I would just like to say THANK YOU for the opportunity to participate in such an awesome contest AND I'd like to give a shout out to my new Twittah pal who wrote entry #8. It's really well written, clever and leaves me wanting more. RAH RAH!
I can't wait to read the rest of the entries and good luck to my fellow participants!
I gotta echo AG's comment above with tremendous thanks to Cupid for putting this on. If nothing else, I've already met some fantastic writers and found out about some intriguing stories that I KNOW will one day be gracing my bookshelf (#15 and #31, I'm looking at you!). I can't wait to read more!!!
Can't wait to see all the good things that come from this for all the writers! Going to spend my lunch hour catching up--and a tip for all the other participants: you can subscribe to follow up comments on your post so you don't miss any agent requests or encouragement. Another way for us to drive ourselves crazy with refreshing email constantly!
If you're on twitter but not following @CupidsLC, you should be! Updates on requests tweeted as they happen! And don't do what I did in my first couple of tweets and forget the #AgentTTT hashtag.
By not allowing people to comment you are depriving everyone of what could be an invaluable learning experience. A wide variety of crits and comments is what makes for strong and stronger writing. I think you have really missed the boat on this. Also, in future maybe you should consider a lottery type entry so we get a real mixture of styles and genres. By filtering entries through a group of readers that really is a barrier that should not be present. You should go check out Miss Snark's blog as she really knows how to do it in that regard. By forbidding comments you are basically making sure that 90% of every entry up here is going to walk away with a big fat 0 despite having tremendous exposure. How is that going to help anyone get a sense of where their writing is? Every entry up here could probably count on 20 or more comments that would be helpful. But, you have taken away that opportunity from them. Really silly IMHO
The entries are here for exposure to agents only. This contest is not about critique. There are already a whole bunch of great sites that focus on that. Such as MSFV, as you stated.
And everyone who entered this contest made it through, so a lottery was not needed. There just happens to be mostly YA writers out there lurking around.
And the agents have asked for the entries to be pre-screened. I know judging writing is very subjective, which is why I change judges every time.
I have not forced anyone to be a part of this blog/contest and they enter at their own risk. I do try very hard to make it fun and a learning experience for everyone, so that they do leave with something.
As I said in my post. Most of what I learned came from READING other entries and seeing which were successful. Not merely critiques. Again, there are already fabulous sites for writers to achieve that.
When they come here, that should all be done already.
If you think it's silly, I'm sorry. I can't please everyone. Maybe you could start your own blog?
@Frankie, those of us who signed up were aware that this is an agent invasion contest, not a critique forum. Thanks, Cupid, for this wonderful opportunity!
@Frankie, In addition to legitimate kudos for an entry, comments sometimes are made by friends of the contestant. Too much rah rah for the "rah-ng" reasons...IMO.
Since anyone is able to comment, it could turn into a 'popularity contest' instead of stating an objective critique by a fellow writer.
Regarding the way Cupid is running the contest, it is Cupid's contest, not Miss Snark's or anyone else's. You obviously haven't a clue about the blood, sweat, and tears involved in the complexity of a contest of this magnitude and I applaud Cupid for his/her efforts and dedication.
If you are unhappy with the rules, simply walk away. No one is twisting your arm to participate. To criticize this opportunity for many would-be enthusiastic entrants is just plain ol' bad juju.
I have to disagree with you, Frankie. People CAN comment about entries. They just have to do it on the shout out page or on the author's blog - and make it positive if it's on the shout out page. There are a lot of contests that include the option of critique already. I've been part of them. I knew this contest wasn't one of those and I love it for what it is. Now that I've already gotten the feedback I love the opportunity to present myself to agents. It's the agents' turn to comment and that's just fine with me.
I knew what I was signing up for, so I don't feel I've been cheated out of comments. And in any case, in regards to @Frankie's comment "By forbidding comments you are basically making sure that 90% of every entry up here is going to walk away with a big fat 0", isn't that what we risk every time we query? Especially with so many agents and authors turning to a "no response means no" policy these days.
And I think Cupid is giving agent's a chance at a dream: an inbox where the queries have been vetted, thereby saving them a huge chunk of time (even if they don't find anything quite to their taste).
I like your style, Cupid. ;) You've made things very clear, and it's nice to not wade through the comments (though they are extremely helpful !!) to see what agents are requesting!
While I was frustrated by the first speed dating, I know it's tough to put this kind of thing together and give Cupid a lot of credit. I also really appreciate being selected this time around as a victim. I agree with Angelica and Vivi that this isn't a critique contest; it's a chance to connect with an agent. The anonymity and keeping the comments separate is just a way to avoid swaying the agents.
That being said, does identifying your entry in this thread violate the integrity of the contest?
oops! well if that is the case, then cupid should delete my above comment. it was obviously not my intention to sway any agents or violate the integrity of the contest by thanking someone for liking my entry. i'll just plead ignorance at being new to this and being way too excited. i also assumed since this was in a separate feed that it was okay, but we all know that assuming isn't a good idea. i apologize if i've offended anyone.
Thank you Cupid for all the work that you put into these contests!! It amazes me that you do this for no monetary benefit and really just to make a fun place for writer's to learn :)
Well, in that case...I'm #4 :) Hard for a medical thriller to stand out among apocalypses and trans-cultural/trans-species romances, but I'm glad to have the opportunity to compete.
Thanks, Cupid. Really excited for this opportunity. Been reading the other entries. So far my favorite is #46 but I haven't made it all the way through yet. I'm #18.
Just wanted to say good luck to everyone participating! There are SO many good stories here, I can't wait to read them some day! I think my personal favorites are #s 45, 42, 39, 36, 31, 22, 17, 16, 11, and 8. Suffice it to say, I'm glad I'm not an agent!
#39 sounds incredible! If it's any consolation, I understood the significance of not being miked and the whole soundtrack thing, but I also majored in film for a while. It's only a matter of time for this one!
Just want to let #42 know that my 12 year old boy wants nothing to do with girls. He does not like them in THAT way. Which is fine by me. It is nice to see a book where a boy that age is not mooning over girls just yet. I would like to also mention that perhaps your book needs to be shorter for middle grade. When we started a book, we got upwards of 76,000 and got no responses from agents. When we cut back to 37,000 we started getting actual polite no responses back, so I am thinking such a large book for MG out of the gate might be considered a little big. The second half of our book is now going to be a second book. Good luck.
#42 here! Thank you, Jennifer. Great real life input and advice! Two agents already have the partial so I've been waiting it out before diving into more revisions/cuts, but I'll definitely add this to my notes. It's so good to hear your 12 yr old is this way. I don't mention it in the query but Orion has more than just the physical cross country journey. He gets stuck traveling with a girl and by the end his feelings toward girls (mainly THIS girl) changes big time. There's a lot of adventure and danger but it's also a coming of age/first love story. I played with adding that to the query but it never felt right. Thanks again for taking the time to read and offer feedback! I really appreciate it.
My submission got rejected, and I totally know why. These are fantastic! I can't believe how many requests there are. I am so excited for all of you. Good luck!
In regards to #42, I don't think all 12 year old boys are into girls at that age. It seems to be pretty mixed. My oldest son was, but most of his friends were more into video games. My second son is still not into girls like that, and he'll be 12 in a few months. I would say most 12 year old GIRLS are into boys, but not necessarily the reverse. Besides, why should your MC be typical? I loved your opening, and I love that you're planning to show his feelings toward girls grow and mature. ;)
Thank you so much! That's exactly what I was thinking when I decided to start the book this way and show Orion's feelings toward girls as part of his growth. I'm thrilled you love the opening. Thanks again for taking the time to read and respond. It's greatly appreciated!
Just curious since I keep seeing her comments, but does anyone know who Pam (pam.vhv@gmail) is? Clicking the name took me to the Larsen Pomoda Agency, but I didn't see her name listed. Thanks!
Pam's fabulous. She's an Assistant Agent to Laurie McLean at the moment, and so not taking direct queries (but rather, only those addressed to Laurie, if that makes sense).
What an incredible idea, Cupid! Not only does it expose new writers to wonderful agents, but it also gives the rest of us a pretty clear veiw of what draws attention and what turns agents off. Number 16 was my favorite. Good luck to you all!
I would just like to say THANK YOU for the opportunity to participate in such an awesome contest AND I'd like to give a shout out to my new Twittah pal who wrote entry #8. It's really well written, clever and leaves me wanting more. RAH RAH!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read the rest of the entries and good luck to my fellow participants!
I gotta echo AG's comment above with tremendous thanks to Cupid for putting this on. If nothing else, I've already met some fantastic writers and found out about some intriguing stories that I KNOW will one day be gracing my bookshelf (#15 and #31, I'm looking at you!). I can't wait to read more!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I feel the same way about yours! #31
DeleteBest of luck to all entrants! Since I'm not into basketball, this is my sporting event to watch...
ReplyDeleteDitto on #31! I really like the dark flavor, and I think it's going to be an interesting journey of redemption.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The name part in yours still has me giggling. Nice job. #31
DeleteCan't wait to see all the good things that come from this for all the writers! Going to spend my lunch hour catching up--and a tip for all the other participants: you can subscribe to follow up comments on your post so you don't miss any agent requests or encouragement. Another way for us to drive ourselves crazy with refreshing email constantly!
ReplyDeletethat is an excellent idea. now i can obsess about something else. thanks!
DeleteGlad my tips has helped a few people--I'm all about more efficient obsessing. Frees up more time to find new things to obsess about.
DeleteA big shout out to #6. Sounds awesome...fingers crossed for requests!
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting this on and good luck to all of the "victims"!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about subscribing, Angelica!
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion Angelica (my fingers were starting to protest :) And huge thanks to Cupid for this great contest! Best of luck to all!
ReplyDeleteI'M IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION.
ReplyDeleteILY.
Deleteilu2, bb.
DeleteI'm also VERY intrigued by #6. Sounds great!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited about #16 - Steele Horizon. Post apocalyptic sci-fi with cyborgs – sounds cool.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for having this event. i've never been so excited and scared out of my mind at the same time. good luck to everyone!
ReplyDeleteIf you're on twitter but not following @CupidsLC, you should be! Updates on requests tweeted as they happen! And don't do what I did in my first couple of tweets and forget the #AgentTTT hashtag.
ReplyDeleteBy not allowing people to comment you are depriving everyone of what could be an invaluable learning experience. A wide variety of crits and comments is what makes for strong and stronger writing. I think you have really missed the boat on this. Also, in future maybe you should consider a lottery type entry so we get a real mixture of styles and genres. By filtering entries through a group of readers that really is a barrier that should not be present. You should go check out Miss Snark's blog as she really knows how to do it in that regard. By forbidding comments you are basically making sure that 90% of every entry up here is going to walk away with a big fat 0 despite having tremendous exposure. How is that going to help anyone get a sense of where their writing is? Every entry up here could probably count on 20 or more comments that would be helpful. But, you have taken away that opportunity from them. Really silly IMHO
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your concerns. However, you need to check out my post titled "What this blog is all about..."
Deletehttp://cupidslitconnection.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-this-blog-is-all-about.html
The entries are here for exposure to agents only. This contest is not about critique. There are already a whole bunch of great sites that focus on that. Such as MSFV, as you stated.
And everyone who entered this contest made it through, so a lottery was not needed. There just happens to be mostly YA writers out there lurking around.
And the agents have asked for the entries to be pre-screened. I know judging writing is very subjective, which is why I change judges every time.
I have not forced anyone to be a part of this blog/contest and they enter at their own risk. I do try very hard to make it fun and a learning experience for everyone, so that they do leave with something.
As I said in my post. Most of what I learned came from READING other entries and seeing which were successful. Not merely critiques. Again, there are already fabulous sites for writers to achieve that.
When they come here, that should all be done already.
If you think it's silly, I'm sorry. I can't please everyone. Maybe you could start your own blog?
@Frankie, those of us who signed up were aware that this is an agent invasion contest, not a critique forum. Thanks, Cupid, for this wonderful opportunity!
DeleteI agree with Vivi. Thank you, Cupid, for your enthusiasm and for this awesome blog!
Delete@Frankie,
DeleteIn addition to legitimate kudos for an entry, comments sometimes are made by friends of the contestant. Too much rah rah for the "rah-ng" reasons...IMO.
Since anyone is able to comment, it could turn into a 'popularity contest' instead of stating an objective critique by a fellow writer.
Regarding the way Cupid is running the contest, it is Cupid's contest, not Miss Snark's or anyone else's. You obviously haven't a clue about the blood, sweat, and tears involved in the complexity of a contest of this magnitude and I applaud Cupid for his/her efforts and dedication.
If you are unhappy with the rules, simply walk away. No one is twisting your arm to participate. To criticize this opportunity for many would-be enthusiastic entrants is just plain ol' bad juju.
I personally commend Cupid for doing her contest the way SHE wants to. To each his/her own! :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with you, Frankie. People CAN comment about entries. They just have to do it on the shout out page or on the author's blog - and make it positive if it's on the shout out page. There are a lot of contests that include the option of critique already. I've been part of them. I knew this contest wasn't one of those and I love it for what it is. Now that I've already gotten the feedback I love the opportunity to present myself to agents. It's the agents' turn to comment and that's just fine with me.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome invasion! Thanks for letting me be a part of it, both as a writer in a post, and a reader. The entries are stunning.
ReplyDeleteI knew what I was signing up for, so I don't feel I've been cheated out of comments. And in any case, in regards to @Frankie's comment "By forbidding comments you are basically making sure that 90% of every entry up here is going to walk away with a big fat 0", isn't that what we risk every time we query? Especially with so many agents and authors turning to a "no response means no" policy these days.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think Cupid is giving agent's a chance at a dream: an inbox where the queries have been vetted, thereby saving them a huge chunk of time (even if they don't find anything quite to their taste).
I like your style, Cupid. ;) You've made things very clear, and it's nice to not wade through the comments (though they are extremely helpful !!) to see what agents are requesting!
ReplyDelete#17 Institutionalized is my favorite out of the group. Good luck to everyone.
ReplyDeletewow. thank you. that one is mine. i appreciate the comment. :)
Delete48, 31, and 22 are my favorite entries. LOVE the queries and first 250 of those three! Good luck everyone. I will be checking this contest frequently!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! #31
DeleteWhile I was frustrated by the first speed dating, I know it's tough to put this kind of thing together and give Cupid a lot of credit. I also really appreciate being selected this time around as a victim. I agree with Angelica and Vivi that this isn't a critique contest; it's a chance to connect with an agent. The anonymity and keeping the comments separate is just a way to avoid swaying the agents.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, does identifying your entry in this thread violate the integrity of the contest?
oops! well if that is the case, then cupid should delete my above comment. it was obviously not my intention to sway any agents or violate the integrity of the contest by thanking someone for liking my entry. i'll just plead ignorance at being new to this and being way too excited. i also assumed since this was in a separate feed that it was okay, but we all know that assuming isn't a good idea. i apologize if i've offended anyone.
DeleteI didn't think you were trying to violate the contest; I was just looking for clarification before I did the same thing :)
Deleteglad you clarified it, now i don't feel awful. enjoy the contest!
DeleteNo worries about being secretive guys! Brag about your entry # all you want. :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI had worried about that too at first, but then saw Cupid said it was okay on Twitter. I'm #40
DeleteI'm surprised no one had mentioned #1 yet. Very intriguing concept. And thanks again Cupid. I was pretty excited to see my entry up there. (#3).
ReplyDeleteThank you Cupid for all the work that you put into these contests!! It amazes me that you do this for no monetary benefit and really just to make a fun place for writer's to learn :)
ReplyDeleteThank you cupid!! Totally fun and awesome blog! Great entries!
ReplyDeleteWell, in that case...I'm #4 :)
ReplyDeleteHard for a medical thriller to stand out among apocalypses and trans-cultural/trans-species romances, but I'm glad to have the opportunity to compete.
Thanks, Cupid. Really excited for this opportunity. Been reading the other entries. So far my favorite is #46 but I haven't made it all the way through yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm #18.
Just wanted to say good luck to everyone participating! There are SO many good stories here, I can't wait to read them some day! I think my personal favorites are #s 45, 42, 39, 36, 31, 22, 17, 16, 11, and 8. Suffice it to say, I'm glad I'm not an agent!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! #31
Deleteoh! i just saw mine mentioned in that fabulous list. thanks so much! i'm #17.
DeleteWhoo! So excited to be a part of this. Hopefully an agent who enjoys chick lit styled YA with a good portion of humor comes along. ;D
ReplyDeleteI'm number #27 BTW.
Thank you Sarah for saying you liked mine (#39!)!!!!!
ReplyDelete#39 sounds incredible! If it's any consolation, I understood the significance of not being miked and the whole soundtrack thing, but I also majored in film for a while. It's only a matter of time for this one!
DeleteJust got a partial request!! :D (#16!!!)
ReplyDeleteJust want to let #42 know that my 12 year old boy wants nothing to do with girls. He does not like them in THAT way. Which is fine by me. It is nice to see a book where a boy that age is not mooning over girls just yet. I would like to also mention that perhaps your book needs to be shorter for middle grade. When we started a book, we got upwards of 76,000 and got no responses from agents. When we cut back to 37,000 we started getting actual polite no responses back, so I am thinking such a large book for MG out of the gate might be considered a little big. The second half of our book is now going to be a second book. Good luck.
ReplyDelete#42 here! Thank you, Jennifer. Great real life input and advice! Two agents already have the partial so I've been waiting it out before diving into more revisions/cuts, but I'll definitely add this to my notes. It's so good to hear your 12 yr old is this way. I don't mention it in the query but Orion has more than just the physical cross country journey. He gets stuck traveling with a girl and by the end his feelings toward girls (mainly THIS girl) changes big time. There's a lot of adventure and danger but it's also a coming of age/first love story. I played with adding that to the query but it never felt right. Thanks again for taking the time to read and offer feedback! I really appreciate it.
DeleteMy submission got rejected, and I totally know why. These are fantastic! I can't believe how many requests there are. I am so excited for all of you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out #18! I like your entry too. :)
ReplyDelete--#46
No problem, and thanks. :)
DeleteShertz,
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking mine! #1. There are so many great ones out there! Yours was great! Congrats on your request from Pam!
Thanks so much Jaida. Your MS sounds fantastic!
DeleteThat was probably confusing. I changed my Google profile name (I'm also Shertz).
DeleteThat's funny because I was using my wife's log in too. This is the real me. Surprise! Hope Pam takes us both, then we can be client-friends. :)
DeleteIn regards to #42, I don't think all 12 year old boys are into girls at that age. It seems to be pretty mixed. My oldest son was, but most of his friends were more into video games. My second son is still not into girls like that, and he'll be 12 in a few months. I would say most 12 year old GIRLS are into boys, but not necessarily the reverse. Besides, why should your MC be typical? I loved your opening, and I love that you're planning to show his feelings toward girls grow and mature. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! That's exactly what I was thinking when I decided to start the book this way and show Orion's feelings toward girls as part of his growth. I'm thrilled you love the opening. Thanks again for taking the time to read and respond. It's greatly appreciated!
DeleteTwo entries have been removed #49 and #22. Wonders if that means they got offers of rep?
ReplyDeleteJust curious since I keep seeing her comments, but does anyone know who Pam (pam.vhv@gmail) is? Clicking the name took me to the Larsen Pomoda Agency, but I didn't see her name listed. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePam van Hylckama. She's on twitter as @BookaliciousPam
DeleteThank you so much! Based on what she's requested, she's an agent I want to learn more about. :)
DeletePam's fabulous. She's an Assistant Agent to Laurie McLean at the moment, and so not taking direct queries (but rather, only those addressed to Laurie, if that makes sense).
DeleteJust received a full request! (#29). Thank you, Cupid's LC!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible idea, Cupid! Not only does it expose new writers to wonderful agents, but it also gives the rest of us a pretty clear veiw of what draws attention and what turns agents off. Number 16 was my favorite. Good luck to you all!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! :D - (#16)
DeleteYay Gwen! :D
DeleteAnonymous: I agree, this is a fantastic idea! And it's so much fun to watch, too.
Just received a full request (#20) thank you Cupid:)!!
ReplyDeleteI loved yours! :D Congrats! ^_^
DeleteIt is so much fun to read this thread and see the agents comments. Thank you for doing this Cupid!
ReplyDeleteWOW - Gina Panettieri was so generous with her time - she read each entry and gave feedback on each one!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cupid, for this great opportunity!
Yay! I got a partial request last night from an agent I didn't even know about but sounds perfect for my genre (thrillers)! Thanks Cupid!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Congrats:)
ReplyDelete