Several talented writers I know are waiting anxiously for the #RevPit announcements and I wanted to just share something really quick.

#RevPit and other contests are wonderful and invaluable ways to get help with your manuscript. But it’s not the only path to an agent.

1/

The #RevPit editors are incredibly talented. And other contests like #PitMad and #WriteMentor offer mentorship a from amazing authors and people in the industry.

And getting picked by them out of hundreds of applicants is an honor

But not getting picked doesn’t feel great 2/

And I know firsthand what that feels like. I applied to ALL of them. Yup. Several times. As soon as the application window opened for any contest, I was throwing my manuscript at them.

It was fun and stressful to enter my work. But I kept trying. 3/

And never ONCE did I even get a full request. From any of them.

Sometimes I got some really nice feedback, which I took and put in my manuscript.

But I got rejected a lot. A LOT.

4/

And it didn’t feel good. Nope. But I kept trying and entering.

And I did Twitter pitch parties too. And I queried.

I found good writer friends through those contests, and they helped me revise my manuscripts. We helped each other. 5/

Then pitched in #DVPit and got some likes. So I queried.

More rejections. But then some fulls and....I found an agent!

6/

So I guess what I’m trying to say is that these contests are a wonderful opportunity for writers. And if you get picked you should definitely celebrate!

But if not, it doesn’t mean your writing isn’t good or you’re not talented.

Do NOT give up. 7/

Believe in yourself. Believe in your writing.

There are MANY paths to publication and your journey will be the right way for you.

8/8

Oh and I realized I said #PitMad instead of #PitchWars lol! You know what I meant!