers have got to be the single most caring and supportive group of people – EVER! 🙂
Thanks Katie!
You are like an angel to the weary, dear Katie. What a cheerleader! Thanks for the words.
I"m feeling like I wimped out by NOT entering this year. There were a few reasons why but one was I'd be entering the SAME first 15 pages as I had the last two years only modified AGAIN and revised AGAIN. Both years my attempts at revising earned me higher marks which was encouraging, but I feel like I'm beating a dead horse. I dont' know. Discouraged? Yes. Deflated? Yes. Quitting? Absolutely NOT!
Aww, I love this Katie! Thank you for sharing!!!!
Thank you Katie, from the bottom of my broken heart. Friday was the hardest, saddest day I've had in a long time. My first bite of rejection, and it knocked me off my feet. The pain, the fear, the tears- it all mingled into a well of despair.
After pouring of scripture, I kept coming back to the same thing. "Seek ye first the kindgom of God, and ALL it's righteous…and these THINGS will be added unto you." When did I stop seeking God? How could have let my drive slip me away from the path of God to the path of my own success. Ouch.
I wanted the Genesis more than anything, but I appreciate the lesson that God is using in this rejection. And I still believe that- God has plans to prosper me. Amen?!
I love you for this Katie, thank you.
I can speak to the other side of that story. In 2010 I was a double-finalist, and this year a double semi-finalist. I still don't have an agent, and I haven't signed any contracts. I'm so grateful to have reached this goal,and the Genesis has brought me many blessings, but it isn't a surefire path to publication. Hang in there and work hard whether you are a finalist or not! It's in God's hands and you're working for Him!
Blessings to all of you.
Sorry you didn't final, but I love your positive attitude.
Let me know if your editor wants you to keep your prologue. I'm curious. Thanks.
Lynnette Labelle
http://www.lynnettelabelle.com
Really encouraging post, Katie! I didn't enter this year, mainly because after tanking BAD last year, I wanted more time to work on my writing. I did enter the Frasier. I'm still working, still perfecting, but this is so encouraging to know that contest are not ALWAYS the golden ticket in. Knowing that has made my Monday writing day a bit brighter. Thanks! 🙂
This is lovely, Katie, and a reminder that art is subjective.
What an uplifting post, Katie. While I'm happy for those who are semi-finalists, my heart goes out to those whose phones didn't ring. Hugs to them.
In my florescent green newbie writer days, I sent out 37 contest entries and dealt with disappointment 29 times. But I received great feedback that helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses.
While a contest final can offer affirmation and help garner attention, they aren't the ticket to a publishing contract. What really matters are our stories. You write great ones, and look what's happened to you. =)
I've bombed in the Genesis, finaled in the Genesis, won a category in the Genesis, and each experience taught me a lot about where I was in my writing journey at that time. And not just about the words on the page but about where my head and heart were too.
The hardest year for me to enter the Genesis was the year after I first finaled. What if last year was a fluke. If I didn't final again, did that mean my writing had regressed? Would it be better rest on the laurels of that one time I finaled and call it good rather than suffer the humiliation (I thought) of not making it the next year?
Yeah, my head and heart weren't in a great place there for awhile.
And the ms that won…I haven't touched since. It stands at about 25 pages.
The first ms that I bombed with miserably my first time out…is out on submission. Another entry that I was told was totally unsuitable for the Christian market became my third book with Heartsong (one of the most conservative Christian romance publishers in the business.)
Just goes to show…finaling, not finaling, shiny badges, no shiny badges…it's up to us to do the work, learn and grow, and leave the rest of it in God's hands.
Anything can happen.
Katie, you are such an inspiration. I love you, girl. Really, I do.
As you know, I was a finalist in 2009, didn't enter last year, but scrambled something new together to enter this year and as much as I told myself I didn't have a chance at being a finalist, I really thought I had a shot at being a semi-finalist. I mean, I'd been in the top five just two years earlier with a different manuscript written when I had less writing experience.
I'm truly thrilled for all the semi-finalists and I love it when affirmation is spread around, so for that I'm glad I didn't even reach this stage this year. I know myself that I've grown as a writer and will continue to keep working at it. And hearing your story gives me a little extra boost today. Thank you!
Way to be breaking the mold…one of the many reasons I love ya so dang much!
xo,
H
Katie, thanks for encouraging so many writers with this post.
Contests are one way toward publication, but by no means the only way. Look at all the Genesis winners who do not get published. So much depends on what a publisher needs at a particular time.
Thank you! Thank you! I was just discussing with my husband if I should still go to the ACFW conference and, if I go, should I still make appointments. I said exactly what you did, "Who is going to request to read a MS from someone without the shiny badge?" You helped me make the decision to go anyway and try my best. Thanks so much for the encouragement.
Katie,
GREAT post – and such encouragement.
I have mixed feelings about my results. Glad to have semi-finaled – don't get me wrong AT ALL.
But the one novel I was SURE would semifinal, didn't. You know, the one that you slave over forever, and think "Ah, I've finally gotten the hang of this."
Nope.
It's a learninge experience EVERY time – and one step closer to becoming a better writer (I hope)
CONGRATS, Jeannie!!!
Katie, I don't write within the Christian sphere, but I appreciate this post nonetheless. Thank you for honestly sharing your experience with this contest. It's immensely encouraging to other writers to hear that even though you didn't final in that particular contest, your work is still excellent and worthy of publication. It takes all kinds, and those running the contest are not the be all and end all when it comes to validation. It's a very good reminder.
Thanks, Katie, for sharing your story. This is exactly the kind of encouragement non-finalling writers need to hear.
What a great topic! I only finaled in the Genesis once years ago when there were barely enough participants to make a category. I never finaled again. I didn't end up winning, though several friends I critiqued for did final and win over the years. The most disappointing thing about not finaling was the scores. Each years I'd have high or mid 80 scores and then one really low score which killed my chance at finaling. I think I'll write my own post on my thoughts on how subjective contests are, BUT to give more hope to readers. My agent didn't care if I finaled, he cared about my writing and my voice. And though I never really finaled, I'm a contracted writer also! It is possible!
Jessica – I read that over on Seekerville last week, but in the comments somewhere I think [Thursday?] rather than the blog post but I could be wrong…
Kaite – thank you for this. I entered two. Didn't semi with either. I'm actually doing much better with it than I would have expected. Did 'cry myself to sleep' Friday night, but I was so close to asleep when I laid down it took about 45 seconds ;). Not exactly what you have in mind when you hear that phrase…
Anyway – thank you :). And now… back to work on another MS. Or to read a book. One of the two.
Carol
I love your story, Katie.
It really does encourage.
~ Wendy
Oh. Man. I am going to bite my tongue and spare you the rant I so desperately want to launch into right now. Suffice to say, for this very reason, I am not a fan of contests. Anyone can argue with me all you want about how great the feedback is, what a great lesson in subjectivity the whole experience is and how it can get you ready for publication – but yeah. I got to the point where I had to stop. I entered the Genesis twice, didn't final, and the judges comments were so vastly different I got whiplash. My opinion only but for the unpublished writer who has not yet developed a very thick skin, contests can be brutal. Of course we all know it's a matter of keeping it in perspective, but we also know that feeling of wanting something so bad you can taste it…and feeling like it's never going to happen.
Well, guess what? I never finaled either and my first novel released last month. I have no idea how it's doing yet, but it's out there, so yes I agree, you don't need to be a contest winner to get published!!
I love this post, Katie, and it speaks to your kind and compassionate heart. Like Jessica, I've heard that more non-finaling manuscripts go on to sale than finaling ones. It is really all a matter of God's timing for us and if we can handle the wait, then we become a better writer in the process.
Thanks for a GREAT post!
Beautiful post, Katie! I know the same is true of RWA's Golden Heart. Being a finalist is a wonderful validation, but not making it through is proof of nothing except that you had the gumption to enter and have a manuscript you worked heard on.
Congratulations to all the semi-finalists and hugs to all who waited for that call.
How did you know I needed to read this this morning? I have never finaled and my spirits took a nose dive on Friday when the call didn't come but I have had fulls requested. But yes that doubt creeps in. Thanks Katie! You made my day!
I read somewhere that more nonwinning finalists have sold than the winners. Thought that was interesting.
Also, even though I semifinaled, I'm well aware of how subjective a contest is. All it takes is one judge who doesn't like the entry to make you not final (or semifinal). One of my critters is a fabulous writer, very tight, has an agent, is out on submission and ended up with an average score that I really don't feel reflected her writing at all. So that's all it takes. If she'd gotten a different judge, she probably would've finaled because her other scores were much higher.
*sigh*
I entered the Golden Heart and didn't final. Same MS that semifinaled in the Genesis, so there ya go. 🙂
I've been praying for all those who didn't final. I never even got the courage to enter – so I'm just so proud of everyone who had the guts to put something out there.