Last month’s guest blog contest resulted in some stellar entries and the creation of one completely indispensable blog. Let’s do this again, shall we?
– Please e-mail a guest post between now and noon Pacific time on Thursday to querycontest@gmail.com.
– Please limit yourself to one entry.
– You may enter a post that you submitted for the last contest but it’s probably best to send something new
– Please do not e-mail entries to my work address.
– Make sure to format your blog post in block formatting (i.e. single spaced, double spaces between paragraphs, no indenting, plain text) for easy copying and pasting. No attachments, please.
– I will choose the five best, most helpful, funniest, awesomest posts to run next week and link to the guest blog author’s blog or website or Amazon page or favorite charity or what have you. The topic is totally up to you, although some relevancy to this blog’s themes will probably receive preference (but not necessarily!).
– I regret that I will not be able to run every post, and thus some blog post writing may be in vain.
– Winners will be announced on Friday.
– Rules and guidelines subject to change without notice.
Can’t wait to see the entries!!
Blog note: I’m afraid that due to repeated misconduct by one individual I have to disable anonymous comments until further notice. I really regret that I’ve had to take this action because so many people use the anonymity responsibly and to register constructive dissent.
Until we’re able to restore anonymous commenting please be assured that I’m not going to hold it against you if you disagree with me about anything, and feel free to use your own identity to do so. Constructive criticism, disagreement, and polite expression of opinion are always encouraged. Hopefully we’ll be back to normal as soon as possible, and thanks for understanding.
Brodi Ashton says
Thanks for the second chance, Nathan. I loved the entries from the previous contest.
Rick Daley says
Hopefully this will unearth additional gems as valuable as Pimp My Novel.
Too bad about the anon rampage.
Shelli says
is there a topic prompt like last time or it can be anything under the sun.
Nathan Bransford says
shelli-
There actually wasn't a topic prompt last time.
Mira says
Are you out of town again next week?
Nathan, if I exacerbated anything, I really, truly apologize. Sorry. Unfortunate situation.
I may need to be on the sidelines cheering, huge audit at work. I'll see if I can write something, though….although…I suppose I could send you the 5 page paper I just wrote. It is, after all, a masterpiece.
Nathan Bransford says
Let's just move on.
Laura Martone says
Hi, Nathan!
Wow, thanks for the second chance to submit a guest blog post. I REALLY enjoyed the last five… they were all so informative and/or entertaining. And I'm really happy that the last contest inspired a very useful blog about a different side of publishing.
On a separate topic, I'd like to join Mira and Ink in saying that I hope my over-the-weekend rebuttals to the "Anonymous" commenter in question didn't make the situation worse. I just felt really passionate about the topic at hand. Anyway, I'm sorry to hear that you've been forced to suspend the "Anonymous" feature for now – but, all in all, I think it's best to maintain the integrity of this wonderful blog.
Thanks, as always.
–Laura
P.S. Steph Damore, if you're out there, I just became a follower of your blog… I was just too late yesterday to say so then. š
Kristan says
Ditto what Brodi said!
Question: Can you (like last time) submit something that you've posted at your own blog before? (At least, I think that was allowed last time…)
Nathan Bransford says
kristan-
It's fine with me.
Steph Damore says
Hey Laura, yes I'm here. Thanks for joining! Your blog's wonderful too.
Another contest, wow, what fun! I can't wait to see what entries will win this time.
The Decreed says
Maybe this time I won't take the "mock Nathan" suggestion so literally and see how things pan out. Maybe full-blown flattery? I'm not as smart as Eric was, so I have to score my points somehow.
Scott says
There's always one who doesn't mind ruining it for everyone. That said, anon comments come off kinda lazy and a little yella. I say register and stand by your opinions. It's not that hard to tactfully disagree or suggest a radically different viewpoint.
Thanks for the contest, Nathan. I may resurrect an idea I've offered here before.
Mira says
As a part of moving on, I just want to mention I feel yucky.
Yucky.
Boy, am I going to channel this.
Audit or no audit, I am going to write the best darn blog post that Nathan has ever recieved in his life.
It will be so full of angst and conflicting emotions, Nathan's computer will start to cry and laugh at the same time. Smoke will come out of it's vent holes. Why that computer will be so moved by my guest blog post it will reach actualization and acheive sentient life.
And no, I'm not replacing your computer, Nathan.
It will be the be all and end all of guest blog posts.
Here I go. Just let me at it. I've got some channeling to do.
ryan field says
I'd love to see someone write a post about the pirate sites and how to deal with them. They can make life hell.
Dan says
Dear Nathan,
Yet another sign that your guest posts are often better writing samples than your own! š This does not bode well for our EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT PUBLISHING I LEARNED FROM SPORTS partnership.
Or perhaps you're getting too busy for dedicated blog support – and one day we'll be seeing you sitting court side at Kings games a la Nicholson.
I must admit that the first text I saw was 'query letter contest' and that got me almost as excited as query stats would've.
Fresh Water Mermaids says
I loved the guest blogging spot!
I also really appreciate how, especially on the internet, named or anon, it is important to be at one's most polite. This blog is a really great example of good form and management and a huge contributer to this community. Thank you, Nathan.
Laura Martone says
Ryan said "I'd love to see someone write a post about the pirate sites and how to deal with them. They can make life hell."
Hey, Ryan, this is just a thought… but why don't you write it? It sounds like it could be a very interesting, very topical entry. I have faith that you could write a very passionate blog post about piracy. Go, you!
(Or are you too busy this week? 'Cause I know THAT feeling, believe me.)
AM says
Nathan,
I enjoy your posts, but I enjoyed the guest week too.
Thanks for doing it again.
abc says
I Just got back from the chiropractor and now all the stress is going to come back to me. Headaches! I guess I could NOT enter, but how can I not? It's like a curse, Mr. Bransford. You and your terrible, awesome contests.
Chuck H. says
I would really like to be able to compete in the Guest Blog Challenge. Unfortunately, I know next to nothing about publishing and read this blog to learn. So I'll just read the entries of others.
I was saddened by the dust up over the weekend and yesterday. I can't understand people who want to mess up something good. I guess it's the vandal mentality. I just don't get it.
Thank you for doing what you do. Now I must get out my penknife and sharpen some quills.
marilynpeake says
What a wonderful second opportunity! Iām so tired today, but am about to begin sipping two (yes, two!) mocha lattes. Perhaps the espresso will awaken my brain and infuse it with words for a scintillating blog post … if not, well, mmmm, chocolate. š
Laura Martone says
Marilyn –
First, I'd just like to say that you drink more mocha lattes than anyone I've ever met… I sure hope that Mira's able to catapult a few to you!
Second, I'd just like to say that I really appreciate all the wonderful links that you post in the comment threads of Nathan's blog. You must spend a lot of time researching!
–Laura
Mira says
Marilyn, you need a profile picture.
I'd like to recommend this site: https://www.freefoto.com/browse/09-16-0?ffid=09-16-0
Kristi says
As my blog has nothing to do with the topic of writing/publishing, I look forward to reading the winners' entries next week.
Also, I support the suspension of Anon comments (as if that matters), and think it will assist people in being more respectful with their dissenting opinions. Research studies found people were willing to be WAY more obnoxious if their identity was unknown. It will also help with Nathan's post topic yesterday because people will be forced to learn how to create an online identify.
Laura – I agree that Marilyn's links are always fabulous! Also, I may be a day or so late this week – sorry.
Morgan Xavier says
Yay! You're awesome š
marilynpeake says
Laura ā Glad you enjoy the links! I keep meaning to tell you … I visited your website. Itās both gorgeous and fascinating. I loved reading about the hollow and cave. Your book sounds really interesting.
Kristi ā Thanks! You and Laura gave me an idea. If I can get my brain to wake up, I think I might try writing a blog post with lots of links for Nathan's contest.
And Mira ā I love those pics! All those cappuccinos, all those lattes, all that Starbucks coffee … Drooool … What was I talking about? I think I completely lost my train of thought.
Laura Martone says
Kristi – No worries. I'm still on target to send you my critique later tonight… but, as we both know, I'm usually the late one… so it's all good.
–Laura
P.S. Mira – I'm sure I speak for everyone here (okay, well, just me) when I say… I WONDER WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE! It's driving me bonkers… one minute you're a tall glass of iced tea, the next you're a forest, now you're a flower. I've never met a shape-shifter before. It's kinda cool.
ryan field says
"Hey, Ryan, this is just a thought… but why don't you write it? It sounds like it could be a very interesting, very topical entry. I have faith that you could write a very passionate blog post about piracy. Go, you!"
I already wrote one post on my own blog about what I've been going through this week, but it's very basic. I'm the one who still needs answers. I'm not really sure what I'm doing. When you have books removed from one site, they pop up on another, and it keeps going. And when you see the downloads in numbers, it really hurts.
Another writer who is always dealing with this contacted me about a yahoo group, so I'm joing to see what they are doing about it.
Laura Martone says
Oh, Ryan, NOW I get it! Boy, what a dum-dum I can be at times. Sorry for misunderstanding you.
Yes, of course, that makes a lot more sense. You're hoping that someone else will write about piracy – to help folks like you (and, frankly, me – because I'm just as in the dark about it).
Well, now I'm hoping that someone WILL write a guest post about book piracy… as it's a terrible fact of the digital age. I hate knowing that fellow authors are being hurt by this practice.
Good luck, Ryan, with your search for information.
–Laura
P.S. I just visited your blog and read your post about piracy. Very disconcerting indeed – but good for you for following up with that one site. Of course, you're right – just as with music and movies – even if one piracy site complies (or is shut down), another will pop up sooner or later.
And, thanks, too for the heads-up (on your site) about the new agent blog https://askaliteraryagent.blogspot.com/ – I just signed up as a follower.
Boy, this online writer community thing sure is educational!
marilynpeake says
Nathan,
I just noticed that you made the words "resulted in some stellar entries" five separate links to the winning guest blogs from your last contest. Awesome! It's like those hidden picture challenges for kids. I just read all five winning entries ā wow, tough competition!
Marsha Sigman says
Allright, I'm up for trying again with the guest blog contest but I am a little intimidated after last time!
Marla Warren says
Scott wrote:
"There's always one who doesn't mind ruining it for everyone. That said, anon comments come off kinda lazy and a little yella. I say register and stand by your opinions. It's not that hard to tactfully disagree or suggest a radically different viewpoint."
I agree, Scott. It was generous of Nathan to allow anonymous comments, but the downside is increased troll traffic, which hampers the discussions.
Chris Bates says
You don't fool me, Bransford, I know damn well where this is going you lazy bastard. It's gonna become a James Patterson-type thing isn't it?
A 'NATHAN BRANSFORD' blog … with [insert guest blogger here].
And wait, what's this fine print down here… an evil upside down swoosh? Goddamn it … it's sponsored by Amazon.com
I'm taking you off my bookmark bar until you start paying me some co-op for that prime real estate on my browser. š
nkrell says
What a great idea. (Again!) Thanks for all you do in support of the pre-published folks.
Laura Martone says
Boy, am I hare-brained today… I just realized I missed a few comments.
First, Steph, thanks for the nice words about my blog. I'm maintaining multiple ones at the moment – and I can't help but wonder… how does Rick Daley do it?
Second, thanks, Marilyn, for the kind words about my website. I'm glad it's intrigued you. I so wish I could live there sometimes. š
And third, what a wonderful investigator you are, Marilyn… I totally missed Nathan's clever (if way-too-subtle for me) links to the previous guest posts… they really were wonderful, weren't they? I wonder what this contest will bring…
–Laura
Amber says
Chris – Your comment made me laugh! Curse the Evil Empire…. XP
Nathan – Can't wait to see the winners!!! I don't feel experienced enough to write anything myself, but the last week was really informative and awesome.
Sorry about the Anon. wars. It's too bad that privileges were abused. It reminds me of kindergarten, when the teacher would take away the blocks unit because kids were throwing them at one another…. š
Verification Word: urousnum – an infected booger which results in shoving Euros up one's nose.
A Paperback Writer says
With regard to the anonymous problem person — just like in school, there's always SOMEONE who ruins it for everyone else.
What's sad is that, presumably, this person is older than 13…..
DebraLSchubert says
Nathan, Thanks for hosting this again. I didn't throw in my baton last time, but I thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful guest blogs you selected. (I'm good virtual friends with one of the winners, and was thrilled she made the grade!) Thanks for keeping it interesting, and sorry Anon had to ruin the party.
marilynpeake says
OK, 1-1/2 Starbucks Grande-size mocha lattes later, I have written and submitted an entry to Nathanās Second Guest Blog Challenge. It is filled with links. I am filled with espresso. Must now commence biting of fingernails while waiting for announcement of winners on Friday.
Linda Godfrey says
De-lurking here; I would love to enter, but my own road to nonfiction publishing has been hodge-podge, against the rules, nothing that would make good sense to anyone else. My blog got 3,000 hits last week but it's a niche topic about as far from Nathan's arena as Guadalajara is from Minsk. So I will sit back and enjoy what I'm sure will be more stellar picks from the increasingly admirable crowd here (not including the recent anon party pooper.)
I sing along with the ever-talented Carly Simon, "Anticipation…"
A misinterpreted wave says
I came to the party waaaaaay too late yesterday to write anything constructive, and was a bit curious about what had happened. Thought Nathan's post (enough, stop …) said it all really, and am not surprised at all that anonymous posts have been suspended.
I really glad to hear that you're running the guest blogs again. Hopefully I can enter something in time. Last time was a great way for me to meet a whole bunch of people.
Regan says
As someone who enjoys not only learning from Nathan's blog, but from the comments as well, I appreciate such a well-maintained blog and discussion. I have silently loved the insights of many people here. Thanks to all of you that contributor to my knowledge or entertainment! People like Steph, Laura, Mira, Bane of Anubis, Marilyn…yes, you all stand out and there are others that I can't even think to name now!
On the topic of guest blogs…I entered last time, only to realize how much more stellar the other entries were than mine. So, I will continue to sit back and just enjoy for now. Unless my muse makes an appearance. š But thank you for the opportunity!
CharlieMac says
In light of Nathan's anon suspension, I thought it time to join the fray and reveal myself. I feel like the Lone Ranger lifting the mask. š I have posted a few times as anon but only because I didn't have one of the acocunts listed below. I now have a Google account (I know, join the new millenium, right?) and the veil is lifted. Btw, not all anons are evil trolls (although when having a bad hair day, I may resemble one). I'm just a shy romance writer.
I am also the anon who posted the original comment about DG. But after my response to Nathan's response, I was silent. Just so you know there really were multiple anons in attendance.
And Mira, I would like in on that catapult ice cream delivery to Canada. Can you figure out a way to drop a shipment in Eastern Washington on the way over? It's 103 here today and I could really use something cold. Gallons of cold.
Anon no more,
Charlie
CharlieMac says
And doesn't it just figure, the first time I post with a name, I type poorly. I think the word I wanted in my previous post was ACCOUNTS.
Egad.
Charlie
Steph Damore says
Hey Laura, I know what you mean – Rick, how do you do it? I seriously have no idea. I am jealous of your multitasking ability.
Thanks Ryan and Laura for pointing to the new agent blog. Looks like my editing is gonna have to wait…
marilynpeake says
Regan – Thank you so much!
CharlieMac – Hello! I also anxiously await Mira and Ink's catapult service.
Laura Martone says
Aw, shucks, thanks Regan. Now that I'm blushing, I think I'll toddle off to bed. OMG, is it really just 10 p.m. in Michigan? I NEVER go to bed this early – but I'm determined to be up by 6 a.m. – as Steph Damore suggested us writers should be in her guest post about writerly dreams. Maybe if I actually see the sunrise, I'll feel more inspired to toss myself into the guest-writing fray as well.
–Laura
Mira says
Let's see – Marilyn, glad you enjoyed the pics. š And congrats on your blog entry! Good for you – glad the mochas worked!
Ryan – that so sucks. I wish people would think about the writer before pirating something. That's hurtful. Sorry to hear about that.
CharlieMac, nice to meet you. š
I am wondering about the catapult though. Bryan, it just occured to me that since you built the catapult, it's in Canada. How am I supposed to hurl things from S.F TO Canada, if the catapult is already there?
Maybe you could build a bigger catapult, and then use it to toss the first catapult here?
Could you get right on that? Charlie Mac and Marilyn are counting on us. Thanks.
Laura – that's funny you want to know what I look like. Honestly, I've never thought it was wise to post an identifible picture on the web – I'm so provocative and….er, ahem, periodically irritating. I don't want strangers to start throwing eggs at me for what I say here (well, more strangers than already do, of course. I don't want to be personally responsible for a nationwide egg shortage, you know). So, for freedom from egg throwing, I prefer to remain mysterious. On the visual level anyway. š
But you can rest assured I'm gorgeous. All the men who have wanted to sleep with me told me so.
Steph Damore says
Wow, aren't I just feeling special tonight.
Go to bed Laura, it's okay, I won't tell anyone. I'm about to do the same… I'll have the coffee percolating bright and early tomorrow!
Mira, you are too funny. Thanks for the laugh =)
Mira says
Never mind all that. I'm really tired. Nathan, sorry to delete three in a row.
Steph. š