Please edit and rewrite your work thoroughly

The Plaza Prizes have the finest judges in the world, including US National Book Award Winner, Jason Mott. And you will be up against the best writers and poets in the world, truly global competition. If you submit to The Plaza Literary: First Chapters Prize without editing your work to the highest publishing standards, it’s like volunteering to be a kamikaze on a one-way crash-and-burn mission.

Cultivating a robust editorial process, using all the fantastic AI tools now at a writer’s disposal, ensures that your work will be polished and professional when it is read by our judges. Think of a judge as a highly idealistic, but critical reader. They want to discover brilliant pieces of writing, new voices, more than anything, but they are actively seeking reasons to reject the work if it is not up to the highest standards.

Don’t make silly mistakes, especially at the beginning of your novel. That gives judges reasons to stop reading, and reject your work. Establish flow. Engage them. Small mistakes matter less later on because by that point, if you are doing your ‘job’ you will have established ‘authority’, the reader will care, be compelled to read on, cannot ‘put it down’.

Here is a comprehensive outline of best practices, including the use of new AI tools for writers:

1. Initial Read-Through
Objective: Get a sense of the overall flow and identify major issues.
Tips: Read your manuscript from start to finish without making any changes. Note down any immediate concerns regarding structure, pacing, or major plot points.

2. Structural Edit
Objective: Focus on the big picture elements like plot, structure, pacing, and character development.
Steps:
Plot Consistency: Ensure there are no plot holes or inconsistencies.
Character Arcs: Check that characters have clear development and arcs.
Pacing: Make sure the story flows smoothly without dragging or rushing.
AI Tools:
Scrivener: Helps in organizing and structuring your manuscript.
Dabble: Useful for outlining and plotting.

3. Line Edit
Objective: Improve sentence structure, clarity, and flow.
Steps:
Sentence Structure: Vary sentence length and structure for better readability.
Clarity and Conciseness: Remove redundant words and ensure each sentence is clear.
AI Tools:
Grammarly: Helps in correcting grammar, punctuation, and style issues.
ProWritingAid: Provides detailed reports on style, grammar, and readability.

4. Copy Edit
Objective: Focus on grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Steps:
Grammar: Correct any grammatical errors.
Punctuation: Ensure proper use of punctuation marks.
Spelling: Fix any spelling mistakes.
AI Tools:
Hemingway Editor: Highlights complex sentences and common errors.
Ginger Software: Another option for grammar and spell checking.

5. Proofreading
Objective: Catch any remaining typos and minor errors.
Steps:
Final Read-Through: Slowly read through the manuscript to catch typos.
Text-to-Speech: Use text-to-speech tools to hear your text and catch errors you might miss while reading.
AI Tools:
NaturalReader: Converts text to speech for an auditory proofreading experience.
Microsoft Word: Built-in spell check and grammar tools.

6. Feedback and Revision
Objective: Get external feedback and make necessary revisions.
Steps:
Beta Readers: Share your manuscript with beta readers for feedback.
Critique Groups: Join a writing group to get constructive criticism.
AI Tools:
Fictionary: Helps with story editing based on feedback.
Reedsy: Platform to find professional editors and beta readers.

7. Final Polish
Objective: Ensure the manuscript is clean and professional.
Steps:
Formatting: Make sure your manuscript adheres to the competition’s formatting guidelines.
Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter if required.
AI Tools:
Atticus: For formatting your manuscript professionally.
AutoCrit: Helps refine your manuscript to meet industry standards.

Additional Tips:
Set a Deadline: Ensure you have ample time for each stage of editing.
Take Breaks: Give yourself some time between edits to see your work with fresh eyes.
Stay Objective: Try to maintain an objective view of your work to make necessary cuts and changes.
Using AI tools can significantly enhance your editing process, but it’s essential to combine them with traditional editing techniques and human feedback for the best results.

ENTER The Plaza Literary: First Chapters Prize. Judge: Jason Mott. 1st Prize: £1,500 (US$1750). Deadline: 31st July 2024.

ProWritingAid Sponsors The Plaza Literary: First Chapters Prize

ProWritingAid, the essential toolkit that helps storytellers reach their full potential, is proud to announce its sponsorship of The Plaza Prizes Literary: First Chapters Prize.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Plaza Prizes and support emerging writers taking their first step towards getting published,” says Chris Banks, CEO of ProWritingAid. “ProWritingAid is the perfect fit for writers looking to bring their vision and their story to life.”

‘You cannot edit your work enough for a literary contest,’ says Simon Kerr, Director of The Plaza Prizes. ‘The bar is set incredibly high, so try using ProWritingAid FREE and edit your work thoroughly BEFORE submitting. Make sure there is not even one typo in your submission.’

The winner will receive £1500 ($1750); mentoring from Jason Mott; and a year long subscription to ProWritingAid Premium Pro (worth £144/$160).

ProWritingAid will be also be providing FREE AI-generated critiques for every submission to this competition. Feedback on your work is incredibly important to develop your editing/rewriting skill-sets.

Whether writers are just starting out or are seasoned novelists, ProWritingAid can help unlock creativity and get the ink flowing. With this new partnership, entrants to The Plaza Prizes have an edge when it comes to making those all-important first chapters truly shine.

ENTER The Plaza Literary: First Chapters Prize. Judge: Jason Mott. 1st Prize: £1,500 (US$1750). Deadline: 31st July 2024.

Top 20 Short Story Entries
(titles listed in no particular order)

Genjo-no Oba

Dearly Beloved

Finding Rajabu

The Single Glove Museum

The BAD Wilson Storybook

Frank at the (f)urnace

The Outlaw Fido McGowan

Arbor Day

Sekijang Island

The Beloved

Imposters

A Sea Storm

Dirty Chicken Rice

Broken Down Messiahs

The Visitor

What They Don’t Prepare You For

Rituals of Life

The Pomegranate Lady

The Return of the Egrets

The Last Manifesto of the Bullet Society

Congrats to the 20 writers who made the long list. The overall standard of entries was fair. There were 235 entries in total (including Bursary and 50% Discounted categories).

The announcement of the shortlist of 10 will happen on the News page end of next week, so check-in to see which stories make the cut. The final 10 will be published in The Plaza Prizes Anthology 2.

The NEW 2024 Plaza Literary: First Chapters Prize, judged by US National Book Award Winner, Jason Mott, is open to enter. 1st prize: £1,500 ($1750). Deadline: 31st July 2024.

Carrie Etter: The Power of Naming

Carrie Etter, born in 1969 in Normal, Illinois, is an acclaimed American poet, academic, and critic. Etter’s poetic journey began early in her life, nurtured by her passion for literature and a profound love of language.

Etter pursued her higher education in the United States, earning a BA in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She later moved to the United Kingdom, where she completed her PhD at the University of Surrey. This transatlantic academic and creative journey significantly influenced her poetic voice, blending American and British literary traditions.

Etter’s poetry is known for its emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and exploration of themes such as grief, memory, and identity. Her debut collection, “The Tethers,” was published in 2009 and received critical acclaim, winning the London New Poetry Award. She followed this with “Divining for Starters” (2011) and “Imagined Sons” (2014), further establishing her reputation as a significant contemporary poet.

“Grief’s Alphabet” (2024), one of her most notable works, is a deeply personal and evocative collection that uses an alphabetical structure to explore the multifaceted nature of mourning. Her poetry has been praised for its innovative structure, emotional resonance, and lyrical precision.

In addition to her writing, Etter is a respected academic and educator. She has taught creative writing and literature at several institutions and is currently a Reader in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University in the UK. Her commitment to nurturing new literary talent is evident in her teaching and mentoring roles.

Etter is also an active editor and critic, contributing essays, reviews, and edited collections to the literary community. Her editorial work includes the anthology “Infinite Difference: Other Poetries by UK Women Poets” (2010), which highlights diverse voices in contemporary poetry.

Carrie Etter’s life and work are marked by her transatlantic experiences and her dedication to exploring the human condition through poetry. She continues to reside in the UK, where she balances her writing, teaching, and editorial pursuits with a commitment to fostering literary excellence.

Etter’s contributions to contemporary poetry, both through her own work and her efforts to support and promote other poets, have made her a respected and influential figure in the literary world. Her ability to capture complex emotions with clarity and grace ensures her place as a vital voice in modern poetry.

Read The Guardian review of Grief’s Alphabet at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/apr/05/the-best-recent-poetry-review-roundup

ENTER The Plaza Audio Poetry Prize. Judge: Paul Farley. 1st Prize: £1,000 (US$1250). Deadline: 31st June 2024.

Paul Farley: Poet, Writer and Broadcaster

Early Life and Education

Paul Farley was born on September 9, 1965, in Liverpool, England. Growing up in the culturally rich and diverse city of Liverpool, Farley was immersed in a vibrant community that would later influence his poetic voice. His early experiences in this dynamic environment are often reflected in his work, which captures the essence of urban life and the human condition.

Farley attended the University of Leeds, where he studied English and found his passion for poetry. His time at university was formative, providing him with both the academic foundation and the creative inspiration to pursue a career in writing.

Career and Achievements

Farley’s professional career began in earnest in the 1990s. He quickly gained recognition for his distinctive voice and innovative use of language. His first collection of poetry, “The Boy from the Chemist is Here to See You,” was published in 1998 to critical acclaim. This debut won several prestigious awards, including the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, marking Farley as a significant new talent in British poetry.

Following this early success, Farley continued to build his reputation with subsequent collections. “The Ice Age,” published in 2002, further established his standing in the literary world, earning him the Whitbread Poetry Award. His third collection, “Tramp in Flames” (2006), was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize and reinforced his position as a leading contemporary poet.

In addition to his poetry, Farley has made significant contributions to the broader literary and cultural landscape. He has written extensively for radio and television, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His work often explores themes of memory, history, and place, resonating with a wide audience.

Teaching and Influence

Farley’s impact extends beyond his published work. He has held several academic positions, sharing his expertise and passion for poetry with students. His teaching roles have included positions at the University of Lancaster and the University of Oxford, where he has inspired a new generation of poets and writers.

Farley is also known for his editorial work and involvement in literary festivals and events. He has served as a judge for various literary awards, contributing his keen eye for talent and deep understanding of contemporary poetry.

Personal Life

Despite his public success, Farley remains a private individual, often shying away from the limelight. He continues to live in the UK, where he balances his writing and teaching commitments with a quiet personal life. His dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the essence of everyday experiences in his poetry have earned him a loyal readership and a respected place in the literary world.

Legacy

Paul Farley’s work is characterized by its lyrical beauty, keen observation, and emotional depth. His contributions to contemporary poetry and his influence as a teacher and mentor have left a lasting impact on the literary community. As he continues to write and engage with the world of poetry, Farley remains a vital and influential voice in British literature.

ENTER The Plaza Audio Poetry Prize. Judge: Paul Farley. 1st Prize: £1,000 (US$1250). Deadline: 31st June 2024.

US NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER

Jason Mott is an acclaimed American author known for his compelling and imaginative works of fiction. Born and raised in Bolton, North Carolina, Mott developed an early love for storytelling, which he pursued with great passion and dedication. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in fiction and a Master of Fine Arts in poetry, both from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

Mott’s breakout novel, “The Returned,” was published in 2013 and quickly garnered widespread attention. The book tells the story of a small town where deceased loved ones suddenly start returning, causing profound emotional and social upheaval. The novel’s unique premise and poignant exploration of grief and human connection struck a chord with readers and critics alike, leading to its adaptation into the television series “Resurrection” by ABC.

Following the success of “The Returned,” Mott continued to make his mark in the literary world with several other novels, including “The Wonder of All Things” (2014) and “The Crossing” (2018). His writing often blends elements of the fantastical with deep, emotional narratives, creating stories that are both thought-provoking and deeply human.

In 2021, Mott released “Hell of a Book,” a novel that garnered significant acclaim and earned him the National Book Award for Fiction. The book is a meta-fictional journey that intertwines the story of an African American author’s book tour with the tale of a young Black boy named Soot navigating life in the contemporary South. “Hell of a Book” was praised for its inventive structure, emotional depth, and insightful commentary on race and identity in America.

In addition to his novels, Mott has also written poetry, short stories, and essays, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His work has appeared in various literary journals and anthologies, further establishing his reputation as a significant voice in modern American literature.

Jason Mott’s career is marked by his ability to blend the extraordinary with the everyday, creating narratives that resonate on both an emotional and intellectual level. His contributions to contemporary fiction continue to be celebrated by readers and critics alike.

ENTER The Plaza Literary: First Chapters Prize. Judge: Jason Mott. 1st Prize: £1,500 (US$1750). Deadline: 31st July 2024.

THE TITLE SAYS IT ALL – RECOMMENDED READING

Hell of a Book, the US National Book Award-winning novel by Jason Mott, is a mesmerizing and poignant exploration of race, identity, and the power of storytelling. Mott deftly navigates between humor and heartbreak, creating a narrative that is both deeply engaging and thought-provoking.

The novel’s protagonist is a Black author on a cross-country book tour for his successful novel, also titled Hell of a Book. His journey is interspersed with the story of a young Black boy named Soot, who is navigating life in a racially charged environment. As the lines between reality and fiction blur, the narrative becomes a profound commentary on the Black experience in America.

Mott’s writing is both vivid and lyrical, capturing the reader’s attention from the first page. The author’s ability to weave together different narrative threads and timelines showcases his storytelling prowess. The characters are richly developed, with the protagonist’s witty and sometimes surreal observations providing a stark contrast to the more somber, introspective moments involving Soot.

One of the novel’s most striking features is its exploration of the psychological impact of racism. Mott delves into the trauma and invisibility felt by Black individuals, portraying these themes with sensitivity and depth. The recurring motif of “the invisible boy” is particularly powerful, symbolizing the erasure and marginalization of Black lives.

Despite its heavy themes, Hell of a Book is infused with humor and a sense of hope. Mott balances the narrative’s darker elements with moments of levity, making the story accessible and relatable. This blend of humor and gravity ensures that the novel resonates on multiple levels, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions.

In conclusion, Hell of a Book is a masterful work that challenges and entertains in equal measure. Jason Mott has crafted a novel that is both a searing social commentary and a celebration of the transformative power of storytelling. It is a book that cannot be forgotten, demands to be read, and discussed.

ENTER The Plaza Literary: First Chapters Prize. Judge: Jason Mott. 1st Prize: £1,500 (US$1750). Deadline: 31st July 2024.

Not Big on X

I haven’t been a big fan of X or its previous incarnation, Twitter, and therefore our presence on this social medium has been slight up ’til now. Neither my mistrust of this medium or the fact that I come from the Cretaceous period with regard to social media, should be getting in the way of us promoting poets’ and writers’ achievements. So, with this in mind, we will be upping our presence on X, and would appreciate it mightily if Plaza-Prizers would help us by retweeting posts.

Must do better. So will do better.

Winning Entries

Here’s what our judge, Carrie Etter, had to say about our winners:-

First prize: Heidi Kasa (US)
‘The Bullet Renames’ is one of the most moving, inspired prose poems I’ve read in years. It balances intelligence and poignancy in its deft use of anaphora and paragraphing, resulting in a poem I wish I’d written myself. I can’t help but anticipate that this poem will appear in a critically acclaimed collection before long.

Second prize: Abigail Ottley (ENG)
‘A survivor dreams a new career’ exhibits both an impressive sense of voice and linguistic precision in a most original prose poem. The movement and balance between the two paragraphs is deftly handled, and the ending imperative is perfectly judged.

Third prize: Róisín Legett Bohan (IRE)
‘anticipation of anaphylaxis’ is raw and moving in its evocation of grief. Its variation in sentence structure supports the poem’s momentum beautifully.

Highly Commended: Neil Douglas (ENG)
‘While I am away’ seems a casual account, but the quality of detail and management of pacing show an intelligent appreciation of prose’s pace and poetry’s imagery. The bathos of the ending is humorous and well judged.

Congrats to the poets who made the final cut! All 10 shortlisted will be published in The Plaza Prizes Anthology 2.

LAST CALL. The NEW 2024 Plaza Poetry Prize (40 lines max) is open to enter. Judge: Moniza Alvi. 1st prize: £1,000. Deadline: 31st May 2024.

Top 10 Flash Fiction Entries
(titles listed in no particular order)

The Mouth of The Word

The Dead Fox Around Her Neck

The Terrarium

Kerouac’s Next Chapter

Dark Cousin

3AM

Quiet Quiet Quiet

Marvins

The Gartcosh M73 Interchange is not Noted for its Proximity to Fjords

Mille Feuille

Congrats to the 10 writers who made the shortlist. They will be published in The Plaza Prizes Anthology 2.

The NEW 2024 Plaza Poetry Prize (40 lines max) is open to enter. Judge: Moniza Alvi. 1st prize: £1,000. Deadline: 31st May 2024.