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6th SUFPC update!

October 16, 2019 by Nathan Bransford3 Comments

Cover of the writing guide "How to Write a Novel" by Nathan Bransford

There are now over 50 paragraphs entered in the 6th Stupendously Ultimate First Paragraph Challenge! I have much respect for all the brave souls who have entered thus far.

If you haven’t entered yet: um why not? Go for it! You have a chance to win a query critique and a $100 gift certificate to your favorite independent bookstore. Plus: PRIDE.

You have until Friday, 7pm ET to summon your courage.

A few updates and random thoughts:

  • Ever wondered what a literary agent’s inbox looks like? Reading the contest entries is one of the best ways of seeing what it’s like to read queries and excerpts over and over.
  • (Although to be honest the quality of these entries is far greater than the average inbox. If you’re reading a publishing blog you’re already ahead of 50% of the other people agents hear from).
  • Keeping up with tradition, here’s a word cloud of the entries so far!
  • Oh yes, don’t forget to grab a copy of the 2nd Edition of my guide to writing a novel, which was released yesterday! Audiobook coming soon!

Have you been reading the entries? What do you think so far?

Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and coaching!

For my best advice, check out my guide to writing a novel (now available in audio) and my guide to publishing a book.

And if you like this post: subscribe to my newsletter!

Filed Under: Contests

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Neil Larkinssays

    October 16, 2019 at 5:51 pm

    From: The Last Time You Fall, Three Weeks When Love Meant Everything And Acceptance Meant More.
    A Double Memoir by Neil Larkins
    “She hates my guts, that much is clear. So what’s stopped her from slapping my face? She hasn’t because…well, you’ll see.”

    Reply
  2. abcsays

    October 16, 2019 at 8:30 pm

    Some super compelling and gorgeous entries, for sure.

    Reply
  3. Lauren Bsays

    October 17, 2019 at 9:24 am

    I lot of intriguing openings! As with past contests, it’s also interesting to see trends/patterns emerge šŸ™‚

    Good luck to everyone who entered!

    Reply

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About Nathan

Hi, I’m Nathan. I’m the author of How to Write a Novel and the Jacob Wonderbar series, which was published by Penguin. I used to be a literary agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. and I’m dedicated to helping authors chase their dreams. Let me help you with your book!

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How to Write A Novel
Cover of How to Publish a Book by Nathan Bransford
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapo
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe
Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp

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