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1/27 Upcoming Pitch and Query Opportunities
The Blind Speed Dating Event, over at Cupid’s Literary Connection is still going on! There is a $10 entry fee, which in large part goes to a charity donation. Given the size of this contest ( 6 weeks & 60 entrants a week – and that’s just to start!) the time commitment is huge on Cupid‘s part. I have to say, this is one of my favorite contests too (although I do wish there were more adult category writers in the bouncers, but it is what it is). Wait, what? You want more info? Here ya go (I’m posting a little longer blurb than usual, but then this is a jumbo sized contest):
The contest consists of two parts: The preliminary round (Bouncer round) and the agent round (Honorary Cupid round). I am accepting a total of 360 entries into the Bouncer round. The Bouncers are all published or soon to be published authors and agent interns. As implied, they’re the Bouncers, and you must receive a “You’re in!” from one of them in the comments of your first-round entry to make it into the agent round. (They can, but are not required to comment more than this.)
So, 360 entries is a lot to read. That’s why I have 15 Bouncers lined up. I will accept 60 entries per submission window, so there will be 6 entry windows. Each window gets its own week on the blog (1/14-2/21). Each submission window is assigned 3 Bouncers. They will each read 20 entries and choose their 3 favorites to proceed. (So 9chosen a week, 54 total.) You will not know which of the 3 Bouncers will judge your entry as they will be using undercover Bouncer names. It is up to the Bouncer if they want to reveal their identity after the contest is over.
But that’s not all, she’s also arranging some one-on-one online meeting times with editors. Now these appointments aren’t free, but they are a heck of a lot cheaper than most conferences (you can bid on them but she’s put a top limit on the dollar amount for each conference). The first set of slots has already gone up for bids and closed, however she says there’ll be others so keep your eyes peeled if this appeals to you!
Writers Digest Guide to Literary Agent’s Blog Dear Lucky Agent contest is open until 1/31. Here’s what they’re looking for. If this interests you, head over to the site for all the details:
Welcome to the 13th (free!) “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest on the GLA blog. This is a recurring online contest with agent judges and super-cool prizes. Here’s the deal: With every contest, the details are essentially the same, but the niche itself changes—meaning each contest is focused around a specific category or two. So if you’re writing either a science fiction novel (adults or teens) or any kind of young adult novel, this 13th contest is for you! (The contest is live through January 31, 2013.)
Time to start talking about February contests!
February 8 We Do Write will host their 3-2-1 Contest. The tease on that:
Just a reminder to those who haven’t participated before, a Three-Two-One pitch contest goes like this:THREE – Pitch your story in only three sentences.
TWO – Two days to enter: February 8th and 9th.
ONE – One agent will judge and pick a winner.Doesn’t that sound great? Well then get those pitches ready!
Musetracks will hold their monthly agent/editor Feb. 17th 2013 . The agent is scheduled to be Jessica Alvarez with BookEnds, LLC. Be sure to go to the site for full details, here’s just a taste. REMEMBER, as with all contests, formatting your submission exactly as the guidelines state is very important.
I’ll post the word “GO”on the HOME PAGE of the blog the day you can send your pitches in. Do not send until you see the word “GO” – if you do, I’ll delete your e-mail – no questions. I’ll put up the date and time as well shortly before starting, just as a reminder.
Miss Snark’s First Victim will have a Secret Agent Contest in February (typically the second week). Best bet is to subscribe to the blog as she posts information on the genres for the upcoming agent abut a week before the contest. She also has other contests and opportunities so it’s a good bet you’ll find out about something I don’t even have posted on here. Some info on Secret Agent Contests:
Our Secret Agent contests run once a month except for June and December. Submission guidelines are posted one week before the opening of each contest.
Each contest includes a maximum of 50 entries, which will be posted on the opening day of the contest and critiqued by our blog community and a Secret Agent whose identity will not be revealed until the contest closes.
If you know of any contests I’ve missed, be sure to comment below and I’ll add them. Don’t forget to check out my page with popular contest hosting sites, as well as subscribe to my paper.li feed, which has links to industry and agent news. And don’t forget to join/check out CPSeek, it is a GREAT resource! They have a listing up there for a very fun one which’ll run from Feb-March, I’ll be listing soon, but if you want early info, join the site.
1/19 Pitch Events, ABNA, Twitter fun and More
Jess Schira commented last week that I ought to include the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. I so agree! (I had hoped to create a separate post just on the event, but as I was out with a nasty virus most of the week the post didn’t get written.) But it’s not too late! Here’s the link for the main page on what they’re looking for as well as links to FAQ and other information. The entry window is STILL open as of right now (last day to enter is 1/27 or when they’ve received 10, 000 entries which ever is first), so get over there and enter!
The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest has arrived. You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to win a publishing contract with Amazon Publishing. Now in its sixth year, this international contest promises to be the best yet. Here’s what’s new:
One Grand Prize winner will receive a publishing contract with an advance of $50,000, and four First Prize winners will each receive a publishing contract with an advance of $15,000. Visit the Prizes page for the full list of prizes and details.
We’ve expanded the categories to include five popular genres: General Fiction, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror and Young Adult Fiction. And we’re accepting entries from more countries than ever before. For complete eligibility details, view the official contest rules, or read details on how to enter.
January 25, Brenda Drake will be coordinating a twitter pitch event (#pitmad!). Brenda has some of the best contests with some very nice (and helpful!) agents and editors. I expect this will be no different. Be sure to follow her blog and find out all the details as they become available. Her sneak peek from her blog :
TWITTER PITCH PARTY! For those of you who didn’t make it into Pitch Wars and just for everyone, there will be a twitter pitch party on the hashtag #PitMad on January 25 from 8AM to 8PM. We’ll announce more details as the event nears. So get your twitter pitches ready and make sure to include the hashtag in your 140 character count.
The Blind Speed Dating Event, over at Cupid’s Literary Connection is still going on! There is a $10 entry fee, which in large part goes to a charity donation. Given the size of this contest ( 6 weeks & 60 entrants a week – and that’s just to start!) the time commitment is huge on Cupid‘s part. I have to say, this is one of my favorite contests too (although I do wish there were more adult category writers in the bouncers, but it is what it is). Wait, what? You want more info? Here ya go (I’m posting a little longer blurb than usual, but then this is a jumbo sized contest):
The contest consists of two parts: The preliminary round (Bouncer round) and the agent round (Honorary Cupid round). I am accepting a total of 360 entries into the Bouncer round. The Bouncers are all published or soon to be published authors and agent interns. As implied, they’re the Bouncers, and you must receive a “You’re in!” from one of them in the comments of your first-round entry to make it into the agent round. (They can, but are not required to comment more than this.)
So, 360 entries is a lot to read. That’s why I have 15 Bouncers lined up. I will accept 60 entries per submission window, so there will be 6 entry windows. Each window gets its own week on the blog (1/14-2/21). Each submission window is assigned 3 Bouncers. They will each read 20 entries and choose their 3 favorites to proceed. (So 9chosen a week, 54 total.) You will not know which of the 3 Bouncers will judge your entry as they will be using undercover Bouncer names. It is up to the Bouncer if they want to reveal their identity after the contest is over.
But that’s not all, she’s also arranging some one-on-one online meeting times with editors. Now these appointments aren’t free, but they are a heck of a lot cheaper than most conferences (you can bid on them but she’s put a top limit on the dollar amount for each conference). The first set of slots has already gone up for bids and closed, however she says there’ll be others so keep your eyes peeled if this appeals to you!
A new contest (well new-to-me!) site: Writers Digest Guide to Literary Agent’s Blog. Really! They’re having a Dear Lucky Agent contest right now. Here’s what they’re looking for. If this interests you, head over to the site for all the details:
Welcome to the 13th (free!) “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest on the GLA blog. This is a recurring online contest with agent judges and super-cool prizes. Here’s the deal: With every contest, the details are essentially the same, but the niche itself changes—meaning each contest is focused around a specific category or two. So if you’re writing either a science fiction novel (adults or teens) or any kind of young adult novel, this 13th contest is for you! (The contest is live through January 31, 2013.)
I’ve leads on several contests in February, one of which it’s worth while to note now as there’ll be a bunch of prep needed by you AND your critique partner. Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire will be coordinating, with her critique partners, #PAPFest. *** They’ve added a list of agents, be sure to check it out!
In our model, writers will pitch their critique partner’s project, and our team will decide whose pitching abilities are so strong that we’re interested in seeingtheir own project. And of course, if the premise of the partner’s project is so enticing that we can’t help ourselves, we’re free to request material from them as well.
That sounds like a lot of fun and really hard! I look forward to seeing how it turns out.
Plus Operation Awesome has a mystery agent on the first of every month – so be sure to stop by their blog and check out who it is on February 1.
If you know of any contests I’ve missed, be sure to comment below and I’ll add them. Don’t forget to check out my page with popular contest hosting sites, as well as subscribe to my paper.li feed, which has links to industry and agent news. And don’t forget to join/check out CPSeek, it is a GREAT resource! They have a listing up there for a very fun one which’ll run from Feb-March, I’ll be listing soon, but if you want early info, join the site.
1/12 Ready to start up again with Pitch Events? Here we go!
I’m still getting the hang of my weekly schedule now that I’m working two part time jobs (one is as a slush pile reader for an up-and-coming publisher, which I love!). I hope to be back on track with weekly contest postings soon.
So are you ready? Some awesome-sauce stuff coming up like, right now!
Musetracks will be having an Editor Shop with Jennifer Miller of Samhain on January 13 – with the window to submit your pitch on January 12 (have I mentioned I’d adore to be published by Samhain?! 🙂 ). PLUS there’s a LOT of other GREAT stuff going on! REMEMBER TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES. Last time over half the entries were disqualified because they weren’t correct. This month’s event looks to be a blast, too! Here’s a tease:
As an added bonus to our Editor Shop, I’ve invited some Samhain authors to the blog to talk, answer questions and give-a-way some books to anyone who comments!
Comment to win on Jan 12th, 2013!
Miss Snark’s First Victim will be having a Secret Agent Contest on January 14, details are up on her blog with submission windows, etc. Here’s what we know about this month’s agent:
This month’s contest will include the following genres:
Young Adult — all genres
Middle Grade — all genres
Cupid, Cupid, how did I miss you last time?! Good news is the Blind Speed Dating Event, over at Cupid’s Literary Connection is going on over several weeks. There is a $10 entry fee, which in part goes to a charity donation. Given the size of this contest ( 6 weeks & 60 entrants a week – and that’s just to start!) the time commitment is huge on Cupid‘s part. I have to say, this is one of my favorite contests too (although I do wish there were more adult category writers in the bouncers, but it is what it is). Wait, what? You want more info? Here ya go (I’m posting a little longer blurb than usual, but then this is a jumbo sized contest):
The contest consists of two parts: The preliminary round (Bouncer round) and the agent round (Honorary Cupid round). I am accepting a total of 360 entries into the Bouncer round. The Bouncers are all published or soon to be published authors and agent interns. As implied, they’re the Bouncers, and you must receive a “You’re in!” from one of them in the comments of your first-round entry to make it into the agent round. (They can, but are not required to comment more than this.)So, 360 entries is a lot to read. That’s why I have 15 Bouncers lined up. I will accept 60 entries per submission window, so there will be 6 entry windows. Each window gets its own week on the blog (1/14-2/21). Each submission window is assigned 3 Bouncers. They will each read 20 entries and choose their 3 favorites to proceed. (So 9chosen a week, 54 total.) You will not know which of the 3 Bouncers will judge your entry as they will be using undercover Bouncer names. It is up to the Bouncer if they want to reveal their identity after the contest is over.
In late January,the 25, Brenda Drake will be coordinating a twitter pitch event (#pitmad!). Brenda has some of the best contests with some very nice (and helpful!) agents and editors. I expect this will be no different. Be sure to follow her blog and find out all the details as they become available. Her sneak peek from her blog :
TWITTER PITCH PARTY! For those of you who didn’t make it into Pitch Wars and just for everyone, there will be a twitter pitch party on the hashtag #PitMad on January 25 from 8AM to 8PM. We’ll announce more details as the event nears. So get your twitter pitches ready and make sure to include the hashtag in your 140 character count.
I’ve leads on several contests in February, one of which it’s worth while to note now as there’ll be a bunch of prep needed by you AND your critique partner. Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire will be coordinating, with her critique partners, #PAPFest.
In our model, writers will pitch their critique partner’s project, and our team will decide whose pitching abilities are so strong that we’re interested in seeingtheir own project. And of course, if the premise of the partner’s project is so enticing that we can’t help ourselves, we’re free to request material from them as well.
That sounds like a lot of fun and really hard! I look forward to seeing how it turns out.
Plus Operation Awesome has a mystery agent on the first of every month – so be sure to stop by their blog and check out who it is on February 1.
If you know of any contests I’ve missed, be sure to comment below and I’ll add them. Don’t forget to check out my page with popular contest hosting sites, as well as subscribe to my paper.li feed, which has links to industry and agent news. And don’t forget to join/check out CPSeek, it is a GREAT resource!
New Year, New Contests – Starting 1/1/13 w/ #MysteryAgent
I had planned to go through and announce how many contests I had highlighted over the past year for this post, but time (and family commitments) pulled me away, so I’ll be tallying things up some other significant time.
As for January Contests, the new year is starting with some single agent contests and moving to a wonderful twitter pitch contest at the end of the month. The very first one STARTS tomorrow! Ready, set, go!…
Operation Awesome is having their monthly Mystery Agent on TUESDAY, JANUARY 1! Here’s some deets (as always be sure to go to the site for ALL the details!):
Hello, all!!! You may or may not know that tomorrow is our January Mystery Agent Contest. For that reason, I’m here to provide a few details about what our Mystery Agent is and isn’t looking for.So. Here’s what our Mystery Agent wants:Adult & YA fiction-soft science fiction-fantasy-horror-all subgenres of the aforementioned 3 genres-gritty, dark narratives-contemporary YA(lighthearted, funny, and moving with a raw, authentic teen voice)-stories with strong characters, smart-mouthed dialogue, and strong plots that balance romance and action
Musetracks will be having an Editor Shop with Jennifer Miller of Samhain on January 12 (have I mentioned I’d adore to be published by Samhain?! 🙂 ). PLUS there’s a LOT of other GREAT stuff going on! Here’s a sample:
As an added bonus to our Editor Shop, I’ve invited some Samhain authors to the blog to talk, answer questions and give-a-way some books to anyone who comments!
Comment to win on Jan 12th, 2013!
Miss Snark’s First Victim will be having a Secret Agent Contest on January 14, details will be posted on her blog on January 7. All little snippet from her blog (be sure to check there for full details on what the agent is looking for and details on submissions):
Submissions for our first Secret Agent contest of the year will be on the 14th. Guidelines will post on the 7th. Because of the Baker’s Dozen hullabaloo, we haven’t had a Secret Agent contest since October! So I think this will be especially fun.
In late January,the 25, Brenda Drake will be coordinating a twitter pitch event (#pitmad!). Brenda has some of the best contests with some very nice (and helpful!) agents and editors. I expect this will be no different. Be sure to follow her blog and find out all the details as they become available. Her sneak peek (posted on CPSeek, a GREAT resource!) :
We will hold a twitter pitch party following the agent round and alternate showcases for Pitch Wars on January 25 from 8AM EST to 8PM EST. The pitch is 140 characters and you must fit in the hashtag #PitMad. So get those pitches ready!
I’ve leads on several contests in February, one of which it’s worth while to note now as there’ll be a bunch of prep needed by you AND your critique partner. Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire will be coordinating, with her critique partners, #PAPFest.
In our model, writers will pitch their critique partner’s project, and our team will decide whose pitching abilities are so strong that we’re interested in seeingtheir own project. And of course, if the premise of the partner’s project is so enticing that we can’t help ourselves, we’re free to request material from them as well.
That sounds like a lot of fun and really hard! I look forward to seeing how it turns out.
If you know of any contests I’ve missed, be sure to comment below and I’ll add them. Don’t forget to check out my page with popular contest hosting sites, as well as subscribe to my paper.li feed, which has links to industry and agent news. Fingers crossed for everyone who enters a contest in the new year!
So important to Follow GUIDELINES when entering a contest!!
READ THE GUIDELINES FOLKS! This is so sad, less than half of the pitches submitted made it in. 😦
UPDATE:
I’VE HEARD BACK FROM RHONDA AND I’LL BE E-MAILING THE AUTHORS THAT RHONDA MADE REQUESTS FROM THROUGHOUT THE DAY! WE’RE HAVING WEATHER UP IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS, SO IT MAY TAKE ME SOME TIME TO GET EMAILS OUT TO EVERYONE.
SHE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN ELEVEN PITCHES, AND OFFERED TO SEE MORE INFO ON A COUPLE SHE WASN’T CERTAIN WERE ROMANCE.
GOOD JOB EVERYONE!
Good morning everyone and a huge welcome to Rhonda Penders with The Wild Rose Press.
It’s interesting…
I’ll give the stats below, as I usually do, but this time I had a lot of pitches from authors/writers who haven’t been to Agent/Editor Shop before. Many of them didn’t make it in today. It’s too bad too! We didn’t even fill up all the slots because so many of the pitches didn’t follow the rules.
Here’s the thing, and I say this every week. Agent/Editor Shop…
View original post 3,502 more words
12/13 Ask an Agent/Editor #agentink & New Site to find CPs #CPSeek
Two exciting developments! First, today over at Ink in the Book, there’s an ask the agent/editor day going on. (It’s part of Agent Ink, which is still open by the way!). Here’s a bit about it:
I hope you have lots of questions to ask because our agents are standing by to try their best and answer your inquiries! They will be popping in all day to check out your questions and to cheer you fabulous writers on to better writing!
Inquiring minds want to know, right? So now’s your chance.
During the day, I will be updating the blog with awesome AGENT and EDITOR INSIDER news.
But, even more exciting, a bunch of the wonderful mentors from Pitchwars have gotten together to create CPSeek, a forum for people looking to find critique partners, meet other writers and hang out. Fizzygrrl’s description:
This place is for whatever it needs to be for,
If you have a passage you need to have looked at, make a new post for it. But mostly it is for networking and finding any kind of help you might need, as well as making new friends.
So far, nothing is set in stone, so let’s just go with it and have fun!
Seriously cool idea! Hope to see you over there.
12/10 Zombie ‘Pitch’ Party, Editor Shop … Am I missing any?
Ran across this and wanted to share it. This is NOT a pitch opportunity (not sure why that’s in the title), however it’s a nice way to meet other authors, get some feed back, find CPs and keep on track. The ‘hop’ part starts today, 12/10,** NOTE THE DATE HAS CHANGED TO 12/21 –> go to Of A Writerly Sort’s Blog for more information. Here’s a bit more information, be sure to go to the site(s) for full details!
Zombie Apocalyptic Pitch Party
The end of the world is coming! Are you prepared for the zombie apocalypse? No? Well, Julie Upshur and I are offering creating zombie apocalypse teams, ensuring that all of us survive imminent doom. So turn off your Christmas music and grab your AK-47s. We’re heading to the critiquing trenches.
Introducing… ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE CRIT PARTY!
All zombie slayers will get a FREE QUERY CRITIQUE and have the opportunity to win either a 3 chapter critique or a full manuscript critique from the world class zombie slayers Julie or myself. All participants will also get to meet lots of other amazing writers. To enter, just send your query letters to zappcontest(at)gmail(dot)com. The entry window will close at
THE APOCALYPSE TEAMS
The teams will be split by genre. Because there is a mix of MG, YA, and NA, the teams will be just subgenres, so here they are:
TEAM FANTASY/PARANORMAL: #ZAPPTeamFP
TEAM SCI FI: #ZAPPTeamSciFi
TEAM CONTEMPORARY/ROMANCE: #ZAPPTeamConRom;
TEAM MYSTERY/THRILLER/HISTORICAL: #ZAPPTeamMystHist
I realize those groupings are rather broad. If you have a mash-up, say, like my story, which is a Steampunk Fantasy, go with the one you’d consider your main genre (I’d pick Fantasy, personally. Up to you).
I’ve only run across one pitch opportunity coming up over the next week. Over at Muse Tracks, they’re having their Agent/Editor Shop on December 15:
I’m happy to say the awesome Rhonda Penders with The Wild Rose Press will be our first ever guest editor at Editor Shop, and I wish you all the best of luck on pitch day.
December 15th is pitch day, so mark your calendars!
IF you know of a contest I’ve missed, particularly a multi-agent/editor contest!, please leave me a message and I’ll be sure to add it to the list. I really appreciate all the help I get finding the contests and updating the information to keep everything current.
I posted this information a couple of times, and I still think it’s really relevant. Hmmm, maybe I should make a page/sticky and move it to its own special place. Next week, look for that. In the mean time, here is the information again:
Now we all want to think every agent and editor out there is legit and a majority of them are. But there are a few things you’ll want to consider as you enter contests (and NO, I do not mean you shouldn’t enter contests – just go in with eyes wide open 🙂 ) I’m pointing this out now, so *when* you get your offer (and I am saying when, since I’m pulling for you!) you’ll have done your due diligence and checked out the agent/press who has contacted you. One place to start is Sarah LaPolla’s blog post on ‘Shady Business’ where she talks about ‘new’ agents who have no experience as well as new (e)publishers . She has EXCELLENT advice on what to look for (and what to watch out for) as you look for an agent/at new e-pubs. Another blog with excellent advice is Writer Beware Blogs & Guest Blog Post: Mustering the Courage to Turn Down a Publishing Contract. Personally I’d suggest checking things out prior to entering any contests so if there’s a request for more information you can go in eyes wide open and not just respond in a heady rush. To be clear, I’m not saying there have been any publishers which are on any of the ‘beware’ lists, or anything of that nature, in any contest that I am aware of, just that it make sense to not automatically assume a publisher (or agent) is in ‘good standing’ because they are taking part in a contest. (and that was clear as mud, but hopefully you get the point)
12/3 Two big opportunities this week: #PitchWars through 12/5 & #Pitchmas 12/4-6, & more
First, the PitchWars submission window will close at 8 p.m.(note corrected time!) on Wednesday, December 5. If you haven’t entered yet, NOW is the time to do it! Be sure to read through ALL the mentors blogs who are looking for your category. AND follow the hashtag on twitter – lots of chatter and helpful information there! This is just a drop in the bucket of the information you wil need. Be sure to go to Brenda Drake’s blog for ALL the details! :
We’re extremely excited to announce an upcoming event where agented authors, industry interns, and editors team up with aspiring writers to shine up their manuscripts and pitches to present to some awesome agents.
Here’s the deets…
· The teams will consist of 1 agented author or industry intern or editor (coaches) and 1 aspiring author.
· November 26: The coaches (listed on the linky below) will post on their blogs what genre/category they want to coach. They’ll be very specific genres. Aspiring writers will hop around and decide which coaches best fit their manuscripts.
· Between November 26- December 5: Aspiring writers will submit 3 “applications” to their top choices for coaches to the contest email (check site for parameters, formatting, etc!) That means, participants will send three separate emails to the contest email addressing each with one of their three top choices for coach.
AND here are the mentors!:
REMINDER: You can send an application for up to 3 coaches.
Our mentors …
Lots of YA, but some NA and four Adult in there too. A great opportunity to get some feedback on your manuscript AND query and get it in front of an agent. 🙂 .
On December 4-6, Pitchmas, A Holiday Pitchfest (multi agent/editor) will be happening on Jessa Russo and FeakySnucker’s blogs. On December 4th Jessa will be hosting a pitch polishing workshop leading up to the first opportunity to pitch that evening on Tamara (FeakySnucker) Blog. PLUS a list of participating editors and agents is up for anyone who wants to peruse. Important dates, FULL DETAILS ON THE BLOG! (be sure you go there!):
Tuesday 12/4: 4am-9pm PST
PITCH-HONING WORKSHOP (Jessa’s Blog)
.
Tuesday 12/4: 11pm-2am EST
First PITCH SUBMISSION WINDOW (Tamara’s Blog)
.
Wednesday 12/5: 10AM EST-11AM EST
Second PITCH SUBMISSION WINDOW (Tamara’s Blog)
Comments on Tamara’s contest post will be open again, and she will take an additional 25 pitches only.
.
Wednesday 12/5: 11:30am-9:30pm EST
BLOG PITCH CONTEST (Tamara’s Blog)
.
Thursday 12/6: All day!
TWITTER PITCH PARTY!
{140 Characters or Less – obviously}
You may not pitch more than twice per hour. Please respect your fellow pitch fest contestants buy obeying this rule. It is unfair to clog the feed with your manuscript every two seconds.
We will notify you throughout the day if we see an agent or editor is lurking, so make sure you follow both Tamara and Jessa on Twitter.
***Follow along with the hashtag: #PitchMAS***
*You may only pitch completed and polished manuscripts.
*You may pitch more than one manuscript, but each pitch must be its own comment, or its own tweet. (Read: Do NOT pitch multiple manuscripts in ONE comment or ONE tweet.)
Over at Muse Tracks, they’re having their Agent/Editor Shop on December 15:
I’m happy to say the awesome Rhonda Penders with The Wild Rose Press will be our first ever guest editor at Editor Shop, and I wish you all the best of luck on pitch day.
December 15th is pitch day, so mark your calendars!
Now we all want to think every agent and editor out there is legit and a majority of them are. But there are a few things you’ll want to consider as you enter contests (and NO, I do not mean you shouldn’t enter contests – just go in with eyes wide open 🙂 ) I’m pointing this out now, so *when* you get your offer (and I am saying when, since I’m pulling for you!) you’ll have done your due diligence and checked out the agent/press who has contacted you. One place to start is Sarah LaPolla’s blog post on ‘Shady Business’ where she talks about ‘new’ agents who have no experience as well as new (e)publishers . She has EXCELLENT advice on what to look for (and what to watch out for) as you look for an agent/at new e-pubs. Another blog with excellent advice is Writer Beware Blogs & Guest Blog Post: Mustering the Courage to Turn Down a Publishing Contract. Personally I’d suggest checking things out prior to entering any contests so if there’s a request for more information you can go in eyes wide open and not just respond in a heady rush. To be clear, I’m not saying there have been any publishers which are on any of the ‘beware’ lists, or anything of that nature, in any contest that I am aware of, just that it make sense to not automatically assume a publisher (or agent) is in ‘good standing’ because they are taking part in a contest. (and that was clear as mud, but hopefully you get the point)
Getting Ready for #pitchwars on Monday, 11/26, Plus #pitchmas Coming Up
Okay, there’s been a lot of twitter chatter on this next contest, so I’m including a bit more detail than usual. However, you’ll still need to follow the links for the full details.
On Monday, 11/26 Brenda Drake and a team of authors will be hosting PitchWars.
We’re extremely excited to announce an upcoming event where agented authors, industry interns, and editors team up with aspiring writers to shine up their manuscripts and pitches to present to some awesome agents.
Here’s the deets…
· The teams will consist of 1 agented author or industry intern or editor (coaches) and 1 aspiring author.
· November 26: The coaches (listed on the linky below) will post on their blogs what genre/category they want to coach. They’ll be very specific genres. Aspiring writers will hop around and decide which coaches best fit their manuscripts.
· Between November 26- December 5: Aspiring writers will submit 3 “applications” to their top choices for coaches to the contest email (check site for parameters, formatting, etc!) That means, participants will send three separate emails to the contest email addressing each with one of their three top choices for coach.
AND here are the mentors!:
REMINDER: You can send an application for up to 3 coaches.
Our mentors …
Linky Widget expiration: 8 days ago.
Lots of YA, but some NA and four Adult in there too. A great opportunity to get some feedback on your manuscript AND query and get it in front of an agent. 🙂 .
On December 4-6, Pitchmas, A Holiday Pitchfest (multi agent/editor) will be happening on Jessa Russo and FeakySnucker’s blogs. On December 4th Jessa will be hosting a pitch polishing workshop leading up to the first opportunity to pitch that evening on Tamara (FeakySnucker) Blog. PLUS a list of participating editors and agents is up for anyone who wants to peruse:
This will be a three-day event (you will not have to participate in all three days if you don’t want to) where your peers will first help you hone your Twitter/Blog pitches and then you will have the chance to pitch your manuscript to your dream editor or literary agent!!!
*All manuscripts must be completed and polished.
With NaNoWriMo winding down I expect there may be a spate of other contests in mid-December, before the holiday lull. In the mean time, if you missed them last week, a bunch of sites have been posting some great writing advice:
Red Sofa Literary Agency, in honor of NaNoWriMo is posting writing and submission advice every day! Day #13 – Best time to Query is good, as is Day #10 – Revise, Revise and Revise again. Heck all of them are good, go and take a look.
Lit Reactor had a good post recently about Eight Words to Seek and Destroy in your Manuscript. They always have interesting and informative articles as well – from editorials on the Sock Puppet incidents at Amazon (and Amazon’s reaction) to grammar tips to a discussion titled “Should Some Books Be Banned?” Not a bad place to check out or subscribe to the ‘feed’ for. (They also have classes and seminars, however I have no experience with them and cannot personally recommend them, so do your due diligence and ask around, read reviews, etc, before signing up)
Rachelle Gardner is on a roll with posts on What Does Your Online Activity Say About You?, ‘The Best Blogging Tip Ever’ and Writing a One Sentence Summary.
Finally one several of my friends (an myself as well!) can relate to: Writer Beware Blogs Guest Blog Post: Mustering the Courage to Turn Down a Publishing Contract. While the hosts of all these contests I link to do their best to provide clear and unfettered access to publishers and agents, you still need to do your due diligence and check out each one. I’d suggest you do it prior to entering so if there’s a request for more information you can go in eyes wide open and not just in a heady rush. To be clear, I’m not saying there have been any publishers which are on any of the ‘beware’ lists, or anything of that nature, in any contest that I am aware of, just that it make sense to not automatically assume a publisher (or agent) is in ‘good standing’ because they are taking part in a contest. (and that was clear as mud, but hopefully you get the point)
JUST ran across this and had to add it too! Sarah LaPolla’s blog post on ‘Shady Business’ ties in well with the above post. She talks about ‘new’ agents who have no experience as well as new (e)publishers and has EXCELLENT advice on what to look for (and what to watch out for).
Happy reading, and to those people participating in NaNoWriMo, go, go go! Fingers crossed you make your goal.
(Making a note to myself, if I ever organize a pitch contest, I might want to run it the last week of November. People should be over their exhaustion from the explosion of Fall contests. Maybe a ‘black friday’ one. Liking this idea! Something to mull over for next year).
Ellie Writes 2 