Writing Contest Sponsored by Literary Agent Undercover

by Mark Malatesta | Jan 5, 2013

Home » Literary Agent Blog » Writing Contest Sponsored by Literary Agent Undercover

Writing Contest Invitation for Writers of All Ages and Genres, Anywhere in the World – No Fee Required – Deadline: Midnight EST January 31st!

Literary Agent Blog Special Request

Dear Author,

I need your help. Don’t worry… I don’t need money or a shoulder to cry on. I simply need your creativity. You see, this is one of those rare moments when I’m at a loss for words. Not completely, but enough that I need your help.

Let me explain…

* * *

Writing Contest – Details

As a former NY Times bestselling literary agent, I consider myself something of a marketing expert. But I’ve completely dropped the ball in one critical area.

I haven’t defined (clearly enough) who my Literary Agent Undercover website is for. That’s what this writing contest is about.

In modern marketing terms it’s called defining your “tribe.” And it’s kind of important because it clarifies who your business is built for and why those people are there.

I’ve admittedly done a sucky job of that.

Yes, I know that you’re an author or an aspiring author. And I know that you’d prefer to have your book(s) published by a traditional publisher (that pays you), instead of self-publishing or working with a vanity press (that requires you to pay them).

Who doesn’t?

But I went a bit deeper this week…

I realized that you’re also probably a writer who’s a lot like me. You’re 100% committed to publishing your books. And you’re going to publish your books, whether you’re able to get a traditional publisher or not (meaning self-publishing if necessary). But, you’re also smart enough to know that traditional publishing is the best place to start (for 99% of people, 99% of the time). So you’re going to do everything possible to give yourself the best possible edge to make that happen. No whining, no excuses.

If that sounds like you, then YOU are the reason I created Literary Agent Undercover.

And now I need your help to say all that in just a few words.

You know, a short phrase or expression…

Something memorable.

Emotional.

Snappy.

Possibly funny.

Something you would relate to.

Something that would inspire you and motivate you.

Something so good that you’d buy the t-shirt, coffee mug, or bumper sticker if I had them printed.

And I will have them printed.

That’s what this writing contest is for.

So I need you to tell me…

What word or phrase can you enter for this writing contest, that accurately describes the type of author that I just described?

Someone like Y-O-U.

* * *

Leave your ideas below (one comment per person, please) and you’ll be entered in a random drawing to receive one of the following prizes for this writing contest:

$100 Amazon Gift Card – Writing Contest | 1st Prize
$50 Amazon Gift Card – Writing Contest | 2nd Prize
$25 Amazon Gift Card – Writing Contest | 3rd Prize

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful, funny, and/or quirky suggestions.

— Mark

Writing Contest Rules and Disclaimer

One entry per person. Any ideas that you list below as part of this writing contest are fair game and I don’t owe you squat. Although, if I do use one of your ideas, I’ll certainly thank you publicly and send you some type of gift (not listed above). A really nice gift. Also, there’s a chance that I might have already thought of your idea, so don’t get upset if I don’t give you credit for something. By the way, that’s why some literary agents (including myself) and most movie studios don’t sign non-disclosure agreements before looking at book or movie ideas. It’s easy to think (as an author who’s not an insider) that ideas are frequently stolen, but it rarely happens. I’m just sayin’. Winners of this writing contest will be announced February 1st.

* * *

Find a Literary Agent

201 Comments

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Billie A Williams on January 16, 2013 at 7:56 pm

Published Author, Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it you can with help from Literary Agent Under Cover. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:45 pm
  
  Hi Billie! Just wanted to thank you for submitting a post to the contest. I know it’s been a little while… playing a little catch up this weekend. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Celeste Mayfield on January 16, 2013 at 4:47 pm

Write Or Die.
We will not be ignored! | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:45 pm
  
  Nice and dramatic, I like it. Like LA or Bust. Or Shut Up and Write. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
doug brenneman on January 16, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Write Hungry
Write the wind
It doesn’t matter what you write, it matters who reads it. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:47 pm
  
  Hi Doug, I agree. Writing loses it’s excitement the longer you do it… without an audience. I’m sure there are some “purists” out there that would disagree. But half the joy in writing for me is having someone read what you wrote. Thanks for being part of my Literary Agent Undercover community, and thanks for posting. Mark | Writing Contest
Mitchell Sanders on January 16, 2013 at 3:26 pm

One word as an another, Determinator, it a person good or evil, good or bad, young or old who never gives up. And that’s the author I am, one who will never quiet, success or not. Being an author is something I will never stop. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:49 pm
  
  Hi Mitchell, love your commitment… and your word Determinator. Thanks for posting and enjoy your weekend! Mark | Writing Contest
John Rakestraw on January 16, 2013 at 2:09 pm

The POTENTIAL to create literally anything you want in life is ALREADY inside of you. You merely need to “Mold” it into FORM. You do that through consistent practice, and consistent action. The more time you put into “Molding” your innate potential into anything you want… the more POWERFUL you will become!.

Remember, to feed the soul of a writer, read their books and blogs! | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 17, 2013 at 5:15 pm
  
  And you just fed my soul, John. Thank you for doing that, and thank you for sharing. Thinking of you and always wishing you well. Mark | Writing Contest
Paulina Giao on January 16, 2013 at 1:48 pm

Word Driven | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:49 pm
  
  Hi Paulina, I have a soft spot for people who can say a lot in just a few (couple) words. Thanks for posting. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
Becca on January 16, 2013 at 1:24 pm

Bleeding Words | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 17, 2013 at 5:16 pm
  
  I like the dramatic, and cool avatar. Good to see you again and thanks for posting. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
  - Becca on January 18, 2013 at 7:25 am
    
    Thank you. The pic is the cover of my first novel: Nurse Blood. 🙂
    
    I didn’t mean to be away so long, I’ve just been very, very busy. Your following is growing — that’s good! 😀 Congratz! | Writing Contest
    - Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 18, 2013 at 11:56 am
      
      No worries, just want you to know that I’m here and paying attention to every post. 🙂 Thanks for the well wishes and support. Mark | Writing Contest
Dale Eldon on January 16, 2013 at 12:42 pm

It takes one, to know one. Ask former bestselling literary agent Mark Malatesta for the best advice on finding the best agent for you. Check out his free services, and see if his paid program is right for you!

(I’m not sure how good I’m at cooking up slogans for bumper stickers, but here’s my best shot. Also, “Shut up and write” was a blog idea I had a while back, so good thinking ;^) You can still use the various slogans for various products, or post series on your blog.) | Writing Contest
- Dale Eldon on January 16, 2013 at 12:48 pm
  
  Also, here is an idea, if you want to check out possiblly teaching a course in this topic, here’s a site that might hire you on. http://litreactor.com/ Just a thought. If I can save up, I’m planning on taking the Jack Ketchum (an author who teaches writing the kind of stuff I’m going for) course. I haven’t seen anyone doing what you’re doing, it’s an idea. If I can think up anything else (just to lend a hand) I will send it your way :^) Hope it helps! | Writing Contest
  - Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 16, 2013 at 9:16 pm
    
    Hi Dale, thanks for sharing litreactor… just took a quick look. Going to put it in my “getting out there file” for when I start my big networking and marketing push… which will be soon I hope. Thanks for sharing and thinking of me… always appreciated. Mark | Writing Contest
  - Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 16, 2013 at 9:20 pm
    
    Funny about Shut Up and Write… that’s precisely why I have my disclaimer on this page. 🙂 Great minds think alike and I bet every writer has seen one or more of his or her ideas somewhere else and wondered if there idea somehow got stolen. Like the guy who owns shutupandwrite.com. Or is that your domain? Mark | Writing Contest
Beatrice Bruno on January 16, 2013 at 12:14 pm

Write mind; write mine. God is faithful! Beatrice | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:51 pm
  
  Hey Drill Sergeant of Life… your words are always inspiration. Thanks for shining your light on this blog. And have a spirit-filled weekend. Mark | Writing Contest
Tom Wright on January 16, 2013 at 12:12 pm

Contest Content:

We all want to be published. And we all know rejection. What we don’t know is the way to keep inspired along the way, so that we keep on submitting queries and writing. Literary Agent Undercover is the best place to get inspired and to get professional. I’ve gotten more comments about my cover letter now that I’ve used Mark’s services, and more comments means more attention. And you know what that means! More requests for my manuscripts than ever before. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 16, 2013 at 9:24 pm
  
  I’m proud to be part of your team, Tom. Your work ethic is admirable. And your kindness is contagious. Thank you for posting and sharing your positive spirit. You make everyone around you better. Mark | Writing Contest
Dorlies Meissner-Rasmussen on January 16, 2013 at 12:11 pm

Mark Malatesta
Heap your uncertainties about agents on my shoulders, for I will be the wind beneath your wings to boost you to heights that you could never have imagined. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:52 pm
  
  Hi Dorlies, thanks for posting and always being such a delight. Warm wishes to you for a wonderful weekend. I’m thinking of you. Mark | Writing Contest
Cherry-Ann on January 16, 2013 at 12:09 pm

“Writetastic!” | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:53 pm
  
  Hi Cherry-Ann, I believe you posted the only 1-word entry so far in my writing contest. I like it. Thanks for posting and being part of my community. Mark | Writing Contest
Jan O'Kane on January 16, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Hi Mark,

I have always followed a simple idea in everything I do…A smart person doesn’t know all the answers, just where to find them.

As I get closer to completing my novel, I hope that you and I can work together. I believe you have the answers.

Take care and God Bless,
Jan | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 16, 2013 at 9:26 pm
  
  Thank you Jan, I have a similar thought always in mind that I try to follow… and that is that a smart person asks lots of questions. We’re thinking the same. 🙂 Thank you for always being so kind. Keep writing! Mark | Writing Contest
Lee McCaskill on January 16, 2013 at 11:59 am

Published.
….asked me why I would like to be published…AGAIN! | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:55 pm
  
  Alright, I confess. I don’t get this one. Is this two different ideas, or one? I’m a bit slow sometimes so please explain this one. I’m missing your genius here. But I know it’s brilliant. Mark | Writing Contest
  - lee on January 19, 2013 at 8:04 pm
    
    You said to put things that could be on a at-home shirt, cup, etc. I would put THAT because I am already published but I would like to be published again | Writing Contest
    - Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 8:37 pm
      
      Okay, if left to my own devices… that’s probably what I would have guessed. But I’m much happier now that I’m sure what you meant. Congrats on being one of the already-published. The second time around is always easier! Mark | Writing Contest
Lee McCaskill on January 16, 2013 at 11:54 am

Author for Hire…Inquiries Accepted! | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:54 pm
  
  Cute. Thanks for posting and being part of my Literary Agent Undercover community. Mark | Writing Contest
Jeffrey Reeves on January 16, 2013 at 11:45 am

There once was a struggling writer
That happily spent an all-nighter
Preparing a pitch–
It had not a glitch–
But still it was not a delighter. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:56 pm
  
  Hi Jeffrey, you get five stars for creativity. I just hope this rhyme isn’t autobiographical. 😉 Thanks for posting and have a great weekend. Mark | Writing Contest
Jackie Siegfried on January 16, 2013 at 11:36 am

Real Publishing- because a book in the hand is worth more than a Kindle on the couch when the power goes out.

And, one more thing. Since cursive is no longer taught in 17 states and spelling and grammar have been lost to “textese,” you and your authors can officially read and write “Old English!” Our value to society grows each day… | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 6:59 pm
  
  Hi Jackie, thanks for posting. The first one is cute. The other info was a shocker for me. Is it really true that cursive is no longer taught in 17 states? Wow. Going to take me a while to take that in. Anyway, I’m still a fan of handwritten cards and notes. Ah, silly me. Idealist. Romantic. I guess that’s why I understand other writers though, so that’s a good thing. Have a good weekend and see you again soon. Mark | Writing Contest
  - Jackie Siegfried on January 30, 2013 at 11:45 am
    
    Yes, it’s true, Mark. Cursive is not being taught in 17 states now and the number is growing. It’s considerd a “waste of time” in our current tech age.
    Tech age or not, however, the services you provide are invaluable to authors AND readers. I learned so much about just how much it takes to get a book published and how important seeking the services of a good literary agent, like you, really are when I heard you speak recently. A good book + a good agent = win/win for everyone. | Writing Contest
Celeste Gaydos on January 16, 2013 at 11:33 am

Mark is a true stand up type guy! I’ve been with him since he first started on FB & keep following him by his emails & now website. I’ve been invited to multiple events–mostly free of charge & read his follow up emails listing top 10 items for authors to be. His information is above & beyond what I expected but then again we r talking about Mark!! He is an amazingly intelligent man in his field & I’m just proud & happy to have found him! Oh-he’ll also do Skype chats with you for a cheap price! | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 16, 2013 at 9:28 pm
  
  Celeste, your post was like a bouquet of roses in my inbox. Thank you for being so gracious. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Gwenne Gorman on January 16, 2013 at 11:31 am

Ask the Agent: From Writing to Publishing | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 7:00 pm
  
  Hi Gwenne. Thanks for posting! Going through all of the entries so far and just wanted to send you a quick hello. Have a great weekend and thanks for getting creative with me. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Esther on January 16, 2013 at 11:10 am

A time to write. Wordvoluptuos. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 19, 2013 at 7:01 pm
  
  Hi Esther, thanks for posting. Is that two different ideas or is it all meant to go together? Just want to make sure I’m understanding your intention. Let me know, and have a great weekend! Mark | Writing Contest