Put down those barbecue tongs and lay that garden hose on the ground. . . We here at The Write Helper want to update you on all the doings 'round the office.

The Amazing Short Story Fiction Contest is still in play. If you've got a story 4,000 words or fewer, send it in, give it a try. So what's in it for you? For the price of admission, you get a chance to win or place in our contest--top three prizes $100, $50, and $25. Winning entries are posted, with a profile of the winner. Check it out. But if you don't win? You're still eligible for one of our famous free critiques. And I have to tell you, our assistant editor, Justin Gold, has been getting rave reviews for his critiques. We've received so much positive feedback for our, well, feedback lately that I definitely want to brag on us--just a little!
 
Oh, and did I mention, as of this writing, there are only 30 entries to date! Yes, only 30 entries in the competition thus far. Talk about great odds, it's definitely an opportunity to enter a contest you have a good chance of winning and placing in the top ten! But the days are ticking away, so hurry and get that entry in! Snail mail entries postmarked July 31 and online entries accepted until the stoke of midnight (your time zone) on July 31.

In other news, please be patient with us as we finish up the last of the critiques from the Novel Beginnings 1st Chapter Contest. We are making progress, but this was such a popular contest that we're still working on these. So if you haven't gotten yours yet, not to worry. They're coming.

And lastly, don't forget that we actually do some editing around here, too. So if you've got a story that you want edited and/or critiqued--or a novel, memoir, article, or essay for that matter--check out our competitive rates. Remember, we're here to help!

Now back to your regularly scheduled summer. . .