Friday, April 20, 2012

Win a Critique from a Literary Agent!

Yes, that’s right, Erin Niumata of Folio Literary Management has graciously offered her priceless critique as the prize for my new blog contest!

Erin C. Niumata, Senior V.P.
You can read more about Erin at http://foliolit.com/folio-staff/  (And see what she has to say about contest in the comments section below!) but I can tell you this much...she’s awesome. So awesome, in fact, that they recently promoted her to Senior Vice President. She’s been in the biz for over twenty years and has represented 28 New York Times Bestsellers!!! Oh, and did I mention that she’s closed to unsolicited queries? Yep, this is the only way.

The Prize: One lucky writer will be able to submit the first three chapters of their manuscript (not to exceed 50 pages) - as well as a short synopsis (2-3 pages) if they have one – for Erin to critique. Like I said, priceless! ***Open to ALL genres including YA and also non-fiction
How to Enter: Unfortunately, the first contest ended. If you are seeing this post for the first time, please follow my twitter @AnnMarie_Walker for new on future contests.

Update: May 3, 2012
First of all, a great big thank you to Erin Niumata for allowing me to host this contest on my blog!
Second, a heartfelt thanks to all of you who completed the entry trifecta and tirelessly spread the word through retweets. It has been such a pleasure getting to know so many dedicated writers (and watching you connect with one another). I look forward to our future tweets!
The response to this contest has been overwhelming – over 100 contestants as of last night and another 11 coming in just this morning. (And that doesn’t even factor in the many RT bonus entries!)
Thanks to this morning’s influx, I have a bit of last minute tallying to do before I can let random.org pick the winner. In the meantime I have an announcement to share:
You Can Bid on a Critique Via a Charity Auction:
The Brenda Novak Annual Auction for the Cure of Diabetes has manuscript evals up for auction with the bidding starting as low as $2.00 in some cases. There are about 44 editors and agents (including Erin) who are each offering various services...plus it’s for charity...how cool is that?! The auction is underway now and ends May 31st. Click here for details.
While you go browse the auction items, I’m going to go fill out entries for today’s contestants and tally up the morning’s retweets. (and maybe eat breakfast, er...lunch?)  I promise to work as fast as I can and will name the winner later today on this blog post, so be sure to check back.
Thanks!

And the Winner is: @AndreaBerthot : Writer, teacher, Mommy, lover of music, theatre, books, wine, sweatpants, naps, Joss Whedon, and the Stewart/Colbert news team. ·http://andreapriceberthot.blogspot.com/  
Congratulations Andrea and please DM me so I can give you all the details.











107 comments:

  1. Woohoo. Completed all three now. Now tell me I've won. How funny.

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  2. I am following you with @rainybackup because my primary account is in Twitter jail ;) But I use @rainybackup (and have added you to a list, just because Twitter sometimes does that random unfollow thing--ugh). Anyway, I followed on GFC (love the new Twitter follow feature), commented on your pitch, and commented on the Revisions article.

    All that being said, I know Erin works mainly with contemporary, etc and I write paranormal fantasy. So if that makes me out of the game, feel free to disregard my entries :)

    I enjoyed my time on your blog anyway :)

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    1. I do believe you got the answer from the agent herself :)

      Good luck and thanks for the entry!

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  3. From Erin: I've worked with many different genres - in fact, throughout my career I've edited just about everything from serious non-fiction fact based historical tomes to sweet romances and from cookbooks to spine tingling thrillers. Nothing is off limits here!

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  4. Nothing is off limits? I am cautiously optimistic. Your agent profile on the website says no YA. Does that go for this contest, too?

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  5. Lisa Marie, I just emailed Erin and she said YA is fine....Good luck and thanks for the entry!

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    1. Awesome! Thank you. :). I'm following you at @LisaLueddecke .

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  6. Replies
    1. Good luck and thanks for the entry! And remember, bonus entry each time you RT my daily post about contest!

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  7. I would love, love, love to win this! I'm already a GFC follower and a Twitter follower (@writercherie), and I've commented on your pitch---which is awesome, btw, and totally makes me want to read your book! (No kidding!):)

    Thanks for this opportunity! Now off to cross my fingers and toes.

    (I'll tweet you up, too.)

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  8. Ann, thanks so much to you and your agent for putting this on. It's a great opportunity and a wonderful chance to be introduced to your blog. I'm following you on twitter (@NicWidhalm), but I'm a total tweet newb, so don't judge me too harshly. ;)

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    1. No judging here! I'm sort of learning as I go myself :)

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    2. Ann I retweeted your contest @meg_kaye on nic's behalf, he is a great writer and a friend. I've got my fingers crossed that he will win!

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  9. I am so happy to have found your blog! I don't know exactly how I got here but it was during a furious search for Chicago writers. I'm looking for groups so I don't have to do this in quite as sucky a vacuum. (har har *sigh*)

    I completed all three entries, I follow you via @jennydecki on both GFC and Twitter, and commented on the book entry. I'll retweet now.

    It makes me very happy to see "everything accepted" because it's lonely over here in noir. Appropriately lonely. :)

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    1. So glad you found me...thanks for the entry!

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    2. Hey, Jenny - I'm on the north shore. Look me up on Twitter @shaugland :)

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  10. Hi Ann Marie - Thanks for hosting this contest. Do you think Erin would accept a sassy British hero rather than a sassy British heroine?

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  11. How cool. Thank you so much for the opportunity!

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  12. Hi Ann Marie! Thanks for hosting this amazing contest.

    So I already follow you on twitter (@novelista85) and your blog. I just commented (again) on your amazing pitch. So I'm good, I think.

    I'm going to retweet this like crazy, because I'd love to win this one!

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  13. This is such an awesome thing for Erin to do! Thanks for hosting this contest, Ann Marie!

    Let's see...I already follow you on Twitter: xheatherxmariex

    I follow your blog.

    I posted on your pitch AND on your 50 Shades.

    I'll RT as much as I can!

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  14. Followed on Twitter, followed on blogger, posted on Iron Man editing post. Thanks!

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  15. Twitter followed, blog followed, posted on Bad Boys, tweeted about the contest and planning to RT.

    and omg that interactive Christian Grey twitter is hooooooottttt. :)

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  16. What a great opportunity, thanks for posting this Ann Marie!
    Well, I'm following you on Twitter @Karenandrea1 and have followed the steps above.
    Looking forward to your blog.
    And crossing everything to win this competition.
    RTs here I come!!!
    Andrea

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, and remember, RT as often as you like...I'm keeping tally marks next to each entry...but be sure to mention my twitter name so I see them in my "@ connect" timeline. Good luck!

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  17. Thanks for the opportunity! I had to comment on your Iron Man post because, hey, Iron Man! :D

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  18. All three tasks completed!

    Thank you both very much for doing this fun contest with a great prize. ^_^

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  19. HI! Thank you both for this awesome opportunity! I have followed your blog, followed you on twitter, commented on your book, and tweeted about this blog post! ;-)

    Thanks again!

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  20. I am so very excited to be taking part in this contest! Before I forget, thank you for the followback! It is much appreciated!

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  21. Psst! I'm in! **waves to new blog-buddy** :)

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  22. Great contest - thanks for this opportunity!!

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  23. Thanks for doing this contest :) Love your pitch and am officially a new fan!! Completed all the steps just bummed I didn't find out about your blog till now :)

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  24. Ohhhh, you have an awesome agent. Mission: Do all three tasks, complete :)

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  25. SAWEEET!! This is a golden opportunity. Best of luck to all the contestants!

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  26. Thanks for this opportunity! Fun, too. :)

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  27. 1. Following on Twitter @writeforapples
    2. Following your blog.
    3. Left a comment
    4. Left a comment on your pitch. Love it!
    5. Re-tweeted about the contest

    Thanks for a great contest!

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  28. Awesome contest! I'm so glad that so many agented writers are paying it forward. I'll be sure to do the same when I finally get an agent! Thanks again!

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  29. Great contest! Completed the three steps and will RT!
    Sarah (@thewritefox)

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  30. One day I will get streamlined. For now, I follow you on Twitter @clarklori. I am a GFC under Lorielle and I posted a comment under your Ian Smolder-Hotter's picture. :) This is an awesome giveaway! Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Never fear...I had already pieced it all together...thanks for the entry and good luck!

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  31. I rarely want for anything I haven't earned, but I want, want, want this one!! :)

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  32. This is exciting!!! I would love to win! :)

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  33. Nice! Following! Commenting! Twittering! @KatLovesBoho. Thanks for the contest! Now to hang out for a while. Saw some other posts that looked cool. :D

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  34. I follow you on twitter (@vbartles) and on the blog (Veronica Bartles) - I've commented on a couple of posts and I've been retweeting like crazy :) thanks for the contest!

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  35. Follow Blog. check
    Follow Twitter. check
    Leave comment on blog. check
    Tweeted. check
    Thanks for the opportunity.

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  36. I completed the tasks, plus one bonus entry. I was already following you on twitter (@TansyRagwort). Thank you for the contest. I do so love getting real feedback, and I love that authors help each other out like this!

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  37. You all are giving the wonderful gift of hope to those of us who pour our hearts into our literary works, only to have them tossed into slush piles! What an amazing opportunity and I think that I speak for many new voices when I say that I am grateful for the entry.

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    Replies
    1. Erin is the one to thank. It was very generous of her to offer this critique. Best of luck in the contest!

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  38. Great contest! My new project is nowhere near ready for an agent's eyes, but I love that you are doing this and that Erin is as well! Good luck everyone. By the way - @TyeTyson told me about the contest, so maybe he can get an extra entry for this comment...maybe...? Good luck, Tye!!!
    -Tamara

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  39. Awesome contest, I'm following you on twitter, @nanettePITTS and following your blog as "Grace" with the big turquoise exclamation point since I cannot get my photo to upload. Or figure out how to blog the right way LOL...My main blog long ago was Pitts Blog, now they're linked. Ugh...
    Looking forward to seeing who wins!! Now, I must polish my manuscript...

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  40. An amazing and timely opportunity...my book is ready!

    Molte grazie :)

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  41. What a great opportunity! Thanks for the contest.

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  42. Thank you for this opportunity and good luck to all the contestants.

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  43. Consider me entered! Thanks, Ann Marie, for providing us with this opportunity.
    ;)

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  44. Ok, I think I am officially entered, and I am thrilled to have found your blog! Thank you!

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    1. Can you let me know your twitter name so I can confirm your entry? I tried clicking on your blogger profile but it was private. Also, be sure to follow the blog to complete the process. Thanks!

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  45. Keep the entries coming people! I'm worth it. I promise! - Erin

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    1. I know YOU are, just hoping I'M worthy and on a lucky streak!
      @JaneWriting1

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  46. I've never entered anything like this before..LOVE IT! *fingers crossed* Good luck everyone! @writerjane1/twitter

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  47. I should be officially entered (I hope!) My twitter name is AKFotinosHoyer, I'm following using GFC, and I commented on the pitch post :D

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    Replies
    1. You are all set. Thanks for the entry and good luck!

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  48. I was already following the blog & your twitter profile (@jennykacz) and I commented on a post! I'm reteeeting as often as I see it! Thanks for hosting!

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  49. Just to reassure everyone...as soon as I see a new blog follower in the "Join this Site" box I start a new entry. Then I publish your comments and check that you also follow on twitter. After that I keep your name beside my computer and add a tally mark each time you RT (and mention me, so I see it in my @ mentions.) So don't worry, I'm keepin' up...no laundry or groceries, but I'm keepin' up! :) Good luck to all of you!

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    1. Thanks Ann Marie for giving up your life for this contest ;)

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  50. I've done all three! And I RT'ed it, I'm Pam_Vickers over on twitter.

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  51. Ooooh I did it! I'm following.
    I hope that it doesn't matter that I'm in London UK..? (for the comp-I will still follow the blog as it's fab!)
    Jane @JaneWriting1

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  52. So excited about this! Done all three steps, and now I'm counting down to May 1st!

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  53. Thanks for the opportunity Erin and Anne Marie! The possibility of some really great feedback to work with is much appreciated. Consider me entered!

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    Replies
    1. To complete your entry, be sure to also follow me on twitter and click "Join this Site" above to follow the blog, too.

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  54. I have done all three. My twitter is @miakrose :)

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  55. I'm in! Thanks for doing this contest.
    Mel @MelRiggins

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  56. Amazing contest, this is just what my YA novel needs :) I'm following you via GFC and Twitter with my Twitter account (@girlinthelens) and commented on your bad boys of fiction post. Good luck with Hollywood Ending btw, I'm looking forward to following your journey on your blog!

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  57. This is a great way to get the word out about your book! It leverages all of our networks of friends. Love it.

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  58. Good for you for sharing the love. A good agent and editor is an amazing thing. Retweeting now!

    Cheers!

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  59. Do you need to submit 50 pages now or is 3 sufficient by May 1st?

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    Replies
    1. Nothing needs to be submitted now. If you win the contest I will contact you to discuss. Good luck!

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  60. Hi AnnMarie! I wasn't really looking... but who knows! Maybe it's meant to be :) lol. You can't win if you don't play, as they say... whoever "they" are. lol. :)

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  61. Thanks AnnMarie for the great contest. All three done here.

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  62. I'm following you as @gohsherlyn on Twitter, and on GFC as Sherlyn (: I've also commented on the post on Iron Man and your book Hollywood Ending! Sounds like a cool read!! Thanks for being so encouraging to an aspiring writer like me! :D

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  63. Looking forward to this contest! *nods knowingly* !!
    *nods knowingly*

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  64. All right! Thanks for such a great contest! I'm following you on Twitter (@whatjenniesays), this blog, I commented on your Revising post and gave my two cents on your pitch! *wipes brow* :)

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  65. No Probs Annmarie, Will be able to do more re-tweeting now! Good luck with your laundry, I've just started a big spring clean myself. Behind, but with no great excuse like you have! Jane
    @JaneWriting1

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  66. I believe I have entered, lol.
    Followed on twitter as @AJHawthorn
    Followed the blog as Shy Amy through google
    and commented on book pitch and the bad boys post and retweeted a few times =-)

    Thanks so much for hosting this wonderful contest!!

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  67. No problem about the delay; sounds great to me!

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  68. New follower on GFC and twitter. Loved your bad boy post.

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  69. New follower on GFC and twitter. Loved your bad boy post.

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  70. I followed your blog and your Twitter account (I'm @glossingoverit), left a comment on another one of your posts, let a comment about the book, and retweeted the contest with link.

    For a total of 3 entries.

    Thank you!

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  71. I'm a new follower of your blog, followed you on Twitter (I'm @season1418 over there), and commented on your book pitch. :)

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  72. Cool contest! Glad she's open to other genres for review. There are so many of us out there! (@jbakerhenry via Twitter).

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  73. Okay, I'm following on Twitter (@Koreginald) commented on your all too accurate "Revision Do's & Don'ts," and am happily following your blog as well. Thanks for counting my entry and for sharing this one of a kind opportunity.

    Cheers.

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  74. I'm a new follower of both Twitter and your blog @ShelleyMunro and I'm about to check out your blog. Thanks for this opportunity!

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  75. A BIG thank you for this opportunity! I would love to win and get feedback on my contemporary women's fiction manuscript!
    I have followed you on twitter (@juliet_madison), followed the blog, commented on a couple of posts, as well as the pitch for your new book, and RT'd the contest on twitter. I'm very keen! Thanks :)

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  76. been following you on twitter and now on the blog with a couple comments under my belt! fingers X crossed X

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  77. Hi! Followed your blog and on Twitter and commented on your pitch. I think I'm good to go. Thanks for the contest.

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  78. Following here and on Twitter (@jessicacapelle). Was FORCED *ahem* to comment on your Bad Boys of Fiction since the associated pic was of Ian *swoon* and commented on your book pitch(which sounds really intriguing by the way!) RT'd the link to the contest a few minutes ago.

    Thanks for the opportunity!

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  79. I'm a new follower - and following you on Twitter (@kjmclaugh). This sounds like a great opportunity!

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  80. Twitter - done!
    Blog - done!
    Comment blog post - done!
    Comment on pitch (which I seriously love) - done!
    Retweet - done!
    Getting a miniscule chance for an agent critique - priceless

    Thanks for doing this!

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  81. Whoo hoo! Thanks for the extension. Can't wait to see who wins.

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  82. OMG! I just got home and saw that I won!!! Holy crap! Thank you so much!!! I assume DM means direct message (can you tell I'm new at the twitter/blog/etc thing?)...so...wow...thank you so much!!!

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  83. Congratulations, Andrea! Thanks for this opportunity, and for the Second Chance contest.
    ;)

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