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…
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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.
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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.
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
The Undercover Agent is for me people like me who who love to write, but hate to think of themselves as “brands.” I write the novels, Mark figures out how to get them published. | Writing Contest
Hi Laura, hadn’t thought much about some people having resistance to the idea of being a brand. I’ve been immersed in that “space” for so long. Ingrid (my wife) and I will be clothes shopping… she’ll show me an outfit and I’ll say “Nope, it’s off-brand” And vice-versa. We don’t really separate our inner lives from our outer lives. We’re all brands in one way or another, aren’t we? I know, I’m opening up a can of worms here. Complex topic. Good article idea. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
“Will I, or won’t I?” I never ask this question aloud; just in the recesses of my right cerebral hemisphere involved with my creativity and artistic abilities. Will I, or won’t I make public my hush-hush writings that now push against my left cerebral hemisphere of logic and rational thinking. Oh, I’d have to be so brave! “Will I, or won’t I?” | Writing Contest
You are brave. Every writer is brave. By the way, once a phrase like the one you mentioned is said out loud, does it lose it’s power? Or does it become stronger? 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Write your adventure | Writing Contest
Hi Marycycle, your name made me curious so I Googled you. Found a profile for you online that said… Interests: Road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, running.
What about writing??? 🙂
Thanks for posting.
Mark | Writing Contest
Often it’s much easier to be inspired by another who doesn’t have your doubting mind about the possibilities of your very own work, than to push yourself. Mark’s that kind of inspiring guy, who just won’t give up on you. The combination of two sets of eyes creating one query letter is like a prep cook and gourmet chef combining their talents to come up with the most delicious meal imaginable. Simply, it works, and to your advantage as well. And any advantage you can get in this business is great! | Writing Contest
Hi Tom, yes… I have my own doubting mind to deal with. But it doesn’t doubt YOU. No, I’m not giving up on you. No, I won’t ever stop pushing (pulling?) you. And, no, I won’t ever stop writing cheesy poems for you to make you smile, laugh, and take a deep breath so you can keep sending out more queries. Thanks for taking time out today to share your kindness and brilliance. Mark | Writing Contest
I got Published the Write Way thanks to Literary Agent Undercover! | Writing Contest
Hi Scott, just saw your post here online so I thought I’d say hello again. We writers need to stick together, after all… and continue encouraging each other. Have a good night! Mark | Writing Contest
1. Write Purpose; Write Passion!
2. Write for Power; Write for Life!
3. I Write; therefore, I am Write!
4. When in doubt… Write!
Mark, don’t you know I am NOT the creative sort? LOL!
Beatrice | Writing Contest
So the beautiful Beatrice has blessed my blog once again. Alright. All right. All write. You are creative to me, dear Beatrice. Like kindness, creativity takes on a thousand different forms. Thanks for posting. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Hi Mark! It’s nice to come back to your site and I thought of participating in this contest. I have some for you, hope you’ll like one of them. 😉
1) Write or write not, there’s no try.
2) Uncover Author Inside.
3) Write from heart – change the world.
4) Magic is simple – Write.
Yury | Writing Contest
Hi Yury, good to see you again. I’m still celebrating your publication deal… and contemplating your creative contributions to my writing contest. 🙂 Thanks for taking time to say hello and participate. Sending you warm wishes. Mark | Writing Contest
Play Write Children …
I am an Upwrite Individual.
Outwrite Makerupperer of Lies
Do Not Disturb – Writer Writing Wrongs
Blood Sweat & Copywrite
I am Write
You wanna get published? Write.
Woman’s Writes
Men in Write Coats
Alwrite?
All Write?
I Came, I Saw, I Wrote.
Am I write?
I’m Always Write.
Yeah, Write.
#Writing Contest (again) 🙂
Okay, now you’re just showing off… just kidding. I love it. You are absolutely putting me to shame. C’mon, you can tell me. You’re moonlighting as a copywriter for the companies that make t-shirts and buttons. It’s okay, I won’t think any less of you. I’ll be jealous. You’re very punny. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
To Do List for Today: 1) Write. 2) GET Mark Malatesta. 3) Dress Up. 4) Show Up. 5) Get Published.
—–> Good Luck! May your tribe pow wow with you heap big time 🙂 | Writing Contest
Have I told you lately that you’re an endless well of creativity and compliments… and I really like that about you? By the way, how’s it feel to leave comments and get responses from me in real time? It’s probably really cool, or really creepy. Hahaha. Thanks for playing. Mark | Writing Contest
Get Between the Covers with Undercover (Literary Agent)
The (Literary Agent) to be placed below and in smaller letters. You could have a third line with your URL or I’d be more inclined to place the URL on the back of the t-shit and mug.
That’s it for me. It’s been a LONG day. | Writing Contest
Hi Darlene, you do realize that there’s more than one way to interpret your post don’t you? Is that what you meant? Or was it accidental innuendo? I also had to laugh at your t-shit typo. You’re killing me. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
OMG. Mark, I did intend the innuendo as a marketing tool – eye-catching and funny. However, I missed they typo (obviously) and stilll wouldn’t know if you hadn’t pointed it out. I’m caught somewhere between mortification and laughing hysterically. My apologies. If you knew me you would know that I would never post that. Ooops.
I figured it was a typo. No problem. It will give everyone a good laugh. Mark | Writing Contest
Inspiration Perspiration Dedication Publication Jubilation! | Writing Contest
Hi Derick, I knew you had it in you. 🙂 Hope you’re having a sweet Saturday. Mark | Writing Contest
The WhipCrack Chain Gang.
Okay, done chortling. Time to take in an old Steve Reeves movie.
As opposed to a -new- Steve Reeves movie….
And yes that *is* the best I could come up with!
still laughing. omg…. | Writing Contest
That’s why you write novels for a living. Ha-ha-ha. Don’t take it personally, your writing is great… and you have a winning personality. A girl can’t have everything you know. That’s it for now, have to keep cracking the whip you know… Mark | Writing Contest
Meant every word I wrote —& then some 🙂 I ran out of characters though thanx again & have great weekend!! | Writing Contest
Hi Celeste, you’re awesome… thanx for joining in the fun. Just sent you a separate email about you know what. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Writing – it’s in the blood. | Writing Contest
Hey John! Good to see you. Don’t forget to follow up with me about you know what so we can finish what we started and you can be my first success story from Hawaii. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
Thinkers Wait. Writers Innovate.
Write with Fire. | Writing Contest
Hi Larry… good to see you. And thanks for any part you played in the mom with red high heels coming out for her second visit. Ingrid and I believe in her 100%, and can’t wait to strategize with her next week. Have a great weekend. Mark | Writing Contest
The Joy of Working Out With Words, The Energy of Seeing Them In Print | Writing Contest
Hi Vitch, just saw your thoughtful contribution to the writing contest. Thanks for posting! Mark | Writing Contest
A story starts as a dream. A dream becomes reality. And that reality becomes someone elses dream. – D.C Garriott | Writing Contest
Hi DC, clever and poetic. Thanks for posting. Mark | Writing Contest
An unpublished author would quote that in ten thousand years with ten thousand type writers, ten thousand monkeys could write the words of Shakespeare – but someone out there still needs to read them.
Signed: Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety nine. | Writing Contest
Hi Brian, thanks for posting. Let’s hope we never have more monkeys than readers. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
Your website is great as it encourages and motivates the unpublished authors.your website is for those who need help and that’s why I’m here!!!!!
Those who want to get published and sincere about it comes here, BTW, I just like to give a visit here everyday without any reason at all.
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. | Writing Contest
Amk, you are awesome. When I read your post I was a bit tired (recovering from the flu). Your post gave me a big boost. Thanks for letting me know. And I absolutely love your quote about the agony of bearing the untold story inside you. I read it to my wife. It’s that good. I know how that feels. So I’m glad I can be there with you on your journey. Simply talking about it makes it better, I think. Knowing you’re not alone. See you again soon, and thanks for posting. Mark | Writing Contest
You love the characters you create as much as God loved creating you.
?! | Writing Contest
Hi David, nice contribution to the writing contest. Thanks for posting. Mark | Writing Contest