In today’s fast-paced world, both agents and editors agree that writers must grab a reader’s attention within a manuscript’s first five pages. To highlight the importance of the opening, the 2010 DFW Writers’ Conference sponsored the Hook ‘Em Writing Contest. Entrants were asked to submit only the first five pages, as well as a two-page synopsis for fiction, or a proposal for nonfiction.

For an inaugural contest, the number of entries was higher than expected. The judges, all of whom were independent of the conference and the DFW Writers’ Workshop, had their hands full determining among the many great entries.

The winners were announced during the conference’s opening ceremony on Saturday, April 10.  They were:

John and David Middleton, Auf Wiedersehen (Literary)

Rhonda Hopkins, In the Best Interest (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller)

Mary Kelly, Cool on the Outside (Nonfiction)

Jackie Beynaerts, The Things That Change Us (Romance)

Alan Marling, Ghost Warrior, The Stealing (Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror)

Gayleen Rabakukk, Betrayed (Young Adult/Middle Grade)

Finally, $300 was raised for First Books, the charity connected to the contest. This inspirational group is dedicated to getting books into the hands of underprivileged youths. A portion of the contest entry fee was donated in the name of each entrant.