It's that time again! Time for another secret agent contest. Pay close attention because the rules have changed slightly and can be found here.
For this contest I will only be accepting submissions for kid lit. That means any genre of Young adult, Mid-grade, and Chapter books.
The contest is open from NOW! until either I get 25 entries or until Monday at 0800 EST. Results will be given no later than August 1.
While this contest is only open to those with a finished manuscript, anyone who wishes to offer critiques on the query and/or first 250 words may and would be strongly appreciated.
Before I get into the winners I'd like to introduce my SA for the month of May. Ms. Natalie Fischer of the Sandra Dijkstra agency (ie my agent as I'm sure some of you have already guessed). She is truly an "awesome agent" as one of my agency sisters has dubbed her and I'm so glad that she helped make my first Secret Agent contest a success. Thank you, Natalie!
NATALIE M. FISCHER is a Literary Agent and Assistant at the Dijkstra Agency. She is in charge of managing permission requests and foreign tax, among other things. An honors graduate of the University of San Diego, California, Natalie holds a BA in Literature/Writing. She started as an intern at the Agency in 2007, after which time she left to write author profiles and book reviews for the San Diego Union Tribune. Finding that journalism was not for her, she returned to work full-time at the Dijkstra Agency in April 2009.
Natalie is actively seeking new clients, and is especially interested in talented, hard-working new authors with a fresh, unique voice and hook. Her specialty is commercial fiction, with an emphasis in children’s literature (from picture book-YA/Teen), romance (contemporary and historical), historical fiction, multi-cultural fiction, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy in YA or romance only, fairy-tale/legend spin-offs, and “beautiful dark” novels. She will also consider select memoir (has to be really unique) and that amazing project she never even knew she was looking for! She is always drawn to an open and positive attitude in an author, good grammar, and fantastical, engaging and sexy plots.
Natalie is not interested in thrillers, "boy" books, ABC books, bug books, spiritual guides/novels, and books geared toward the Christian market. (BIO and picture courtesy of her agency's website.)
Before I announce the winners, I'd like to post the interview that she was so gracious to do with me, just so we can get a better feeling for this "awesome agent."
JS: How did you become an agent?
NF: By writing and interning. By writing, I learned what the heck an agent was, and by interning at the agency for two years and doing first reads and edits for romance agent Kevan Lyon (now of Marsal Lyon Literary), I learned exactly what an agent does. After starting a position here at the Dijkstra Agency in 2009 and getting the green light in September to start building my own list, I was an agent!
JS: Tell us about a recent project you’ve sold. (You can skip this one if you don’t feel comfortable talking about it.)
NF: Most recent project was a lovely, lovely picture book, called RED IS A CHILI PEPPER (title pending). It’s quite an inspiring story, actually, how this one came about. The manuscript was sent in to the editor last SEPTEMBER, and, only last MARCH did she have time to really read and decide she loved it! It can take quite a while for things to happen in this business (especially in children’s literature), so don’t give up!
JS: Are there any books coming out now that have you excited?
NF: Oy, I just want to catch up with my already-purchased reading before I even think about this question. I have a two-foot pile next to my desk of MUST reads, and a bookshelf of unread books to read…eventually.
JS: What are you looking for right now when tackling the slush pile?
NF: RIGHT NOW at this moment, I’m looking for well-written, steamy romances (I’d love to find a time-travel romance, or a GOOD Regency or Victorian, or something like Jude Deveraux’s TEMPTATION) and REALLY unique fantasy/sci-fi YA. As in, not just a spin off, but in a whole class of its own. Also, well-written, well-plotted historical fiction.
JS: What are you sick of seeing in queries that come across your desk?
NF: Vampire novels, adult chick lit, “this is exclusive” even though we’re a no response if not interested agency, rhetorical questions, typos, a FANTASTIC premise that isn’t well-executed, pictures, abuse memoirs, and really, anything that makes me go “ick.”
JS: Name three things that make you stop reading every time they crop up in a submission.
NF:
1.Word count 100,000 or over
2.Present tense (this is SO hard to do in my opinion)
3.Whiney, bratty, snotty, or rude characters (snarky is ok)
JS: How do you know when you’ve got “the one” sitting in front of you?
NF: If I’ve read it and I want to write back to the author at one o’clock in the morning OMG but have to restrain myself to remain professional.
JS: Will you be at any upcoming writers’ conferences where writers can meet and pitch you?
NF: The next event I have scheduled is a panel at the Ventura Book Festival in July, and after that I’ll be at the Society of Southwestern Authors’ Conference in AZ. Staying pretty local for a while.
JS: Do you have any advice on how writers can maximize their success in this changing industry?
NF: Keep reading. The best way to soak in what you want to write is to read it, see what’s out there and what’s working. Stay tuned to discussions on Twitter, blogs, etc. And keep on persevering.
JS: What is something about you writers would be surprised to hear?
NF: I’m pretty “superstitious,” you might say. Any time I pass a patch of clovers I look for a four-leafed one (my five-leaf clover is taped to my computer). I believe in gut “feelings” and intuition, like to consult the online magic-eight ball on occasion (though, so far, it hasn’t really been all that reliable), and am a through-and-through Cancer. I also keep thinking of these fantastic ideas for novels that I’m never going to write. L
I’d also like to add that I’m pretty approachable. I know most agents and editors scare the bejeebes out of writers, but really, we’re just over-caffeinated book nerds like you. I hate getting calls about submissions, but emailed questions I’m always happy to answer.
And I’m obsessed with SUPERNATURAL. And cats.
JS: Best piece(s) of advice we haven’t talked about yet?
NF: One of my favorite quotes comes from Lady Gaga, speaking to her younger self: “Don’t give up bitch; you’ve got a long way to go.”
JS: How hands-on are you in terms of editing? How much input do you expect to have with your clients’ work?
NF: I’m pretty well known as a hands-on agent. I expect any client I sign to be open to suggestion, and I always discuss this upfront. I don’t expect to re-write a book, and I also expect to have to back off if the writer absolutely feels that what I’m suggesting is not best for their work. I really enjoy a collaborative working relationship.
JS: Best way for writers to submit to you?
NF: Hard copy, unless requested, then by email. Submission guidelines are available at www.dijkstraagency.com
Bonus Question: What is your favorite way to relax on a warm summer’s eve?
NF: Drink wine and play Pictionary with a small group of good friends.
And now the news you've all been patiently waiting for: the winners of my first Secret Agent Contest.
Dear Secret Agent contestants,
Thank you for entering! I had such a hard time judging; there were SO many
close calls on this one. I literally sat on my bed for hours with the
submissions spread before me, biting my nails to get it perfect!
Congratulations to the honorable mentions:
#10 - Perfection - what gave me pause on this was the word count, and that
Ellyssa is perfect.
#9 - The Other Life - This was great; I just wasn't convinced there was much
of a hook past the post-apocalyptic setting
#8 - Everything That Matters - Although I really liked the premise, the
mistakes in the query and sample writing gave me pause. The author doesn't
know if it's romance or women's fic, para two sent one needs a semi-colon,
and an extra "a" in the second para of writing.
#7 - Pretty Girls Make Graves - The author has a great voice, but the query
confused me a bit. Is she literally haunted? Is it a serial-killer mystery
or a paranormal? Both? It's a little short as well.
#6 - Confessions of the World's Oldest Shotgun Bride - This was, again,
great, but it's very short, and relies very heavily on the cougar hook.
#5 - Secrets Revealed - What a wonderful, unique premise. I was incredibly
intrigued -- and at the same time, incredibly confused. It was well-written,
but I just wasn't sure what to make of it!
#4 - Preyers - This was ALMOST in my top 3, but the word count made me know
that it needed cutting without even reading more!
And...drum roll please!
#3 - Lure - winner of a 25 page critique!
#2 - Tempest - winner of a 50 page critique!
#1 - Fated Mishaps - winner of a full ms critique!
Jessica, thank you so much for having me guest judge; congratulations to all
winners!
The SA has determined the winners, but has asked for a few more days to offer a sentence or two explanation for the top ten as some of them were VERY close and hard to chose between. Please watch for the post soon. :D I'm just as anxious to see who the winners are as you. Good luck! And just a reminder, I am open to query critiques. Official rules can be found here.
For the semi-finalists, if you've changed your query letter and/or first 250 and would like me to post a revised version for SA feel free to email me at secretagentcontest (@) gmail (.) com.
Now as for my ongoing query letter critiques. I'll be starting that this Monday.
Here are the Temporary rules (I will post a page with the OFFICIAL RULES by Monday):
1) FICTION QUERIES ONLY. If you send me non-fiction/memoir I will not post or comment on your query.
2) make sure you include:
a. word count
b. title
c. genre
3) NO ATTACHMENTS! I will only accept entries that are pasted in the body of the email.
4) By emailing your submission to me, you are giving implicit permission to have your work posted and publicly critiqued. While I'll be honest, I will not be harsh or cruel. My goal is to give you advice you can use and learn from.
Policy on comments
Comments are moderated.
Comments that are overly harsh or not beneficial in any way, will NOT be posted.
Comments that disagree with my opinion are usually posted, unless they are overly harsh or unbeneficial.
Well, the day has arrived! Are we excited?! :D Please carefully read the submission guidelines. I will only take the first fifty (50) entries. Keep an eye on this post where I will let you know how many entries I currently have. The contest is open from NOW! until either I get 50 entries or until Tuesday at 0800 EST.
While this contest is only open to those with a finished manuscript, anyone who wishes to offer critiques on the query and/or first 250 words may and would be strongly appreciated.
PRIZES:
First place: Critique and consideration of Full Manuscript
Second Place: Critique of the first 50 pages
Third Place: Critique of the first 25 pages
Recap of the rules:
All excerpts submitted to the Secret Agent contest must be a query letter (no more than a page long) and the first 250 words of your COMPLETED manuscript.(VERY IMPORTANT! The manuscript MUST be completed.)
Your submission must include your screen name and the title, genre, and word count of your novel.
By emailing your submission to me, you are giving implicit permission to have your work posted and publicly critiqued.
No submissions will be accepted prior to the opening of the contest. The maximum number of entries per contest is 50 submissions.
Winners of previous contests may not submit the same manuscript in future contests.
All contest entrants are required to critique a minimum of five other entries.
No attachments are accepted. Your query and 250 submission must be pasted into the body of your email
Last minute details:
Use this address for your entries: secretagentcontest@gmail.com
Make the subject of your email Secret Agent Contest
NO ATTACHMENTS!!! Paste your query and first 250 in the body of the email only. If I get an attachment you will not be entered into the contest.
You will receive a confirmation email. (It may not be right away, but if you've made it into the first 50, you will get an email stating I received it and what number you were.)
I will not make changes to your query or first 250 after you've sent it, so please make sure it's the best it can be before you send it.
Address the agent as Secret agent.
Put your query first, separate using the stars (***) and then place your first 250.
I think I've covered anything, but feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments ONLY. Do NOT send me an email. If you absolutely have a question that you feel you can't ask in a public forum, make sure to make the subject of your email QUESTION in ALL CAPS. Thanks.
Okay, so I talked last week about your queries. Today I’m taking just a moment—as I’m in a crunch with MI at the moment (Some edits that I need to get to my agent pronto!)—to talk about those all important first 250 words, which is approximately 1 page of writing.
As in all things, there are no specific rules, but you need to grab the readers attention. You don’t want the reader (whomever it may be) to look at the first sentence and go “BORING! Why would I read more?”
Remember, you want your first sentence to really hook them. Think about what you did for your query letter.
Use your first sentence to hook them, then use the rest of the paragraph to reel them in, and use the rest of the first page to anchor them to that book.
Here’s a few things to consider while you’re writing that all important first line. (People who’ve read my blog from the beginning will recognize this from another earlier post.)
1. Sentence Style. Basically what this means is that the sentence must be concise. This doesn't mean it can't be long, but it needs to make sense. It definitely needs to be structured correctly so that the reader doesn't feel as if it's a mouthful. 2. It should make the reader ask a question. Basically this part is your hook. This doesn't necessarily need to be in the very first sentence, but if not it needs to be in the first paragraph. Give your reader a reason to keep reading. Let it be a hint of what's to come and set the tone for the book. If it's a comedy, open with something funny. If it's a horror, something scary, etc. 3. It needs to be relevant. Since this line sets the tone for the rest of the book, don't just add in something that sounds interesting or funny, but has nothing to do with the story. It'll only cause your readers to stop reading that much faster. Readers are smart, they'll figure it out. 4. It needs to allow for setup. You shouldn't toss your readers in the middle of a scene where no one knows what's going on. It's distracting, chaotic, and of course another reason not to keep going. People don't like feeling confused. They want to feel like they've got a good handle on something before they continue.
There are people who say not to start off with dialogue. Or description, but as in all thing writerly, you have to follow your instinct. If dialogue fits better. USE IT! If it needs to start with description. Do it! But make sure it’s EXCITING!
It’s your hook. If it doesn’t make the reader go. “Oh my! I have to keep reading now!” Then it’s not enough. Try something else.
What’s just as important as that first line? The last one. In this case it would be the last line before you end at 250 words. Make sure to end on another hook.
If you can make the agent go, okay, I liked the query, but I LOVE this page and I have to know what happens next, then you’re golden!
So, you have a few days now to make your queries and first 250 shine, so get to it. I’ll see you back here on the first!
Welcome back! This is #3 in my query “workshop.” As always, remember what worked for me, may not work for you as all agents are different and want different things. ALWAYS read the agents/editors guidelines for their recommendations. Today we’re going to focus on the ms details section and personalizing your letter.
When I’m talking about the details, this is the nitty gritty section that lets the agent/editor know how long, what genre, and who your target audience for your book is. I try to spice up this section a little so it’s not boring. We still want to keep the readers attention here.
Also, you want to make sure your title is in all caps.
Here’s an example of the one I used for Mirror Image:
MIRROR IMAGE is a science fiction romantic young adult novel, complete at 83,000 words. With a mix of Alice In Wonderland, The Phantom of the Opera, and Romeo & Juliet, this is a story of love that knows no bounds. Time, space, even the very fabric of reality cannot stop it.
Now there is some speculation on whether or not you should actually say the work is a mix of blah and blah, but it worked well for me. It has been said that it’s better to say that the book will appeal to readers of blah and blah instead. I’ll leave that up to you.
As I look as this, I realize I’ve come close to doing one of the no no’s in the industry. You NEVER want to refer to your book as a “fiction novel.” It’s redundant. If it’s fiction, then yes it’s a novel. If I were still querying, I would try to reword that first sentence to make it better, but as they say, “hindsight is twenty-twenty.”
Now onto personalization. If at all possible, thoroughly research the agents you want to submit to, then, and only then, submit to them. With the research you’ve obtained you want to add one or two sentences to your query so they know you’ve done your research.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find enough information on my agent (at the time) to really personalize it, but here’s an example of something you could do.
Since you represent such and such author’s book, TITLE HERE, which is similar to mine, for these reasons (list 1 or 2 reasons), I hope you’ll agree my book is a good fit for your list.
There are, of course, other ways to do it. For instance, reading their guidelines and mentioning that since they are looking for such and such book, you think that YOUR BOOK would be a good fit.
Or you read in such and such interview that they were looking for, or they said something.
The potential here is limitless and, if you do your research, this should be the easiest part of the query.
Tomorrow, will be on your bio and the closing of the letter. Until then, Ciao!
Hello and welcome back for another installment on my query letter writing “workshop.” Please remember that all agents are different and what works for me, may not work for you!
So, now onto the next part of your letter. They synopsis. So you’ve drawn in the agent with your hook and they want to keep reading and find out what’s going on with your book.
This is the most difficult part of the letter for me. Because you want to give the agent enough to realize what the plot is, but not so much you give it all away. Basically, you want to have a back of the book blurb here. You also want to end this on a hook. And in this particular synopsis you don’t want to give the ending away. Make it sweet and simple, yet fascinating.
Grab the agent’s attention and make them want to read the pages you’ve included or make them want to request them if they only have the query.
However, avoid using rhetorical questions. Agents tend to frown on it.
Most people say the synopsis should be no more than a paragraph, but it’s probably okay to have two if you absolutely need it. Try for one though, if you can. Remember there’s still more you need to include in letter besides the book stuff, and you only get a page to do it.
Here’s an example of the synopsis I used for Mirror Image:
After coming home from the hospital, Jackson starts showing up in reflective surfaces — mirrors, puddles, windows, you name it. Lily, fearing others will think she’s crazy, keeps the visions to herself. After all, they’ll just go away if she ignores them, right? Not if Jackson has anything to say about it. And it isn’t long before he convinces her he’s real. The more time she spends staring into her mirror, the more she realizes she’s falling in love with a boy her family and friends insist is nothing more than shadows in her mirror and the hallucinations of her healing head injury.
As you can see that even though my story is written in first person, past tense, the synopsis needs to be in third person, present tense. Always. I can’t think of any exception to that rule.
Also, note there’s a lot of my character’s voice in this. Lily is funny and a smart alec, but she has a romantic side, too. Not to mention a bit of stubbornness. If I’ve done this part right, you can see all this.
This is what you strive for. You want to SHOW the agent what your book is about. If it’s a comedy don’t just say it’s funny. Show that in your letter.
Okay, tomorrow, the details about your manuscript and personalization.
As promised here’s day one of my Query letter writing “workshop” for my secret agent contest. Since it’s the beginning, I figured it was only fitting to talk about beginnings.
Keep in mind there is no secret formula to writing queries, all my knowledge comes from my own writing and what I found worked for me. Each agent is different, and each agent will want different things.
Also, keep in mind that while you want to catch the agent’s attention, you don’t want to be gimmicky. Avoid using colored paper, glitter, or sending cookies or anything else with the letter. It should be just as professional as if you were writing a cover letter for a job interview.
Margins should be 1” wide all around and the letter should be no longer than one page, single-spaced. Don’t forget to include your contact information somewhere in your letter. Usually below your signature.
In normal circumstances, it’s important to do some research before submitting, don’t just carbon copy everyone in the writing business. Personalize each query to each individual agent and send each query separately.
Now onto the first paragraph. Some like to say why they’re querying right here, but I don’t agree. The top of the letter is valuable real estate! You want to make it as eye catching as possible. And most agents know why you're querying them. You want them to offer representation!
So, I suggest opening your book with your hook.
Since the query for Mirror Image is what eventually got me my agent (along with the manuscript pages) I’ll use that as an example:
“You'd think imagining a handsome stranger in your rearview mirror, crashing through a guardrail, careening into murky waters, and then being rescued by the same imaginary boy--who gives his name as Jackson--would be bad enough. But for seventeen-year-old LILY BAKER, that’s just the start of her problems.”
As you can see, I only give a little bit of information here, but it’s enough to capture said agent’s attention and hopefully make him/her keep reading.
That’s the goal here folks, is to make the reader (whomever it may be) to keep reading.
Here’s another example of a hook. This is one from my new WIP.
"For EMILY BRIAR the rules are simple: life is short, death is never-ending and absolute, and second chances are almost never given. But when teenagers start walking around without their souls, that’s all about to change."
Do you see something interesting about the names? Names in the synopsis and query are in all caps the first time they are mentioned, as is the title of the MS.
Also, it’s important that you double, even triple check your query for spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors. Even have another person read it to make sure it’s perfect. Nothing turns people off like errors in your query and it’s a good way to get an auto-reject.
Tomorrow we’ll talk about the synopsis of the query.
There will be a call for submissions. When the call comes, follow the guidelines carefully and submit before the deadline. All submissions will then be posted (anonymously) on the blog, and all readers are invited to leave critiques/feedback. Everyone who has entered the contest is expected to crit a minimum of five entries (and I'm not talking about "Oh this is good, I really like it." The biggest point of this contest is for the critiques. Get as detailed with them as possible. If it's good and you can't see a way to make it better, don't comment. Just go onto another that you can help with. However, IF you really like it, write a comment telling me you'd like to see this query + first 250 move onto the next round).
Our Secret Agent may or may not join the panel of critters (that is, you) and leave feedback for entries (through me). Then I will narrow down the list to the best twenty-five entries(using a number of factors, including your "votes"). When the contest has ended, the Secret Agent will choose a winner.
That's it in a nutshell!
Here are the basic guidelines for each Secret Agent contest:
All excerpts submitted to the Secret Agent contest must be a query letter (no more than a page long) and the first 250 words of your COMPLETED manuscript.(VERY IMPORTANT! The manuscript MUST be completed.)
Your submission must include your screen name and the title, genre, and word count of your novel.
By emailing your submission to me, you are giving implicit permission to have your work posted and publicly critiqued.
No submissions will be accepted prior to the opening of the contest. The maximum number of entries per contest is 25 submissions.
Winners of previous contests may not submit the same manuscript in future contests.
All contest entrants are required to critique a minimum of five other entries.
NO ATTACHMENTS are accepted. Your query and 250 submission must be pasted into the body of your email
Make the subject of your email Secret Agent Contest
You will receive a confirmation email. (It may not be right away, but if you've made it into the first 25, you will get an email stating I received it and what number you were.)
I will not make changes to your query or first 250 after you've sent it, so please make sure it's the best it can be before you send it.
Address the agent as Secret agent.
Put your query first, separate using the stars (***) and then place your first 250.
Starting May 1st I'll be having you. Yes you! Submit to me your query letters to a very special guest! SECRET AGENT! From tomorrow on, I'll be talking about this contest and tips to make those query letters extra great!
I'll post the rules and everything tomorrow, but the grand prize is a...(drum roll please)...FULL REQUEST by the awesome SECRET AGENT!
