First Pages, First Impressions
Ever wonder how your story’s opening reads to a professional editor, agent, or publisher? The Live-Action Slush gives you a rare chance to find out live.
What Is a Live-Action Slush?
The term “slush pile” refers to the stack of unsolicited manuscripts that publishing professionals receive. In other words, the first pages writers send out in hopes of catching someone’s eye. A Live-Action Slush simulates that process in real time, offering writers a window into how their opening lands with professionals. It’s a fun, fast-paced, and educational experience that helps sharpen your instincts and craft.
At Wordbridge, we approach the Live-Action Slush with care, encouragement, and respect. This is a space to be brave, to learn, and to grow together. Every writer who submits is doing the hardest thing: putting their work out there, and we honour that courage.
How It Works:
- Writers may submit one printed copy of the first page of a work-in-progress.
- Pages must be double-spaced, in 12-point font, and placed on the panel table before the conference session begins.
- A moderator will read each page aloud anonymously to a panel of publishing professionals.
- As the piece is read, panelists will raise their hand at the point they would stop reading in a professional context (as if evaluating it from a real slush pile).
- Once all panelists have raised their hands (or the page has been fully read), the reading will stop, and feedback will begin.
- Panelists will then share constructive insights into what was working, where things faltered, and how the page might be improved.
After feedback is given, the writer will have the option to reveal themselves and be recognized or stay anonymous.
Why Participate?
Getting live feedback from publishing professionals before you send your work into the industry is an invaluable opportunity. Whether you submit a page or simply listen, you’ll gain clarity on what makes a strong opening and how to polish your own work.
We encourage you to be open, receptive, and courageous. Feedback can feel vulnerable, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for growth. At Wordbridge, we’re here to support each other with honesty, compassion, and community.
Everyone in the room (panelists and audience alike) is expected to treat this as a safe and respectful space. We’re all here to grow, learn, and make our stories stronger.
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