The Writer's Tank Wrap Up!

The contest is OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In total, we got over two dozen requests from five agents - that's an amazing ratio. I think the total number of requests was 27 or something like that.

CONGRATS EVERYONE!!!!!!

And for all you who didn't get requests, don't worry about it. I'm not worried - I believe in your writing and others will too. And read this. It's mandatory. It's about critiques but I think it applies to rejections from contests as well.

AND THIS WAS JUST ONE CONTEST!! With only five agents!!! Just think: you'd be crazy to only query five agents, so it's not a big deal that you didn't get requests from these five. Genre and subjectivity is huge.

To the agents: THANK YOU SO SO MUCH for taking the time to participate! I truly hope you find something you love :)

To the entrants: if you get ANY success story from the contest (directly or indirectly) email me or Tweet me!!! I love success stories :)

Now, off to plan for the Query Kombat contest!!! Phew. So much to do, so little time!

Hope you all had fun!

NOW, FEEDBACK TIME: 

Tell me your thoughts about the contest. Anything to improve for a possible next time?

The Writer's Tank Update

Things are going very well. We got 22 requests from the first four agents who stopped by (Ms. Menon, Ms. Anderson-Wheeler, Ms. Albert, and Ms. Lu, thank you!) and the other two will stop by before Wednesday.

It's the home stretch! And it's going very well so far. Good luck to everyone!

Oh, and if anyone gets a success story from the contest, make sure you email or Tweet me!

Opening of the SECOND Submissions Window for The Writer's Tank!

The second big day is here!!!

The second of the two submission windows for The Writer's Tank will open today at 8 pm EST. Make sure you format your emails and submissions properly by clicking on this link and reading the guidelines.

Under no circumstances can you send any other email other than the one for your submission! If you have a question, put it in the same email before your pitch and query and first 250 words, or ask me on Twitter. If you find out you made a mistake (such as a typo) and want to switch out your submission, you can only do it after midnight on Friday. This way, it's really easy for me to see if we've reached 75 entries - all I have to do is check to see if there are 75 unread messages in my inbox!

Make sure to write: "TWT: Age group Genre, TITLE OF MANUSCRIPT" as your email's subject!

You will get a confirmation email saying I received your submission. Within a few hours, those that didn't make the 75 cut will get an email saying so - that way, they have a chance to submit to tomorrow's window. If you don't get the "You're not in the 75" email, assume you're in :)

In order to be eligible, the time stamp on the email has to be on or after 3:00 pm EST. 2:59 won't be allowed (sorry!). The agents participating in the contest are listed here.

GOOD LUCK! 

A change in rules: you can go up to 40 words, instead of 35, for your pitch.

(By the way, I might read The Casual Vacancy for the third time. I love that book. I don't know anyone else who does, though D: It's so sad because that book is INCREDIBLE - but not like Harry Potter, which I think is largely why (consciously or unconsciously) people hated it.)

The Writer's Tank Submission Window 1 OPENING!

The big day is here!!!

The first of the two submission windows for The Writer's Tank will open today at 3 pm EST. Make sure you format your emails and submissions properly by clicking on this link and reading the guidelines.

Under no circumstances can you send any other email other than the one for your submission! If you have a question, put it in the same email before your pitch and query and first 250 words, or ask me on Twitter. If you find out you made a mistake (such as a typo) and want to switch out your submission, you can only do it after midnight on Friday. This way, it's really easy for me to see if we've reached 75 entries - all I have to do is check to see if there are 75 unread messages in my inbox!

Make sure to write: "TWT: Age group Genre, TITLE OF MANUSCRIPT" as your email's subject!

You will get a confirmation email saying I received your submission. Within a few hours, those that didn't make the 75 cut will get an email saying so - that way, they have a chance to submit to tomorrow's window. If you don't get the "You're not in the 75" email, assume you're in :)

In order to be eligible, the time stamp on the email has to be on or after 3:00 pm EST. 2:59 won't be allowed (sorry!). The agents participating in the contest are listed here.

GOOD LUCK! 

A change in rules: you can go up to 40 words, instead of 35, for your pitch.

The next submission window opens tomorrow at 8 pm EST.

Agent Reveal for The Writer's Tank Contest!

The contest's submission window is going to open tomorrow at 3 pm EST and then on Friday at 8 pm EST! The first 75 entries in each window will be reviewed by me; from that pile, I will pick 30 to be seen by the agents below. WOO!!!!!!!!!!

This list is not final - more agents quite possibly will be coming.

The Agents

*All bios and pictures were taken from the respective agency's websites, Twitter pages, or from interviews on other blogs*

In alphabetical order!

Jordy Albert

Jordy Albert is a Literary Agent and co-founder of The Booker Albert Literary Agency. She holds a B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University, and a M.A. from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. She has worked with Marisa Corvisiero during her time at the L. Perkins Agency and the Corvisiero Literary Agency. Jordy also works as a freelance editor/PR Director. She enjoys studying languages (French/Japanese), spends time teaching herself how to knit, is a HUGE fan of Doctor Who, and loves dogs. 

She is looking for stories that capture her attention and keep her turning the page. She is looking for a strong voice, and stories that have the ability to surprise her. She loves intelligent characters with a great sense of humor. She would love to see fresh, well-developed plots featuring travel, competitions/tournaments, or time travel. Jordy is looking for:

*ROMANCE (contemporary, or historical--soft spot for Regency).

* YA: Open to pretty much any genre; however, she's looking especially for YA that has a very strong romantic element.

*Middle Grade: contemporary, fantasy, action/adventure, or historical.

Claire Anderson-Wheeler

Claire Anderson-Wheeler joined Regal Literary in 2013. Claire started her career in Christine Green Authors' Agency in London in 2008, before crossing the pond to New York, where she took a position as Foreign Rights Manager at Anderson Literary Management. Claire graduated with a Law degree from Trinity College, Dublin, and subsequently from the University of East Anglia with a Masters in Creative Writing - and as far back as she can remember, has always been reading. As an Irishwoman born in DC and raised in Switzerland and Belgium, Claire considers herself a European Amerophile and very lucky to have a foot in both camps. She's glad to consider submissions across a range of genres, the common thread throughout being a meaty narrative and a confident voice. In non-fiction, she is chiefly looking for topical memoir, popular science and pop psychology with a solid research background; in fiction, her primary interests are literary fiction, Young Adult fiction and upper-end middle grade, and commercial women's fiction with strong contemporary themes. (Though certainly open to narratives that play with the traditional concept of reality, this unfortunately does not extend to supernatural thrillers or epic fantasy.)

Sandy Lu

Sandy is seeking submissions that draw her in with a unique voice and a good yarn that will make her miss her subway stop and keep her up at night. 

In fiction, she is looking for dark literary and commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, psychological horror, paranormal/urban fantasy, historical fiction, and YA. In particular, she is looking for historical thrillers or mysteries set in Victorian times.

In non-fiction, she is looking for narrative non-fiction, history, biography, pop science, pop psychology, pop culture (music/theatre/film), humor, and food writing. 

She is also actively searching for espionage fiction and non-fiction set in China between the two World Wars. No romance, high fantasy, children’s picture books, how-to/self-help, parenting, religion/spirituality, and sports.

Pooja Menon

Pooja Menon joined Kimberley Cameron & Associates as an intern in the fall of 2011, with the aim of immersing herself in the elusive world of books and publishing. She soon realized that being an agent was what she was most drawn to as the job was varied and challenging. She represents both fiction and non-fiction for Adult and YA markets.

Her passion for reading inspired her to acquire a BA in Literature and Media from England. Her love for writing then took her to Los Angeles where she pursued an M.F.A in Fiction from the Otis School of Art and Design.

As a new agent, Pooja is looking to build her client list and is eager for submissions by debut novelists and veteran writers. She's looking for writing that has an easy flow and a timely pacing, along with a unique perspective and a strong voice.

In fiction, she is interested in literary, historical, commercial, and high-end women's fiction. However, she's most drawn to stories with an international flavor, vibrant characters, multi-cultural themes, and lush settings.

In fantasy, she's looking for original, layered plots with worlds as real and alive as the ones that were created by J.K Rowling and Tolkien.

In non-fiction, she's looking for adventure & travel memoirs, journalism & human-interest stories, and self-help books addressing relationships and the human psychology from a fresh perspective.

In YA, she's looking for stories that deal with the prevalent issues that face teenagers today. She is also interested in fantasy, magical-realism, and historical fiction.

Katherine Sands

In response to, "What sort of material are you looking for?" she said:

A literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, I am actively building my client list. When considering new fiction, I read to be swept up by the urgency of the narrative, the story that makes me want to turn the page. For nonfiction, I want the writer to argue the case for publication successfully, showing me the reasons why hers is a unique and zeitgeist-y treatment of the subject. I look for the writer who can transport the reader somewhere interesting; I am on the lookout for the writer who can teach the reader something new. I'm searching for joie de vivre-- writing that takes a fresh look, writing that is insightful, observant, "infotaining." Writing that is transporting. Writing that makes you want to turn the page. I can become excited by many kinds of potential books in a broad range of categories: from commercial fiction and nonfiction, including popular culture, personal growth, leisure activities, lifestyle, home arts, entertainment, and cookbooks to serious nonfiction, including psychology, social thought, history, health to the more eclectic popular reference, travel, spirituality.

Jessica Sinsheimer

In response to, "What would you love to find in the slush pile?" in 2013, she said:

I love smart, dynamic female characters—especially if there’s a hint of mischief, otherwise fun bad behavior, or justified violence involved. I can’t watch violent TV—I’d love to watch Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad, because they’re so smart, but the gore will give me nightmares. Still, in books—perhaps because I’m not getting this with my television—I get a little bloodthirsty if it’s justified.

A combination of highbrow sentences and lowbrow content often works for me, too.

Romance and erotica, or elements of these, would be wonderful.

I love women’s fiction that sets itself apart from other works in the genre.

All brands of YA are welcome. I think I’m starting to go through a fantasy phase. Please note, though, that I need a large dose of intellect with my fantasy to feel grounded in this new world.

I love sentences that describe normal things in a new way. I love reading a work and pausing to think, “Wow. Yes. I never realized that about [something totally mundane in life], and now the mundane things seem a bit more beautiful.” (Yes, I’m typing this while my morning coffee works on my brain. Hush.)

In terms of nonfiction, I’d love a food memoir—but I never get any! I know they’re out there. I’d especially love one with a younger narrator—in his/her twenties or thirties, say.

I’d love some popular science. I’m fascinated by the intersection of food, hormones, and emotion. If someone does this book, please send it my way. I also really like reading about neuroscience, psychology, parenting, history tied to a theme (I’m reading a great book on the history of gin now), environmental issues, and works that speak to life in the twenty-first century.

I’m pretty nerdy. I spend way too much time watching NOVA. And if you haven’t seen Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, you’re missing out.

Honestly, though, we’re open to all genres. We like pleasant surprises.

Sometimes a challenge can be particularly enticing—I sold an informative, hilarious “ADHD isn’t all bad—here are the unique advantages of this diagnosis, and how to work them into a successful teen life” book in a saturated market of “Here’s how to pretend you don’t have ADHD.” Same with a novel featuring a dominant woman—in a market that firmly believed women (and female readers) only like alpha males.

And both books are doing great.

If I believe in a cause, I want to fight for it.

This line up is fantastic. I'm very excited for this contest, and I can't wait - or maybe I can wait, slush reading is usually the hardest and most stressful part of contests DX - to read your submissions! START WRITING THOSE PITCHES. Make sure you read the submission guidelines as well! 

P.S. If  I can get the selected 30 posts up on Thursday the 17th instead of that Friday, I will.

P.P.S. Pitches can go up to 40 words instead of 35, now!

The Writer's Tank - CANCELLED. Also, I Might Have Sent You a Computer Virus

I am very, very sorry to inform you guys that the Writer's Tank contest has been canceled. This is no joke.

Here's why:

I sent email invites out to agents regarding this contest. It was an invitation detailing the contest and what role the agent would play in it. A standard invite - except I used the work 'invite' in the subject line and, apparently, got shot down to the spam folder.

No problem. Apparently some agents still check the spam folder and they got back to me.

Then, lo and behold: a virus.

Something's up with my computer. I don't know what, but it's making me very, very mad - because whatever emails I sent out were laced with the same virus my computer had. Now, all the emails I sent to the agents had this virus in it. Hiding. And only when one agent contacted me - after having to wipe out her hard drive and lose tons of submissions, contracts, and manuscripts - did I find out about this. And, obviously, this agent was not very happy.

But what I want to warn you guys is this: if I ever sent you an email or you got an email from me (or us) in any of the contests I hosted or co-hosted, SAVE EVERYTHING IMMEDIATELY. Apparently the virus has been on my computer for two years and just attacking random people's emails and computers. YOU ARE IN DANGER. SAVE YOUR WORK IMMEDIATELY.

WHAT MAKES IT WORSE IS THIS:

It's not a computer virus, per say. It's a real virus. Like a flu. I have no idea how or why but almost all the agents I contacted have some weird rare virus in their bodies making them sick. I don't know how this could even be possible but the technology nowadays for cyber attacks is crazy.

WHAT MAKES IT CRAZIER IS THIS:

APRRRILL FOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope I scared at least some of you!!!! I love April Fool's. It's my favorite holiday (the only time I can prank people with some sort of justification).

I better have scared some of you. (And, regardless, do save your work and books! Your computer might crash any second due to a virus - you don't want to lose your writing.)

The Writer's Tank is going full steam ahead and it's great! No virus, computer or otherwise :)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

Announcing "The Writer's Tank" Contest!

YES, GUYS, ANOTHER CONTEST!!!!!!

I am very excited for this one because it's based off of one of my favorite shows: Shark Tank!!!!!!!!!

If you don't watch Shark Tank, the show is all about entrepreneurs coming in to pitch their products to multimillionaires and billionaires (the sharks). The sharks can invest in their products or send the entrepreneurs home packing.

The gist of this contest is that the agents will be the sharks (but nice sharks, like Robert) and the contestants will be the people pitching their 'products.'

Preeetttyyy.

The Details:

From a slush pile, I will pick thirty(ish) of the best entries in a variety of genres and try to find something of liking for every agent.  These entries will consist of the query, the first 250, and a 40-word pitch. But the catch is that all of the thirty-to-forty entries will be categorized by category and genre and then listed in a single blog post with their pitch below it. So, it'll look something like this:

YA Science Fiction - FEED

"A teenager goes to the moon to have fun but finds out the moon totally sucks."

YA Contemporary - THE CATCHER IN THE RYE

"Holden Caulfield walks around New York and thinks a lot, basically creating a masterpiece."

Etc.

Clicking on the titles will redirect the agent to a blog post with the query and 250. So the agent won't have to look at the dozens of queries and 250's - they can scan a single blog post and only click on the entries and pitches that look interesting to them.

That's why this is the writer's tank! The pitch is super, super important.

From there, if the agent likes the query and 250, they can place a 'bid' requesting any number of pages. The agent that bids the most for an entry will receive that number of pages and also a 5-day exclusive reading period. During this period, the writer can't send their requested pages to any other shark except the winning shark. (This exclusivity is only for requests from this contest, not for normal querying or other contests.) After the five days, the writer can send out all the remaining requests from this contest. 

Also, it's a first-come first-serve basis - if two agents bid fulls or 50 pages and those end up being the winning bids, the agent that bid first wins.

So. You got the gist of it? I've got agents already on board with the contest and more coming in by the day! It should be a huge success (hopefully)

The Schedule:

I'll open up the submission window twice (to accommodate people in different time zones). One will open on Thursday, April 10th, 3 pm EST, and the other will open Friday, April 11th, 8 pm EST. Both will close when they reach 75 entries (so the max is 150 entries in total) but I doubt we'll reach that number. This isn't Query Kombat, after all. I just want a cap on how many entries I'd have to read, hehe. There will be a confirmation email saying that I received your submission.

Edited to Add: We have a lot of spots open so keep on submitting! There seems to be a problem with Yahoo's email, so make SURE you get a confirmation email within 5 minutes of sending. If not, resend :)

The posts will go up and the agents will participate starting Friday, April 18th (but if I can get them up on Thursday instead, I will). The agents have until Tuesday the 22nd to make their bids.

The Formatting and Submitting:

Send all your submissions to thewriterstank (at) yahoo (dot) com. The emails should be formatted EXACTLY like this:

In the subject line, "TWT: Age category Genre, TITLE OF MANUSCRIPT."

Title: [Title of your book]

Genre: [Age Category AND Genre, so it'll be like YA Fantasy. And make SURE you pick the right genre! That can make-or-break you.]

Word Count: XX,XXX

Pitch: [No more than 40 words!]

Query:

[No tabs, only line breaks. Only include the meat of your query: no personalization, no bio, etc.]

250:

[Your first 250 words here. It's okay if you go a few words over, just make sure not to end in a middle of a sentence!]

Also, all genres and age categories are invited! However, keep in mind that I'll be looking for entries that the agents will want. If there are no agents looking for picture books, I won't be picking any picture books.


The Genres:

(In the comments and on Twitter, I'm seeing some people asking about what genres are going to be represented in the contest, so here's the (growing) list below! These are the genres that the agents participating have an interest in. The agent list is growing, so this list will grow along with it.)

Adult:

• Literary
• Historical
• Commercial
• Mystery
• Thriller
• Women's Fiction
• Cultural
• Romance
• Suspense
• Horror

YA:

• I think it's simplest to say: all genres :D

MG:

• Fantasy
• Contemporary
• Action/Adventure
• Historical

Nonfiction (because I'm not experienced with nonfiction proposals and I wouldn't know how to read or judge them, I have to limit the nonfiction to only the 'story' types. I'm so sorry! I feel bad about this but I honestly would have no clue how to judge proposals):

• Memoirs
• Human-interest

The Quirks:

Some of the agents are looking for some specific things.

SO, if you have

• a novel that's basically a historical fiction but of the vein that it's told by, say, Emily Dickinson's maid, or Abraham Lincoln's gardener...that kind of stuff. 
• food memoir
• a historical romance in the Regency era

make sure you enter this contest! You'll have a good chance of getting in (as long as your entry is sufficiently strong, obviously).

If your genre is not listed (such as NA) SUBMIT ANYWAY. If it's an outstanding entry, I'll pick you and hope the agents love it too.

I'll do a separate post revealing all the agents that'll be participating. So keep an eye out for that.

I am so, so excited for this. But guys, you need to make sure your pitches are fantastic. Don't rely on only your query and 250. You need to get an agent to click on your link, and to do that, your pitch will have to be enticing. Remember: all you're trying to get is an agent to click on your post. That's all. So make the agent desperate to read your query and 250!

If you plan on participating in this contest, make sure you are following this blog as a requirement. Also, we'll be Tweeting as well under the hashtag:

#TheWritersTank

Yes, I know, there's no apostrophe, but adding an apostrophe would split up the hashtag so you wouldn't be able to click on it! We'll let go of this grammar blunder for now. (Please?) You can find me on Twitter over here.

I'm very very excited! Are you guys? GET THOSE PITCHES IN SHAPE, GUYS! And do you have any questions? Ask them in the comments below! And spread the word over Twitter!

ETA:

Pk Hrezo is giving a free pitch critique to one luck emailer! Look below in the comments for details. Hurry before someone snatches this amazing prize!