Winners - Second Campaigner Challenge (Fourth Campaign)

Apologies to everyone for my long silence - I recently moved house and have had huge issues with my internet provider that still haven't been properly sorted out! I really appreciate the concern shown for my absence, and thanks so much to those who checked in to make sure I was okay :) Hopefully, the wait has made the following announcement all the sweeter.

As with previous Challenges, Winners have been chosen in three categories:

1. People's Choice Awards - chosen by you in the voting (by clicking "Like" on the entries);
2. Places awarded by the judges, who've done an absolutely fantastic job of winnowing 110 entries down to the top 14 under the wonderful wizardry of Mark Koopmans; and
3. Random prizes (chosen by Mr. Random.org).

Before I reveal the winners, I'd love you all to offer up a huge thanks to four awesome people who helped me out with this Second Campaigner Challenge: Mark Koopmans, who shepherded the many awesome judges through three rounds of judging and shone a light into the administrative chaos - I couldn't have done this without him! And Ozlem Yikici, Kathleen Doyle, and K.T. Hanna who've done amazing jobs administering the prizes, communicating with the prize donors, and helping with the Campaigner Notice-Board.

To thank them for all of their help, I'd love them to accept this Campaign Appreciation Badge if they haven't already downloaded it from my last post :)

And now to the winners...*drumroll*

People's Choice Awards

1. First Place - Kevin Hiatt (43 points)
2. Second Place - Morgan Shamy (37 points)
3. Third Place - Liza (31 points)
4. Fourth Place - Alynza (30 points)
5. Fifth Place - Nancy S. Thompson (21 points)
6. Sixth Place - Elise Fallon (18 points)
7. Seventh Place - Carrie Butler (16 points) (tied)
7. Seventh Place - Melissa Maygrove (16 points) (tied)

Congratulations guys!!! And as for what you've won, here it is:

In First Place, Kevin Hiatt has won:

• A full critique of a complete manuscript, donated by K.Z. Ozbirn.
• A $50 Amazon gift card plus Scrivener software (download/disc), donated by Melissa Sugar.
• A signed copy of EDEN’S GARDEN (hot off the press on March 15th, 2012), donated by Juliet.

In Second Place, Morgan Shamy has won:

• A critique of the winner's query and first 50 pages, donated by Nancy S. Thompson.
• A book cover design or blog banner, donated by Shelley Koon.
• An ARC of THE BEGINNING OF AFTER by Jennifer Castle (Contemporary YA) [Print -US/Canada only], donated by Jenn Baker-Henry.
• An autographed photo of Cate Blanchett from her movie, ELIZABETH, THE GOLDEN YEARS, donated by Roland D. Yeomans.

In Third Place, Liza has won:

• A 30 page critique and a copy of THE VEIL by K. S. Collier (critique - international, book - US/Canada/UK/France only), donated by K.S.Collier.
• A $15 (£10) giftcard from Amazon, donated by Claire Hennessy.
• A signed copy of THE WRITER'S WORKOUT by Christina Katz US/Canada only, donated by Vicki Orians.

In Fourth Place, Alynza has won:

• A critique of the first five chapters of a manuscript, donated by Misha.
• A fancy writing pen, donated by Lesann.
• A signed copy of each of the current books in the MEANT TO BE series (MEANT TO BE and THE COUPLES) by Richard Alan (and a free download via Smashwords coupon of both books), donated by Richard Alan (US/Canada only for the books).

In Fifth Place, Nancy S. Thompson has won:

• a blog critique, donated by Shelley Brown. Shelley says the critique will “help you get the most out of your blog and your time.”

In Sixth Place, Elise Fallon has won:

• first chapter critique, donated by Charity. Charity says “the three women of Unicorn Bell will give a first chapter critique. That's three pairs of eyes on your first chapter!”

In Seventh Place (tied), Carrie Butler has won:

• A paperback of HOMECOMING, first novel by Sue Ann Bowling, winner of Reader Views Reviewer's Choice Award. [US/Canada only], donated by Sue Ann Bowling.

In Seventh Place, Melissa Maygrove has won:

• A copy of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen, donated by Hedda Black.

Judging Round

The prizes below have been awarded based on the standard of your entries, as judged by our awesome judges! Once the judges determined the top 14 Finalists, I decided which place each Finalist would be awarded. And boy was it hard, the entries were all SOOOO good!

Here are the Finalists and their prizes:

First Place - C.B. Wentworth
Second Place - Jocelyn Rish
Third Place - Kevin Hiatt
Fourth Place - Liza
Fifth Place - Amy Marie
Sixth Place - Alynza
Seventh Place - Fairview
Eighth Place - Claire
Ninth Place - Mina Burrows
Tenth Place - Elise Fallson
Eleventh Place - Randy Lindsay
Twelfth Place - Laurie Dennison
Thirteenth Place - Elizabeth Towns
Fourteenth Place - Sabrina A. Fish

Congratulations, you all really deserve it!!!

In First Place, C.B. Wentworth has won:

• A critique of the first thirty pages of a manuscript, donated by Hannah Hale. Hannah says, “I will identify if the winner's partial is ready for agents and editors, by focusing on the following areas (as well as pointing out other aspects not listed below): Does the opening scene hook the reader? Is the beginning conflict/tension clear? Is the characterization engaging? Does the story show, not tell? Does the story flow and is the writing tight? I'll also point out strengths of the sample as well as areas to improve, with examples”
• An ebook/gift certificate from No Boundaries Press and a free promotions workshop, donated by Kharisma Rhayne, co-owner of No Boundaries Press.
• An ARC of ALISON IN WONDERLAND by Helen Smith (Contemporary Fiction) [Print - US/Canada only], donated by Jenn Baker-Henry.

In Second Place, Jocelyn Rish has won:

• A critique (First 3 chapters), donated by Callie Kingston.
• A $25 Amazon gift card/e-card voucher, donated by Lara Schiffbauer.
• A signed paperback copy of SUFFERSTONE: Book I of the Dolvia Saga, a fantasy novel, by Stella Atrium [USA only] donated by Stella Atrium.
• A PDF copy of PERFECT SCORE by Sue Roebuck, donated Sue Roebuck.

In Third Place, Kevin Hiatt has won:

• A10 page critique and a DVD copy of the short film SAYING GOODBYE, donated by Jocelyn Rish.
• A $10 e-giftcard to Barnes & Noble, donated by Komal Lewis.
• Copies of FAERIE TALE FROM THE WHITE FOREST (Book One) and BRIGITTA OF THE WHITE FOREST THE RUINS OF NOE (Book Two, available in April 2012) [U.S. and Canada only, or ebook form if international], donated by Danika Dinsmore.
• An ARC of ONE DAY I WILL WRITE ABOUT THIS PLACE by Binyavanga Wainaina (Memoir) [Print - US/Canada only] donated by Jenn Baker-Henry.

In Fourth Place, Liza has won:

• An ARC or paper copy of the ebook HER HEART’S DESIRE by Adriana Ryan, plus a 15 page critique, plus an opportunity to “take over” her blog for the day, donated by Adriana Ryan. Adriana says that the winner can have a guest post or interview, or could use a book trailer, vlog, character interview, etc. to provide information on them and their books/characters.
• An eBook of DEFYING GRAVITY, donated by Cherie Reich.
• The book UNDERTOW by Callie Kingston, donated by Callie Kingston.

In Fifth Place, Amy Marie has won:

• A first chapter and query critique donated by David P. King.
• An eBook of CURSE OF ANCIENT SHADOWS by Rod Tyson (YA fantasy novel), donated by Rod Tyson.
• A copy of the book ABANDONED FOOTSTEPS and the poetry ebook PROLONGED FAREWELL, both by and donated by Sylvia van Bruggen.

In Sixth Place, Alynza has won:

• A five page critique by four published authors in a critique group, donated by Dawn from WriteOn.
• An eBook IF I COULD BE LIKE JENNIFER TAYLOR by Barbara Ehrentreu (in PDF form), donated by Barbara Ehrentreu.
• An eBook THE BEST OF RAVEN AND THE WRITING DESK, donated by Cherie Reich.

In Seventh Place, Fairview has won:

• A first chapter (up to 20 pages) critique, donated by Meradeth.
• An eBook ONCE UPON A DECEMBER, donated by Cherie Reich.

In Eighth Place, Claire has won:

• An edit/proofread/critique of a first chapter (or first 2000 words) of a novel donated by author Louise Wise.
• An E-copy of OPPRESION (Children of the Gods #1) by Jessica Therrien (debut novel), donated by Jessica Therrien.

In Ninth Place, Mina Burrows has won:

• A 15 page critique donated by Kathleen Doyle.

In Tenth Place, Elise Fallson has won:

• A first chapter critique, donated by Melanie Fowler.

In Eleventh Place, Randy Lindsay has won:

• An ebook of THE BONES OF THE EARTH by Scott Bury, donated by Scott Bury.

In Twelfth Place, Laurie Dennison has won:

• An ARC of RUNNING THE RIFT by Naomi Benaron (Historical Fiction) [Print - US/Canada only], donated by Jenn Baker-Henry.

In Thirteenth Place, Elizabeth Towns has won:

• An eBook of GUARDIAN (CREEPY HOLLOW, #1) donated by Rachel Morgan.

In Fourteenth Place, Sabrina A. Fish has won:

• A Kindle copy of UNDERTOW by Callie Kingston (Kindle) donated by Callie Kingston.

Random Prizes

I'm also awarding 5 random prizes, chosen by Mr. Random.org! The winners (and prizes) are:

1. Jenn Baker-Henry - Copies of FAERIE TALE FROM THE WHITE FOREST (Books One) and BRIGITTA OF THE WHITE FOREST THE RUINS OF NOE (Book Two, available in April 2012) [U.S. and Canada only, or ebook form if international], donated by Danika Dinsmore.
2. Cherie Reich - A query letter and first ten pages of a manuscript, donated by Rachele Alpine.
3. Rekha - A new copy of THE PLOT by Martha Alderson (or a book to the value of $20), donated by Melissa Sugar.
4. J.E. Fritz - Book: WANTED: DEAD OR UNDEAD (Book One in The Zombie West Series). Plus Zombie Swag: Zombie-T-shirt, package of brains (not real of course), Zombie Necklace, Etc... [Package may not be shipped until April. US/Canada Only, though the ebook can be sent internationally], donated by Angela Scott.
5. Erin Kane Spock – A critique of a query letter and the first 250 words of a completed manuscript, donated by Daisy Carter.

Congratulations to all the winners, you've done such a great job in this Challenge!!! Remember, you've been chosen from 110 entries - how awesome is that!

I'll be getting in touch with both winners and prize donors over the next few days regarding the prizes - please be patient, as I have limited internet access. If you have any questions/concerns about your prize, please email me.

Winners - First Campaigner Challenge (Fourth Campaign)

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Well, the votes and judging for the First Campaigner Challenge are now in, and I'm really excited to be able to announce all the winners in this post! With 210 awesome entries in the Challenge, and hundreds of people voting on those they liked the best (not to mention the fantastic work by the judges), it's been an awesome few weeks. I hope you've all had a great time too!

As with previous Challenges, Winners have been chosen in three categories:

1. People's Choice Awards - chosen by you in the voting (by clicking "Like" on the entries);
2. Places awarded by the judges, who've done an absolutely fantastic job of winnowing 210 entries down to the top 10 under the supreme organizational genius of Michael Offutt; and
3. Random prizes (chosen by Mr. Random.org).

Before I reveal the winners, I'd love you all to offer up a huge thanks to five awesome people who helped me out with this First Campaigner Challenge. Michael Offutt, who single-handedly organized the legion of judges through three rounds of judging and brought order into the depths of chaos - I couldn't have done this without him! And Ozlem Yikici, Steph Schmidt, and Kathleen Doyle, who've done an amazing job administering the prizes and communicating with the prize donors.  I'd also like to thank K.T. Hanna, for all her awesome help with the Campaigner Notice-Board.

To thank them for all of their help, I'd love them to accept this Campaign Appreciation Badge :)

And now to the winners...*drumroll* (We have heaps of prizes, so if by chance you receive a US only prize but you live internationally, email me asap and we'll see what we can come up with).

People's Choice Awards

First Place: Kevin Hiatt (120 votes)
Second Place: Jessica McKendry (108 votes)
Third Place: Carrie Butler (48 votes)
Fourth Place: David Powers King (42 votes)
Fifth Place: Alynza (37 votes)
Sixth Place: Morgan Shamy (33 votes)
Seventh Place (tied): Alyssa McKendry (30 votes)
Seventh Place (tied): Rachel Morgan (30 votes)

Congratulations guys!!! And as for what you've won, here it is:

In First Place, Kevin Hiatt has won:

1. A full manuscript critique, donated by Carl Duzett. Carl says: “I will provide a critical read of a full-length work. The winner must contact me via email with their work attached. My feedback will be honest and geared towards improvement, not towards validation. Allow a 2-3 week turnaround on the critique.” 
2. ARCs of Anna Carey's EVE (YA Dystopia), Martha Southgate's A TASTE OF SALT (Contemporary Fiction), and Jennifer Castle's THE BEGINNING OF AFTER and/or AMERICAN DERVISH, donated by Jenn Baker-Henry (US/Canada only). 

In Second Place, Jessica McKendry has won:

1. A critique of the first five chapters/twenty pages of your manuscript (whichever is longer) or a complete short story. In addition I will offer a critique for the overall design of your book cover and advice on artistic direction, donated by Ozlem Yikici.
2. ARCs of INTERRUPTED by Rachel Coker (release March 2012), NUMBERS INFINITY by Rachel Ward (Release May 2012), and ONCE by Anna Carey (Release July 2012), donated by Alison Miller.

In Third Place, Carrie Butler has won:

1. A detailed 20 page critique (double-spaced) or first chapter critique (whichever is smaller), and a $15 Barnes & Noble voucher (by email), donated by K.T. Hanna.
2. An ARC of LIVING VIOLET by Jaime Reed, and a copy of HEREAFTER by Tara Hudson, donated by Akossiwa Ketoglo (US/Canada only).
3. A copy of the ebook CURSE OF ANCIENT SHADOWS (YA Fantasy) by Rod Tyson, donated by Rod Tyson.

In Fourth Place, David Powers King has won:

1. A partial critique (up to 30 pages) of a manuscript and/or query letter donated by Jenn Baker-Henry .
2. A signed copy of Holly Black’s WHITE CAT, donated by Celesta (US only).
3. The first three books in the Sefuty Chronicles by Alberta Ross (e-books from Smashwords, in the format the winner prefers), donated by Alberta Ross.

In Fifth Place, Alynza has won:

1. A query and first chapter critique, donated by Mark Koopmans.
2. A TOUCH MORTAL by Leah Clifford, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis, SNITCH by Allison van Diepen, donated by Liz (US only)
3. Book Swag (for ORACLE by J.C. Martin) including postcard, bookmarks, and magnet, donated by J.C. Martin.

In Sixth Place, Morgan Shamy has won:

1. A first chapter or first 2000 words critique, donated by Lynda R. Young.
2. An ebook copy of URCHIN KING (YA Historical Fantasy) by Katherina Gerlach (Smashwords voucher or directly via email), donated by Katherina Gerlach. 

In Seventh Place, Alyssa McKendry has won:

1. A first chapter critique, donated by Amymarie
   

In Seventh Place, Rachel Morgan has won:

1. A 10 page critique of a manuscript, donated by Jenny.

Judging Round

The prizes below have been awarded based on the standard of your entries, as judged by our awesome judges! Once the judges had determined the top 10 Finalists, I decided which place each Finalist would be awarded. And boy was it hard, the entries were all SOOOO good!

Here are the Finalists and their prizes:

1. First Place: Kevin Hiatt (and congratulations on winning both first places!) 
2. Second Place: Sher A Hart 
3. Third Place: Angeline Trevena 
4. Fourth Place: Brooke R. Busse 
5. Fifth Place: Carrie Bastyr 
6. Sixth Place: Kerri Cuevas 
7. Seventh Place: Sarah Pearson 
8. Eighth Place: Esther Spurrill-Jones 
9. Ninth Place: Andy Brokaw 
10. Tenth Place: Tara Tyler 

Congratulations, you all really deserve it!!! 

In First Place, Kevin Hiatt has won:

1. A $20 Amazon/Kindle giftcard, donated by Melissa.
2. A signed copy of BRISTOL bOYZ STOMP by Doreen McGettigan and a 100 page critique, donated by Doreen McGettigan.
3. A copy of HOOKED: WRITE FICTION THAT GRABS READERS AT PAGE ONE AND NEVER LETS THEM GO by Les Edgerton, donated by Christine Tyler (USPS media mail - US only).

In Second Place, Sher A Hart has won:

1. A book of the winner’s choosing up to a $15 value on Amazon, donated by David P. King.
2. A 5K or 20 page critique (whichever comes first), donated by Melissa.
3. A signed copy of each of the current books in the MEANT TO BE series (MEANT TO BE and THE COUPLES) by Richard Alan (and a free download via Smashwords coupon of both books), donated by Richard Alan (US/Canada only).
4. An ebook copy of OPRESSION (CHILDREN OF THE GODS #1) by Jessica Therrien, donated by Jessica Therrien.

In Third Place, Angeline Trevena has won:

1. A query and first 20 page critique, donated by Cortney Pearson.
2. A $10 e-giftcard to Barnes & Noble, donated by Komal Lewis.
3. An ARC of GRIMM by Anna Waggener, donated by Anna Waggener (US/Canada only).
4. An ebook copy of CURSE OF ANCIENT SHADOWS by Rod Tyson, donated by Rod Tyson.

In Fourth Place, Brooke R. Busse has won:

1. A $10 Amazon gift card, donated by Lady Gwen.
2. A signed copy of ARTICLE 5 by Kristen Simmons and a first chapter critique, donated by Julie Maughon.
3. A copy of DARK MIND by Jennifer Chase, donated by Jennifer Chase (US/Canada only).

In Fifth Place, Carrie Bastyr has won:

1. A $10 e-gift card to a national coffee shop chain, donated by Jenn Baker-Henry. 
2. A ten page critique and a signed copy of ERAGON by Christopher Paolini, donated by Kate Coursey (US/Canada only).



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3. An ebook copy of HOW TO DATE AN ALIEN by Magan Vernon, donated by Magan Vernon.

In Sixth Place, Kerri Cuevas has won:

1. A critique of a first chapter (up to 10 pages or 3000 words) OR query critique,
2. donated by Julie Daines.
3. A copy of BESTEST.RAMADAN.EVER by Medeia Sharif, donated by Medeia Sharif (US/Canada only).

In Seventh Place, Sarah Pearson has won:

1. A 15 page critique, donated by Avery Marsh.
2. An ebook copy of VOODOO DUES and a copy of the follow-up VAMPIRE BLUES by Stephany Simmons, donated by Stephany Simmons.

In Eighth Place, Esther Spurrill-Jones has won:

1. A query critique OR a critique of the first ten pages of a manuscript, donated by Susan Francino.
2. A signed copy of THE DRAGON AND THE CROW by T.B. McKenzie, donated by T.B. McKenzie

In Ninth Place, Andy Brokaw has won:

1. A detailed critique of first 15 pages, donated by Margo Kelly.

In Tenth Place, Tara Tyler has won:

1. A critique of 2500 words, donated by Jodi Su Tharan.

Random Prizes

And just because I can, I'm awarding 7 random prizes, chosen by Mr. Random.org! The winners (and prizes) are:

1. Cortney Pearson - A book cover design or blog banner, donated by Shelley Koon and a one page critique, donated by Cherie Reich. 
2. Roland Yeomans - A $10 Barnes & Noble gift card, donated by Miranda Hardy (US only) and a one page critique, donated by Cherie Reich. 
3. Synithia W - A signed copy of DEPRESSION COOKIES by Tia Bach, donated by Tia Bach.
4. Siv Maria - A copy of the ebook CURSE OF ANCIENT SHADOWS by Rod Tyson, donated by Rod Tyson.
5. RaeAnn - A critique of winner’s query, donated by Nancy S. Thompson.
6. Sylvia van Bruggen - An ebook copy of BLUEBERRY TRUTH by Ute Carbone (in a format preferred by the winner), donated by Ute Carbone. 
7. Megan Orsini - A one page critique, donated by Cherie Reich.

Congratulations to all the winners, you've done such a great job in this Challenge!!! Remember, you've been chosen from 210 entries - how awesome is that! We'll be asking the donors to contact you directly regarding your prizes in most cases, but some donors have asked some winners to get in touch with them - if that is the case, we'll send you an email to let you know. If you have any questions/concerns about your prize, please email me.

And don't forget, the Second Campaigner Challenge is now taking place, so make sure you enter before 11.59pm EDT on Friday.

 

Where to from here? (and the Campaigner Notice-Board) (Feb 2012)

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I'd like to say a huge welcome to all the Campaigners (here, have some cookies!). I can't wait to get to know you over the next two months, and I know you're all looking forward to meeting and networking with each other. Now, halfway through sign-ups, we have 189 Campaigners who've come on board (what an awesome number!). And you still have until 11.59pm EDT Wednesday to sign up before I close the List of Campaigners.

First Campaigner Challenge

The First Campaigner Challenge begins on Monday, February 20th, so pop back here then if you want to take part in the fun! Remember, you don't have to take part, though it is great fun and a cool way to meet your fellow Campaigners.

Where to from here?

Where to from here, you ask? I gave you some suggestions in my previous post. Basically, take advantage of all the networking opportunities the Campaign is providing you. You can:

• meet and chat with other Campaigners on Twitter at #writecampaign
• visit the Campaigners' blogs
• take part in the Campaigner Challenges
• pop around to all the events on the Campaigner Notice-Board
• and above all, get to know the members of your Campaign Group(s) and see what fun activities you can come up with together (previous Campaigners have organized joint blogfests, Campaigner interviews, Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghops, and so on)

If you haven't already, now's the time to go around to your fellow Campaigners and some or all of the Campaigners in your Group(s). Make sure you follow and leave a comment and tell them who you are. Some awesome blogging connections have been made this way in the past. Try to visit them as much as possible during the Campaign, and make sure you leave comments as this is one of the key ways Campaigners can show their support.

This post about organizing Google Reader may help.

Campaigner Notice-Board

Check out these great blogfests, contests, and other announcements:

1. From Rach at Rach Writes: I will be holding a Beta Match (matching up critique partners and beta readers) on Monday, February 13th. Make sure you pop back to Rach Writes... on Monday to put your name down or search the list for your perfect match :) 
2. From T.B. McKenzie at Magickless: On Friday the 13th I will be giving away a signed, first edition copy of my debut novel, the Dragon and the Crow. All you have to do is tell me who your favourite dragon is and why. From Puff to Smaug, or a dragon more obscure -- just tell me why they are the best, and I'll pick the most sincere and eloquent entry. There can be only one! Check it out here.
3. From K.S. Collier at K.S. Collier: New book is being launched. "The Veil" by K.S. Collier is now available on Amazon Kindle. The hard copies will be following soon, as will Barnes & Noble for the Nook. Excited to meet everyone on my blog!
4. From Kimberly at Here's What I Think About That: Blog Hop for "Weekend" Happiness. Opens Friday and closes Sunday. Check it out here! 
5. From Meradeth at Write Stuff: I'm holding a $10 Amazon gift card giveaway--all you have to do is tell me what you think is the most romantic city in the world is--very simple! Tell me here.
6. From Chris Kelworth at The Kelworth Files: I'm looking for Campaigners to interview for my Campaigner Spotlight feature. Let me know on my blog.
7. From Rachele Alpine at Freckle Head: I'm doing a poll to see how people "discover" books.
8. From Rachele Alpine at Freckle Head: I'm having a Valentine's Day contest where I'm giving away heart hand warmers that are great for writing with!
   From Juliemybird at Rosewood Pencil Box: is hosting a giveaway for a(t least one) signed copy of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons. All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address. Winner(s) will be announced March 6. Come join the fun!
9. From Rebekah Loper at Black & Dark Night: "There's lots of stuff happening in February! Almost every Tuesday, there's an author interview/guest post & book giveaway, covering everything from Christian fic to paranormal to memoir. Current giveaway is Shades of the Orient (interview & details here). On Saturday, February 11th, is an extra interview & book giveaway with Rebecca Hamilton, author of The Forever Girl. Upcoming authors include Jean Marie Bauhaus, Dana Sitar, and Jessica Therrien. Check it all out on her blog!
10. From Stella Atrium at Stella Atrium on OpenSalon: The Blog from Stella Atrium focuses on indie writers for the fantasy genre, and especially developing more and more interesting girl heroes. Details here. 

If you have a blogfest, a contest, or a something-or-other you want me to let people know about, fill out this form and I'll run your announcement in the following Friday's post. Make sure you include all the details please. If your announcement is for a continuing event that you want included in other Notice-Boards, you'll need to fill out the form again each week.

And don't forget to stop back at Rach Writes... on Monday for Beta-Match (an opportunity for you to find critique partners and/or beta readers).

Fourth Writers' Platform-Building Campaign

There are so many of us out there. Aspiring authors, bloggers (whether established or beginning), industry peeps, even published authors, all of whom want to build their online platforms. We write insightful posts and articles, actively blog within the blogosphere, take part in challenges, competitions, and contests galore.

We have the passion and the drive to make it, but…we could all do with a bit of support.

So I started thinking. What if we link all these people together? What if we create a way to meet people in a similar position, people who genuinely want to help build our online platform while at the same time building theirs? People who want to pay it forward in the spirit of writerly writerness and blogging beautificity (and see it come back to them in turn).

And so, my Writers’ Platform-Building Campaign was born.

What is the Campaign?

Basically, the Campaign is a way to link those of us in the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Campaigners are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs.

As the Campaign kicks off, you'll have the names and blog addresses of the Campaigners on my List of Campaigners page (above), so you can keep in touch with the other Campaigners. That way you’ll have a list of bloggers in the same position as you, who genuinely want to help you succeed. And you'll be able to meet those who have the most in common with you. You can visit their blogs and other places they haunt, follow along, leave comments galore, and share your highs and lows as you journey through the blogosphere and build your online platform. And they'll be doing the same for you.

If you want to find out a bit more about past Campaigns, check out the info I've included here.

The Team

This year I have a fantastic group of people who've volunteered to help me out with the Campaign. For the Fourth Campaign, the core Campaign Team comprises myself, Michael Offutt, K.T. Hanna, Ozlem Yikici, and Steph Schmidt, and others will be helping us out in other respects too. I'd love it if you could make your way around and follow all these awesome people, and maybe even leave a comment to say thanks for their time and effort. I'll be including all the fabulous volunteers' links in relevant posts as the Campaign progresses.

Key Dates

• This Fourth Campaign will be a mini-Campaign, and will run from today until Saturday, March 17, 2012.

• The List of Campaigners will close on Wednesday, February 15th, so make sure you sign up before then.

• The First Campaigner Challenge will begin on Monday, February 20th and end on Saturday, February 25th.

• The Second Campaigner Challenge will begin on Monday, March 5th and end on Saturday, March 10th.

Organized Campaign Events

During the Campaign:

• I'll be running the two Campaigner Challenges I mentioned above.
• each Friday I'll post a Campaigner Notice-Board, where you can announce blogfests, book launches, things you'd like to share with your other Campaigners, etc etc. You'll need to send me the information in advance, and I've made up a form to make things easier. If you want me to include your details in this Friday's post (February 10th), please fill out this form.
• there will be lots of Twitter-talk at #writecampaign, so make sure you jump in and take part to meet, get to know, and encourage your fellow Campaigners. 

As this is a mini-Campaign, these are the only organized Campaign events. As always, it's up to you how involved you want to be.

As in the Third Campaign, I'm also asking for people who'd like to volunteer to judge the Campaigner Challenges and/or donate a prize (you can tell me your preference in the form I'll be asking you to fill out below).

How to join?

If you’d like to join the Fourth Campaign, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. follow me if you haven't already, so you can check out the Campaigner Notice-Board on Fridays and take part in Campaigner Challenges 
2. comment on this post, to let the other Campaigners know you’ll be coming on board
3. blog about the Campaign to help spread the word (include a link to this post and encourage your followers to join)
4. tweet about the Campaign if you're on Twitter, and include a link to this post. Follow me here if you wish
5. pop a link to this post on Facebook (if you’re a Facebook fan) and/or on Google Plus if that's your favorite haunt. Or anywhere else you hang out, it's up to you. My links to Facebook, Google Plus, and LinkedIn are on my sidebar if you want to find me there
6. and fill out this form.

And then?

Once you’ve joined the Campaign:

1. go to my List of Campaigners page and put your name down for a Campaigner Group (or more than one if you want to get to know more people) 
2. pop round and introduce yourself to some or all the Campaigners in your Campaigner Group. If you wish, pop round to some or all of the other Campaigners and introduce yourself as well
3. follow some or all of the Campaigners in your Campaigner Group(s) (and others if you wish). Due to the size of the Campaign, there's no need to follow all Campaigners!!!
4. put the Campaign badge on your sidebar and link it back to my Writers' Platform-Building Campaign page above
5. keep an eye out for posts/comments/tweets by other Campaigners (and particularly those in your Campaigner Group) and do your best to comment on as many as you can, as often as you can. Also consider following your fellow Campaigners on Twitter and liking them on Facebook, mentioning their blog posts and re-tweeting their tweets, and otherwise supporting them
6. get to know your fellow Campaigners at #writecampaign on Twitter
7. join in my Campaigner Challenges if you wish (you don't have to, of course). They're a great way to get to know other Campaigners and have fun at the same time.

Can't wait to see you all on board!

Campaigner Notice-Board Form - Fourth Writers' Platform-Building Campaign

This form is for use by Campaigners who wish to announce blogfests, book launches, things you'd like to share with your other Campaigners, etc etc during the Fourth Campaign. The Notice-Boards will be posted each Friday during the Campaign, so please fill out the form by 11.59pm EST on Thursday evening if you want your information to be included. If you wish to make the same announcement multiple times, you'll need to fill out this form each time.

Fourth Writers' Platform-Building Campaign - Sign Up Form

This form is for use by Campaigners who wish to sign up to join my Fourth Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. Sign up will close at 11.59pm EST on Wednesday, February 15th. Can't wait to see you on board!