Co-author a book with James Patterson #seanocarolan.com #Writing #Contest #Competition

There are a lot of people who have the talent, but haven’t been shown the door to walk through.”—James Patterson

THE COMPETITION

The James Patterson Co-Author Writing Competition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students enrolled in James’ MasterClass to win the chance of co-authoring a book with James.

Each stage of the competition is designed to help you craft and pitch a novel. The submission period opens February 16, 2016 at 9am PST. Submissions close March 22, 2016 at 11:59pm PST.

THE CLASS

James teaches you how to create characters, write dialogue, and keep readers turning the page across 22 video lessons and exercises. He reveals his tricks of the trade and guides you through every part of the book-writing process. Resources in the class will help you craft your co-author submission.

THE PRIZES

While the ultimate prize is to become James Patterson’s co-author, MasterClass is also awarding cash prizes for the semifinalists and finalists.

10 Competition Semifinalists

Ten Semifinalists will be awarded $1,000 cash prizes.

3 Competition Finalists

Three Finalists will be selected by James to submit book outlines, and awarded $2,500 cash prizes.

1 Winner

One Winner will earn the chance to co-author a book with James.

HOW TO ENTER

First, enroll in the class. Lessons from the class will help you craft your submission. Next, come up with an idea you think could become a best-selling mystery or thriller novel. To enter, submit the following 3 writing samples:

STEP01

One-page summary (300 word maximum)

Develop an original book idea and write a one-page book summary. Lay out the main characters and key events that will entice your reader. Remember, thriller and mystery genre only. Once enrolled, we invite you to review an example summary for inspiration.

STEP02

Sample chapter (2,000 word maximum)

Give us a taste of one scene from your story by writing one sample chapter. Think of your sample chapter as a single scene from a movie that turns on a movie projector in the reader’s mind. James is well-known for his fast paced chapters. You too should keep it thrilling and snappy. Once enrolled, you'll have access to a sample chapter James' novel Honeymoon.

STEP03

Two-sentence hook for your story (100 word maximum)

Write a two-sentence book hook for the idea you wrote about that grabs the reader’s attention and leaves them wanting more (100 word maximum). James believes that one of the most important parts of a book is an excellent hook. In Honeymoon, the hook would be: a woman bigamist engaged to two successful men turns out to be a black widow. When an FBI agent is put on her case, she begins to seduce him as well. In your hook, answer the question: why won’t readers be able to put your book down?

For the full terms and conditions, visit the Official Rules.

DEADLINES

February 16, 2016Submissions open at 9 am PST
March 22, 2016Submissions due by 11:59 pm PST
April 5, 201610 semifinalists announced
April 12, 20163 Finalists selected to write outlines
May 9, 2016Finalist outlines submissions close 11:59pm PST
May 24, 2016Winner announced

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

Your entry into this competition should be in English, original, written entirely by you, and crafted specifically for the purpose of entering this competition. Applications are restricted to students ofthe James Patterson Writing Class.

Visit Co-Author Writing Competition FAQs for more details.


TAKE THE CLASS