Hello readers and writers!

Today marks the first day in a month-long contest. The talented Katie McCoach at KM Editorial has generously donated a prize to the winner of the contest. Here’s what one lucky person will win:

• A free, professional critique and editorial review of your manuscript for the length of 50 pages. You’ll receive a 3-5 page, single-spaced critique, plus query/book description feedback. It will address the strengths of the manuscript, as well as the areas that could use improvement and suggestions for taking it to the next level.

Katie McCoach has been on the Writer’s Toolbox page for some time now. She is a freelance developmental book editor, or as some like to call it, a book doctor. She is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, Romance Writers of America, Contemporary Romance Writers, and she has participated as a judge for the 2015 Golden Part Awards and the 2014 Stiletto Contest. She knows her stuff.

All you have to do to enter the contest is to subscribe to my free newsletter (termed Applebury Press) between August 15th through September 15th. If you’re already a subscriber, then you are automatically entered into the contest (which is a good reason to stay subscribed to be automatically entered into future contests).

My newsletter’s main purpose is to notify you when I publish a new book, have another free contest, or send out the rare update. I will not spam you or share/sell your info. Some authors send out newsletters once every few days or once a week. My newsletter is usually in the ballpark of once every 3-5 months.

Here’s how the drawing will go: the day after the contest ends, I will randomly draw an email from my subscriber list. That person will be the winner. I will personally give that email to Katie, and she will be in contact to redeem that person’s prize.

If you’re the type of person who thinks they’ll never win a contest, here’s something for you. Katie also offered a prize just for entering the contest. Every person who signs up for my newsletter between August 15th and September 15th will receive:

• 10% off all developmental services at KM Editorial (specifically critique, substantive edit, and developmental edit services). You can learn all about the different services she provides here.

So there you go; literally every single person can win something. To receive your 10% discount, I will send out a newsletter email at the end of the contest with a special promo code.

Even outside of the contest, Katie McCoach’s services are well worth looking into. If you’d like more information, contact her for a quote or with a question. She is quite friendly and communicative. It’s well worth bookmarking her website.

Until then, write on!

Further details: one winner for the main prize. Both the prize and the 10% discount expire on September 16th, 2016. To redeem the 10% discount, it is your responsibility to email Katie McCoach with your redemption code. Regarding the redemption of a prize/code, the interaction beyond the drawing is between the editor and the prize winner. English only manuscripts can be accepted as part of the prize. The prize winner must be 18 or older to redeem.