Photo Courtesy of Classic Woodie
The story goes that a man attempted to enter his mule in the Kentucky Derby. He knew that he had no chance to win, but he reasoned that "… the association would do him good." So, in similar circumstances, I entered my recent book in a large competition, and I was right—it didn't win, place or show but "Magnolia Elegy" received the following favorable comments from a judge.
Magnolia Elegy: Place In the Edisto Fork
Submitted to Writer's Digest Competitions - Self-Published Book Awards 2022
This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design. The physical materials, printing, and binding are of professional quality and traditional industry standards. The typesetting and page layout (including illustrations, images, or figures) are easy to follow, thoughtfully designed, and error free. The cover appears to be professionally designed and is compellingly related to the content/genre of the book.
This book is exemplary in its choice of topic or theme of the story. It is unique but still has strong appeal for most readers in its intended genre…there is a cohesive theme or delivery of information. This book is exemplary in character appeal (or interest) and development. All main characters (including antagonists) are unique and fully fleshed out with compelling, layered motivations and traits. Secondary characters are unique and have a meaningful purpose.
This book is exemplary in its voice and writing style. It has a unique voice, and the writing style is consistent throughout. The style and tone are also consistent with or will appeal to readers of the intended genre. Tom T. Traywick offers touching life experiences in his memoir, which includes well-written prose and poetry, appealing to the reader. The fact that he used photos and recipes added to this book. End notes are helpful for the reader to learn more details about the stories. Cover design is colorful, rather warm and inviting. The back cover is exceptional, as it provides meaningful information with a balance of description, reviews, and an about the author section.
What would help this already interesting book would be to examine the flow.
-Judge, 30th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
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Best Wishes of the Season
Photo Courtesy of University of Oklahoma - College of Business Blog
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If you would like to see my collection of Carolina Lowcountry memories—"Magnolia Elegy: Place In the Edisto Fork," you can view the book trailer here, and see the book page here on the publisher's website. The book is also available from Amazon, B&N, and your independent local bookseller.
