Check out the entries below, then leave some feedback in the comments if you feel so inclined. (ENTRANTS, PLEASE REMEMBER TO CRITIQUE AT LEAST THREE OTHER ENTRIES!) And I'm sure this goes without saying, but please keep your comments constructive (i.e., not rude or mean-spirited). If you want to think like The Agent, you might consider the question, "If you were an agent, would you request more of this entry?"
I'll reveal The Agent's identity and announce his or her winners and prizes at the beginning of next week, but until then, have at it!
(For your information, I take out profanity when I'm formatting the entries, so if you notice any asterisks, they're my asterisks, not the entrants'. Also, entrants, if you find a Krista-generated error in your post, feel free to shoot me an e-mail, and I'll correct it straightaway.)
Can I alter my query based on the comments before the agent arrives?
ReplyDeleteNo, once the entries are up, they're up. (Making changes after the fact would be a logistical nightmare, and it also wouldn't be fair. Some entries get more feedback than others, some entries get reviewed by The Agent sooner than others, etc., etc.) The idea is that you'll be able to integrate everyone's feedback once the contest is over.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Krista! This is so fantastic and really helpful!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! This has been a really great way to learn from others about how to write and critique!
ReplyDeleteThanks for setting this up! It was such a good reminder of the subjectivity of the business. Some of the queries/first pages that I loved, the mystery agent didn't connect to (and vise versa), so it's all about honing, then just searching till you find the right connection.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, all! And Jessi, you're absolutely right--when agents or editors say this business is subjective, they really do mean it!
ReplyDelete