I’m interrupting my weekly post to tell you all about an amazing opportunity to get your query/MS in front of two literary agents: Julia Churchill of Greenhouse and Gemma Cooper of The Bright Literary Agency.
Ruth Lauren Steven
Author and writing buddy Ruth Lauren Steven is hosting this amazing contest on her blog. If you have a completed YA/MG MS then this competition is the perfect vehicle for you.
Check out all the information in her blog post.
RULES:
1) The contest is open to all fiction genres of YA and MG.
2) The contest is open on the 18th April only. The submission window is 9am – 5pm EST.
3) In that window, send your query letter and the first five pages of the ms in the body of the email. The address to send to is: lottiehumphries14@yahoo.co.uk
4) The competition is only for followers of Ruth’s blog, so you must remember to follow her blog before you enter.
It would also be extra nice if you followed her on Twitter and liked her facebook author page but it’s not a rule
Where was this contest when I needed it! I followed Ruth’s blog and twitter, and tweeted this post for you, Amaleen! Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Thank you for supporting Ruth’s blog. She’s a fantastic writer and definitely one to watch.
Aww, thank you Amaleen and thanks Sharon!
I’m all set and really excited about the contest! Thanks for the information!
Brilliant, Julie. Very exciting that you’re going to enter. All the very best of luck.
I was wondering if there is a minimum word count or any other details that would temp the agents? We need to know
In truth, Emi, I’m not sure about this. I would suggest you pose this question to Ruth on her blog. She’s very good at replying promptly to comments.
Heehee.
Minimum word count for the book, the query or the five page submission?
Um, I’ll have a go at all three, since I’m not sure!
MG books – approx 25 – 40k ish, but that depends on the age it’s aimed at.
YA – approx 50 – 100k ish. Again, this depends on genre. Literary works are sometimes on the shorter side with word count less of an issue.
Query – approx 250 words.
Five pages will be about 1500 ish words.
Hope that covers what you meant!
As to what the agents are actively looking for, check their websites, or google the hell out of them. But here’s a nice place to start with Gemma:
http://talltalesandshortstories.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/agent-interview-gemma-cooper-at-bright.html
Wonderful advice, Ruth, and not just for your competition. This is need to know stuff for aspiring writers.
I would like to enter a writing contest! This is such a good idea!