You know how every few months there's an auction for a good cause and agents donate critiques that go for $1000 each? How would you like to win an agent critique without the crazy price tag?
My agent, Sara Megibow, has decided to offer a 50 page critique on a finished OR unfinished manuscript, to help promote THE SECRET UNDERGROUND. While we encourage all entrants to buy a copy of the book, (with all the profits going to help a sick baby boy named Jayden), purchase is not required.
All you have to do to win is leave a comment on this post.
Easy peasy, right?
Here's Sara with the details:
- submission can be from finished or unfinished work
- sample pages (up to 50 pages) must be to me by Feb 28, 2013
- Submissions must be in a genre I represent: middle grade, young adult, romance, science fiction or fantasy (no mystery, horror, picture books, memoirs, or nonfiction)
- You do NOT have to buy a copy of THE SECRET UNDERGROUND to win, however I've auctioned off critiques this year for $1200, so please consider that $8 (or $4 for the eBook), which goes to charity, is a REALLY GOOD DEAL. I've bought copies as holidays gifts, birthday gifts, party favors, house warming gifts, for my own bookshelf. Come on, help baby Jayden! Regardless of format (ebook, print book, audio book) - all sales help! If you'd like to buy a copy, there are links to booksellers on the sidebar.
- submissions can be your book OR someone else's (which means - yes, you can give this critique as a gift to someone for the holidays as long as that person's book fits my above mentioned criteria)
- to enter, simply post a comment on Natalie's blog. Any comment.
- This giveaway will close Wednesday, December 12 at midnight PST, when Natalie will chose ONE winner using Random.org. Natalie will announce that winner on Thursday, December 13.
This is an amazing opportunity. I speak from experience when I say Sara's critiques are always spot on and extremely helpful.
Good luck to everyone!
Sara Megibow is an agent at Nelson Literary Agency.
Sara is on Twitter @SaraMegibow
Sara is on Publishers Marketplace (with client info and general opinions and tastes): http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/SaraMegibow/
327 comments:
1 – 200 of 327 Newer› Newest»This is awesome! As much as I'd love to buy the book (it's on my To-Be-Bought list), I literally have no money right now.
Fingers crossed for me. I could really use a critique!
This is for such a great cause so I will definitely be picking this book up when I've got the money--the premise on Goodreads even sounds interesting!
Thank you for considering me, a critique would be of much help!
I am so all over this. I've been listening to Sara on twitter talking about this project and I love it. The book is on my Christmas wish list :)
*Crosses fingers on the Critique*
Ok, count me in, for both the buying of the book and the contest. I'm all for a good cause, and having my name in the hat for a MS critique is a big deal too :)
Thanks for arranging this.
What a generous donation! Happy to buy the book... it's not a genre I typically read, so it will be a refreshing change of pace for me. :) Best wishes for sweet baby Jayden!
That's a deal! I don't remember the Baby Jayden announcement. I'll be sure to spread the word!
The book looks like something my 12-year old niece would enjoy!
This is Writer's Conference-worthy prize (at least at ECWC)! I never win drawings, but that doesn't mean I stop trying! My paranormal romance would love a little attention. Hehe. :)
Natalie and Sara - thanks so much for the opportunity! Very exciting. Congrats on the book! Best wishes.
Will definitely grab the book and also would like to be entered. Would be great to have a final pair of eyes on my novel's front door before I start to actively query.
- Susan McNerney
I'd love to help baby Jayden. It's well worth the cost of the book :)
What an awesome opportunity, and the book sounds great too!
Kudos to you, Natalie, for donating all the proceeds from this title to such a worthy cause. I've bought this for my almost 10 yr old to read while on fall break next week. I'm sure she'll love it. Will have her post her review later. ;)
And thank you, Sara, for offering a 50 page critique as well.
Awesome! I don't generally win, but definitely appreciate the chance. Librarians don't make enough money to bid on the auctions I see out there:P
Awww yeah, cheap reading, charity, and a raffle. What more could a girl ask for?
OMG!!! What a great contest, and SOOO freakin' easy! Shall tweet it from the housetop... hmmm, okay, from the laptop :) Thanks for this amazing opportunity!
Making a purchase, and joining the big scary critique contest. Thank you for the opportunity, and be well Jayden.
What a fantastic prize! And a good price for a book too.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Winning that critique would be amazing. Sara is so generous!
Hi there! Count me in! (And I will definitely be buying this book ^_^)
Wow, great contest! My daughter would love to read The Secret Underground...and for a wonderful cause...adding to my cart! A critique from Sara would be icing on the cake! Thanks Natalie & Sara!
Great idea! Look forward to reading the book.
Yes, count me in for a book. I've heard wonderful things about this story. Can't wait to read.
Looks like a great book!
Thanks for the chance to win a critique.
What a great opportunity! Thanks for doing this, and I'll pick up the book this week.
We can always afford to spend a little time and a little money on great causes. Count me in to both the book and the contest. Thank you so much for the chance.
Pete
It will be an honor to buy the book and help Jayden in some small way, and to enter the MS critique opportunity.
What a great opportunity! I love Sara and would love a critique!
Wow, this is fantastic. Thanks for doing this.
CV
This is a great idea. Thanks for doing this! Great prize and great cause. Fingers crossed.
Your book sounds amazing! I look forward to picking it up. Thanks for an awesome contest.
Such a generous opportunity! Go Team Baby Jayden. I'll buy this novel right now! Thanks, y'all!
What a great cause! I will for sure be getting a book!
Good luck everyone :)
Dear Natalie and Sara,
The Secret Underground sounds like a great read (I'm snagging my copy from Amazon as soon as I've finished commenting here)and even more importantly, it's going to be an excellent means of support to Jayden and his family.
Thank you for this contest and an even bigger thank you for what you're doing in behalf of Jayden & his family- if everyone on our planet was this thoughtful and generous, many of the problems we struggle to solve would be long gone. -Paula
I have a niece who might enjoy the novel, maybe I'll pick up a copy. It looks interesting and is for a good cause. Great promotion!
What a great idea. I bought a copy for my granddaughter and one for me, so we can discuss the book when we're done.
Wow what an amazing opportunity!
I have this book on my Kindle. Pretty excited about it. I'm hoping it will be a fun read for me and my kids to share together.
And, oh, yes, I would love to win a critique from Sara. :)
Thanks so much for offering this! Both to Sara for offering the critique and to Natalie for offering the profits from her book to a good cause.
Wow! How generous of Sara, and of you, Natalie, for giving all the proceeds of your book to this little boy in need. <3 Completely awesome all round!
Oh, the poor kid! Kudos to both Sara and Natalie for doing this to help him.
When my daughter was in the hospital, we were treated well and covered completely by insurance. I appreciate any little way we can give back to another child in need.
Oh, the poor kid! Kudos to both Sara and Natalie for doing this to help him.
When my daughter was in the hospital, we were treated well and covered completely by insurance. I appreciate any little way we can give back to another child in need.
Enter me,please. I'll order a copy from our local bookstore, and give the book to our 13-y-o son. Our boy had different medical problems, but once had a 0% chance of survival--and is now taller than his mama. If possible, please give Jayden's parents my good wishes, and tell them they're in my thoughts. Sometimes miracles do happen--but they're a lot of work. Thanks to you and Sara for doing some of that work.
What a great idea! Thanks for the opportunity. :)
Sign me up for Both! I love a good book and who doesn't want a critique??
Wow thanks so much for this opportunity!! That's amazing!! :-) you guys are the best!!
Good cause. Good gift idea. I have a nearly complete scifi MS. I'm in!
Count me in! I'd love to give a critique to a friend!
What a wonderful contest! I'd love to support this cause and am downloading today. My son will love the book! Thank you for the opportunity to win a critique and best wishes to the family.
What a great offer!!
I've ordered THE SECRET UNDERGROUND and I'm really looking forward to reading it :)
I am happy to get behind this. Count me in please, and I look forward to reading the book too.
A pretty epic giveaway! And all for a good cause. Wishing you continued success with THE SECRET UNDERGROUND!
Wow. Thanks so much for this opportunity!
Congrats on your book, Natalie! I look forward to reading it :)
Count me in! How exciting! :)
This is a great opportunity and a wonderful charity. Thanks for doing this, Natalie and Sara!
This is amazing, both of you! Thanks for this opportunity!
this is beyond awesome! Definitely count me in.
So nice to see a critique giveaway of such a great length with no strings attached. Thanks for opportunity :)
I'll add the book to my TBR pile. :) And thank you for this incredible opportunity!
I bought The Secret Underground. Woohoo!! Looking forward to reading. Yes, I want to be entered in this amazing contest to win a critique from Sara. I follow her on Twitter!!
As a healthcare worker who has worked with NICU children in the past I would love to help. If you would like to contact me, I will purchase 20 copies that you can then donate or give away. Easiest contact is dav_halt (a) yahoo.com. Cheers and best of luck to Jayden.
This is such an awesome thing you're doing! Count me in. :)
That's fantastic! And I've already bought and read the book before posting Natalie's interview on my blog (today).
Thanks for the opportunity.
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity! I'll definitely try to get a copy of the book. Hospital bills can get pretty outrageous and any help I can give little Jayden and his family is worth eight bucks.
Wow great giveaway! I hope I win! Sara is awesome!
Bethany
Bethany.hensel@gmail.com
Fabulous opportunity. I'm off to buy the book...
This is amazing! I just bought the Kindle version. Prayers for Baby Jayden and his family!
What a delightful offer.
What a great offer for charity. I'd love to be in the draw.
Your book sounds great, it's now in my TBR pile.
How exciting! What a lucky gift for whoever does win (hopefully me ;) ). What you are doing for Jayden is so amazing - I hope this boosts sales of your amazing book!
Hmm...who else can I buy copies for...*runs off the see*
What an amazing offer! Thank you so much for the opportunity! :)
I've got my copy of the book - and I'm hoping there are lots of sales for you. Still think this is one of the most generous/gracious things I've seen online! You rock Natalie & Sara :)
Sounds like a win-win situation. Count me in. :)
*goes to buy book*
Such generosity of spirit-both of you! Best to you, Sara, and of course, Jayden's family.
Gauze Men, here I come. Best wishes to Jayden and family.
What a generous offer for a great cause! Count me in.
Thank you for doing this! This is what the holidays are all about.
Thank you for this opportunity!
This is an awesome opportunity; count me in!
I'm in.
I would love to be entered. I am super new to writing and getting published. I just finished my first MS in Sept. I will totally buy the book; I just got a Kindle and am trying to stock up on e-books. cain[dot]miranda[at]gmail[dot]com.
Thanks so much! What a great thing to do.
What a great opportunity! Thanks to Sara & Natalie for this :)
Thanks for this opportunity! I'd be happy to buy the book and support this cause. I wasn't aware of Jayden's story until now. I'm glad I'm able to help in some way. :)
Making the purchase for Kindle. Thanks for the contest, Sara and Natalie!
This is amazing. I just purchased and look forward to checking it out!
Thank you for the opportunity!
What a heartbreaking story about Jayden and his family, and what a great way to help out! I bought a copy of the book, I hope it can help Jayden and his family out in some small way.
Wow, what a fab opportunity. My heart goes out to Jayden and his family!! I've got my fingers crossed for the critique - always handy!
Here's hoping you get a lot of purchases. Looking forward to reading it. Also, thanks to Sara for being so generous.
Awesomeness. A generous offer for a wonderful cause.
How generous! Ms. Megibow is one of my dream agents.
I came for the critique, but I'm leaving with the book. Thanks for the great offer!
I realized my comment came out unknown. So I'm @JMCwrites on Twitter. Also, I'm halfway through the book and really enjoying it!
So many people in publishing have auctioned off books and critiques for charity this year. It's awesome. I'm going to go snag my copy now!
@KLMolnar
Just bought a copy of the ebook and am very much looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the contest! What a great opportunity.
The book sounds interesting. I will definitely check it out. Thank you for letting us help with this great cause. Go Jayden!
@kaiawrites
What a wonderful way to help Jayden! I'm in for an ebook AND a hardcopy because really, where else could you get a chance like this for around $12.
Thanks to you AND Sara for doing this.
Thanks for this opportunity!
This is a wonderful thing you're doing!
I'm so glad I saw Sara's tweet! Great opportunity to help Jayden, read what sounds like a fun book and oooh, fingers crossed, get some feedback from one of my dream agents for my MG Fantasy.
Thanks for doing this!
People can do amazing things when they come together - thank you both. I look forward to reading your book, and maybe have a chance to get feedback from Sara!
Sara is amazing and I'd love to have her help! What you're doing with the donations is amazing. Thanks so much for everything!
Thanks for this contest. A great opportunity and a great cause? How can I resist. I'm off to get an ebook.
What a great opportunity! Thanks for hosting this contest, and to your fab agent for offering the critique! And what a great cause, too. Poor little guy.
Your book sounds perfect for my stepson. :-)
Great cause + a chance to win = win/win *fingers crossed* Good luck everyone!
I'll be honest, the cover art ALONE is enough to get me to buy the book. It has some beautiful blending of colors. Oh yeah, and the charity thing *grins*
Thanks for doing this Sara! Agenting: you're doing it right.
The book sounds very interesting. And how generous of Sara to off the critique promotion.
I didn't win any of the raffle baskets at ECWC. Maybe I'll win this drawing. My historical romance is ready to go.
Awesome! I love Sara!
*fingers crossed*
Btw, just bought your book ;)
Thank you for doing this! Just bought your book & shipped it to my nieces as a surprise gift! Sara is in my top ten favorite agent list, so I would love a critique for my 97K women's fiction novel. Felt great to buy the book and support baby Jayden!
Going to buy the book now. Such a generous thing you both are doing
Natalie,
What a fabulous idea. I hope you sell a ton of books and the little boy is helped.
Thanks a million! Books, a good cause and a critique!
Happy to support this cause and looking forward to reading the book. Looks great on my Kobo!
And would love to win the critique as well... :)
This is the most awesome agent giveaway I think I've ever seen! And yeah, I'll see about buying the book. If it's not my forte, I'll find someone who'll like it.
Thanks for the opportunity. And what a great cause!
Such a great opportunity and what a lovely way to help Jayden. Good luck to everyone and thanks for offering this!
Great cause. I'm getting the book and would love to drop my name in your virtual hat.
Wow. What an amazing thing to do. Lovely to see people caring. And such a great opportunity for writers!
Thanks!!!
Kelly Ethan
What a great opportunity and for such a good cause. Thanks Natalie and Sara!
Ditto what everyone has said! Both a great cause and opportunity :)
I'd love to be entered in the contest, but more than that, I wish baby Jayden the best. I'll be buying the book as soon as I hit "Publish Your Comment." Thanks for supporting a worthy cause.
What an amazing thing you're doing with the proceeds. I'll buy a copy from Amazon tonight!
Would love to be entered into your giveaway.
Picked up a few copies for the nieces and nephews and one for myself. Such a great cause. :-)
Definitely picking one up for my little girl. She will love it!
Wonderful opportunity and for a wonderful cause.
Wonderful opportunity and for a wonderful cause.
How exciting! I really really want to win this critique. I'm a huuuge fan. =D
-Caterina Torres
cat(at)caterinatorres(dot)com
I will be happy to purchase a copy to share with my 12-year-old daughter. Best of luck to you and most especially to Jayden.
Thank you Sara for putting this on Twitter!
What a generous offer. I'll buy one for my classroom library.
Brian
What a wonderful cause! Just bought the ebook for my Kindle. And thank you, Sara, for the generous opportunity!
Well, I've already bought it and read it - and can say that it's a wonderful book!
[I have not been compensated for this review, unless you count entertainment value ;-)]
What a great idea. Happy to donate to a good cause, and delighted to be in the running for a critique! Thanks!
Good luck to you and Jayden and thank you for the opportunity.
All best-
-meg
Looking forward to buying your book! Best of luck to you and to Jayden. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!
Sincerely,
Madeline
What a sweet little guy, and what a great way to help his family. Thank you for doing this!
Wow, that is sweet! Thanks, guys.
I would love this opportunity! Thank you offering your valuable time.
What an awesome gift! And ANYONE would be so lucky to win!!!!! Thank you for giving back!
What an awesome giveaway! So wonderful to help out this way.
*runs off to go buy the book*
I absolutely love how generous the writing community is.
Thank you, Natalie and Sara, for offering this. My head spun for days on the amounts going out for the Sandy auctions. Great cause, no doubt but just can't compete.
Good luck everybody!
What a great cause. And I've never read anything from NLA clients that I didn't love. So buying SU was easy. Thanks Sara, Natalie for your generosity.
Sonali
Thanks so much for doing this! :)
Time to add "The Secret Underground" to my TBR list!
This is such a great idea! Off to buy The Secret Underground!
Natalie, I am so proud to be your cousin! Awesome work. I got a copy and have started reading! When I taught middle school it was always a challenge to get the students to LOVE reading. You are doing that!!! Way to go!
What a wonderful and generous idea. I'll be praying for Jayden and his family.
Sweet idea- count me in.
Cheers,
Jimmy Juliano
What a great cause and a great giveaway. I can't wait to read the book while I wait to hear if I'm the lucky winner.
This is so wonderful! I definitely don't have $1000 to donate for a critique so this is a wonderful opportunity!
I'll have to check out this book. Off to goodreads I go!
*crosses fingers for critique*
What a nice contest! Middle grade is my thing, so I'll definitely be checking out this book.
There's a lot of good karma going on here, raising money to help a kid, and offering a critique to help a writer!
This is such an amazing opportunity. Thank you and good luck on the launch of the new book!
What an awesome prize! I'm off to buy the book, many thanks :)
This is such an awesome gesture on your part!! Off to buy the book :)
Thanks so much for this opportunity for one lucky writer, as well as what you're doing for this boy and his family.
Thank you for this amazing chance..
What a great opportunity!
Thanks!
Off to buy.
=)
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to win the crit!
I'll be picking up the book for sure!
What a great opportunity!
Love Sara and 10 Queries in 10 tweets. Will definitely think about giving this book as a gift. Thanks for the opportunity.
Even if I don't win the prize, I'm happy with helping someone. Will buy when I get home.
Thank you for the opportunity! The book sounds fantastic.
A fantastic opportunity. Thank you very much.
What a wonderful opportunity! Thanks so much!!!
Laurie
hagergirl@yahoo.com
Wow, the book looks really good!
Of course, none of my nieces or nephews will be old enough to read it for a few years... I can still totally read it myself, right? :-)
Thank you for this opportunity.
Oh wow - that is so incredibly generous! Thank you, guys :) I think I have an Amazon gift card to redeem off Swagbucks....sounds like the perfect opportunity to go pick up that ebook!
Thank you for this great opportunity. My son is constantly running out of books to read. I think he'll really like your book. Going over to AMZ right after I send this. :-)
It's really kind of both of you to offer this to the lucky winner.
Also, I'm definitely getting your book. Secret tunnels! What's not to like?
Thank you for offering this opportunity!
Sounds like a great opportunity. Thanks!
What a heartfelt way to help out this little boy! A great contest--thanks for holding it!
Great idea for a contest! Thank you :D
Hi Natalie and Sara!
Natalie, I added your book to my wish list after reading your post about your book signing at your daughter's school. Yay, for fun-sounding books, supportive agents, and good causes. I just bought The Secret Underground. (Like your title, by the way.)
Thank you both for a great opportunity, too.
Just picked up the book a day or two ago, looking forward to reading it. I hope you hit your goal for Jayden!
Great opportunity. I'll definitely check out The Secret Underground.
I adore Sarah! I am going to miss her #10queriesIn10Tweets but can't wait to see what she has in store for us in the new year. I would love to get a critique from her!
And I love that proceeds go to help a sick little boy. I'll certainly be checking out The Secret Underground for purchase!
Would love to help out and would love to win this! Thanks for the chance.
"Mother of four" and "writes novels." You have my deepest respect. Now I feel a little like a slacker as father of two and writes novels.
What a fabulous giveaway! And a great opportunity to make a difference. Count me in.
So, it's acceptable to buy a book for one's nephew and read it yourself first, right? This sounds like a great read!
And the contest is a lovely idea!
Sounds amazing :) Count me in!
Lots of support for a good cause. Count me in!
Wow! Such a great opportunity and a great cause. The book sounds great, can't wait to read!
What a wonderful way to raise fund for a good cause. :)
The Secret Underground is on my list to buy this week...along with 4 others...my poor paycheck. :)
Thanks for this great opportunity. It's very generous. I won't be able to buy the book this time, as I have two preschoolers and the holidays to think about, but will pay it forward in the future. ~lara
What a great opportunity! Thank you!
Thank you for doing this. Great idea and great cause!
My goodness. Incredibly generous. Thank you for the opportunity, and I'll definitely check out the book - sounds great!
This is way too amazing not to enter. Thank you Sara and Natalie. I've got my copy and I will spread the word on this to all my writer friends.
sleuthwood (at) yahoo (dot) com
What an amazing opportunity! Thank you!
Jpetroroy at gmail dot com
Wow, what a generous agent to offer you what amounts to a $1200 prize.
I am in awe. I'd love to be entered for this.
Thanks for this incredible opportunity!
Looking forward to reading the book! Thanks for the contest!
Wow, what an awesome gift!! Thanks so much to both you and Sara for giving us all the chance to win some expert feedback!
What a wonderful cause - we will definitely be ordering a copy of this book, as well as a copy for our nephew, and are looking forward to reading it! And thank you so much for the opportunity to enter this contest!
thanks for this!!
Actually, I would like to read this.
Its not all just about the crit.
:)
Secret Underground.
Two words that work together to pique my interest.
:)
Just downloaded The Secret Underground. Best of luck with it. Thanks to you and Sara for the opportunity!
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