Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Which One Would You Pick?

Okay, so I'm probably out of my mind to do this. But I need some help. I'm taking a poll. (See sidebar to vote->)

In my quest to find an agent, I've come across a little contest. And being myself, I can't resist entering. I have to come up with three compelling sentences (150 words max) that describe my finished novel. This goes into an email for the agency. The agents will then pick the twenty most compelling entries and request more of the material--meaning a jump over the slush pile. So, I kind of figure what the heck, right? An opportunity to skip that well known pile is something I just can't bring myself to pass up. Click here if you're interested in learning more.

So, now I get to reduce my 104,000 word book to three sentences. Can I do it? You tell me. The following are what I've come up with so far. My question to you is: Which one compells you to want to read the book?

1. Abigail Johnson has Healing powers, and the Gift of Sight. Though her heart bleeds for the loss of people she has loved, she’s duty bound to protect the secrets of the Gifted People. But first, she has to learn them.

2. Abigail Johnson has Healing powers, and the Gift of Sight. Abby must find ancient Keys to an underground prison and keep them from falling into the hands of those who seek to harm Abby, her people, and the rest of humanity. All this, and she finds the time to fall in love, be chased around the country, kidnapped, wounded, betrayed, and then face her worst nightmares to emerge triumphant over not just evil, but also death.

3. Abigail Johnson has Healing powers, and the Gift of Sight. Though her heart bleeds for the loss of people she has loved, she’s duty bound to protect the secrets of the Gifted People. During her quest, she finds the time to fall in love, be chased around the country, kidnapped, wounded, betrayed, and then face her worst nightmares to emerge triumphant over not just evil, but also death.


Which one would you choose? Don't forget to vote!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Okay I'm voting for 2 now. :)

C. LaRene Hall said...

I can't believe you were actually able to get your book cut down to three sentences. Good job.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

I think #2 was the most compelling. Good luck!!!

Ashley Harward said...

I actually like #3. Good luck, girl!!!

Ashley Harward said...

I actually like #3. Good Luck Girl!!!!

Elana Johnson said...

I voted for #2 as well, but I'd actually change the part where it says "from those who seek to harm HER" I don't think you need to say her name again.

And I entered this contest using the first sentence of my query letter, with the last. Two sentences. So maybe try that? IDK, maybe not. I really tried to think of a third sentence, but I couldn't. I'm going to go with the thought that my first and last sentences are killer. *scoff* Yeah, right. ;)

Good luck!

Lori Conger said...

First of all, great job! And I admire you for going for it in this contest. Good luck! My first instinct was to go with number one--short, sweet, and to the point. But, maybe more detail would be better. So, I say # 3.

Rachelle Christensen said...

Good idea to take a poll! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

I like #1. Like Lori said, it's short and sweet. =]

Cindy Beck, author said...

Number two! That's my vote. Good luck on the contest. Hope you're a winner!

Cathy said...

I voted for #3. What a challenge to make it so concise. Great job.

Anonymous said...

By now you've probably already submitted. I like 3. Are you going to let us know which one you sent.
I played too. Good luck to us.

Jenn Adams said...

I hope I'm not too late. It's been a while since you posted this, but the vote do-dad says there are 20 hours left to vote, so I'll throw my 2 cents in anyway. I like the ones that have a little more details, but I have one suggestion. I don't like where it says she has time to BE chased. That's too passive. Say she has time to "run from ___" what/who ever.

As for the rest - kidnapped, wounded, etc. I'd say "escape from kidnappers" or "overcame kidnappings, betrayal, etc." or something.

Tell us what she does, not what others do to her. Y'know? That's my thought anyway.

Good luck in any case!