FPC 2022: The Shortlist

The First Page Challenge 2022 ShortlistThanks so much to everyone who participated in the First Page Challenge 2022. It was a lot of fun screening all the entries this year. So many great ideas floating around out there!

Eight entries in particular did a phenomenal job of grabbing my attention and making me eager for page two. One element always shines bright in those that make the shortlist: voice. An agent once told me that "voice is ineffable." Very true. There is no way to measure what imbues a narrator with a strong voice, but it's undeniable—an undertone of character that seeps out of the diction and syntax, the impression of a distinct person speaking directly from the page.

Here is the shortlist in no particular order:
  • Eleanor Binnings
  • Sandy Kundra
  • Brittany Davis
  • Louise Audrieth
  • Amalie Wad
  • J.A. Jablonski
  • Lynda Williams
  • Melissa Preston
A big congratulations to those shortlisted! I have forwarded their entries to Michelle Barker for the final round of judging. I'm always excited to find out who she picks.

WHAT'S NEXT?


Michelle usually makes her decision by mid-month. Once all the details are confirmed, I will post the winners on the Chopping Blog, and they will also appear in our next newsletter on Nov 1.

About the Darling Axe

Our editors are industry professionals and award-winning writers. We offer narrative development, editing, and coaching for every stage of your manuscript's journey to publication.


Work with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services

Work with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services


Book a sample edit with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services



Darling Axe Academy – Query Quest: a self-paced querying course

Related Posts

Concept versus Premise
Concept versus Premise
A premise should create instant friction—between people, values, desires, timelines, or survival. This will be the lifeb
Read More
The Thing and the Other Thing: Adding a Subplot to Your Novel
The Thing and the Other Thing: Adding a Subplot to Your Novel
The best subplots add layers, create obstacles, resolve internal conflicts, and enrich the main storyline. They create d
Read More
Book Broker: an interview with Jonah Straus
Book Broker: an interview with Jonah Straus
"We're always looking for unique ideas showcased by stellar writing."
Read More

Leave a comment

Name .
.
Message .

Thanks! Your comment has been submitted for approval. Please be patient while we weed out the spam ♥