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The Writers' Advice Centre for children's books have launched their 2009 writing competition but this year they are not looking for a short story but a first chapter. Louise Jordan explains: "What we are looking for is a first chapter that really grabs the attention and makes us want to read the rest of the book. It's that 'I can't put it down' factor that we're after. " Your book can be for any age group and the maximum word count is 1000 words - for younger children aim for a much shorter word count. Louise added: "There are no rules on presentation except to say that your competition entry must reach us in exactly the same state as it would if you, yourself, were sending it out to a real publisher." You can include a cover letter and you should also explain where you see your book fitting in the current market, however do not submit illustrations or descriptions of illustrations. Entry is open to all ages with a ??5 fee with a deadline of August 31 2009. The winner will receive ??100, a signed copy of Louise's excellent book 'How to Write for Children & Get Published' and a free editorial and marketing assessment of your book with the chance to have your work submitted to a mainstream publisher (if the author agrees.) One runner-up will receive a signed copy of How to Write for Children & Get Published plus a free professional editorial & marketing assessment of their entry. All entrants will be offered the chance to have their work critiqued at a reduced rate. As I've mentioned before I won the centre's 2007 short story competition and Louise has been really encouraging about my writing. She interviewed me for Writers' Forum and submitted my Dr Midas book to Puffin. The manuscript assessment was also really helpful and I always keep the tips in mind when writing short stories. I would really recommend having a go at this competition. For full details visit www.writersadvice.co.uk/

When I checked the post on Saturday I saw a familiar A4 white envelope with the address written in my own handwriting. Now usually this means one thing another rejection. Well it was in a way – it was the short story assessment from Writer’s Forum magazine. The form is broken down into different sections including opening, title, characters, language and ending. Then there is a choice of description that the reader can pick with a score next to it. For example title: Suited the story – 10, room for improvement 5, and try again 0. There are also four sections for the reader to add more detailed comments. Finally there is a page of typed general hints that are not specific to your entry and then a total and explanation as to what the overall scores mean. My story ‘Ninety nine per cent’ about the space chimp programme scored 150 (out of a maximum out of 230.) Ham the space chimp This meant it qualified for second read and there was also a tick next to highly commended (130+) . The form explains: “After an initial assessment the manuscript is either rejected or passed to another reader for a second opinion. At that stage it is either rejected or short listed for the attention of the editor and publisher. My story scored better for the early parts but the reader felt it needed a more exciting finish. This seemed a very fair comment to me as I can struggle with the endings of some short stories and I may well take another look at my story. They also said: “Confident writing, great premise for story, good characters in the chimps, lots of research and accurate detail.” But they went on to say: “But what is the theme? Too ambiguous for short story,” with some suggestions as to what needed fixing. Overall I was pleased with the comments and thought they were excellent at showing where improvements could be made. Writers’ Forum run a writing competition every month in their magazine including the application form – which can also be downloaded from their website at www.writers-forum.com Entry is £10 (£7 for subscribers) including a critique like mine. It did take a little while for them to reply. You also need to include biographical details (50 words maximum) and if chosen they will need a photograph of you. Stories should be between 800 and 3000 words. The Prizes are: £300 1st prize, £150 2nd prize and £100 3rd prize.

I laughed out loud when I read this advertisement (copied verbatim) in the Trib today (see page 22).

Attention all fresh college graduates
Do you love to write? Ever considered pursuing a career in
journalism?
We are looking for fresh college graduates (associate or bachelor's degree)
with strong English writing skills, is willing to be trained to become a news or
sports reporter, and is ready to put in the hard work necessary to become a
professional reporter.
Interested? E-mail your application letter, resume, and a writing sample
...