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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Brenda on January 30, 2013 at 12:42 pm

Ok – Here we go with a few thoughts….

1) Got Print? (cuz you know we want it, right?)

2) Literary Agent Undercover – getting you and your book exposed (or one or the other or both….or something like that) or gee – LAU – exposing your brilliance one book at a tie

3) LAU -insider secrets for outsider book deals / sales

Yeah – that’s it for me – good luck with the contest. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 30, 2013 at 9:44 pm
  
  Hi Brenda, thanks for posting… and three different ideas. I like Got Print. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Gayla Wick on January 30, 2013 at 11:38 am

Phenonmenal Author Rising! | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 30, 2013 at 9:42 pm
  
  Hi Gayla! Good to see you. And thanks for posting your phenomenal contribution to the contest. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Gary Towner on January 30, 2013 at 11:29 am

It’s like eating to your heart’s desire without the consequences. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 30, 2013 at 9:41 pm
  
  Hi Gary, I’m sitting here trying to come up with some clever retort… but I can’t. You did good. Thanks for posting. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Sharon A. Lavy on January 30, 2013 at 11:26 am

I am a writer. I have an agent. The first novel I wrote has a timeline of 1973. The publishing houses do not answer submissions for this timeline. So I had her blessing to self publish it. We have another manuscript that she is submitting to the publishing houses. (Timeline 2008) But I had so much fun self-publishing the first one. I’m very relaxed about this one. It will be published. Somehow.

And the early readers of Dreaming of a Father’s Love want to hear more about the characters. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 30, 2013 at 9:39 pm
  
  Hi Sharon, I don’t want to discourage anyone so I’m going to chime in here and say that absolutely any topic and any time period is marketable. Things do go “in and out of style” but the heart and soul of a great story makes time less relevant. Most important, I’m glad you’re the kind of writer that’s going to get her work out there, one way or another, no matter what. That’s what it’s all about. I admire you for that. Mark | Writing Contest
Ron Garcia on January 29, 2013 at 3:07 am

Hi Mark,

Here’s my entry for the contest:

“The aspiring author’s Number One resource!” | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 30, 2013 at 10:40 am
  
  Hi Ron, thanks for posting. Winners to be announced soon. Mark | Writing Contest
Cheri on January 28, 2013 at 12:16 pm

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of even looking for an agent?
Wondering if everyone was right when they told you to self-publish?
Worried that you’re writing a book that no one will ever read???
Literary Agent Undercover can help!
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 28, 2013 at 12:26 pm
  
  Hi Cheri, I guess this means you’re feeling better? Or maybe you posted this while shivering with a fever under the covers? Either way, thanks for posting! 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 28, 2013 at 12:27 pm
  
  P.S. No, I don’t always respond this quickly to comments. You just caught me at the perfect time. 😉 | Writing Contest
T.K. Millin on January 25, 2013 at 3:02 pm

“To write is to breathe; to breathe is to live; therefore, I live to write. The rest I leave to Literary Agent Undercover. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 25, 2013 at 10:58 pm
  
  Everyone else here is going to think I’m crazy, but… meow to you and Efi Look. Have a great weekend and thanks for posting your poetic entry. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
George White on January 25, 2013 at 2:39 pm

If you want to cut through the bullshit and meet a down to earth person who legitimately cares, doesn’t play games,doesn’t blow sunshine where the sun don’t shine, and has a serious interest in your success call Mark. It is actually quite simple, if you succeed it makes both of you look good. Who wouldn’t want the next Hemingway as a successful past client. Seems simple enough to me. | Writing Contest
- George White on January 25, 2013 at 2:46 pm
  
  PS: Use what you want, and I don’t need no stinkin gift card buddy! LOL | Writing Contest
Amk on January 25, 2013 at 8:32 am

Hey you there! when am i getting my gift card!!!!!!!

JUST KIDDIN I KNOW IT AINT COMING THAT EASY | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 25, 2013 at 10:56 pm
  
  Hi Amk, you absolutely know that I’m pulling for you. Anything is possible. Have a great weekend and don’t be a stranger. Mark | Writing Contest
Ronnie Dauber on January 25, 2013 at 8:21 am

Hi Mark, here is my entry of three phrases for the contest:

A good book that’s not published is like a vintage wine that’s not savoured.

Want not, write not. Hope not, try not. Ask not, succeed not.

A good book may have its words written in gold, but if it doesn’t get its due focus it loses its value. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 25, 2013 at 10:55 pm
  
  Hi Ronnie, good seeing you and thanks for participating. Fun entries. Perhaps it’s best not to write a book with gold ink until there’s a buyer. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Joseph Salameh on January 25, 2013 at 12:36 am

Dear Mr. Mark,
Thanks for giving us this unique and great opportunity to dive through the hidden garden of experience to reveal the necessary signs to help us in our writing journey.
Best regards,
Joseph Salameh | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 25, 2013 at 12:47 am
  
  Hi Joseph, you are most welcome. Thank you for your sharing your kind words… like poetry to me at this late hour. Let me know if I can help you in any way. And thank you for posting. Mark | Writing Contest
Barbara Symons on January 24, 2013 at 10:05 pm

Helping You Cover to Cover, Undercover | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 10:20 pm
  
  Maybe you should be designing bumper stickers instead of writing nonfiction books. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
  - Cheri on January 27, 2013 at 1:09 pm
    
    Oh, that’s good. | Writing Contest
    - Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 28, 2013 at 7:13 am
      
      Hi Cheri, first I get the pleasure of speaking with you on person… then I see your smiling face on my blog. Life is good. Hope you and the family is flu fr*ee. Don’t forget to add your own contribution to the writing contest. Odds are 1 in 28 you’ll get a $100, $50, or $25 Amazon gift card for your trouble. But I also know that you have your hands full… with a house full of nuggest. 🙂 Talk soon, and stay well. Mark | Writing Contest
Mary Ellen Schulz on January 24, 2013 at 9:48 pm

MARK my words, MALATESTA my talent, LITERARY AGENT wanna-go UNDERCOVER of book with you. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 9:52 pm
  
  Hi Mary Ellen, it’s book Mark or “BookMark.” Yes… I’m up late online… goofing off… stalking people leaving posts! Thanks for playing and getting creative with us. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Barbara Symons on January 24, 2013 at 9:41 pm

Rest easy with Literary Agent Undercover – Putting your book project to bed so that you can wake up with a publisher.

Every thing you need to know about traditional publishing from A to ZZZZZZ

P.S. Can I enter more than once??? | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 9:48 pm
  
  Hi Barbara! Your name will only be entered once but you can post as many entries as you like. I love your creativity. Thanks for joining in the fun. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Barbara Symons on January 24, 2013 at 9:14 pm

Working Under Your “Covers”
A Book Writers Dream Guide to Getting Published | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 9:50 pm
  
  I definitely have to explore the whole idea of underneath and in between the covers more. There are a lot of options and opportunities for the good old play on words. Mark | Writing Contest
pogo on January 24, 2013 at 9:07 pm

get between the covers with an agent
they do it better | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 9:55 pm
  
  Now we’re talking. I hope my wife isn’t reading this (she’s definitely reading, I’d give her a hard time if she didn’t). Thanks for “playing” with us pogo and sharing some of your inspiration with the rest of us. Always wishing you well. Mark | Writing Contest
pogo on January 24, 2013 at 8:54 pm

When you’re done scratching the fleas on your neck and digging through the bottom of the barrel, then it’s time to move on and let somebody do the fishing for you. Try a literary agent. He knows how to bait the hook and land the book. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 9:56 pm
  
  I like it. Literary agents bait the hook and land the whopping book deal. Mark | Writing Contest
  - pogo on January 25, 2013 at 6:16 am
    
    sorry, you can see that I could never run sprints because it takes me so long to get my legs warm or maybe the Kipling influence. Twain would build for the counterpunch, too but I am nowhere near that ability.Think you are looking for a Woodlouse to put the punch on effectively through a “by jeeves” retort. | Writing Contest
    - Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 25, 2013 at 7:09 am
      
      hi pogo, your writing has all the color, intricacies, and height of a butterfly’s wings. 😉 Mark | Writing Contest
Tina on January 24, 2013 at 8:42 pm

Hi Mark!

Literary Agent Undercover – because you need to think like an agent to get an agent.

Mark Malatesta – coaching new authors to their full potential.

Cheers,

Tina | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 9:57 pm
  
  Hi Tina. Think like an agent, just don’t act like one. Right? Ha ha ha. Thanks for taking a moment to post Tina. I know you’re busy. You’re also a brilliant writer. Hope you don’t mind me saying so publicly. I can’t help myself sometimes. 🙂 Mark | Writing Contest
Celeste Gaydos on January 24, 2013 at 5:49 pm

So glad you’re all up & running again 🙂 bet you’re taking a huge sigh of relief!! You have so much material on here that you share to all & it’s nice to know there’s a place to come for great helpful hints or just to chat with others about writing. Great job,Mark! I feel like this is a second home 🙂 | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 9:59 pm
  
  Hi Celeste. I was totally freaking out when my directory went down. It drives me nuts not having control over whether it works or not because it’s a third-party software. But things are up and running again. So all is well. Thanks for always being so supportive. It means a lot. See you tomorrow (ezine going out). Until then, have a great night. Mark | Writing Contest
Amk on January 24, 2013 at 5:12 pm

When I get rejected..I feel ashamed and bored of my life but then This site, helps me when im blue…and that’s why, Mark, you and your site is great…

No surprise in the writer, No surprise in the reader. No tears in the writer, No tears in the reader. | Writing Contest
- Mark Malatesta, Literary Agent Undercover on January 24, 2013 at 10:02 pm
  
  Amk, you’re inspiring me to do a call soon with my wife. One of the things she does best is coach people at all levels (including A-list celebrities) on how to stay positive and productive mentally… especially in the face of challenges and rejection. Do not be ashamed. Be proud that you’re brave enough to keep believing in yourself, and keep going. My new column goes out tomorrow. Stop by again to say hello. I enjoy you spending time here as much as you do. Mark | Writing Contest