First off, I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who made Nightmare on Query Street a success. Agents, Co-hosts, and entrants, you are all AWESOME. We had a grand total of
Team requests were as follows:
 |
| Mike's Monsters |
10 shivers
13 shrieks
2 scream
 |
| Michelle's Minions |
20 shrieks
1 scream
10 shivers
*sigh* I guess, technically that kinda means Michelle won. Big round of applause to her.
But seriously, Michelle is an awesome friend with a great eye for talent. Bravo to her!
Hey! What's that....down there...
Everyone didn't get requests. That was one of my biggest fears when I was searching for entries. Admittedly, that fear was very real for me. I didn't JUST pick entries that I knew were going to get attention. I also picked entries that I felt DESERVED attention. Do I regret it? HELL NO! And you can quote me on that. I believe in all of my Monsters, and I know each of you will succeed. So, if you didn't get a request (or didn't get as many as you thought you would) just remember, a setback is a setup for a comeback.
Now, to the important stuff. My personal awards for my Monstrous Team.
Most Valuable Query Award: THE NINE
Note: Tracy. TracyTracyTracy. :D I found your entry at the last minute and HAD to make room for it. I loved it that much. Thank you for being a great presence on Twitter. You really helped represent this contest and leave a great impression for the agents who helped.
Scariest Query Award: RAGDOLL
Note: Yerp, creepiest query of them all, I think. I felt this query really bought out the Halloween in me. Pasha, you came a long way from when I first read your query. May you keep on keeping on in your journey to publication.
Monster Award: SNOW FALLING
Note: This was my all around favorite entry of the bunch. First off, I love retellings. Gina, your story sounds utterly brilliant. I am SO eager to read this it's not even funny. If I had to dropkick a toddler to read your story, I wouldn't, but I'd seriously consider it...'cause, you know, kids are resilient.
Quiet Brilliance Award: NAMELESS
Note: Kimberly, your entry made me smile. I didn't even read the title before I read your query and first page. At the end, I was like 'what the heck is her MC's name?' I loved the entry but I felt like not having the name might hold it back. Then I thought, maybe it's in the title. Nameless. Mind=Blown. Bravo.
Ghoulish First Page Award: LOGIN
Note: TAH! Your entry was my first pick. I don't know what it was about your title, but I just KNEW I would love it. And I did. I found myself (at the very beginning of the co-hosts slush wars, no less) reading your query over and over because I really really loved the concept. And your first page...Great job. I wish you the best of luck with all your future endeavors.
Scream-Worthy Award: MIDDLE SCHOOL MAFIA
Note: Middle School Mafia was the most popular among our agents, and as the only entry with a 'SCREAM', this definitely deserved this award. Michelle was itching to get her hands on this entry but I wasn't having it. I knew this was a gem. Congrats and good luck, Pete. Make those agents fight to the death...sorta.
Twit Fav Award: PRIME
Note: My Tweeps have spoken and they agree that Prime was their overall favorite. Colleen, I fell in love with your first paragraph. I didn't even finish reading it before I snatched it up an put it in my folder. Our slush pile was like a night at the Colosseum. SC, Michelle, and I were gladiators. I was lucky to have scored you.
Never-Give-Up Award: THE SECRET WORLD OF GUSTAVE EIFFEL
Note: I remembered your query from Query Kombat and even then it struck me as brilliant. Michael, I'm glad you gave this contest another shot. It was an honor to have you on my team. As the famous Buzz Lightyear once said 'Never give up. Never surrender. Someone will see this for the beauty it is.
Fear Award: GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH
Note: Carl, your MC's worst fear had me in stitches. I loved your story the moment I read 'Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator'. I mean, how (UN)AWESOME is that. I really really hope I see this on shelves someday. This is sheer brilliance. Great job and good luck.
Adventure Award: DARCY DARKLING AND THE FORGOTTEN CITY
Note: I feel like I can cuddle up with my future kids and read your story to them at bedtime, and we'd all enjoy it. That's not something I would usually say regarding Mid-Grade works. Stacey, when I was going through my entries to figure out which ones I would trade out, I starred your entry because I REFUSED to give it up. You have a golden story here, and it would be a travesty if an agent didn't see that.
To all my Monsters: I wish you the best of luck with all your life and publishing endeavors. I chose each of your because I thought your writing was something special. Don't quit, don't give up, and don't compromise yourself just because others don't see your brilliance. You see it and I see it, but the former is all that matters.
If there's anything I can help you with, shoot me an email via my blog's 'contact me' page. I'll do my best to help.
:D
1 scream
 |
| SC's Spooks |
10 shivers
17 shrieks
*sigh* I guess, technically that kinda means Michelle won. Big round of applause to her.
 |
Hey! What's that....down there...
 |
| It's an elephant...in a blog! |
Everyone didn't get requests. That was one of my biggest fears when I was searching for entries. Admittedly, that fear was very real for me. I didn't JUST pick entries that I knew were going to get attention. I also picked entries that I felt DESERVED attention. Do I regret it? HELL NO! And you can quote me on that. I believe in all of my Monsters, and I know each of you will succeed. So, if you didn't get a request (or didn't get as many as you thought you would) just remember, a setback is a setup for a comeback.
Now, to the important stuff. My personal awards for my Monstrous Team.
Most Valuable Query Award: THE NINE
Note: Tracy. TracyTracyTracy. :D I found your entry at the last minute and HAD to make room for it. I loved it that much. Thank you for being a great presence on Twitter. You really helped represent this contest and leave a great impression for the agents who helped.
Scariest Query Award: RAGDOLL
Note: Yerp, creepiest query of them all, I think. I felt this query really bought out the Halloween in me. Pasha, you came a long way from when I first read your query. May you keep on keeping on in your journey to publication.
Monster Award: SNOW FALLING
Note: This was my all around favorite entry of the bunch. First off, I love retellings. Gina, your story sounds utterly brilliant. I am SO eager to read this it's not even funny. If I had to dropkick a toddler to read your story, I wouldn't, but I'd seriously consider it...'cause, you know, kids are resilient.
Quiet Brilliance Award: NAMELESS
Note: Kimberly, your entry made me smile. I didn't even read the title before I read your query and first page. At the end, I was like 'what the heck is her MC's name?' I loved the entry but I felt like not having the name might hold it back. Then I thought, maybe it's in the title. Nameless. Mind=Blown. Bravo.
Ghoulish First Page Award: LOGIN
Note: TAH! Your entry was my first pick. I don't know what it was about your title, but I just KNEW I would love it. And I did. I found myself (at the very beginning of the co-hosts slush wars, no less) reading your query over and over because I really really loved the concept. And your first page...Great job. I wish you the best of luck with all your future endeavors.
Scream-Worthy Award: MIDDLE SCHOOL MAFIA
Note: Middle School Mafia was the most popular among our agents, and as the only entry with a 'SCREAM', this definitely deserved this award. Michelle was itching to get her hands on this entry but I wasn't having it. I knew this was a gem. Congrats and good luck, Pete. Make those agents fight to the death...sorta.
Twit Fav Award: PRIME
Note: My Tweeps have spoken and they agree that Prime was their overall favorite. Colleen, I fell in love with your first paragraph. I didn't even finish reading it before I snatched it up an put it in my folder. Our slush pile was like a night at the Colosseum. SC, Michelle, and I were gladiators. I was lucky to have scored you.
Never-Give-Up Award: THE SECRET WORLD OF GUSTAVE EIFFEL
Note: I remembered your query from Query Kombat and even then it struck me as brilliant. Michael, I'm glad you gave this contest another shot. It was an honor to have you on my team. As the famous Buzz Lightyear once said 'Never give up. Never surrender. Someone will see this for the beauty it is.
Fear Award: GERALD AND THE AMULET OF ZONRACH
Note: Carl, your MC's worst fear had me in stitches. I loved your story the moment I read 'Royal Equine Poop Disposal Coordinator'. I mean, how (UN)AWESOME is that. I really really hope I see this on shelves someday. This is sheer brilliance. Great job and good luck.
Adventure Award: DARCY DARKLING AND THE FORGOTTEN CITY
Note: I feel like I can cuddle up with my future kids and read your story to them at bedtime, and we'd all enjoy it. That's not something I would usually say regarding Mid-Grade works. Stacey, when I was going through my entries to figure out which ones I would trade out, I starred your entry because I REFUSED to give it up. You have a golden story here, and it would be a travesty if an agent didn't see that.
To all my Monsters: I wish you the best of luck with all your life and publishing endeavors. I chose each of your because I thought your writing was something special. Don't quit, don't give up, and don't compromise yourself just because others don't see your brilliance. You see it and I see it, but the former is all that matters.
If there's anything I can help you with, shoot me an email via my blog's 'contact me' page. I'll do my best to help.
:D
Thank you for your kind words and picking me to be part of the most awesome team in nightmare query. Goooo Monsters!!!!
ReplyDeleteAw, this was the greatest team ever assembled! Thank you, Mike. You were/are a wonderful team leader! This really was a fun experience, and a great team. I'm so glad I got to know so many of you, and I hope we all stay in contact! Monsters rule!=-)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see everyone succeed! <3
Thanks Mike! I was thrilled to be chosen. This contest was a blast! Best. Team. Ever!
ReplyDeleteThanks for rallying the troops so well, Mike. Sooo.. . . if I was the tweet-bassador, is that kind of like being the greeter cat in the animal shelter? Pretty nice gig if you can get it!
ReplyDeleteThis has been such a grand confidence booster--your kind words--getting into the contest--the chance to be seen by agents! Thank you so much for looking out for a couple of complete strangers. Or rather... monsters!
ReplyDeleteWow. Thank you so much for your kind words. The fact that you took the time to personally tell us you believe in us and our books... it means SO MUCH. ♥♥
ReplyDeleteAnd I loved (like loved-loved) all of your entries, I'm so proud to be a monster! #monstersforlife ;)
WE FIGHT! WE FIGHT! Oh, sorry. lol Felt pumped after reading this. lol
ReplyDeleteThank you once again for your faith in choosing me. And thanks for the kind words. I'll keep looking for a home for "Eiffel."
ReplyDelete