Michelle Hauck's Blog, page 63
August 1, 2015
Cover Reveal for FIND ME IF YOU DARE
Check out this awesome cover for Vicki Leigh's upcoming YA dark urban fantasy, FIND ME IF YOU DARE! If you want to read what it's about, stop by her Tumblr page (vickileighauthor.tumblr.com). There's an awesome 22 BOOK giveaway going on over there, too!
They may have won the first battle, but the Apocalypse has just begun.
Five weeks have passed since the battle that left Rome and Columbus in ruins. Sheltered in the hidden city of Caelum, Daniel and Kayla train alongside over one hundred Magus and Protectors, hoping that their unified ranks will be enough to take down their greatest threat yet: Richard, his followers, and his horde of Nightmares. Then a fallen comrade is returned to Caelum with a message carved into his chest and a note referencing the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and Daniel knows their time for training is over.
Finally understanding Richard’s plans for Kayla and the three other Magus born on Halloween, Daniel and the rest of Caelum’s volunteers scout the U.S. in a desperate attempt to stop their enemy before he can unleash his first Horseman. But when massive attacks claim thousands of lives, people all over the world begin to fall ill—including those Daniel and Kayla care about the most.
With the Horseman of Pestilence released, Daniel knows it’s time to step aside and let Kayla take the lead. Only she has the power to rival her father’s. But when Richard’s plot turns out to be darker than they imagined, their fight is met with more death and destruction—and an enemy who might be unbeatable, after all.
Don't forget about that giveaway. The list of items people can win: 20 copies of CATCH ME WHEN I FALL (Book One of the Dreamcatcher Series)a signed copy of CITY LOVE by Susane Colasantia The Vampire Diaries wall poster of Damon Salvatorea copy of SHADOW STUDY by Maria V. Snyder5 handmade dream catchersa poster of the SORCERER HEIR series, signed by Cinda Chima2 posters of the cover of DOON, signed by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon. a poster of the cover of DAMSEL DISTRESSED, signed by Kelsey Mackea poster of Melissa Lander's ALIENATED cover
They may have won the first battle, but the Apocalypse has just begun.
Five weeks have passed since the battle that left Rome and Columbus in ruins. Sheltered in the hidden city of Caelum, Daniel and Kayla train alongside over one hundred Magus and Protectors, hoping that their unified ranks will be enough to take down their greatest threat yet: Richard, his followers, and his horde of Nightmares. Then a fallen comrade is returned to Caelum with a message carved into his chest and a note referencing the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and Daniel knows their time for training is over.
Finally understanding Richard’s plans for Kayla and the three other Magus born on Halloween, Daniel and the rest of Caelum’s volunteers scout the U.S. in a desperate attempt to stop their enemy before he can unleash his first Horseman. But when massive attacks claim thousands of lives, people all over the world begin to fall ill—including those Daniel and Kayla care about the most.
With the Horseman of Pestilence released, Daniel knows it’s time to step aside and let Kayla take the lead. Only she has the power to rival her father’s. But when Richard’s plot turns out to be darker than they imagined, their fight is met with more death and destruction—and an enemy who might be unbeatable, after all.
Don't forget about that giveaway. The list of items people can win: 20 copies of CATCH ME WHEN I FALL (Book One of the Dreamcatcher Series)a signed copy of CITY LOVE by Susane Colasantia The Vampire Diaries wall poster of Damon Salvatorea copy of SHADOW STUDY by Maria V. Snyder5 handmade dream catchersa poster of the SORCERER HEIR series, signed by Cinda Chima2 posters of the cover of DOON, signed by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon. a poster of the cover of DAMSEL DISTRESSED, signed by Kelsey Mackea poster of Melissa Lander's ALIENATED cover
July 31, 2015
Query Questions with Noah Ballard
Writers have copious amounts of imagination. It's what makes their stories so fantastic. But there's a darker side to so much out of the box thinking. When a writer is in the query trenches, their worries go into overdrive. They start pulling out their hair and imagine every possible disaster.
Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!
If you have your own specific query question, please leave it in the comments and it might show up in future editions of Query Questions as I plan to rotate the questions.
I'm happy to welcome Noah Ballard from Curtis Brown to Query Questions. Here's what he has to say about his query slush.
Is there a better or worse time of year to query?
Summer is better, but really any time is good. My schedule is dictated by the work of my clients. It’s worse to send things at the end of academic semesters because that’s when all the professors start turning in their drafts.
Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query?
Sometimes, yes. The query is evidence that you’re a professional. If you can’t proofread, that’s a red flag for agents.
Do you look at sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong?
Not always. But people can hook me a lot easier than they think. I think a lot of writers over-write their synopses. All I want to know is Who is this about, Where is it set, What’s the conflict. If I like the gist of the synopsis, I stop reading and go to the pages.
Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them?
No. I do have interns, but I like reading my queries personally.
Do you keep a maybe pile of queries and go back to them for a second look?
Yes. I let the Maybes marinate for a few days or even weeks sometimes.
If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages?
Yes. I want to interact with the book the way a reader would picking it up at the bookstore. If the prologue can be cut and you’ll still enjoy the book, maybe it doesn’t need a prologue.
How important are comp titles? Is it something you want to see in a query?
Coming up with comps is ultimately my job to prove to an editor how many copies a book will sell, so I don’t expect an author to do that. But it’s good to see who the author is reading, who they are in conversation with and gauge their understanding of the marketplace.
Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested?
One agent per agency at a time is a good practice. As most large agencies, typically each agent has a niche, so researching accordingly is important. But I will hand things off if I think they’re more suited for someone else.
Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript?
I like to know why the person is querying me.
Most agents have said they don’t care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included?
In a good synopsis, the author should be able to identify their genre and include their word count. I want to know what I’m getting into. For example, I get “novels” all the time that are “completed” at 25,000 words. Barring some exceptions, publishers want a debut novel to be between 60,000-100,000 words.
Writers hear a lot about limiting the number of named characters in a query. Do you feel keeping named characters to a certain number makes for a clearer query?
I wouldn’t worry about how many characters someone names. However, a synopsis should only be four to five sentences and tell us the basic premise of the book. Keep it simple.
Should writers sweat the title of their book (and character names) or is that something that is often changed by publishers?
Definitely sweat it when querying. Titles are important—they are the first impression of the book. Yes, publishers (and agents) often change titles, but first impressions last.
How many queries do you receive in a week? How many requests might you make out of those?
I’m averaging about 300 per week. I request around 1%.
Many agents say they don't care if writers are active online. Could a twitter account or blog presence by a writer tip the scales in getting a request or offer? And do you require writers you sign to start one?
Being a good literary citizen means communicating with the community. Social media is a great way to do that, and it shows you’re savvy when it comes time to market the book. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s not insignificant.
Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I’m sure it’s not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive?
Links to an author’s homepage (if it’s professionally built) is a good sign of business savvy. But, if it looks bad, it definitely makes a bad impression.
If a writer makes changes to their manuscript due to feedback should they resend the query or only if material was requested?
Query slowly. It’s a pet peeve of mine when people rescind and resubmit edited manuscripts—it’s someone else’s notes. If an agent is into the book, they’ll sign it and edit. But making quick changes to address passes is not a good move. Make sure a book is done-done before sending it out and then stand by it until that round of querying is over.
What bio should an author with no publishing credits include?
Your bio is your CV. If you have nothing to include—no publication credits, no schooling, no writer/publishing contacts, then you’re probably not ready for an agent. A writer is a job like anything else—you need to build your resume.
What does ‘just not right mean for me’ mean to you?
An author-agent relationship is a lot like dating: Sometimes I fall head over heels for a writer that’s great for me, sometimes I fall for someone who is going to hurt me in the end, and sometimes I don’t fall in love—even though I know they’re a perfectly good writer. But, like dating, you don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t love you, so don’t be too sad if you get that response. It means I see your talent, but the vision for how to represent you wasn’t there.
What themes are you sick of seeing?
Not a theme, but a genre: broken cop with dead wife, daughter, etc. must exact vengeance on ISIS, the Cartel, serial killer from his past etc. and face his demons.
Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent?
Yes. I edit a lot before I send something out. And I warn my clients of this before signing with me.
What’s the strangest/funniest thing you’ve seen in a query?
Someone one once opened his query asking if I was afraid of being too successful. (Yes.) Another person responded to my pass by calling me a cock.
What three things are at the top of your submission wish list?
Funny, female-driven mysteries. Neo-noir. Novels that analyze technology’s impact on our lives.
What are some of your favorite movies or books to give us an idea of your tastes?
I just reread Jurassic Park. What a great book—and somewhat questionable politics. If there are any writers out there with an idea that simple (let’s bring back dinosaurs) with the chops to pull it off (a background in Chaos Theory), please let me know.
--------------------------------------------
Noah Ballard is an agent at Curtis Brown, Ltd. He received his BA in English from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and began his career in publishing at Emma Sweeney Agency where he sold foreign rights for the agency in addition to building his own client list. Noah specializes in literary debuts, upmarket thrillers and narrative nonfiction, and he is always on the look-out for honest and provocative new writers. Noah has appeared across the country at graduate programs and writing conferences speaking about query letters, building nonfiction platforms and submission etiquette. He lives in Brooklyn.
Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!
If you have your own specific query question, please leave it in the comments and it might show up in future editions of Query Questions as I plan to rotate the questions.
I'm happy to welcome Noah Ballard from Curtis Brown to Query Questions. Here's what he has to say about his query slush.
Is there a better or worse time of year to query?
Summer is better, but really any time is good. My schedule is dictated by the work of my clients. It’s worse to send things at the end of academic semesters because that’s when all the professors start turning in their drafts.
Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query?
Sometimes, yes. The query is evidence that you’re a professional. If you can’t proofread, that’s a red flag for agents.
Do you look at sample pages without fail or only if the query is strong?
Not always. But people can hook me a lot easier than they think. I think a lot of writers over-write their synopses. All I want to know is Who is this about, Where is it set, What’s the conflict. If I like the gist of the synopsis, I stop reading and go to the pages.
Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them?
No. I do have interns, but I like reading my queries personally.
Do you keep a maybe pile of queries and go back to them for a second look?
Yes. I let the Maybes marinate for a few days or even weeks sometimes.
If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages?
Yes. I want to interact with the book the way a reader would picking it up at the bookstore. If the prologue can be cut and you’ll still enjoy the book, maybe it doesn’t need a prologue.
How important are comp titles? Is it something you want to see in a query?
Coming up with comps is ultimately my job to prove to an editor how many copies a book will sell, so I don’t expect an author to do that. But it’s good to see who the author is reading, who they are in conversation with and gauge their understanding of the marketplace.
Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested?
One agent per agency at a time is a good practice. As most large agencies, typically each agent has a niche, so researching accordingly is important. But I will hand things off if I think they’re more suited for someone else.
Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript?
I like to know why the person is querying me.
Most agents have said they don’t care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included?
In a good synopsis, the author should be able to identify their genre and include their word count. I want to know what I’m getting into. For example, I get “novels” all the time that are “completed” at 25,000 words. Barring some exceptions, publishers want a debut novel to be between 60,000-100,000 words.
Writers hear a lot about limiting the number of named characters in a query. Do you feel keeping named characters to a certain number makes for a clearer query?
I wouldn’t worry about how many characters someone names. However, a synopsis should only be four to five sentences and tell us the basic premise of the book. Keep it simple.
Should writers sweat the title of their book (and character names) or is that something that is often changed by publishers?
Definitely sweat it when querying. Titles are important—they are the first impression of the book. Yes, publishers (and agents) often change titles, but first impressions last.
How many queries do you receive in a week? How many requests might you make out of those?
I’m averaging about 300 per week. I request around 1%.
Many agents say they don't care if writers are active online. Could a twitter account or blog presence by a writer tip the scales in getting a request or offer? And do you require writers you sign to start one?
Being a good literary citizen means communicating with the community. Social media is a great way to do that, and it shows you’re savvy when it comes time to market the book. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s not insignificant.
Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I’m sure it’s not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive?
Links to an author’s homepage (if it’s professionally built) is a good sign of business savvy. But, if it looks bad, it definitely makes a bad impression.
If a writer makes changes to their manuscript due to feedback should they resend the query or only if material was requested?
Query slowly. It’s a pet peeve of mine when people rescind and resubmit edited manuscripts—it’s someone else’s notes. If an agent is into the book, they’ll sign it and edit. But making quick changes to address passes is not a good move. Make sure a book is done-done before sending it out and then stand by it until that round of querying is over.
What bio should an author with no publishing credits include?
Your bio is your CV. If you have nothing to include—no publication credits, no schooling, no writer/publishing contacts, then you’re probably not ready for an agent. A writer is a job like anything else—you need to build your resume.
What does ‘just not right mean for me’ mean to you?
An author-agent relationship is a lot like dating: Sometimes I fall head over heels for a writer that’s great for me, sometimes I fall for someone who is going to hurt me in the end, and sometimes I don’t fall in love—even though I know they’re a perfectly good writer. But, like dating, you don’t want to be with someone who doesn’t love you, so don’t be too sad if you get that response. It means I see your talent, but the vision for how to represent you wasn’t there.
What themes are you sick of seeing?
Not a theme, but a genre: broken cop with dead wife, daughter, etc. must exact vengeance on ISIS, the Cartel, serial killer from his past etc. and face his demons.
Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent?
Yes. I edit a lot before I send something out. And I warn my clients of this before signing with me.
What’s the strangest/funniest thing you’ve seen in a query?
Someone one once opened his query asking if I was afraid of being too successful. (Yes.) Another person responded to my pass by calling me a cock.
What three things are at the top of your submission wish list?
Funny, female-driven mysteries. Neo-noir. Novels that analyze technology’s impact on our lives.
What are some of your favorite movies or books to give us an idea of your tastes?
I just reread Jurassic Park. What a great book—and somewhat questionable politics. If there are any writers out there with an idea that simple (let’s bring back dinosaurs) with the chops to pull it off (a background in Chaos Theory), please let me know.
--------------------------------------------
Noah Ballard is an agent at Curtis Brown, Ltd. He received his BA in English from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and began his career in publishing at Emma Sweeney Agency where he sold foreign rights for the agency in addition to building his own client list. Noah specializes in literary debuts, upmarket thrillers and narrative nonfiction, and he is always on the look-out for honest and provocative new writers. Noah has appeared across the country at graduate programs and writing conferences speaking about query letters, building nonfiction platforms and submission etiquette. He lives in Brooklyn.July 30, 2015
NAME THAT JUDGE #7
This judge was correctly named! Check the comments for the answer. Stay tuned for another opportunity.
Ready for another of our little game of Name that Judge? Let's see if this one goes as quickly. There are 34 Query Kombat judges and are agented or published writers with experience in this business.
Some have agreed to join me and give away a prize to whoever guesses their nickname. You can find their bios at Mike's blog, SC's blog, and my blog. (No, I'm not providing the links. Where's the fun in that? But look in the May archive.) I will provide the list of judge names. Guessed judges are marked off.
Jessica KappKathleen AllenTracy TownsendLaura HeffernanMax WirestoneKristin B. WrightMary Ann MarloweBetsy AldredgeCarrie DuBoisNatasha RaulersonSarah Glenn MarshAmy TruebloodJudy ClemensWade Albert WhiteTatum FlynnKim LongJamie HowardRichard PearsonMelissa CarusoWendy NikelChristina JuneJ.C. DavisStephanie ScottCarrie AnnKendra YoungHeather Powell-van FleetAmanda HegerAnnika SharmaRena OlsenCale DietrichSharon ChriscoeMarty MayberryDan KoboldtMaragaret Fortune
This judge's nickname was WonderPig. And they have provided a few hints:
- Is in a mixed Hufflepuff-Slytherin marriage to her HS sweetheart (she's the Hufflepuff) with a Gryffinclaw son & Slytherdor daughter.
- First connected with her agent through Nightmare on Query Street in 2013.
- Taught Korean martial arts before teaching creative arts at "Hogwarts for Hackers."
- She's been preaching the same sermon all #QueryKombat: Tea > coffee. Writing > query. Solid 3rd POV > Tepid 1st POV.
- Describes grammar in terms of math, even though she doesn't "do" math at all.
- Has nailed entries mercilessly for inapt choice of words, and doesn't mind one bit nagging the author about why it doesn't work. (insert
First one to correctly name this judge gets a first chapter critique! I'll put a time limit of five days on this, but hopefully we won't need to worry about such things.
Other rules. Let's see...
You don't have to have entered or been picked for Query Kombat to play. Anyone may try and Name That Judge. There will be other posts with fresh judges coming up soon. You may enter more than one Name That Judge post. Though to be fair, you may only win once. You may only guess once on each post. You must leave a way to reach you--twitter handle or email address.
Play!
Ready for another of our little game of Name that Judge? Let's see if this one goes as quickly. There are 34 Query Kombat judges and are agented or published writers with experience in this business.
Some have agreed to join me and give away a prize to whoever guesses their nickname. You can find their bios at Mike's blog, SC's blog, and my blog. (No, I'm not providing the links. Where's the fun in that? But look in the May archive.) I will provide the list of judge names. Guessed judges are marked off.
Jessica KappKathleen AllenTracy TownsendLaura HeffernanMax WirestoneKristin B. WrightMary Ann MarloweBetsy AldredgeCarrie DuBoisNatasha RaulersonSarah Glenn MarshAmy TruebloodJudy ClemensWade Albert WhiteTatum FlynnKim LongJamie HowardRichard PearsonMelissa CarusoWendy NikelChristina JuneJ.C. DavisStephanie ScottCarrie AnnKendra YoungHeather Powell-van FleetAmanda HegerAnnika SharmaRena OlsenCale DietrichSharon ChriscoeMarty MayberryDan KoboldtMaragaret Fortune
This judge's nickname was WonderPig. And they have provided a few hints:
- Is in a mixed Hufflepuff-Slytherin marriage to her HS sweetheart (she's the Hufflepuff) with a Gryffinclaw son & Slytherdor daughter.
- First connected with her agent through Nightmare on Query Street in 2013.
- Taught Korean martial arts before teaching creative arts at "Hogwarts for Hackers."
- She's been preaching the same sermon all #QueryKombat: Tea > coffee. Writing > query. Solid 3rd POV > Tepid 1st POV.
- Describes grammar in terms of math, even though she doesn't "do" math at all.
- Has nailed entries mercilessly for inapt choice of words, and doesn't mind one bit nagging the author about why it doesn't work. (insert
First one to correctly name this judge gets a first chapter critique! I'll put a time limit of five days on this, but hopefully we won't need to worry about such things.
Other rules. Let's see...
You don't have to have entered or been picked for Query Kombat to play. Anyone may try and Name That Judge. There will be other posts with fresh judges coming up soon. You may enter more than one Name That Judge post. Though to be fair, you may only win once. You may only guess once on each post. You must leave a way to reach you--twitter handle or email address.
Play!
Query Letter Basics
Now that Query Kombat and New Agent are over, I thought I'd give a few basics to keep in mind about query letters and how they are generally formatted. I'm not claiming all query letters need to look like this. This is just my opinion on how they might look their best and follow the trends.
Forgive me if you know this already.
I'll do an example query and give a few notes afterward:
Dear Agent: You want to address your query to a specific agent. Do not sent ten or a hundred letters in one press of the button to a variety of agents. Send a single email to each agent. You may address agents as their first and last name or Mr./Ms. last name. But do not leave off their name and avoid misspelling it.
1st paragraph: Set up your main character and their motivation. Tell us something about your character and what they want/motivation. Then last sentence here give the obstacle that arises to stop them. Give your main character's age if the story is young adult, middle grade, or new adult. Age doesn't not need to be included for adult, but can be. Don't forget the hyphens. seventeen-year-old Ramiro
Often this can be done with two paragraphs with a short sentence or two used as a hook before starting on the set-up paragraph. I never went with hooks but many writers do. Either way is fine.
Notice there are no indents or tabs in a query letter. A query letter should be single spaced. Your sample pages should be double space (except in a contest). Put a space/hard return between each paragraph.
2nd paragraph: Give more detail about the obstacle and how your main character reacts to it. It's fantastic to end with how the problem gets worse. Show how it escalates.
3rd paragraph: It's okay to put the problem escalation into the 3rd paragraph. That works too. But here you want to iron out the stakes and the choice the main character must make. What bad thing will happen if the main character fails?
There are a few variations on this. Ramiro must do blank or blank bad thing will happen. It looks like this: Ramiro must bring back a witch or his city will burn.
Ramiro must choose between blank or blank and then bad thing will happen. It looks like this: Ramiro must choose between his dreams of being a soldier or the lives of the people of his city and the wrong choice means losing his head and his paycheck.
Make sure the stakes and choice are specific. Spell them out in detail because that entices a reader. Don't use cliche phrases like evil, doom the world, or dark secrets without explaining with those mean. You want to keep the outcome of the end choice of the main character secret--Not the choices themselves.
Word count/genre/comp paragraph: Here's where you list your word count/ genre/ comps. It's a general housekeeping paragraph and can include your bio or that can be a separate paragraph. Do put your title in all caps and keep it simple and clean. GRUDGING is a 94,000 word epic fantasy for adults. Though a stand alone story, it can be part of a series. Fans of xxx book might enjoy it.
Thanks for your time and consideration,
First and Last Name
email address
phone number
street address
Notice there's is no date at the top for an email query letter. Also notice the contact information goes at the bottom after your name.
A few other things to avoid:
-Do not start a sentence with "My name is ..." It reeks of newbie.
-Do not use the words "fiction novel." Those two words mean the same thing. It makes agents mad.
-Do not write your query from the point of view of your character. It should have the voice and personality/flow of your character, but be written from your point of view. This is considered a gimmick.
-Do not have more paragraphs about why you wrote the story and its themes than paragraphs showing the story.
A few things to consider:
-The voice of your query should match the voice of your main character.
-The query should set the same mood as your story. Whether that be humorous or dark. Use words to make it cast a feeling.
-Show us something about the personality of the main character, what are they like?
-A few adjectives won't kill a query letter. It helps illuminate them, but keep it brief.
These are just some tips. Of course a real fantastic concept and sample pages can outweigh a bad query. But it's still better to have a great query to go with great pages.
Hopefully this reminder about query basics helps.
Forgive me if you know this already.
I'll do an example query and give a few notes afterward:
Dear Agent: You want to address your query to a specific agent. Do not sent ten or a hundred letters in one press of the button to a variety of agents. Send a single email to each agent. You may address agents as their first and last name or Mr./Ms. last name. But do not leave off their name and avoid misspelling it.
1st paragraph: Set up your main character and their motivation. Tell us something about your character and what they want/motivation. Then last sentence here give the obstacle that arises to stop them. Give your main character's age if the story is young adult, middle grade, or new adult. Age doesn't not need to be included for adult, but can be. Don't forget the hyphens. seventeen-year-old Ramiro
Often this can be done with two paragraphs with a short sentence or two used as a hook before starting on the set-up paragraph. I never went with hooks but many writers do. Either way is fine.
Notice there are no indents or tabs in a query letter. A query letter should be single spaced. Your sample pages should be double space (except in a contest). Put a space/hard return between each paragraph.
2nd paragraph: Give more detail about the obstacle and how your main character reacts to it. It's fantastic to end with how the problem gets worse. Show how it escalates.
3rd paragraph: It's okay to put the problem escalation into the 3rd paragraph. That works too. But here you want to iron out the stakes and the choice the main character must make. What bad thing will happen if the main character fails?
There are a few variations on this. Ramiro must do blank or blank bad thing will happen. It looks like this: Ramiro must bring back a witch or his city will burn.
Ramiro must choose between blank or blank and then bad thing will happen. It looks like this: Ramiro must choose between his dreams of being a soldier or the lives of the people of his city and the wrong choice means losing his head and his paycheck.
Make sure the stakes and choice are specific. Spell them out in detail because that entices a reader. Don't use cliche phrases like evil, doom the world, or dark secrets without explaining with those mean. You want to keep the outcome of the end choice of the main character secret--Not the choices themselves.
Word count/genre/comp paragraph: Here's where you list your word count/ genre/ comps. It's a general housekeeping paragraph and can include your bio or that can be a separate paragraph. Do put your title in all caps and keep it simple and clean. GRUDGING is a 94,000 word epic fantasy for adults. Though a stand alone story, it can be part of a series. Fans of xxx book might enjoy it.
Thanks for your time and consideration,
First and Last Name
email address
phone number
street address
Notice there's is no date at the top for an email query letter. Also notice the contact information goes at the bottom after your name.
A few other things to avoid:
-Do not start a sentence with "My name is ..." It reeks of newbie.
-Do not use the words "fiction novel." Those two words mean the same thing. It makes agents mad.
-Do not write your query from the point of view of your character. It should have the voice and personality/flow of your character, but be written from your point of view. This is considered a gimmick.
-Do not have more paragraphs about why you wrote the story and its themes than paragraphs showing the story.
A few things to consider:
-The voice of your query should match the voice of your main character.
-The query should set the same mood as your story. Whether that be humorous or dark. Use words to make it cast a feeling.
-Show us something about the personality of the main character, what are they like?
-A few adjectives won't kill a query letter. It helps illuminate them, but keep it brief.
These are just some tips. Of course a real fantastic concept and sample pages can outweigh a bad query. But it's still better to have a great query to go with great pages.
Hopefully this reminder about query basics helps.
July 27, 2015
New Agent Request Round
WELCOME AGENTS!
I know many of you thought this day would never arrive! It's here!
We are rolling out the red carpet and shining the spotlight on the best entries for our agents over the next three days.
(Ninja agents are welcome too. Merely leave a request, along with information on how many pages and where to email you.)
There are thirty-two entries on this blog. All fit on the front page but please use the Blog Archive in the sidebar to ensure no entries get missed. Entries are grouped by age category. They are also numbered for ease of keeping track. (Agents may prefer to look at some entries and return later for more.)
Agents can comment on as many as they want and ask for pages.
If you see a problem with your entry like a missing spacing, let me know on twitter at #NewAgent or the contest email address.
Please the comments are only for agents, but cheer for your favorites and friends, and thank the agents on twitter under #NewAgent.
I'll be there shouting out when an agent appears!
Congrats to all for entering! Let's hope for tons of requests!
New Agent 1: THE LEGACY SCROLL, MG Fanatasy
Title: The Legacy ScrollWord count: 56,000Genre: MG Fantasy
Query:
Ever since she could crawl, twelve-year-old Alisa watched her older siblings come and go on clan business. “It’s not your time yet,” her father told her. “Not until you can cross the caravan without starting a fistfight over a raised eyebrow.” So she can hardly believe it when he entrusts her with a mission of her own: to carry a mysterious scroll to the Foxling King.
But when Alisa returns home to find her caravan in ruins and her family kidnapped by slavers, she is certain the scroll holds the clues she needs to rescue them. With the assistance of some duplicitous thieves, a surly elf, and one very determined fox, Alisa sets off in its pursuit. Standing in her way, however, are the combined forces of dragon riding slavers and the Night itself, a sadistic embodiment of darkness. But the slavers and the Night serve an even more sinister power, one determined to reshape the earth in its own image.
Alisa finds herself deeper and deeper in the grasps of this creature, who takes on an increasingly personal form. Shadowy figures from the past suggest her father may have faced this evil years before, and defeated it only by burying its core in Alisa herself. If she has a hope of saving her family, she will have to overcome the betrayal of a brother. And if she has a hope of saving the world, she will have to overcome her impetuous need to prove herself and stand alone in the darkest Night.
First 250 Words
In the darkest hour of night, a girl waited in the mist. In her left hand, she clutched a small, ornate tube. She shook it and the scroll inside rustled. Her fingers burned white around the tube, and she knew that, whatever happened, she must not lose it.
The girl’s black hair had never been cut, and when she wore it down it tumbled to her waist. Right now, however, it wound around her head in a long braid, hidden beneath a coarse navy scarf. Her face gleamed from beneath her matching clothes like a dash of ice in the ocean’s midst.
She shivered, pressing against the wall of the hut in the vain hope it might give her some warmth. It was dark and cold, and the fog crept up her legs, circling her waist like a belt, but she kept a firm grip on the little cylinder, standing against the encroaching mist. She had waited for hours, but she knew better than to think of heading home.
Without warning, a man stepped into the moonlight, his dark cloak and broad hat rendering him nearly invisible even in the pale light. She saw nothing of him except his mouth, slicing across his face in a scowl. “What are you doing here, Alisa?”
“Father told me to wait and hand you the scroll,” she explained in a rush. “And Adam, I’ve been waiting all night. I thought you might not come.”
He raised a gloved hand. “Give it to me.”
Query:
Ever since she could crawl, twelve-year-old Alisa watched her older siblings come and go on clan business. “It’s not your time yet,” her father told her. “Not until you can cross the caravan without starting a fistfight over a raised eyebrow.” So she can hardly believe it when he entrusts her with a mission of her own: to carry a mysterious scroll to the Foxling King.
But when Alisa returns home to find her caravan in ruins and her family kidnapped by slavers, she is certain the scroll holds the clues she needs to rescue them. With the assistance of some duplicitous thieves, a surly elf, and one very determined fox, Alisa sets off in its pursuit. Standing in her way, however, are the combined forces of dragon riding slavers and the Night itself, a sadistic embodiment of darkness. But the slavers and the Night serve an even more sinister power, one determined to reshape the earth in its own image.
Alisa finds herself deeper and deeper in the grasps of this creature, who takes on an increasingly personal form. Shadowy figures from the past suggest her father may have faced this evil years before, and defeated it only by burying its core in Alisa herself. If she has a hope of saving her family, she will have to overcome the betrayal of a brother. And if she has a hope of saving the world, she will have to overcome her impetuous need to prove herself and stand alone in the darkest Night.
First 250 Words
In the darkest hour of night, a girl waited in the mist. In her left hand, she clutched a small, ornate tube. She shook it and the scroll inside rustled. Her fingers burned white around the tube, and she knew that, whatever happened, she must not lose it.
The girl’s black hair had never been cut, and when she wore it down it tumbled to her waist. Right now, however, it wound around her head in a long braid, hidden beneath a coarse navy scarf. Her face gleamed from beneath her matching clothes like a dash of ice in the ocean’s midst.
She shivered, pressing against the wall of the hut in the vain hope it might give her some warmth. It was dark and cold, and the fog crept up her legs, circling her waist like a belt, but she kept a firm grip on the little cylinder, standing against the encroaching mist. She had waited for hours, but she knew better than to think of heading home.
Without warning, a man stepped into the moonlight, his dark cloak and broad hat rendering him nearly invisible even in the pale light. She saw nothing of him except his mouth, slicing across his face in a scowl. “What are you doing here, Alisa?”
“Father told me to wait and hand you the scroll,” she explained in a rush. “And Adam, I’ve been waiting all night. I thought you might not come.”
He raised a gloved hand. “Give it to me.”
New Agent 2: ESTER, CALLED MARIA, MG Historical
Title: Ester, Called Maria
Word count: 31,000
Genre: MG HistoricalQuery:
Thirteen-year-old Ester Cordoba leads a double life. Outside her home, she’s “Maria,” a new Christian living in old Lisbon. But away from prying eyes and curious ears, she whispers ancient Hebrew prayers. It’s one more game Ester is good at, like the riddles she loves to make up.
When word comes that the Inquisition has landed in Portugal, Ester’s world unalterably changes. Her grandfather reveals to her why and how their people came to hide their true identity. Ester is proud and excited when she encounters her first open Jew, a handsome boy from Salonika. But she is outraged when he tells her he doesn’t consider her Jewish. Who and what is she then, and what’s the point of living in danger? Even worse, her younger brother, Isaac, may have given away their secret when bullies beat him up.
No matter what else, Ester is still a Cordoba, and she will do anything to protect her family, especially Isaac. Afraid the adults aren’t doing enough to conceal them from the Inquisition, Ester sneaks off to the home of Dona Gracia, the most powerful secret Jew in Lisbon. She agrees to help them. Ester is relieved until she faces the shocking consequence: her parents send her with Dona Gracia. Sailing away to an uncertain future, and leaving her beloved family behind, Ester is on her own to make sense of her parents’ decision to make her go and to answer a question she never imagined she would have to ask: can she truly belong anywhere?
First 250 words:
Who taps my shoulder as if they’re hammering a stake?
“You’re Maria Cordoba, the tailor’s daughter, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Senhora Romero, good morning.” I curtsey. I wish I could run.
She has a blue wart on her chin. Her onion breath dampens my face. At least Isaac isn’t with me. He might say anything.
“Ah, I see you already know who I am, as all devout New Christians should.”
She looks me up and down. I keep my gaze low. I can outsmart her.
“What is your favorite food, child?”
“Mutton and chickpeas, Senhora.” The first thing I think of.
“Tell me, do you add milk to the sauce?”
That would be meat with milk. A trick to find out if we follow the Old Laws. But I’m cleverer. “I don’t prepare the dish, Senhora.”
“Hmmm.” She scratches her ear. “Well, I would like to invite your family to dine with us this Friday night, my dear. Will you be able to join us?”
Friday night, our Sabbath. Another trick. “I’m sure our family is honored by your invitation, Senhora, but we only dine at home.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh really, on Fridays?”
She trapped me. What do I do? I cough while I try to think.
“I meant every night, Senhora. My grandparents tire easily at night and my parents don’t want them to eat alone.”
“I see.” She picks up her skirt. Finally, she’s leaving. Then she lets it go. “You have a brother, don’t you?”
Word count: 31,000
Genre: MG HistoricalQuery:
Thirteen-year-old Ester Cordoba leads a double life. Outside her home, she’s “Maria,” a new Christian living in old Lisbon. But away from prying eyes and curious ears, she whispers ancient Hebrew prayers. It’s one more game Ester is good at, like the riddles she loves to make up.
When word comes that the Inquisition has landed in Portugal, Ester’s world unalterably changes. Her grandfather reveals to her why and how their people came to hide their true identity. Ester is proud and excited when she encounters her first open Jew, a handsome boy from Salonika. But she is outraged when he tells her he doesn’t consider her Jewish. Who and what is she then, and what’s the point of living in danger? Even worse, her younger brother, Isaac, may have given away their secret when bullies beat him up.
No matter what else, Ester is still a Cordoba, and she will do anything to protect her family, especially Isaac. Afraid the adults aren’t doing enough to conceal them from the Inquisition, Ester sneaks off to the home of Dona Gracia, the most powerful secret Jew in Lisbon. She agrees to help them. Ester is relieved until she faces the shocking consequence: her parents send her with Dona Gracia. Sailing away to an uncertain future, and leaving her beloved family behind, Ester is on her own to make sense of her parents’ decision to make her go and to answer a question she never imagined she would have to ask: can she truly belong anywhere?
First 250 words:
Who taps my shoulder as if they’re hammering a stake?
“You’re Maria Cordoba, the tailor’s daughter, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Senhora Romero, good morning.” I curtsey. I wish I could run.
She has a blue wart on her chin. Her onion breath dampens my face. At least Isaac isn’t with me. He might say anything.
“Ah, I see you already know who I am, as all devout New Christians should.”
She looks me up and down. I keep my gaze low. I can outsmart her.
“What is your favorite food, child?”
“Mutton and chickpeas, Senhora.” The first thing I think of.
“Tell me, do you add milk to the sauce?”
That would be meat with milk. A trick to find out if we follow the Old Laws. But I’m cleverer. “I don’t prepare the dish, Senhora.”
“Hmmm.” She scratches her ear. “Well, I would like to invite your family to dine with us this Friday night, my dear. Will you be able to join us?”
Friday night, our Sabbath. Another trick. “I’m sure our family is honored by your invitation, Senhora, but we only dine at home.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh really, on Fridays?”
She trapped me. What do I do? I cough while I try to think.
“I meant every night, Senhora. My grandparents tire easily at night and my parents don’t want them to eat alone.”
“I see.” She picks up her skirt. Finally, she’s leaving. Then she lets it go. “You have a brother, don’t you?”
New Agent 3: THE WOUNDED BOOK, MG HIstorical
Title: THE WOUNDED BOOK
Word count: 52,000
Genre: MG Historical
Query:
After Mamma leaves for Constantinople, a leather-bound book appears on the breakfast board. Twelve-year-old Bella of Arezzo can sing anything, but she can’t read the book’s strange, musical symbols. The smooth parchment against her cheek and the scent of the bookbinding, however, bring back snatches of her dead papa’s exquisite lullaby. This book is her past, but the music it contains may give her a future.
Before she glimpses more than a note or two, the book ends up in the hands of Papa’s old enemy, Nikodemos. With the keepsake as leverage, he pressures Bella to return a sealed bundle to the most powerful people in the East: the Patriarch and the Emperor of Constantinople. Nikodemos says the bundle contains tiny wrist bones stolen from St. John the Baptist’s arm, a valuable and highly-guarded relic touring in the West. If the bones are missed, the tiny cracks between East and West will split the Empire in two.
If she does what Nikodemos wants, she’ll frame Papa for theft and her family will pay the penalty, landing Bella in the orphanage. If she doesn’t, she’ll lose her only chance to know Papa’s world and to learn the secrets of THE WOUNDED BOOK.
First 250 words:
Bella crouched on the stone window sill of her chamber and stared down into the shadowy street. Just as the morning star rose over Arezzo's city wall, the woolman's cart rattled around the corner. When it passed underneath, she dropped into the back. The cart shuddered. The woolman swore at his donkey, but drove on. Wriggling between two firm sacks of wool, Bella pulled her knees up to her chin. The steep descent pressed her against the woolsacks in front and the herringbone bricks under the wheels jostled her up and down.
She looked up, between the sacks, at the stars. It had been easy enough to leap out the window of Uncle’s house. Had Papa passed as easily through Heaven's gate?
The old question made the place between her neck and shoulder pinch. She didn’t like to think about death. And now Papa’s music, written in his own hand, was gone too. Uncle had sold it. He’d had no right. She’d held Papa’s book for a moment and almost remembered how it felt to hear his voice. She shook her head.
A tuft of wool tickled her nose and she sneezed. Had the driver heard? She pressed her hands over her mouth and nose.
The cart slowed.
She held her breath.
The cart stopped.
If he threw her out here, she would never get home before Uncle noticed. If Uncle noticed, there would be trouble. She forced her head between her knees.
Word count: 52,000
Genre: MG Historical
Query:
After Mamma leaves for Constantinople, a leather-bound book appears on the breakfast board. Twelve-year-old Bella of Arezzo can sing anything, but she can’t read the book’s strange, musical symbols. The smooth parchment against her cheek and the scent of the bookbinding, however, bring back snatches of her dead papa’s exquisite lullaby. This book is her past, but the music it contains may give her a future.
Before she glimpses more than a note or two, the book ends up in the hands of Papa’s old enemy, Nikodemos. With the keepsake as leverage, he pressures Bella to return a sealed bundle to the most powerful people in the East: the Patriarch and the Emperor of Constantinople. Nikodemos says the bundle contains tiny wrist bones stolen from St. John the Baptist’s arm, a valuable and highly-guarded relic touring in the West. If the bones are missed, the tiny cracks between East and West will split the Empire in two.
If she does what Nikodemos wants, she’ll frame Papa for theft and her family will pay the penalty, landing Bella in the orphanage. If she doesn’t, she’ll lose her only chance to know Papa’s world and to learn the secrets of THE WOUNDED BOOK.
First 250 words:
Bella crouched on the stone window sill of her chamber and stared down into the shadowy street. Just as the morning star rose over Arezzo's city wall, the woolman's cart rattled around the corner. When it passed underneath, she dropped into the back. The cart shuddered. The woolman swore at his donkey, but drove on. Wriggling between two firm sacks of wool, Bella pulled her knees up to her chin. The steep descent pressed her against the woolsacks in front and the herringbone bricks under the wheels jostled her up and down.
She looked up, between the sacks, at the stars. It had been easy enough to leap out the window of Uncle’s house. Had Papa passed as easily through Heaven's gate?
The old question made the place between her neck and shoulder pinch. She didn’t like to think about death. And now Papa’s music, written in his own hand, was gone too. Uncle had sold it. He’d had no right. She’d held Papa’s book for a moment and almost remembered how it felt to hear his voice. She shook her head.
A tuft of wool tickled her nose and she sneezed. Had the driver heard? She pressed her hands over her mouth and nose.
The cart slowed.
She held her breath.
The cart stopped.
If he threw her out here, she would never get home before Uncle noticed. If Uncle noticed, there would be trouble. She forced her head between her knees.
New Agent 4: THE BOOK OF AGES, MG Fantasy
Title: The Book of the AgesWord count: 72,000Genre: MG FantasyQuery:
Thirteen-year-old Brooks Edison finds a small, black book in the public library. Four strange hieroglyphs adorn the cover. More fill the pages inside. Fortunately, he can read the spell scribbled on a piece of paper that falls out. It mentions a door. He and three friends try the spell out, sure it won’t work.
It does.
The spell transports them to Kilandia, a world where elves make the worst chefs, dwarves are bodybuilders, and pint-sized dragons can’t even breathe fire. Wizards once reigned over the land, but now only one remains: the Black Wizard. He imprisoned all those who opposed him under magic domes, which isn’t winning him any Ruler of the Year awards.
Brooks learns the book is a powerful weapon of magic only wizards can use. The White Wizard disappeared with it a hundred years ago. Brooks happens to look exactly like him, which is helping his popularity in ways he wish it wouldn’t. Everyone believes the White Wizard has returned and will use the book to free them.
Problem is, Brooks isn’t the White Wizard.
And someone steals the book the moment he arrives.
Unless Brooks and his friends can find the book, figure out how to use it, and defeat the Black Wizard, the domes will collapse in four days, crushing everyone inside. No small task for the White Wizard. For Brooks, it's all but impossible.
First 250 words:
Brooks Edison eased his front door closed, pressed his ear against it, and listened. He let out a long breath he’d been holding.
Yes!
Adjusting his backpack, he took off down the street. His bathrobe billowed behind, and the warm August breeze blew his stark white hair off his forehead. Brooks’s hair stood out like a beacon, a gift from his great grandfather, Albert. Although the comments and stares stopped bothering him long ago, he didn’t want anyone recognizing him now if they happened to be up this late.
He glanced at the moon and then his watch.
One minute. I’ll never make it. A bark erupted from the side of a house. A huge German shepherd rounded it at the speed of sound, displaying a killer set of sharp teeth. Brooks jumped sideways, his heart pounding. The dog stopped an inch from Brooks, growling like a rabid wolf.
“Sadie.” Brooks caught his breath. “It’s me. Brooksy. Did you jump the fence again?”
Sadie barked and offered Brooks a paw.
“Good, girl.” Brooks shook it before wiping sweat from the back of his neck. “Now get back inside.”
Sadie flew around the side of the house and jumped the fence into the backyard.
Brooks bolted, glancing again at his watch.
Midnight. I’ll murder that stupid alarm clock when I get back.
He swallowed hard when he reached the woods at the end of the street. Black holes had more light. Wind whistling through the branches sounded a lot like we’re ready to eat you now.
Thirteen-year-old Brooks Edison finds a small, black book in the public library. Four strange hieroglyphs adorn the cover. More fill the pages inside. Fortunately, he can read the spell scribbled on a piece of paper that falls out. It mentions a door. He and three friends try the spell out, sure it won’t work.
It does.
The spell transports them to Kilandia, a world where elves make the worst chefs, dwarves are bodybuilders, and pint-sized dragons can’t even breathe fire. Wizards once reigned over the land, but now only one remains: the Black Wizard. He imprisoned all those who opposed him under magic domes, which isn’t winning him any Ruler of the Year awards.
Brooks learns the book is a powerful weapon of magic only wizards can use. The White Wizard disappeared with it a hundred years ago. Brooks happens to look exactly like him, which is helping his popularity in ways he wish it wouldn’t. Everyone believes the White Wizard has returned and will use the book to free them.
Problem is, Brooks isn’t the White Wizard.
And someone steals the book the moment he arrives.
Unless Brooks and his friends can find the book, figure out how to use it, and defeat the Black Wizard, the domes will collapse in four days, crushing everyone inside. No small task for the White Wizard. For Brooks, it's all but impossible.
First 250 words:
Brooks Edison eased his front door closed, pressed his ear against it, and listened. He let out a long breath he’d been holding.
Yes!
Adjusting his backpack, he took off down the street. His bathrobe billowed behind, and the warm August breeze blew his stark white hair off his forehead. Brooks’s hair stood out like a beacon, a gift from his great grandfather, Albert. Although the comments and stares stopped bothering him long ago, he didn’t want anyone recognizing him now if they happened to be up this late.
He glanced at the moon and then his watch.
One minute. I’ll never make it. A bark erupted from the side of a house. A huge German shepherd rounded it at the speed of sound, displaying a killer set of sharp teeth. Brooks jumped sideways, his heart pounding. The dog stopped an inch from Brooks, growling like a rabid wolf.
“Sadie.” Brooks caught his breath. “It’s me. Brooksy. Did you jump the fence again?”
Sadie barked and offered Brooks a paw.
“Good, girl.” Brooks shook it before wiping sweat from the back of his neck. “Now get back inside.”
Sadie flew around the side of the house and jumped the fence into the backyard.
Brooks bolted, glancing again at his watch.
Midnight. I’ll murder that stupid alarm clock when I get back.
He swallowed hard when he reached the woods at the end of the street. Black holes had more light. Wind whistling through the branches sounded a lot like we’re ready to eat you now.
New Agent 5: VIOLET GLOOM AND THE CURSE OF DOWNCAST, MG Cont Fantasy
Title: Violet Gloom and the Curse of Downcast
Word count: 46,000
Genre: MG Contemporary Fantasy
Query:
A few months after her mother’s death, ten-year-old science-mad Violet Gloom moves with her broken-hearted dad to the dreary town of Downcast. There she resigns herself to a life of boredom and sadness and exactly zero super-cool, bathroom-destroying science experiments. But when Violet stumbles across a ghost, she learns Downcast is cursed.
The curse transformed most of the ghosts of Downcast into shadows, ghosts-gone-bad with no other wish but to destroy the town. Only three good ghosts remain: a kindly soul wistful for sunsets and her long-lost family; a ghost with no name who is almost shadow; and the witch who cast the curse, forever remorseful of the hurt her actions have caused. The good ghosts are the only barriers between Downcast and the curse, and Violet must move them on to the Great Beyond before the shadows escape on the anniversary of the curse.
In order to break the curse, Violet must steal a ghost machine away from magic-obsessed evil inventor, Doctor Fair-Weather (and his brain-munching pet zombie). If she succeeds, she will save Downcast and cure her family’s sadness. If she fails, she’ll lose her new home and the only family she has left to an ancient curse.
First 250 words:
‘You know, Vi, some people say that Downcast is cursed,’ said Dad as we zoomed past a rickety old sign by the roadside that read: DOWNCAST: A HOME FOR THE MELANCHOLY. On the very top of the hill in front of us, I could see the inky silhouette of a town against an orange-red sunrise.
Past Violet (before it happened) would have jumped up and down in her seat and asked hundreds of questions and, before you knew it, devised a really cool experiment to determine once and for all whether curses actually exist. It would probably involve: a) voodoo dolls; b) explosions (because every experiment needs explosions); and c) a reconstruction of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. It would be very, VERY cool and I would have definitely won the Young Scientist of the Year Award for my extraordinary and outstanding commitment to Science. If I closed my eyes, I could picture the massive trophy they’d give me, and hear the clapping and cheering as I stepped up to the stage to receive my prize.
Then I remembered: I wasn't Past Violet anymore. So instead I just shrugged and said ‘hmmph’ and pushed all of the bitterness right back down inside of me. Sometimes I felt like a bag of fireworks all waiting to burn up in the night sky.
A few months after her mother’s death, ten-year-old science-mad Violet Gloom moves with her broken-hearted dad to the dreary town of Downcast. There she resigns herself to a life of boredom and sadness and exactly zero super-cool, bathroom-destroying science experiments. But when Violet stumbles across a ghost, she learns Downcast is cursed.
The curse transformed most of the ghosts of Downcast into shadows, ghosts-gone-bad with no other wish but to destroy the town. Only three good ghosts remain: a kindly soul wistful for sunsets and her long-lost family; a ghost with no name who is almost shadow; and the witch who cast the curse, forever remorseful of the hurt her actions have caused. The good ghosts are the only barriers between Downcast and the curse, and Violet must move them on to the Great Beyond before the shadows escape on the anniversary of the curse.
In order to break the curse, Violet must steal a ghost machine away from magic-obsessed evil inventor, Doctor Fair-Weather (and his brain-munching pet zombie). If she succeeds, she will save Downcast and cure her family’s sadness. If she fails, she’ll lose her new home and the only family she has left to an ancient curse.
First 250 words:
‘You know, Vi, some people say that Downcast is cursed,’ said Dad as we zoomed past a rickety old sign by the roadside that read: DOWNCAST: A HOME FOR THE MELANCHOLY. On the very top of the hill in front of us, I could see the inky silhouette of a town against an orange-red sunrise.
Past Violet (before it happened) would have jumped up and down in her seat and asked hundreds of questions and, before you knew it, devised a really cool experiment to determine once and for all whether curses actually exist. It would probably involve: a) voodoo dolls; b) explosions (because every experiment needs explosions); and c) a reconstruction of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. It would be very, VERY cool and I would have definitely won the Young Scientist of the Year Award for my extraordinary and outstanding commitment to Science. If I closed my eyes, I could picture the massive trophy they’d give me, and hear the clapping and cheering as I stepped up to the stage to receive my prize.
Then I remembered: I wasn't Past Violet anymore. So instead I just shrugged and said ‘hmmph’ and pushed all of the bitterness right back down inside of me. Sometimes I felt like a bag of fireworks all waiting to burn up in the night sky.
