Bio of a Query Letter... leave out? (Contest Prize Amount)

Antipode91 · Nov 11, 2017

Sooo, I have a question that I seriously can't find an answer to anywhere.

In my bio, I want to add that I won a national writing contest; however, there are so many minor contests out there, that it doesn't mean much to an agent. That said, I won first place for $25K dollars.

My question is if I should add the amount into the bio. I'd word in a way where it was like, "... for a humbling amount of $25,000" or something. Naturally, it helps show how big the contest was, but I don't want to sound conceited or bragging. Just trying to stand out.

I've heard different things from different people, but I was hoping to see if an agent could chime in.

Thanks so much!

mccardey · Nov 11, 2017

Antipode91 said:
Sooo, I have a question that I seriously can't find an answer to anywhere.

In my bio, I want to add that I won a national writing contest; however, there are so many minor contests out there, that it doesn't mean much to an agent. That said, I won first place for $25K dollars.

My question is if I should add the amount into the bio. I'd word in a way where it was like, "... for a humbling amount of $25,000" or something. Naturally, it helps show how big the contest was, but I don't want to sound conceited or bragging. Just trying to stand out.

I've heard different things from different people, but I was hoping to see if an agent could chime in.

Thanks so much!

IANAA, but a) congratulations and b) a prize that big is probably quite well known, isn't it? In which case I would just name the prize and assume that any agent worth querying will know of it.

Antipode91 · Nov 11, 2017

mccardey said:
IANAA, but a) congratulations and b) a prize that big is probably quite well known, isn't it? In which case I would just name the prize and assume that any agent worth querying will know of it.

It's not well known, no, because organization that funded it recently shut down. I literally can't even find information on it anymore, or the page that detailed the winners. It was My Teacher, My Hero--I won $25k for my writing, and I also won the teacher it was about $25k. Was a huge deal, but impossible to find now.

Which--because I don't really know the process of mentioning that stuff in bios--might be a reason not to even mention it. I wouldn't want the agent to think I'm lying or something... idk. I haven't published yet, so it's like my "only" credential to offer.

mccardey · Nov 11, 2017

Antipode91 said:
It's not well known, no, because organization that funded it recently shut down. I literally can't even find information on it anymore, or the page that detailed the winners. It was My Teacher, My Hero--I won $25k for my writing, and I also won the teacher it was about $25k. Was a huge deal, but impossible to find now.

Which--because I don't really know the process of mentioning that stuff in bios--might be a reason not to even mention it. I wouldn't want the agent to think I'm lying or something... idk. I haven't published yet, so it's like my "only" credential to offer.

So that makes it trickier, and I'm not an agent so I'll step aside and wait till one appears. But even if consensus is not to mention it in the Query (I have no idea) you'll get a chance to mention it at some stage, I would think.

Good luck!

Sage · Nov 11, 2017

Whatever you decided to do, I would not word it as a "humbling amount of $25,000." They'll think a) you're humble bragging and b) you'll be a difficult client if you don't get a six-figure advance.

Helix · Nov 11, 2017

It hasn't completely disappeared from the internet, because nothing does.

Is it the Kimberly Clark one?

Antipode91 · Nov 11, 2017

Sage said:
Whatever you decided to do, I would not word it as a "humbling amount of $25,000." They'll think a) you're humble bragging and b) you'll be a difficult client if you don't get a six-figure advance.

Damn. xD I guess the easiest thing is to probably just leave it out entirely.

Antipode91 · Nov 11, 2017

Helix said:
It hasn't completely disappeared from the internet, because nothing does.

Is it the Kimberly Clark one?

No it's not. But! Writing this post has sparked a memory, and I managed to find the company that handled the distribution of the funds for contests, and their customer service does help locate a list of winners from contests.

https://www.helloworld.com/

They used to be called eprize, which is why I was never able to re-find them.

Putputt · Nov 12, 2017

I would mention it because it is frikkin impressive!! Congratulations! I would say something like, "I was extremely fortunate to win $25,000 for my SPECIFIC WRITING in the CONTEST NAME."

Sage · Nov 12, 2017

Putputt said:
I would mention it because it is frikkin impressive!! Congratulations! I would say something like, "I was extremely fortunate to win $25,000 for my SPECIFIC WRITING in the CONTEST NAME."

Agreed. This would be great wording.

(Worth noting: Putputt was an intern for an agent and has insight into what gets noticed in the slushpile)

Old Hack · Nov 12, 2017

I would definitely mention it. That's a huge prize, and it's significant that you won it. Well done!

gbhike · Nov 15, 2017

Agreed with everyone else. I'd mention it for sure.

ambmae · Nov 16, 2017

I second that the "humbling amount of $25,000." Sounds like a humble brag. I would be super annoyed by a statement like that, but the wording puttputt used sounds way more gracious. Also, congratulations! That's amazing.

Bio of a Query Letter... leave out? (Contest Prize Amount)

Antipode91

mccardey

Antipode91

mccardey

Sage

Supreme Guessinator

Helix

socially distancing

Antipode91

Antipode91

Putputt

permanently suctioned to Buz's leg

Sage

Supreme Guessinator

Old Hack

Such a nasty woman

gbhike

ambmae