Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition

Hey, wonderful
writerly people!

It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today’s the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! (We’ve had past winners tell us they’ve found their dream editors through this contest, and even ended up with offers of representation!)

Two winners will receive feedback on their first 10 pages!

Entering is easy. All you need to do is leave your contact information onthis entry form(or click the graphic below). If you are a winner, we’ll notify you and explain how to send us your first page.

Contest Details

• This is a 24-hour contest, so enter ASAP.
• Make sure your contact information on the entry form is correct.
• Two winners will be drawn. We will email you if you win and let you know how to submit your first 10 pages.
• Please have your pages ready in case your name is selected. Format with 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and 12pt Times New Roman font. 
• You’ll need to supply a synopsis (a rough one is fine) so Stuart has context for his feedback.

The editor you’ll be working with: Stuart Wakefield

With 26 years of experience in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching, I’ve developed a deep love of character and what drives them. My coaching style is warm, thoughtful, and practical—I believe writing a book can be hard sometimes, but more often than not, it should be fun.

As an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, I specialize in story development, with a particular focus on character backstory and emotional depth. I’ve helped writers develop powerful, satisfying stories that hold up to editorial scrutiny—and two of my clients have books coming out this year.

I hold an MA in Professional Writing, and my most recent novel, Behind the Seams, reached the semifinals of the BookLife Fiction Prize Contest, scoring 10/10 in every category. I’ve also been commissioned to write a play, and my first TV show—based around celebrity characters—is available to stream online.

Grab my free ebook on emotional resilience for writers and learn more about my services at: https://www.thebookcoach.co/

I’m also the host of the podcast Master Fiction Writing, where I explore the craft of storytelling with writers, editors, and creatives from all walks of life.

Sign Up for Notifications!

If you’d like to be notified about our monthly Phenomenal First Pages contest, subscribe to blog notifications in this sidebar. 

Good luck, everyone. We can’t wait to see who wins!

PS: To amp up your first page, grab our  First Pages checklist from One Stop for Writers. For more help with story opening elements, visit this Mother Lode of First Page Resources.

The post Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

The Bookshelf Muse is a hub for writers, educators and anyone with a love for the written word. Featuring Thesaurus Collections that encourage stronger descriptive skills, this award-winning blog will help writers hone their craft and take their writing to the next level.

Source: https://writershelpingwriters.net/2025/04/phenomenal-first-pages-contest-guest-editor-edition-april-2025/