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Allison Larkin

Internationally Best-Selling Author

You are here: Home / Blog Tour / Query Letter Contest

Query Letter Contest

June 7, 2010 Filed Under: Blog Tour, Publication Week, STAY

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I absolutely, positively adore working with my agent, Rebecca Strauss, at McIntosh & Otis. Rebecca is an amazing advocate for my work, a wise advisor, and a great reader. Plus, she has an incredible sense of humor and an infectious laugh, so getting the chance to chat with her is always fun. Rebecca pulled my query letter out of the slush pile, took a chance on me, and has put so much time and hard work into getting STAY where it is today. I am eternally grateful.

Plus, Rebecca has some great clients, and I love having the opportunity to connect with them too! Two of Rebecca’s clients, Corinne and Wendy, have agreed to host blog tour stops for STAY. In honor of STAY’s publication week, Rebecca is offering to critique a query letter and the first two pages of a manuscript for one lucky writer.

To enter, leave a comment on this post. For two more entries, leave a comment on Corinne’s post and Wendy’s post. One comment per person per post, please. On Friday, we’ll announce the winner. You don’t have to have a finished manuscript to enter, although if you do, all the better.

If your commenting profile doesn’t link to an e-mail address where we can reach you if you win, make sure to either leave your e-mail address in comments, or e-mail me (info at allielarkinwrites dot com)after you leave a comment on this blog, with Query Contest in the subject line and your comment name in the body of the e-mail.

To learn more about query letters, check out this how-to guide at AgentQuery.com.

Rebecca Strauss

An Agent at McIntosh & Otis, Inc., Rebecca is eager to work with both debut and established authors. She is looking to add to her list of diverse and compelling projects and is particularly seeking non-fiction, literary and commercial fiction, women’s fiction, mysteries, memoirs, humor and pop culture. As the Director of Subsidiary Rights, she continues to build on her prior experience with Trident Media Group, as well as her time at Sony Pictures where she was a book scout and development assistant. Rebecca earned her degree in English Literature from Duke University.

43 Comments

Comments

  1. April says

    June 7, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    I’d love to enter the contest! Thanks for the opportunity, and congrats on the book! It sounds great, and I’m adding it to my wish list.

    Reply
  2. Empty Refrigerator says

    June 7, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    Please enter me~! I’ll retweet it as well.
    Congratulations on your book :)

    Reply
  3. Jenny Medenwald says

    June 7, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    I’d love to enter the contest as well! I own a German shepherd and cannot wait to read your book. Congratulations!!

    Reply
  4. Em says

    June 8, 2010 at 1:30 am

    Count me in! Sounds like fun.

    See you at your book signing Friday night. Looking forward to having a copy of your book in print. Wow! How cool is that? : )

    Emily Brown
    ebrown525(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)gmail.com

    Reply
  5. Em says

    June 8, 2010 at 1:35 am

    Count me in! Sounds like fun.

    See you at your book signing Friday night. I’m really looking forward to having a copy of your novel in print. Wow! How cool is that? : )

    Emily Brown
    ebrown525(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)gmail.com

    Reply
  6. ralfast says

    June 8, 2010 at 2:04 am

    Well, a book about German Shepherds is a swell idea. I love the breed. So count me in as a query participant:

    ralfast(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)gamil.com

    Rafael

    Reply
  7. Dingo says

    June 8, 2010 at 2:33 am

    This is an incredible contest. I definitely want to enter the query letter contest!

    Please bring your book tour to NYC!

    Reply
  8. Dingo says

    June 8, 2010 at 2:35 am

    One more thing, I think Argo should make the book tour rounds with you. Dingo Girl would like his autograph.

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    June 8, 2010 at 2:51 am

    I would love to be entered for this.

    NhEMTGDog(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)comcast.net

    Reply
  10. Karen says

    June 8, 2010 at 11:15 am

    Can’t wait to read the book–and please enter me in the contest, Allie!

    Reply
  11. Anonymous says

    June 8, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    I would love to have the chance and enter this contest..Please enter me…My email is drl7777(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)frontiernet.net.

    Reply
  12. J9Talley says

    June 8, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    Congratulations on your remarkable accomplishment, Allie. Your book sounds like the perfect beach companion.

    Please enter me in the query contest.

    Reply
  13. Maureen McGowan says

    June 8, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    What great timing… I just started a new agent hunt.

    Reply
  14. Colleen says

    June 9, 2010 at 12:32 am

    Congratulations on your book! I can’t wait to read it.

    Thanks, also, for running the contest. Count me in.

    Reply
  15. Julie says

    June 9, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    Thank you for having this contest! What a great opportunity. Your agent sounds amazing and the two of you together are dynamite!

    Reply
  16. beej says

    June 10, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    I am totally entering, and still think you are the greatest ever. Hope today is a great day for you!

    Beej

    Reply
  17. stoogepie says

    June 10, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    I love the contest (stooge(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)stoogepie.com) and am really looking forward to getting your book, too. Congratulations!

    Reply
  18. ralfast says

    June 11, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    Yikes! Sorry, it’s ralfast(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)gmail.com, not gamil….

    I feel so stupid, down boy!

    :-/

    Reply
  19. Suzi McGowen says

    June 11, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    Come for the contest, stay for the writing. :)

    I love hearing those “oh my gosh, I’m in print” stories! Not the jaded, “Ho hum, another day, another book in print” stories. Thank you for sharing your songs and tears of joy.

    (It gives me hope for my future.)

    Reply
  20. Ian says

    June 12, 2010 at 12:16 am

    Major congratulations to you.

    I’d love to enter your contest, too!

    Reply
  21. Elizabeth Flora Ross says

    June 12, 2010 at 12:40 am

    Congrats, Allie! Been following you for a bit and am so excited to see your success! Can’t wait to read STAY.

    Please enter me the in query contest. I write exclusively non-fiction, and it sounds like a critique from Rebecca could be really valuable! Appreciate the opportunity!

    Reply
  22. Mim says

    June 12, 2010 at 2:23 am

    I’m going to have to get this book. The story sounds great! Please enter me in the contest.

    Reply
  23. Adam Heine says

    June 12, 2010 at 5:42 am

    Please enter me in the contest. This sounds great!

    Reply
  24. ktnelson says

    June 12, 2010 at 8:41 am

    Your book sounds great. Please enter me in the contest too!

    Reply
  25. Carolyn says

    June 12, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    Please enter me in the query contest. All best with the book, Allie!

    Reply
  26. Otter7 says

    June 12, 2010 at 1:54 pm

    First, I must say that I LOVE the cover. It’s well done. Having Joe as the central image also gives us a hint that he is an important character. The little tage hanging off the title is wonderfully inspired.
    I think that having Joe in the story was a great idea because it adds something unique to an otherwise basic circumstance, and introduces an element of the unknown to the narrative. Joe is the wild card that both defines and unsettles the protagonists life. And no two dogs are the same.
    I love the humor in the pitch, as well, and the way Larkin captures the essential variables of her narrative.
    I am about to graduate from an MFA program, and part of that residency is the opportunity to meet with a real agent. I’ve been struggling with my letter for weeks. Thanks for posting the contest and please enter me. Good Luck with the launch!

    Reply
  27. BarbW says

    June 12, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    My German Shepherd has his paws on my shoulders as I type this, asking me to buy the book with the dog on the cover. The one represented by an agent who still has a sense of humor. Enter me!

    Reply
  28. Mrs. Skinny Con Leche' says

    June 12, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Allie, you won’t trip, your dress strap will hold, and the weeping angel statue aliens are at my house and bound and determined to stay put until I sacrifice a virgin or male that refuses to put the toilet seat down. Your journey is just beginning and thank you for letting us tag along…thanks for the contest too.

    Reply
  29. Barbara says

    June 12, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    My cat has sworn he won’t stop being my literary mews if I enter this contest. So, sign me up.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  30. TracyP says

    June 12, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    The book looks amazing! Good luck with it.
    Please enter me in the contest.

    Reply
  31. Taryn Hook says

    June 13, 2010 at 2:51 am

    Query Contest

    Congratulations on your much deserved success! I loved that your query actually described what the story was about – instead of vague words like “fate,” “destiny,” and such. I only hope that I could craft such a great elevator pitch someday. Can’t wait to read your book!

    Taryn Hook
    Tarynhook(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)yahoo.com

    Reply
  32. Lorena says

    June 14, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    Congratulations on your new book! You are an inspiration for all of us new writers. I definitely want to read your book. Sounds like great fun!

    I don’t know if the contest is still on, but I’m leaving my name here, just in case.

    Reply
  33. Tiia Jones says

    June 14, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    OH Ugh! I came back to your site so I could tweet the blog and give your book some promotion, but my comment isn’t showing up. I am sorry if for some reason it shows up twice in some weird, delayed cyber problem. I commented on all three blogs though. Sometimes Typepad has difficulty with authentication. I’m so excited for you! tiiajones(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)yahoo.com

    Reply
  34. The Modern Gal says

    June 14, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    Arrrgh, I’m guessing I’ve missed the deadline on this, but if not, me! me!

    Reply
  35. Eileen says

    June 15, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Thanks for the inspiration.

    Please include me in the contest.

    EileenFingerhut(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)hotmail.com

    Reply
  36. Tracy says

    June 15, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    I’d love to enter the contest. Thanks for the opportunity!

    Congratulations on the publication of Stay, and I absolutely adore the cover. I love how well the query is written, and the premise certainly sounds very intriguing.

    Reply
  37. Tracy says

    June 15, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity. I’d love to win a crit from the awesome Ms. Rebecca. Congratulations on the publication of Stay. You certainly have a well-written query and the premise sounds very intriguing. I have no doubts that the book will do well in sales!

    Reply
  38. lisa Steinke says

    June 15, 2010 at 8:55 pm

    We’d love to enter this contest. (Hopefully, the deadline hasn’t passed.) Our query has been out in “query oblivion” for a while now and we’re anxious to hear some feedback on what works and even on what doesn’t :)

    Btw, can’t wait to read your book and love your cover!

    Lizandlisa(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)chicklitisnotdead.com

    Reply
  39. Vicki says

    June 17, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    I’d love to be entered in this contest. Congrats on your book and your query is awesome!!

    vickilanewrites(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)yahoo.com

    Reply
  40. Howling Hill says

    June 18, 2010 at 12:32 pm

    Hook me up sista!

    Reply
  41. Susan says

    June 18, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    Thank you for this opportunity! Stay sounds terrific and it is on my shopping list.

    Sue Myers
    Susan.Myers17(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)gmail.com
    smyers5100(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aol.com">smyers5100(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aol.com

    Reply
  42. Cyndy Aleo says

    June 18, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    I’ve been going back and forth about even entering, so I’ll buck up and throw my hat into the ring. Even as I’m on edit number 9. Nine is a lucky number, right?

    Reply
  43. Anonymous says

    October 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    I just added this blog to my feed reader, excellent stuff. Can’t get enough!

    Reply

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We are in the habit of starting and ending our day We are in the habit of starting and ending our days side by side in our lawn chairs, while the light rises or dims. It’s still chilly at the outer edges of the day. Sometimes Roxy shivers. I bought her a sweater, but she won’t wear it. Sometimes I try to wrap her in my jacket, but she’s not having that either, so I throw her ball and try to get her run and then she comes back to her chair, warm for a little longer. #dailyroxydog #huskychihuahua #dogssittinginchairs
“I got a secret I should tell. I’m going up to “I got a secret I should tell. I’m going up to heaven in a split pea shell.” ~ @petermulvey43 Words Too Small to Say
Happy as a dog in a freshly dug nap hole. #dailyro Happy as a dog in a freshly dug nap hole. #dailyroxydog #huskymixesofinstagram
I saw this little dresser at my favorite magic ant I saw this little dresser at my favorite magic antique store sometime in November and didn’t buy it. But then, of course, I kept thinking about her. She’s the perfect size for my office, and I found those drawer pulls hilarious. When I finally went back in December, I told myself I was shopping for wall art, because I assumed she would be gone. But she was right where I’d seen her last: balanced on another dresser with boxes of old picture frames and tchotchkes piled on top (the true mark of a magic antique store). I didn’t even realize she had a towel rack — that she was a wash stand, not a dresser — until I asked about the price, said I’d take her, and my favorite magic antique store person asked if we needed to unscrew the towel rack to fit her in my car. I suspect this little sweetie is not from the days of necessary wash stands so much as from a country kitchen in the 80s. She was in rough shape, and not made from wood worth stripping and re-staining, but her price reflected that. I had to disassemble that door and put it back together, but I’d been in the market for some experience working with old furniture, and she made me feel brave about trying. I thought about painting her something more neutral, but I’m so glad I didn’t. She deserves to be pink. She’s not perfectly painted and needs a few touch ups. I learned some things about chalk paint and finishes. The drawers stick a bit. Eventually, I’d like to line them with fabric and when I do, I might plane the edges to smooth things out. But goodness, I love her in a way that I wouldn’t if I hadn’t spent time cleaning away her cobwebs and scrubbing the grime from her hilarious drawer pulls. She’s also become a little shrine for the book I’m working on, which makes me love her even more. I’ve always been a person who sees some soul in certain things, and I’m learning to cherish that idiosyncrasy, because there’s so much joy to be found in a brave little toaster or an underdog wash stand. We’re not here in the world for all that long. We may as well love some bright little things. #furnituremakeover
After Roxy started stealing my seat, I dragged a s After Roxy started stealing my seat, I dragged a second lawn chair out. She nudges me over and we sit in our chairs, side by side, and watch the sun set. Well, I watch the sun set. She spies on the neighbors. #dailyroxydog #dogstagram #sundayevening
I truly don’t understand how anyone is this cute I truly don’t understand how anyone is this cute. I never get used to it. There’s no immunity. She’s adorable beyond what pictures can capture. #dailyroxydog #huskymixesofinstagram #ilovemydog
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