Laura Heffernan's Blog, page 16
October 27, 2016
NoQS Adult Women's Fiction: ADVENTURES FROM THE LEDGE
Title: ADVENTURES FROM THE LEDGEGenre: Adult Women's FictionWord Count: 80,000
My Main Character's Most Stressful Relationship is:
Carter's most stressful relationship is with the Grand Canyon. The canyon is always trying to find a new and inventive way to end her life. If not the canyon itself, the people inside it. Sure, Carter’s survival skills could use a little work. Who knew that all those years in college wouldn’t prepare her for drunken tourists perched precariously at the edge of one of the world’s wonders? Carter’s background definitely didn’t prepare her for Isabel, her draconian boss. If Carter isn’t savagely murdered by the canyon, Isabel will ensure she limps away a broken woman.
Query:
Heat stroke and flash floods are small matters of survival compared to Carter Westlake’s new boss, Isabel. When Carter abandoned her parents’ plans for her and moved to the Grand Canyon, she knew she was in for the challenge of her life as an Operations Intern. But Carter knew that to find her own identity, she would have to go to a place her parents' influence couldn't follow.
The internship program taught her how not to die a cruel death by desert heat. It didn’t say to watch her back for the knives of duplicitous peers, or how to handle a boss who would rather push her over the rim than accept her as a protégé. Isabel expects an intern of exceptional abilities, like she herself had been, and quickly decides to rid herself of inexperienced Carter. With only her studious nature to guide her, Carter is determined to prove that she is more than a city girl in a late-in-life rebellion.
Carter's parents think she's ruined her future, the other interns think she’s a joke, and Isabel thinks she's not worthy. But it’s going to take more than sabotaged survival training and menial assignments to stop her from becoming an official park ranger. Her one comfort is hunky Navajo ranger Niyol, but the strict no-ranger-fraternization policy means her growing romance puts her at even greater risk of being fired.
When young scouts get lost in the canyon, Carter and Isabel are forced to work together to rescue them. They find themselves in a dangerous situation after a flash flood takes them by surprise. Deep in the backcountry, help is days away after the flood destroys all communication methods. With Isabel clinging to life, survival for both women and scouts depends on Carter becoming the wilderness woman she set out to be.
First 250 words:
I used to think freezing to death was a horrible way to die. But after only four hours of being lost in the desert, I’d switched teams. Burning to death was by far the superior excruciating death. Those four hours spent searching for the trail were more than enough time to prove that I was in over my head. Somewhere deeper in the canyon, the other interns were probably filled with sense of vindication while I slowly baked to death under the unforgiving sun.
I bet they were all relaxing in some crystal-clear stream, the crisp water soothing their overheated muscles. They were probably having a great time laughing at the stupid girl who couldn’t even navigate her way out of Ikea. Granted, those stores are designed to trap shoppers and I can’t be the only one who has fallen victim to the layout. At least Ikea had water, shade, and a noticeable absence of rattlesnakes. I would trade just about anything, including my own mother, for just one sip from the germy water fountain. If I had any fluids left in my body, I’d be salivating.
Instead, I separated bone-dry lips to bring a burst of air into my lungs. It tasted hot and stale, warming my chest instead of cooling it off. I needed to find shade before I became another nameless body the rangers had to recover. If they could even find me.
First rule of field work: don't become your own statistic.
My Main Character's Most Stressful Relationship is:
Carter's most stressful relationship is with the Grand Canyon. The canyon is always trying to find a new and inventive way to end her life. If not the canyon itself, the people inside it. Sure, Carter’s survival skills could use a little work. Who knew that all those years in college wouldn’t prepare her for drunken tourists perched precariously at the edge of one of the world’s wonders? Carter’s background definitely didn’t prepare her for Isabel, her draconian boss. If Carter isn’t savagely murdered by the canyon, Isabel will ensure she limps away a broken woman.
Query:
Heat stroke and flash floods are small matters of survival compared to Carter Westlake’s new boss, Isabel. When Carter abandoned her parents’ plans for her and moved to the Grand Canyon, she knew she was in for the challenge of her life as an Operations Intern. But Carter knew that to find her own identity, she would have to go to a place her parents' influence couldn't follow.
The internship program taught her how not to die a cruel death by desert heat. It didn’t say to watch her back for the knives of duplicitous peers, or how to handle a boss who would rather push her over the rim than accept her as a protégé. Isabel expects an intern of exceptional abilities, like she herself had been, and quickly decides to rid herself of inexperienced Carter. With only her studious nature to guide her, Carter is determined to prove that she is more than a city girl in a late-in-life rebellion.
Carter's parents think she's ruined her future, the other interns think she’s a joke, and Isabel thinks she's not worthy. But it’s going to take more than sabotaged survival training and menial assignments to stop her from becoming an official park ranger. Her one comfort is hunky Navajo ranger Niyol, but the strict no-ranger-fraternization policy means her growing romance puts her at even greater risk of being fired.
When young scouts get lost in the canyon, Carter and Isabel are forced to work together to rescue them. They find themselves in a dangerous situation after a flash flood takes them by surprise. Deep in the backcountry, help is days away after the flood destroys all communication methods. With Isabel clinging to life, survival for both women and scouts depends on Carter becoming the wilderness woman she set out to be.
First 250 words:
I used to think freezing to death was a horrible way to die. But after only four hours of being lost in the desert, I’d switched teams. Burning to death was by far the superior excruciating death. Those four hours spent searching for the trail were more than enough time to prove that I was in over my head. Somewhere deeper in the canyon, the other interns were probably filled with sense of vindication while I slowly baked to death under the unforgiving sun.
I bet they were all relaxing in some crystal-clear stream, the crisp water soothing their overheated muscles. They were probably having a great time laughing at the stupid girl who couldn’t even navigate her way out of Ikea. Granted, those stores are designed to trap shoppers and I can’t be the only one who has fallen victim to the layout. At least Ikea had water, shade, and a noticeable absence of rattlesnakes. I would trade just about anything, including my own mother, for just one sip from the germy water fountain. If I had any fluids left in my body, I’d be salivating.
Instead, I separated bone-dry lips to bring a burst of air into my lungs. It tasted hot and stale, warming my chest instead of cooling it off. I needed to find shade before I became another nameless body the rangers had to recover. If they could even find me.
First rule of field work: don't become your own statistic.
NoQS YA Contemporary: THE GOODNIGHT IRENES
Title: THE GOODNIGHT IRENESGenre: YA ContemporaryWord count: 88,000
My main character’s Most Stressful Relationship is:
Just the thought of her mother Mary makes Keelie’s skin crawl and her stomach clench. It’s not just the lying and manipulating, or even that she murdered Keelie’s friend. It’s the lack of self-control, the lives she’s destroyed. It’s that possibility which scares Keelie the most. The connection. The blood, the genetics, the undeniable statistics. Mary’s a violent offender with mental health issues: issues that are passed down to one in ten children born to women like her. Children like Keelie. And Keelie can’t help but remember that her mom first started to lose it when she was the age Keelie is now.
Query:
The reams of leather straps and black beads on Keelie’s wrists aren’t a fashion statement. They’re only there to mask the scars and reminders of the messed-up year she just survived. Her best friend was murdered right in front of her, and Keelie’s bat-shit crazy mom is locked up for the crime. Hissing just beneath the surface, a spidery voice tells her she’ll probably end up as crazy as her mother.
Keelie leans on her father and brother, painting and writing poetry to keep the monsters at bay, but the guilt claws deep. After months of wanting to splatter herself against the universe, a small flame of hope fights against the fear and anger eating at her. Then emo queen Prue Dailey spots the slash scars hiding under the jewelry and invites Keelie into the dark world of The Goodnight Irenes, a girls only death wish club.
She chooses life over oblivion, and when Prue's best friend sides with Keelie and leaves the club, they learn how determined Prue is to bring everyone down with her.
Then Keelie finds out she’s repressed some of the ugliest memories of her friend’s murder. Her father has kept other secrets, as well. Hard-won family trust crumbles, and Keelie falters back into brokenness. She must decide if she will forgive her family and look to the future with her supportive new boyfriend, or if she’ll give in to the darkness that’s calling her.
First 250 Words:
September
There are reasons for thingsEven if none are apparentWho can say why life draws a map of cold, long dead stars on our hearts?Who can say why we yearn after that oblivion?Even when we're standing on lush grasseswarm breezes on our face,warm hands cradling us,still, oblivion calls.And its song is sweet
Week 1
I scanned the lunch hall, searching, yearning.
This place is so not North Carolina.
Thirty-nine weeks yawned ahead of me in this bear trap of boredom. Scenic Hanover, New Hampshire. A town so small, I couldn’t find it on a map when Dad told us we were moving here. The place settled on me like an ill-fitting hand-me-down coat, more familiar as the days crept past, but not comfortable. Not one bit. Just another waystation before real life started. Whatever and wherever my real life might be.
Thirty-nine weeks until graduation, until escape.
Stop it, idiot.
Stop looking for her.
But I couldn’t stop looking for Beth.
Longing for a ghost.
The hair on my neck bristled. At the next table, a posse of glossy clones pretended not to watch me. Food sprawled across the surface of their table, purses scattered, perfect nails clack, clack, clacking on their phones. They kept casting furtive, side-eyed glances my way.
Why is this school smaller than a snow globe?
And where the hell is Reese?
An angry growl lurked in my throat as I grabbed my books. The weekend couldn’t come soon enough.
My main character’s Most Stressful Relationship is:
Just the thought of her mother Mary makes Keelie’s skin crawl and her stomach clench. It’s not just the lying and manipulating, or even that she murdered Keelie’s friend. It’s the lack of self-control, the lives she’s destroyed. It’s that possibility which scares Keelie the most. The connection. The blood, the genetics, the undeniable statistics. Mary’s a violent offender with mental health issues: issues that are passed down to one in ten children born to women like her. Children like Keelie. And Keelie can’t help but remember that her mom first started to lose it when she was the age Keelie is now.
Query:
The reams of leather straps and black beads on Keelie’s wrists aren’t a fashion statement. They’re only there to mask the scars and reminders of the messed-up year she just survived. Her best friend was murdered right in front of her, and Keelie’s bat-shit crazy mom is locked up for the crime. Hissing just beneath the surface, a spidery voice tells her she’ll probably end up as crazy as her mother.
Keelie leans on her father and brother, painting and writing poetry to keep the monsters at bay, but the guilt claws deep. After months of wanting to splatter herself against the universe, a small flame of hope fights against the fear and anger eating at her. Then emo queen Prue Dailey spots the slash scars hiding under the jewelry and invites Keelie into the dark world of The Goodnight Irenes, a girls only death wish club.
She chooses life over oblivion, and when Prue's best friend sides with Keelie and leaves the club, they learn how determined Prue is to bring everyone down with her.
Then Keelie finds out she’s repressed some of the ugliest memories of her friend’s murder. Her father has kept other secrets, as well. Hard-won family trust crumbles, and Keelie falters back into brokenness. She must decide if she will forgive her family and look to the future with her supportive new boyfriend, or if she’ll give in to the darkness that’s calling her.
First 250 Words:
September
There are reasons for thingsEven if none are apparentWho can say why life draws a map of cold, long dead stars on our hearts?Who can say why we yearn after that oblivion?Even when we're standing on lush grasseswarm breezes on our face,warm hands cradling us,still, oblivion calls.And its song is sweet
Week 1
I scanned the lunch hall, searching, yearning.
This place is so not North Carolina.
Thirty-nine weeks yawned ahead of me in this bear trap of boredom. Scenic Hanover, New Hampshire. A town so small, I couldn’t find it on a map when Dad told us we were moving here. The place settled on me like an ill-fitting hand-me-down coat, more familiar as the days crept past, but not comfortable. Not one bit. Just another waystation before real life started. Whatever and wherever my real life might be.
Thirty-nine weeks until graduation, until escape.
Stop it, idiot.
Stop looking for her.
But I couldn’t stop looking for Beth.
Longing for a ghost.
The hair on my neck bristled. At the next table, a posse of glossy clones pretended not to watch me. Food sprawled across the surface of their table, purses scattered, perfect nails clack, clack, clacking on their phones. They kept casting furtive, side-eyed glances my way.
Why is this school smaller than a snow globe?
And where the hell is Reese?
An angry growl lurked in my throat as I grabbed my books. The weekend couldn’t come soon enough.
NoQS YA Thriller: GIRL IN THE MACHINE
Title: GIRL IN THE MACHINE
Genre: YA Psychological Thriller
Word Count: 78,000
My Main Character's Most Stressful Relationship is:
Delta’s most stressful relationship is with her handler, Mira. Mira is supposed to be helping Delta to succeed at the Turing Test and pass as human. Delta relies on Mira and needs her. In some ways, Mira is like a mother to her. At the same time, Mira constantly pushes Delta outside her comfort zone in order to keep her AI growing. It creates a lot of tension between them. Worst of all, Delta is beginning to distrust Mira’s motives. She’s not sure whether Mira has Delta’s best interests at heart or whether her corporate creator’s interests take higher priority.
Query:
Cyborg Delta Phoenix has a hundred days to accomplish her mission—fit into human society undetected—or be dismantled. To help, she’s given a program based on the memories of a dead girl named Emma. Emma is more than a program, though; she’s Delta’s guide, her confidante, and the equivalent of her soul. So when Delta discovers that the real Emma isn’t dead, just missing—and maybe in danger—she goes rogue, risking destruction to find the girl.
Along the way, she meets Justin, a boy who is almost as much of a geek as she is. Delta eventually opens her heart and her life to Justin, even letting him help her search for Emma. But she's hiding her biggest secret: that she’s a machine. Deception is just one skill Delta must master to survive, because the more she unravels the mystery of Emma, the more she uncovers her dark and twisted relationship to the girl—knowledge that pushes Delta’s fragile program right to the breaking point.
First 250 Words:
There’s a dead girl in my head. Most of the time, she’s quiet. But sometimes her voice drifts up from the depths, surfaced by my cyborg programming to provide momentary guidance or an all too human insight.
Relax, she says now. Like that’s possible.
Four minutes until the first test: stepping out of my room at the Institute and walking its long halls to the handler’s office for my daily meeting. I calculate a 56.29% chance I’ll conquer my agoraphobia and make it, instead of fleeing back to my room or dropping to the floor midway in a puddle of fear.
The analog clock on the wall by the bathroom thumps as its second hand stutters around the circle, eating up another minute while I sit perched on the edge of the bed. I breathe deeply, basking in the warm embrace of my small room and grateful for the solid metal door that stands guard against the looming hallway beyond. The door I must open and exit soon.
Three minutes now.
Genre: YA Psychological Thriller
Word Count: 78,000
My Main Character's Most Stressful Relationship is:
Delta’s most stressful relationship is with her handler, Mira. Mira is supposed to be helping Delta to succeed at the Turing Test and pass as human. Delta relies on Mira and needs her. In some ways, Mira is like a mother to her. At the same time, Mira constantly pushes Delta outside her comfort zone in order to keep her AI growing. It creates a lot of tension between them. Worst of all, Delta is beginning to distrust Mira’s motives. She’s not sure whether Mira has Delta’s best interests at heart or whether her corporate creator’s interests take higher priority.
Query:
Cyborg Delta Phoenix has a hundred days to accomplish her mission—fit into human society undetected—or be dismantled. To help, she’s given a program based on the memories of a dead girl named Emma. Emma is more than a program, though; she’s Delta’s guide, her confidante, and the equivalent of her soul. So when Delta discovers that the real Emma isn’t dead, just missing—and maybe in danger—she goes rogue, risking destruction to find the girl.
Along the way, she meets Justin, a boy who is almost as much of a geek as she is. Delta eventually opens her heart and her life to Justin, even letting him help her search for Emma. But she's hiding her biggest secret: that she’s a machine. Deception is just one skill Delta must master to survive, because the more she unravels the mystery of Emma, the more she uncovers her dark and twisted relationship to the girl—knowledge that pushes Delta’s fragile program right to the breaking point.
First 250 Words:
There’s a dead girl in my head. Most of the time, she’s quiet. But sometimes her voice drifts up from the depths, surfaced by my cyborg programming to provide momentary guidance or an all too human insight.
Relax, she says now. Like that’s possible.
Four minutes until the first test: stepping out of my room at the Institute and walking its long halls to the handler’s office for my daily meeting. I calculate a 56.29% chance I’ll conquer my agoraphobia and make it, instead of fleeing back to my room or dropping to the floor midway in a puddle of fear.
The analog clock on the wall by the bathroom thumps as its second hand stutters around the circle, eating up another minute while I sit perched on the edge of the bed. I breathe deeply, basking in the warm embrace of my small room and grateful for the solid metal door that stands guard against the looming hallway beyond. The door I must open and exit soon.
Three minutes now.
NoQS YA Fantasy: ONCE UPON A TYPEWRITER
Title: ONCE UPON A TYPEWRITERGenre: Young Adult FantasyWord Count: 98,000
My Main Character’s Most Stressful Relationship is:
Emily’s younger sister Aubrey is her best friend and nemesis all in one. When their mom became mentally ill seven years ago, Emily swore that Aubrey wouldn’t miss having a mother in her life. But Emily struggles to balance her desire to control her adolescent sister, the reality that Aubrey’s growing up, and the freedom she needs to achieve her own desires. Mischievous Aubrey knows Emily’s trying to help, but she doesn’t make things easier for her sister. When Emily's homework starts arguing with her, Aubrey’s antics just might push Emily past her breaking point and into insanity.
QUERY:
Welcome to seventeen-year old Emily’s worst nightmare. She slept through her English final, and now she’s in danger of losing her full-ride scholarship to her university of choice. Her dreams of getting into med school and finding a cure for the disease that killed her mom are headed down the drain.
When her eccentric teacher offers her one chance at redemption, Emily jumps at the opportunity. She has two weeks to write a thirty-thousand word story. As if that’s not bad enough, her teacher insists that she type her assignment using an old typewriter. To top it off, her fourteen-year-old prankster sister, Aubrey, distracts her at every turn.
Emily assembles a madcap cast of characters to send on a quest. Her MC is a blacksmith who’d rather remain at her forge than save the world. She’s accompanied by a bumbling magician, the most valiant—and dense—knight in the kingdom, and the knight’s personal minder. With companions like these, everything that can go wrong will. Emily’s certain her funny story will earn her a passing grade at least.
But when the characters start communicating with her through the typewriter and pestering her to change every little thing, Emily’s priorities abruptly shift. First, she must prove to Aubrey and herself that she isn’t losing her mind like their mom. Then, she’ll have to convince her characters not to go on strike, or there won’t be a happily ever after for any of them. Because she won’t just fail the course if she’s losing her mind; she’ll fail Aubrey, too, and that’s the one thing Emily can’t allow herself to do.
First 250 words:
I wiped my clammy hands on my jeans and grabbed the bronze doorknob, half-hoping the classroom would be locked now that the bell had rung.
No such luck. The door swung inward without a sound.
“Ms. Briggs? You asked me to meet you after school…”
Weird. The classroom was empty.
Well, except for the antiquated beast sitting on my desk with a note sticking out of the top, addressed to me in sweeping blue cursive.
“Emily, I’ve decided what to do about your uncharacteristically irresponsible behavior on Monday. I’m giving you one chance to make up your final exam. You have until the 15th to write a complete novella of at least 30,000 words, or you will fail the final and the class. As part of your punishment, you must use this typewriter instead of your computer to write the story. I hope you will find the creative experience illuminating, perhaps even enjoyable.”
I eyed the metal monstrosity. A typewriter? Writing a novella in two weeks would be hard enough, but using a typewriter? Ms. Briggs must’ve been more upset than she’d let on.
My muscles groaned as I scooped up the bulky machine. Once I found my balance, I lurched through the halls and out to the bus stop like something out of an old horror flick.
Snickers greeted me as I planted my foot on the first step—and almost toppled over backwards. Gritting my teeth, I chose to ignore the other students’ laughter. If only I could shut out their whispers, too.p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {font: 13.3px 'Helvetica Neue'; font-kerning: none}
My Main Character’s Most Stressful Relationship is:
Emily’s younger sister Aubrey is her best friend and nemesis all in one. When their mom became mentally ill seven years ago, Emily swore that Aubrey wouldn’t miss having a mother in her life. But Emily struggles to balance her desire to control her adolescent sister, the reality that Aubrey’s growing up, and the freedom she needs to achieve her own desires. Mischievous Aubrey knows Emily’s trying to help, but she doesn’t make things easier for her sister. When Emily's homework starts arguing with her, Aubrey’s antics just might push Emily past her breaking point and into insanity.
QUERY:
Welcome to seventeen-year old Emily’s worst nightmare. She slept through her English final, and now she’s in danger of losing her full-ride scholarship to her university of choice. Her dreams of getting into med school and finding a cure for the disease that killed her mom are headed down the drain.
When her eccentric teacher offers her one chance at redemption, Emily jumps at the opportunity. She has two weeks to write a thirty-thousand word story. As if that’s not bad enough, her teacher insists that she type her assignment using an old typewriter. To top it off, her fourteen-year-old prankster sister, Aubrey, distracts her at every turn.
Emily assembles a madcap cast of characters to send on a quest. Her MC is a blacksmith who’d rather remain at her forge than save the world. She’s accompanied by a bumbling magician, the most valiant—and dense—knight in the kingdom, and the knight’s personal minder. With companions like these, everything that can go wrong will. Emily’s certain her funny story will earn her a passing grade at least.
But when the characters start communicating with her through the typewriter and pestering her to change every little thing, Emily’s priorities abruptly shift. First, she must prove to Aubrey and herself that she isn’t losing her mind like their mom. Then, she’ll have to convince her characters not to go on strike, or there won’t be a happily ever after for any of them. Because she won’t just fail the course if she’s losing her mind; she’ll fail Aubrey, too, and that’s the one thing Emily can’t allow herself to do.
First 250 words:
I wiped my clammy hands on my jeans and grabbed the bronze doorknob, half-hoping the classroom would be locked now that the bell had rung.
No such luck. The door swung inward without a sound.
“Ms. Briggs? You asked me to meet you after school…”
Weird. The classroom was empty.
Well, except for the antiquated beast sitting on my desk with a note sticking out of the top, addressed to me in sweeping blue cursive.
“Emily, I’ve decided what to do about your uncharacteristically irresponsible behavior on Monday. I’m giving you one chance to make up your final exam. You have until the 15th to write a complete novella of at least 30,000 words, or you will fail the final and the class. As part of your punishment, you must use this typewriter instead of your computer to write the story. I hope you will find the creative experience illuminating, perhaps even enjoyable.”
I eyed the metal monstrosity. A typewriter? Writing a novella in two weeks would be hard enough, but using a typewriter? Ms. Briggs must’ve been more upset than she’d let on.
My muscles groaned as I scooped up the bulky machine. Once I found my balance, I lurched through the halls and out to the bus stop like something out of an old horror flick.
Snickers greeted me as I planted my foot on the first step—and almost toppled over backwards. Gritting my teeth, I chose to ignore the other students’ laughter. If only I could shut out their whispers, too.p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #ffffff; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} span.s2 {font: 13.3px 'Helvetica Neue'; font-kerning: none}
October 24, 2016
Choosing Contest Entries: A Host's Perspective
As those chosen for Nightmare on Query Street are working hard on their revisions, I wanted to give some insight to the types of things I'm thinking when I read through contest entries. Keep in mind that I am NOT an agent. An agent's ability to ask to read something is limited only by their time to read. My ability to pick something, on the other hand, was limited by the rules of the contest. Also, as someone who helps in multiple contests, I often have a lot more background knowledge than a random agent reading a query letter (especially since they see so many more queries). So I wound up passing on some excellent entries that an agent might happily asked to read if you sent them a query. Not getting in is NOT a rejection.
Here are some reasons I wound up not picking entries found in my slush pile:
The query told me what to think/how to feel about the book rather than what the book is actually about. For example, "AMERICA'S NEXT REALITY STAR is a hilarious and entertaining look at the inner workings of a reality show! With a spunky heroine and an intriguing setting, this book will grab your attention and not let it go." All you really know at this point is that I like my own book. That's good for me, I wrote it. But what's it about? The entire first page was a prologue, which means, 99 times out of 100, the story starts in the wrong place. It also too often means that the entire first page is backstory or other information that gets in the way of the story.The story was well-written, but I personally didn't connect with the voice. Another manuscript by the same author was recently chosen for another contest. No, that's not against the rules, but at the same time, I like to give new people a chance. (Also, some agents frown on querying multiple books at once, so that's in the back of my mind, too.)The same manuscript was chosen for another contest several months ago and received multiple requests from agents. While that's not an automatic disqualification, contest agents generally aren't likely to pick a manuscript they've already read, or one they've requested through another contest. So, again, I like to give someone else a chance. Getting chosen is an ego boost for authors, but for hosts, it's about showing agents entries they might want to read.The same manuscript has been entered repeatedly in contests, with little to no changes. Every book has a shelf life for querying, and I can't really tell you when it's time to put it aside and pick up a new book. But when your first page is exactly the same a year later, and you've presumably been querying this whole time, it makes me wonder. That's totally subjective. Plenty of contests hosts don't feel that way. But it is something I personally think about.The word count is simply not consistent with genre standards. We want books agents will ask to read.The query was convoluted or something didn't make sense to me. Sure, mentors can fix that, but with so many high quality entries, I can also pick one where I wasn't confused by the query. Especially because mentors can't MAKE writers make changes. I don't know that the final query will be different.The market for this particular type of book is so saturated, I don't think agents are likely to pick it. Also, the query isn't clear what makes this book different from all the others.The tone of the query/first page didn't match the stated genre/category.A couple of things jumped out at me as problematic. I'm not a sensitivity reader, but if I'm worried something is insensitive, there's a good chance other people will pick up on it, too. And sure, a mentor can fix that. But seeing insensitive phrases or stereotypes in the query or first page makes me worry that there will be other issues elsewhere in the book. There were also plenty of entries I liked, but didn't love, or that were in a genre I'm not that familiar with, or were on a topic that doesn't personally interest me. I'm just one person. There are lots of agents. Not getting picked is not a rejection. Keep going! Send out more queries. The right agent will love it.
Here are some reasons I wound up not picking entries found in my slush pile:
The query told me what to think/how to feel about the book rather than what the book is actually about. For example, "AMERICA'S NEXT REALITY STAR is a hilarious and entertaining look at the inner workings of a reality show! With a spunky heroine and an intriguing setting, this book will grab your attention and not let it go." All you really know at this point is that I like my own book. That's good for me, I wrote it. But what's it about? The entire first page was a prologue, which means, 99 times out of 100, the story starts in the wrong place. It also too often means that the entire first page is backstory or other information that gets in the way of the story.The story was well-written, but I personally didn't connect with the voice. Another manuscript by the same author was recently chosen for another contest. No, that's not against the rules, but at the same time, I like to give new people a chance. (Also, some agents frown on querying multiple books at once, so that's in the back of my mind, too.)The same manuscript was chosen for another contest several months ago and received multiple requests from agents. While that's not an automatic disqualification, contest agents generally aren't likely to pick a manuscript they've already read, or one they've requested through another contest. So, again, I like to give someone else a chance. Getting chosen is an ego boost for authors, but for hosts, it's about showing agents entries they might want to read.The same manuscript has been entered repeatedly in contests, with little to no changes. Every book has a shelf life for querying, and I can't really tell you when it's time to put it aside and pick up a new book. But when your first page is exactly the same a year later, and you've presumably been querying this whole time, it makes me wonder. That's totally subjective. Plenty of contests hosts don't feel that way. But it is something I personally think about.The word count is simply not consistent with genre standards. We want books agents will ask to read.The query was convoluted or something didn't make sense to me. Sure, mentors can fix that, but with so many high quality entries, I can also pick one where I wasn't confused by the query. Especially because mentors can't MAKE writers make changes. I don't know that the final query will be different.The market for this particular type of book is so saturated, I don't think agents are likely to pick it. Also, the query isn't clear what makes this book different from all the others.The tone of the query/first page didn't match the stated genre/category.A couple of things jumped out at me as problematic. I'm not a sensitivity reader, but if I'm worried something is insensitive, there's a good chance other people will pick up on it, too. And sure, a mentor can fix that. But seeing insensitive phrases or stereotypes in the query or first page makes me worry that there will be other issues elsewhere in the book. There were also plenty of entries I liked, but didn't love, or that were in a genre I'm not that familiar with, or were on a topic that doesn't personally interest me. I'm just one person. There are lots of agents. Not getting picked is not a rejection. Keep going! Send out more queries. The right agent will love it.
October 20, 2016
Meet Laura's Legions!
It was a tough decision. There may have been some tears, some begging, some desperate pleas for second reads from the amazing Kara Reynolds. But at the end of the day, we whittled the original 200+ entries down to one amazing team that I can't wait to share with you.
If you were chosen, you should get an email from your mentor today or tomorrow. Please reach out to me on Twitter if you do not hear from your mentor by Friday.
Here they are, in no particular order:
WOMAN ENOUGH
THE GOODNIGHT IRENES
DOUBLE-CROSSING THE BRIDGE: A TROLL HEIST
ONCE UPON A TYPEWRITER
THANKSMISGIVING DAY
GIRL IN THE MACHINE
PRIME MAPLE
THE CRY OF A THOUSAND BLACKBIRDS
CODE STARS
ADVENTURES FROM THE LEDGE
THE WHITE LADDER
THE CANDY CANE CONSPIRACY
THROWAWAY GIRL
THE DEMANDS OF GRACE
VANISHING POINT
Why, yes, that's FIFTEEN entries instead of thirteen! How did that happen? Well, we were concerned that thirteen might turn out to be too unlucky, so we threw in a couple extras for good measure. CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who was chosen!
If you made it, send me a shoutout on Twitter so I can follow you. And everyone be sure to check Michelle's and Mike's blogs to meet their teams, too.
October 14, 2016
NIGHTMARE ON QUERY STREET IS HERE
The submission window opens today at 4:00 pm EST!
The submission window opens at 4:00 pm (EST) on October 14th. Don't send too soon or your entry will be deleted. There will be email confirmation. Please don't resend an entry unless you check with us. Sometimes the confirmation process gets overwhelmed. The window will close when we receive 250 entries or in two hours, whichever is first.
Michelle and Mike and Laura will make thirteen picks each, and those picks will go up on our blogs from October 29th through the 30th. Before this, there will be a mentor round to whip that entry into shape. We've already got amazing mentors lined up, so know that your entries will be polished for the agents.
We are accepting all age categories and genres, excluding picture books and erotica. The story does not have to be scary. But be sure to check our list of agents when it goes live to see if they represent your book's genre.
If you plan on participating in the contest, you have to be following all our blogs (Michelle, Mike, Laura). If you can't get the blog follow to work, just follow on Twitter. You'll want to be on Twitter for the party anyway.
You are not eligible if you've been in an agent round in the last six months, such as for Pitchslam and Query Kombat. This doesn't not include Twitter only events like PitchMad. You may enter if you have a different manuscript to send.
ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. DO NOT TRY USING MULTIPLE EMAIL ADDRESSES. THIS DOES NOT MEAN ONE PER WRITING PEN NAME. ONE AND ONE ONLY.
It's pretty simple, actually.
But there's a catch.
Along with your query and 250, you must write a SHORT paragraph (no more than 100 words) about your main character. This is the question you must answer:
What is your main character's most stressful relationship? Who really makes them sweat?
The Format:
Send all your submission to nightmareonquerystreet (at) yahoo (dot) com. Only one submission per email address AND person is allowed.
Here's how it should be formatted (yes, include the bolded and everything!). Please use Times New Roman (or equivalent), 12 pt font, and put spaces between paragraphs. No indents or tabs are needed.
Subject Line: NoQS: TITLE, Age Category + Genre
(example: NoQS: GRUDGING, Adult Epic Fantasy)
INSIDE THE EMAIL:
Name: Michelle Hauck
Twitter Handle: @Michelle4Laughs (optional)
Title: GRUDGING (yes, caps!)
Genre: Adult Epic Fantasy (Age category and genre. YA/MG is not a genre.)
Word Count: XX,XXX
My Main Character's Most Stressful Relationship is:
My MC's most stressful relationship is with the potato supplier. With prices skyrocketing, the mc can't stop eating those suckers--fried, mashed, frenched--gotta have them. But everyone is trying to undercut our mc's purchase potential. (Please, spend some time on this! We will be looking at this to make up for gaps in the query and 250. It gives us a chance to know your characters better. It doesn't have to be horror-scary. It can be more subtle. Remember 100 words or less.)
Query:
Here is my fantastic query! DO NOT INCLUDE BIO OR COMPS PARAGRAPH. Try to stay in the 250-300 word range. Please put spaces between paragraphs and don't indent.
First 250 words:
Here are the first 250 words of my manuscript, and I will not end in the middle of a sentence, even if I hit 255 words. Do not abuse and send 256. Keep it fair for all. Use Open Office/Word to determine your official word count. Google Docs counts words differently and could return an artificially low number.
Entries will be disqualified at our discretion for rule violation.
And that's it! Send in that email during the submission window and you're ready to go. There will be a confirmation email.
We're Tweeting under the hashtag #NoQS. As before, we'll have a Twitter party once submission starts. Mentor and agent posts will follow before
October 14th.
***We also want to remind you that Jason Huebinger is having a Twitter pitch event called #PitDark on October 20th. That is something you might want to investigate.
Topics for the Twitter party are as follows:
October 14: All day, shout out the genre and age category you're sending. After 4:00 shout out if your entry entry made it before the window closed.
October 15: Share a scary line from your manuscript. It can be from any chapter.
October 16: What costume would your MC character wear for Halloween?
October 17: What's the most fearsome thing about querying?
October 18: What's your MC's favorite candy and what kind would they throw at their antagonist just to get rid of?
October 19: What's your favorite scary, or not so scary, Halloween movie to watch?
October 20: Picks released. Tell us how you deal with stress as a writer. What helps while you wait on query letters?
Best of luck to everyone submitting today. Competition will be fierce.
October 10, 2016
Meet the Nightmare on Query Street Agents!
We have 25 agents and counting joining us this year. Some are new. Some are established. All are looking to make requests. To everyone entering this year, best of luck! The Slush Pile is going to be SUPER competitive.
If you need a refresher on the submission guidelines, click here.
Agents of Nightmare on Query Street 2016
Andrea Brown Literary
Kathleen RushallKathleen comes to the Andrea Brown Literary Agency after agenting for nearly five years with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She represents writers and illustrators for picture books (both fiction and non-fiction), middle grade, and young adult literature.
When it comes to picture books, Kathleen loves to laugh and have her heartstrings pulled, and likes quirky character driven stories with heart. Kathleen is also actively building her list of nonfiction picture books. She would love to find more biographies and what some call “ficinformational” picture books (books with a fictional story that ties into the Common Core).
Kathleen is actively looking for fresh middle grade across all genres. She has a soft spot for heartfelt stories, as well as humorous contemporary with a relatable voice. She particularly enjoys middle grade with strong friendship themes. She would be happy to find a middle grade fantasy, adventure, historical, or a high stakes story with a twist of magic. For YA novels, Kathleen loves voice-driven contemporary (and is especially fond of magical realism), compelling fantasy with unforgettable characters, historical fiction, and romance with lots of chemistry. Additionally, she is always on the lookout for something smart and edgy that pushes the envelope.
Read more about Kathleen here.
Jennifer SolowayJennifer works closely with Executive Agent Laura Rennert. She enjoys all genres and categories, such as laugh-out-loud picture books and middle-grade adventures, but her sweet spot is young adult.
Jennifer is a suspense junkie. She adores action-packed thrillers and mysteries, full of unexpected twists. Throw in a dash of romance, and she’s hooked! She’s a sucker for conspiracy plots where anyone might be a double agent, even the kid next door. She is a huge fan of psychological horror that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined. But as much as she loves a good thriller, she finds her favorite novels are literary stories about ordinary teens, especially those focused on family, relationships, sexuality, mental illness, or addiction. In such stories, she is particularly drawn to a close, confiding first-person narrative.
Prior to joining ABLA, Jennifer worked in marketing and public relations in a variety of industries, including financial services, health care, and toys. She has an MFA in English and Creative Writing from Mills College, and was a fellow at the San Francisco Writer’s Grotto in 2012. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, their two sons, and an English bulldog.
Read more about the agency here.
Bookends Literary
Tracy MarchiniAfter four years as a Literary Agent's Assistant at Curtis Brown, Tracy Marchini left to pursue her own editorial business and to earn her MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons College. Her editorial clients have gone on to secure representation, sell books to traditional publishers, win awards and become bestsellers in the UK. She’s looking forward to being able to work with her BookEnds clients throughout their careers and to (hopefully!) see them grow as authors in the same way.
Growing up, Tracy made it a personal goal to read every Nancy Drew Case Files in her school’s library and still has a soft spot for a good girl detective story. As an adult, she loves the sense of possibility in children’s and young adult literature – and can still empathize with the soul-crushing feeling that is mandatory gym class.
Tracy is looking for picture book, middle grade and young adult manuscripts across most genres, including contemporary, mysteries, thrillers, magical realism, historical fiction, and non-fiction.
She is not a good fit for YA horror, true crime, hard sci-fi, or high fantasy. At this time, she is not looking for board books or early chapter books.
Read more about Bookends Literary here.
Donaghy Agency
Stacey DonaghyStacey has always been a voracious reader and a fan of all things writing. She loves discovering new voices and working with her clients to build long term writing careers.
Her journey began with Corvisiero Literary Agency in New York, where she wore many hats from team manager and trainer, to intern, to agent. While at CLA she sold her first two six figure deals.
This coupled with her experience and formal education and training in the areas of Management, Social Services and Adult Education, Stacey brings a wealth of technical and professional experience to the literary world. As a manager in the field of Education & Training, her roles have included people management, curriculum development, academic editing, marketing, creative design, publishing, proposal writing, contract negotiations and public speaking. Her training also includes Principled Negotiation Techniques as it applies to relationships and contracts.
Donaghy Literary Group opened in 2013 and to date Stacey has sold a total of 9 six figure deals, as well as many other sales in a number of genre areas. Her client projects have been sold to a variety of Publishing Houses such as: Harpercollins, Simon and Schuster, Hachette Book Group USA, Sourcebooks, Kensington, Entangled and others.
Read more about Stacey and her agency here.
Emerald City Literary
Lindsay MealingLindsay has been writing stories since she could first hold a pencil. It wasn’t until she sat down to edit a manuscript for the first time she realized her true love was not on the writing side of the publishing industry, but the business side. She began interning for Mandy in early 2015 and quickly realized agenting was what she wanted to do forever more.
Lindsay is a self-proclaimed nerd, loving everything science fiction and fantasy – from epic tomes to gaming. She fell head over heels with the SFF genre when she read KUSHIEL’S DART by Jacqueline Carey (she even has Phedre’s marque tattooed on her back).
You can find Lindsay on Twitter @lindsaymealing or check out what she’s currently reading on Goodreads.
Lindsay represents Science Fiction, Fantasy and YA. She does not rep middle grade, non-fiction,
short fiction or adult fiction outside the science fiction and fantasy genres.
Read more about Emerald City Literary here.
Fuse Literary
Michelle RichterMichelle Richter joined Fuse Literary after eight years at St. Martin’s Press. While there, she edited nonfiction including MELISSA EXPLAINS IT ALL by Melissa Joan Hart and RENEWABLE by Jeremy Shere, and worked on women’s fiction, memoir/ biography, pop culture, cookbooks, and diet/health books. She has an M.S. in Publishing from Pace University (where she is an adjunct faculty member), and a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Russian from UMass Boston.
Michelle is primarily seeking fiction, especially book club reads, women’s fiction, contemporary romance, literary fiction, magical realism, and mystery/suspense/thrillers. Her favorite authors include Erin Morgenstern, Ann Patchett, Emma Straub, Laura Lippman, Tana French, Sara Blaedel, and Gillian Flynn. She’s also open to YA fiction, particularly contemporary YA and YA mystery/thriller. For nonfiction, she’s interested in fashion, pop culture, science/medicine, sociology/social trends, and economics.
You can follow Michelle on Twitter at @michrichter1.
Read more about Fuse Literary here.
Inklings Literary Agency
Alex BarbaAlex Barba is an agent and the foreign rights contact at Inklings Literary Agency. She came to Inklings after a stint as a literary consultant in New York City, having scouted the U.S. book market for film and TV clients and foreign publishers. Prior to that, she spent time in Los Angeles as an editor at a digital magazine and in story development with a literary management company.
She represents YA and MG fiction, and is primarily looking for contemporary YA, but will also welcome queries of contemporary YA with light fantasy or sci-fi elements. A clever retelling/re-spin of an old classic is always thrilling (think Ella Enchanted, her favorite book). She's particularly seeking issue-driven YA, empowered girl protagonists, compelling teen romance, positive (not too angsty) stories with nerdy girl or boy characters, stories about that awkward tween phase (ages 9-13), slightly dark/subversive story lines for upper YA, strong female friendships, and historical fiction (think the original American Girl series).
Read more about Inklings Literary here.
JABberwocky Literary
Sam MorganSam is the Right Hand of Darkness at JABberwocky. He is a native of Shelby, North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Communications – Media Studies and Production. Before joining Jabberwocky in late 2012, Sam worked throughout New York City as a television critic, pizza guy, and several other glamorous positions. He’s an active nerd across all media from British television (Doctor Who and Black Mirror), to videogames (Injustice and Nintendo), to SF and fantasy novels (Prattchett, Adams, Gaiman), to college basketball (Go Heels, Go America). Sam is also active in the New York comedy scene at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater and making his own little rinky-dink videos in his spare time. He is ridiculously handsome, gut-busting witty, and prone to hyperbole.
For the time being, he is open for queries. You can email him (see instructions below) at querysam [at] awfulagent [dot] com.
If you need to reach him for some other reason, you can do so at sam [at] awfulagent [dot] com. If you query him at this address, it will be deleted unread. You can also follow him on the ole twitter @samroebuck.
Also, he has a beard now. He feels this is important to know.
Read more about the JABberwocky team here.
Jane Rotrosen Agency
Rebecca SchererWhen Rebecca Scherer first walked into the JRA townhouse, she thought the parlor looked like something out of her favorite Edith Wharton novels and couldn’t believe how lucky she was. She dove in whole-heartedly and had the good fortune to apprentice with the some of the best agents in the industry. Having worked her way through each department of the agency, Rebecca enjoys all aspects of the business and has a comprehensive perspective on the type of career management that JRA is known for. Now an Associate Agent, Rebecca works closely with Meg Ruley and Andrea Cirillo on their client lists while actively building her own. A lifelong New Yorker, Rebecca holds a BA in English Literature, Political Science, and German from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College. She is particularly interested in works of women’s fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, romance, and upmarket/literary-leaning fiction.
Rebecca can be reached at rscherer@janerotrosen.com.
Read more about Jane Rotrosen Agency here
Kimberley Cameron &; Associates
Lisa AbelleraLisa Abellera joined Kimberley Cameron and Associates in 2013 with a background in management, marketing, and finance. She has studied creative writing, design and business, earning her B.A. in Strategic Management from Dominican University of CA and her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from University of San Francisco.
Lisa had a successful career in the corporate world before joining the world of publishing. After editorial internships with an independent press and Kimberley Cameron & Associates, she now follows her true passion for books and writing. She leverages her business and marketing expertise to help authors navigate the complexities of publishing. She is excited to develop talented authors and help advance their careers. She is looking to form long-term, collaborative relationships with writers who are committed to putting forth their best work.
Lisa responds to well-crafted prose with strong hooks and high personal stakes, to idiosyncratic, sympathetic characters, to a tangible sense of place, to multicultural aspects and international settings, to page-turning twists, and to emotionally immersive fiction that explores the human condition, especially within family and close relationships.
She is seeking to represent upmarket fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery/suspense/thrillers (especially if it has a dose of science or the supernatural), science fiction, fantasy, most speculative fiction except for paranormal fantasy (no demons, angels, vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc.), romance if it's an element or part of another genre, NA, YA and middle grade.
Dorian Maffei graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Creative Writing, and began at Kimberley Cameron & Associates as an intern in 2013. She has since become a junior agent as she is now looking to build a client list of her own. She is interested in magical realism, fabulism, reimagined fairy tales, speculative fiction, unique voices, and innovative storytelling that sometimes veers on the weird.
Read more about Kimberley Cameron here.
The Knight Agency
Kristy HunterKristy Hunter joined The Knight Agency in April 2014. With a degree in Women & Gender Studies and English Literature from Vanderbilt University, Kristy moved to New York City immediately after graduation to try her hand at publishing. She completed the Columbia Publishing Course and worked in the city for several years—first at Grove/Atlantic and then at Random House Children’s Books—before deciding it was time to make the move back down south. She now takes advantage of her new surroundings by being outside as much as possible with her French bulldog, Gummi.
Kristy is currently accepting submissions from a wide variety of genres, including women’s fiction, mystery, historical romance, romance, young adult, and middle grade. Having spent significant time in the south and New York City, she particularly likes books set in these regions. She also enjoys books that feature horses, boarding schools, sisters, and sororities—to name just a few. Her favorite books include THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett, RULES OF CIVILITY by Amor Towles, THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger, THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty, I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins, and WONDER by R.J. Palacio
Read more about The Knight Agency here.
KT Literary
Renee NyenSeveral years in the editorial department at Random House’s Colorado division provided Renee with the opportunity to work with bestselling and debut authors alike. After leaving Random House, she came to KT Literary in early 2013. She loves digging into manuscripts and helping the author shape the best story possible. Though this is great for her profession, it tends to frustrate people watching movies with her. With a penchant for depressing hipster music and an abiding love for a good adventure story, Renee is always looking for book recommendations. Even if that means creeping on people reading in public. Which she does frequently. She makes her home in Arizona with her husband, and their two children.
Read more about KT Literary here.
L. Perkins Agency
Leon HusockBefore he joined the L. Perkins Agency, Leon was an associate agent at Anderson Literary Management. He graduated from Bard College with a BA in Literature and from there went on to attend the well-known Columbia Publishing Course, where he decided he wanted to be an agent.
He has a particular interest in science-fiction and fantasy, especially fantasy with non-Western European inspired settings and cultures (e.g. Leigh Bardugo’s Russian-inspired fantasy). He also loves young adult and upper middle-grade of all stripes, as well as genre mashups (e.g. fantasy westerns, noir + almost anything else, etc). Strong characters are, of course, a must.
Leon is actively building his list, and is currently open to queries.
Leon does not represent picture books, women’s fiction, novellas, or non-fiction.
Read more about L. Perkins Agency here.
LKG Agency
Lauren GalitAgent: such a loaded job description. It’s the word you scream into the phone when you get stuck in an airline or cable company’s automated loop. AGENT! Or it might call to mind images of a classic real estate or Hollywood agent with slicked-back hair and too-sharp clothes. But that’s not who I am. My client, Clinton Kelly, once wrote in the acknowledgments of Freakin’ Fabulous: “Lauren Keller Galit, a totally chill agent who’s not even a jerk.”
Being a literary agent is my dream job (but then again, I was a literary geek at Harvard): I get to work with writers all day long, helping them craft their book ideas and editing their proposals. And then, once the proposal is complete, I get to connect with editors to sell them on something I have passionately committed myself to for the past few months. And I get to chat — a lot (but hopefully not too much). With writers, with editors, with Caitlen. All good.
I also get to be a world-class dilettante. For each new project that comes along, I delve deep into that writer’s world and expertise, learning all I can, so that I can speak knowledgeably about the subject. What could be bad about exploring a new angle on parenting or fitness or style every few months? My closet is certainly the better for it; hopefully my kids, too.
I started my agenting career in 2002 at John Boswell Associates, a literary agency and book packager that’s most noted for creating 365 Ways To Cook Chicken, as well as countless other best sellers. Because Boswell was a packager as well as an agent, he taught me how to do more than just craft a proposal and sell it; he showed me how to create a book from scratch, working with designers and production people along the way. It is that attention to detail that I bring to my current projects, even if we aren’t packaging them. I help my authors envision what their books could be.
Before becoming an agent, I was a magazine editor for 10 years, starting at GQ (Gentleman’s Quarterly) and ending at GH (Good Housekeeping). That’s where I learned to edit and copy edit, to read and reread until an article or caption or pull quote was just so. It is a skill I bring to every proposal I work on with a writer. It won’t go out until it is just so, because the proposal should beautifully and accurately represent the idea an author is dying to bring to the world.
Read more able LKG here.
Caitlen Rubino-BradwayI joined the LKG Agency in 2008, thereby disproving the theory that no English major ever does anything with their degree. Before that I worked at another literary agency, Don Congdon Associates, where I had the behind-the-scenes thrill of seeing Kathryn Stockett’s The Help first come in (and getting one of the first reads). And before that I was getting my Masters in English and Publishing from Rosemont College. I have enjoyed my apprenticeship under Lauren very much, and I am now actively looking to build my own list, which includes (after a surprisingly minimal amount of begging and pleading on my part), securing Lauren’s agreement to open the agency to considering middle grade and young adult fiction.
In my spare time, I am an author in my own right (or is that write?). My first book, Lady Vernon and Her Daughter, which I co-wrote with my mother, was released by Crown in 2009. We also contributed to Jane Austen Made Me Do It, published by Ballantine in 2011. My first middle grade novel, Ordinary Magic, was published by Bloomsbury Children’s in 2012.
Read more about LKG here.
Martin Literary
Clelia GoreIt was when Clelia first read Charlotte’s Web in the first grade that she got hooked by the magic of books. Her love of children’s books carried through adulthood and she is delighted to dedicate her life to bringing quality books and stories to young (and whimsical adult!) readers.
Clelia is originally from the suburbs of New York City. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Boston College. She received her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law and practiced law as a corporate litigator in New York City.
In 2011, she decided to dedicate her career to books and reentered graduate school at Emerson College, where she received a master’s degree in Publishing and Writing. While she was studying publishing and taking creative writing courses at Emerson, Clelia gained firsthand experience in the publishing industry working in the children’s book division at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and in academic books at Oxford University Press. She also taught academic writing and research courses to freshman students as a graduate student faculty member at Emerson College.
Clelia attends writing and publishing conferences. She also sits on the board of directors for Poetry Northwest magazine.
Clelia acquires picture book, middle grade and young adult books. She is particularly interested in developing her nonfiction clientele. With apologies, Clelia is no longer accepting new adult fiction queries at this time.
Read more about Clelia Gore here and her agency here.
McIntosh &; Otis
Shannon PowersShannon Powers is a graduate of New York University. She began her career in publishing at McIntosh and Otis as an intern in 2011, and then went on to intern at The Book Report Network and W.W. Norton & Company. She has also worked as a bookseller. She returned to M&O in 2014, where she assists Shira Hoffman and Christa Heschke and is also looking to build her own list as a junior agent.
Shannon is interested in representing a range of both adult and children's genres. Above all, she looks for projects with a strong hook, smart plotting, memorable characters, and an addictive voice. She is open to both lighter projects and projects with a darker edge. For adult, her reading interests include literary fiction, mystery, horror, popular history, and romance. In YA and middle grade, she is searching for mysteries and thrillers with high emotional stakes, projects with romantic elements (whether fun or angsty), horror, light sci-fi or fantasy, and contemporary with a unique premise.
Read more about McIntosh & Otis here.
The Seymour Agency
Jennifer WillsJen, a lifelong devourer of books, always dreamed of becoming an agent and helping authors bring their books to the world. That, or becoming a veterinarian. Or an astronaut.
She holds a BA in English, with a focus in creative writing, from The Ohio State University. She has five years’ experience in publishing, as an assistant to Claire Roberts at Trident Media Group and to Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House. She loved helping develop fledgling writers into NYT bestselling authors. She currently assists Nicole Resciniti at The Seymour Agency.
She took a brief hiatus from publishing to explore her other interest - veterinary medicine – but finally realized that she much preferred authors to creatures whose bite is worse than their bark. Digging through the slush pile is a lot less dangerous, and a lot more fun, than working with puppies.
(Note: Jen is NOT considering a career in aerospace.)
Read more about Jennifer Wills here.
The Rights Factory
Lydia Moëd Lydia Moëd came to Canada from the UK, where she worked for several years as a foreign rights executive in children’s publishing. She has also worked as a freelance literary translator and editor, and as a bookseller at Foyles in London. In addition to handling foreign rights for The Rights Factory’s children’s and YA list, she is building her own list of clients for representation.
For fiction, she is most interested in acquiring science fiction and fantasy, though she also enjoys magic realism, historical fiction and stories inspired by folklore from around the world. She is only looking for manuscripts that pass the Bechdel Test. For non-fiction, she is interested in narrative non-fiction on a wide variety of topics, including history, popular science, biography and travel. Until September 1st she is only accepting queries from authors from marginalised groups, because somebody dared her on Twitter.
Her non-book-related interests include hula-hooping, watching ice hockey, and exploring unlikely regions of her new country. She likes swashbuckling SFF TV series and quiet Japanese films in which nothing really happens.
Read more about Lydia here.
TriadaUS Literary
Lauren SpiellerLiterary Agent Assistant Lauren Spieller comes to TriadaUS with a background in literary scouting and editorial consulting. She has a sharp editorial eye, and is passionate about author advocacy. Lauren is seeking Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, as well as commercial Adult fiction and non-fiction. Whatever the age category or genre, Lauren is passionate about finding diverse voices.
In MG, she’s drawn to heartfelt contemporaries, exciting adventures, contemporary fantasy and magical realism, as well as light sci-fi. She loves books that make her laugh and cry in equal measure, books that make her think, and books that surprise her. Some of her favorite recent Middle Grade novels include Rules for Stealing Stars, George, My Seventh-Grade Life In Tights, The Seventh Wish, and Rooftoppers. In YA, she’d love to find authentic teen voices in any and all genres. She is especially fond of fantasy and sci-fi, as well as high concept contemporaries. Her recent favorites include Dumplin’, Scorpio Races, Since You’ve Been Gone, Feed, An Ember in the Ashes, Six of Crows, and Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda.
In Adult, Lauren is seeking commercial fiction, particularly twisted psychological thrillers in the vein of Lauren Beukes and Gillian Flynn, and immersive literary fantasies, such as The Night Circus, The Miniaturist, The Rook, The Miniaturist, and A Darker Shade of Magic. She is also interested in upmarket Women’s Fiction (especially if it's funny or has a touch of magical realism!) and unique non-fiction with an existing platform. She's particularly hungry for counter culture books, cocktail books with a twist/theme, or narrative nonfiction with a unique hook.
Uwe StenderDr. Uwe Stender, is a Full Member of the AAR (Association of Authors' Representatives).
Our best known clients are actress Melody Thomas Scott, CNN HLN and TruTV's In Session News Anchor Christi Paul, Eric Deggans,former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan, 4 time Grammy Award winning composer Lalo Schifrin ("Mission Impossible"), Elizabeth LaBan, Stacy Tornio, and legendary NBA referee Bob Delaney.
Uwe was a guest speaker at several major conferences including the SCWC in San Diego, the Crimebake (Mystery Writers of America New England Chapter), CAPA-U in Hartford, Connecticut, the Writers' League of Texas in Austin, Penn Writers, and he spoke on a panel at the Book Expo America in New York City.
Mallory BrownLiterary Agent Assistant Mallory C. Brown is seeking young adult, women’s fiction, adult, and non-fiction. She is especially drawn to pieces with strong character-driven plots and witty humor. She loves contemporary fiction, low fantasy (think realistic world with a fantastical twist), and romance. Mallory also appreciates a well-placed comma and hopes you do, too.
Some of Mallory’s favorites at the moment are: A Study in Charlotte, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Outlander, and Bringing up Bébé.
Read about TriadaUS here.
Trident Media Group
Mark GottliebMark Gottlieb’s focus on publishing began at Emerson College, where he was a founding member of the Publishing Club, later its President, overseeing its first publication and establishing the Wilde Press.
After graduating with a degree in writing, literature and publishing, Mark began his career with the Vice President of Berkley Books (Penguin), working with leading editors.
His first position at the Trident Media Group literary agency was in foreign rights, selling the books of clients around the world. Mark later worked as Executive Assistant to Robert Gottlieb, Chairman of Trident, with responsibility for organizing/managing diverse authors and their complex business transactions. He next assumed the position of audio rights agent. Since Mark has managed the audio rights business, the annual sales volume has more than doubled. Mark showed great initiative and insight in identifying talented writers.
In passing the Audio Department's torch, Mark is building his own client list of writers. He is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources that are available to Trident. Since that time he has ranked as high as #1 in Agents on publishersmarketplace.com in Overall Deals and other individual categories.
Read more about Trident here.
Writers House
Alec ShaneI began my career at Writers House as an intern in September of 2008 and simply refused to leave, so I was given the wonderful job of Assistant to Jodi Reamer. I am now also in the process of actively building my own list and currently represent a fairly eclectic mix of Children's and Adult fiction and nonfiction. I'm eagerly looking for both.
On the fiction side, I love mysteries, thrillers (although I'm experiencing a bit of terrorist fatigue at the moment), bad-ass protagonists with a chip on their shoulders, beautifully told historical fiction (The Vietnam War, the Maccabees, and The American Revolution fascinate me in particular),well-researched adventure stories, and great horror - I haven't been scared to turn off the light in far too long and something needs to be done about it. In terms of children's books, getting boys to read again is especially important to me, and thus I'm particularly on the lookout for a fun middle-grade adventure series, ghost story, or anything else geared toward younger male readers.
On the nonfiction side, I'm attracted to odd, quirky histories, military history, biographies of people I didn't even know existed (but definitely should have), "guy" reads, humor, narrative nonfiction that sheds light on under-the-radar events and lifestyles, and all things sports. I'm also currently up in the air as to whether or not I believe in ghosts, hauntings, and the supernatural, so if you have something that can convince me one way or the other, I'd love to see it.
Read more about Writers House here.
Now that you've met the agents who will be participating in Nightmare on Query Street, enter to win my free pass!
If you need a refresher on the submission guidelines, click here.
Agents of Nightmare on Query Street 2016
Andrea Brown Literary
Kathleen RushallKathleen comes to the Andrea Brown Literary Agency after agenting for nearly five years with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She represents writers and illustrators for picture books (both fiction and non-fiction), middle grade, and young adult literature.When it comes to picture books, Kathleen loves to laugh and have her heartstrings pulled, and likes quirky character driven stories with heart. Kathleen is also actively building her list of nonfiction picture books. She would love to find more biographies and what some call “ficinformational” picture books (books with a fictional story that ties into the Common Core).
Kathleen is actively looking for fresh middle grade across all genres. She has a soft spot for heartfelt stories, as well as humorous contemporary with a relatable voice. She particularly enjoys middle grade with strong friendship themes. She would be happy to find a middle grade fantasy, adventure, historical, or a high stakes story with a twist of magic. For YA novels, Kathleen loves voice-driven contemporary (and is especially fond of magical realism), compelling fantasy with unforgettable characters, historical fiction, and romance with lots of chemistry. Additionally, she is always on the lookout for something smart and edgy that pushes the envelope.
Read more about Kathleen here.
Jennifer SolowayJennifer works closely with Executive Agent Laura Rennert. She enjoys all genres and categories, such as laugh-out-loud picture books and middle-grade adventures, but her sweet spot is young adult. Jennifer is a suspense junkie. She adores action-packed thrillers and mysteries, full of unexpected twists. Throw in a dash of romance, and she’s hooked! She’s a sucker for conspiracy plots where anyone might be a double agent, even the kid next door. She is a huge fan of psychological horror that blurs the lines between the real and the imagined. But as much as she loves a good thriller, she finds her favorite novels are literary stories about ordinary teens, especially those focused on family, relationships, sexuality, mental illness, or addiction. In such stories, she is particularly drawn to a close, confiding first-person narrative.
Prior to joining ABLA, Jennifer worked in marketing and public relations in a variety of industries, including financial services, health care, and toys. She has an MFA in English and Creative Writing from Mills College, and was a fellow at the San Francisco Writer’s Grotto in 2012. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, their two sons, and an English bulldog.
Read more about the agency here.
Bookends Literary
Tracy MarchiniAfter four years as a Literary Agent's Assistant at Curtis Brown, Tracy Marchini left to pursue her own editorial business and to earn her MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons College. Her editorial clients have gone on to secure representation, sell books to traditional publishers, win awards and become bestsellers in the UK. She’s looking forward to being able to work with her BookEnds clients throughout their careers and to (hopefully!) see them grow as authors in the same way.Growing up, Tracy made it a personal goal to read every Nancy Drew Case Files in her school’s library and still has a soft spot for a good girl detective story. As an adult, she loves the sense of possibility in children’s and young adult literature – and can still empathize with the soul-crushing feeling that is mandatory gym class.
Tracy is looking for picture book, middle grade and young adult manuscripts across most genres, including contemporary, mysteries, thrillers, magical realism, historical fiction, and non-fiction.
She is not a good fit for YA horror, true crime, hard sci-fi, or high fantasy. At this time, she is not looking for board books or early chapter books.
Read more about Bookends Literary here.
Donaghy Agency
Stacey DonaghyStacey has always been a voracious reader and a fan of all things writing. She loves discovering new voices and working with her clients to build long term writing careers.Her journey began with Corvisiero Literary Agency in New York, where she wore many hats from team manager and trainer, to intern, to agent. While at CLA she sold her first two six figure deals.
This coupled with her experience and formal education and training in the areas of Management, Social Services and Adult Education, Stacey brings a wealth of technical and professional experience to the literary world. As a manager in the field of Education & Training, her roles have included people management, curriculum development, academic editing, marketing, creative design, publishing, proposal writing, contract negotiations and public speaking. Her training also includes Principled Negotiation Techniques as it applies to relationships and contracts.
Donaghy Literary Group opened in 2013 and to date Stacey has sold a total of 9 six figure deals, as well as many other sales in a number of genre areas. Her client projects have been sold to a variety of Publishing Houses such as: Harpercollins, Simon and Schuster, Hachette Book Group USA, Sourcebooks, Kensington, Entangled and others.
Read more about Stacey and her agency here.
Emerald City Literary
Lindsay MealingLindsay has been writing stories since she could first hold a pencil. It wasn’t until she sat down to edit a manuscript for the first time she realized her true love was not on the writing side of the publishing industry, but the business side. She began interning for Mandy in early 2015 and quickly realized agenting was what she wanted to do forever more.Lindsay is a self-proclaimed nerd, loving everything science fiction and fantasy – from epic tomes to gaming. She fell head over heels with the SFF genre when she read KUSHIEL’S DART by Jacqueline Carey (she even has Phedre’s marque tattooed on her back).
You can find Lindsay on Twitter @lindsaymealing or check out what she’s currently reading on Goodreads.
Lindsay represents Science Fiction, Fantasy and YA. She does not rep middle grade, non-fiction,
short fiction or adult fiction outside the science fiction and fantasy genres.
Read more about Emerald City Literary here.
Fuse Literary
Michelle RichterMichelle Richter joined Fuse Literary after eight years at St. Martin’s Press. While there, she edited nonfiction including MELISSA EXPLAINS IT ALL by Melissa Joan Hart and RENEWABLE by Jeremy Shere, and worked on women’s fiction, memoir/ biography, pop culture, cookbooks, and diet/health books. She has an M.S. in Publishing from Pace University (where she is an adjunct faculty member), and a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Russian from UMass Boston.Michelle is primarily seeking fiction, especially book club reads, women’s fiction, contemporary romance, literary fiction, magical realism, and mystery/suspense/thrillers. Her favorite authors include Erin Morgenstern, Ann Patchett, Emma Straub, Laura Lippman, Tana French, Sara Blaedel, and Gillian Flynn. She’s also open to YA fiction, particularly contemporary YA and YA mystery/thriller. For nonfiction, she’s interested in fashion, pop culture, science/medicine, sociology/social trends, and economics.
You can follow Michelle on Twitter at @michrichter1.
Read more about Fuse Literary here.
Inklings Literary Agency
Alex BarbaAlex Barba is an agent and the foreign rights contact at Inklings Literary Agency. She came to Inklings after a stint as a literary consultant in New York City, having scouted the U.S. book market for film and TV clients and foreign publishers. Prior to that, she spent time in Los Angeles as an editor at a digital magazine and in story development with a literary management company.She represents YA and MG fiction, and is primarily looking for contemporary YA, but will also welcome queries of contemporary YA with light fantasy or sci-fi elements. A clever retelling/re-spin of an old classic is always thrilling (think Ella Enchanted, her favorite book). She's particularly seeking issue-driven YA, empowered girl protagonists, compelling teen romance, positive (not too angsty) stories with nerdy girl or boy characters, stories about that awkward tween phase (ages 9-13), slightly dark/subversive story lines for upper YA, strong female friendships, and historical fiction (think the original American Girl series).
Read more about Inklings Literary here.
JABberwocky Literary
Sam MorganSam is the Right Hand of Darkness at JABberwocky. He is a native of Shelby, North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Communications – Media Studies and Production. Before joining Jabberwocky in late 2012, Sam worked throughout New York City as a television critic, pizza guy, and several other glamorous positions. He’s an active nerd across all media from British television (Doctor Who and Black Mirror), to videogames (Injustice and Nintendo), to SF and fantasy novels (Prattchett, Adams, Gaiman), to college basketball (Go Heels, Go America). Sam is also active in the New York comedy scene at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater and making his own little rinky-dink videos in his spare time. He is ridiculously handsome, gut-busting witty, and prone to hyperbole.For the time being, he is open for queries. You can email him (see instructions below) at querysam [at] awfulagent [dot] com.
If you need to reach him for some other reason, you can do so at sam [at] awfulagent [dot] com. If you query him at this address, it will be deleted unread. You can also follow him on the ole twitter @samroebuck.
Also, he has a beard now. He feels this is important to know.
Read more about the JABberwocky team here.
Jane Rotrosen Agency
Rebecca SchererWhen Rebecca Scherer first walked into the JRA townhouse, she thought the parlor looked like something out of her favorite Edith Wharton novels and couldn’t believe how lucky she was. She dove in whole-heartedly and had the good fortune to apprentice with the some of the best agents in the industry. Having worked her way through each department of the agency, Rebecca enjoys all aspects of the business and has a comprehensive perspective on the type of career management that JRA is known for. Now an Associate Agent, Rebecca works closely with Meg Ruley and Andrea Cirillo on their client lists while actively building her own. A lifelong New Yorker, Rebecca holds a BA in English Literature, Political Science, and German from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College. She is particularly interested in works of women’s fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, romance, and upmarket/literary-leaning fiction.Rebecca can be reached at rscherer@janerotrosen.com.
Read more about Jane Rotrosen Agency here
Kimberley Cameron &; Associates
Lisa AbelleraLisa Abellera joined Kimberley Cameron and Associates in 2013 with a background in management, marketing, and finance. She has studied creative writing, design and business, earning her B.A. in Strategic Management from Dominican University of CA and her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from University of San Francisco.Lisa had a successful career in the corporate world before joining the world of publishing. After editorial internships with an independent press and Kimberley Cameron & Associates, she now follows her true passion for books and writing. She leverages her business and marketing expertise to help authors navigate the complexities of publishing. She is excited to develop talented authors and help advance their careers. She is looking to form long-term, collaborative relationships with writers who are committed to putting forth their best work.
Lisa responds to well-crafted prose with strong hooks and high personal stakes, to idiosyncratic, sympathetic characters, to a tangible sense of place, to multicultural aspects and international settings, to page-turning twists, and to emotionally immersive fiction that explores the human condition, especially within family and close relationships.
She is seeking to represent upmarket fiction, women's fiction, historical fiction, mystery/suspense/thrillers (especially if it has a dose of science or the supernatural), science fiction, fantasy, most speculative fiction except for paranormal fantasy (no demons, angels, vampires, zombies, werewolves, etc.), romance if it's an element or part of another genre, NA, YA and middle grade.
Dorian Maffei graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Creative Writing, and began at Kimberley Cameron & Associates as an intern in 2013. She has since become a junior agent as she is now looking to build a client list of her own. She is interested in magical realism, fabulism, reimagined fairy tales, speculative fiction, unique voices, and innovative storytelling that sometimes veers on the weird.
Read more about Kimberley Cameron here.
The Knight Agency
Kristy HunterKristy Hunter joined The Knight Agency in April 2014. With a degree in Women & Gender Studies and English Literature from Vanderbilt University, Kristy moved to New York City immediately after graduation to try her hand at publishing. She completed the Columbia Publishing Course and worked in the city for several years—first at Grove/Atlantic and then at Random House Children’s Books—before deciding it was time to make the move back down south. She now takes advantage of her new surroundings by being outside as much as possible with her French bulldog, Gummi.Kristy is currently accepting submissions from a wide variety of genres, including women’s fiction, mystery, historical romance, romance, young adult, and middle grade. Having spent significant time in the south and New York City, she particularly likes books set in these regions. She also enjoys books that feature horses, boarding schools, sisters, and sororities—to name just a few. Her favorite books include THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett, RULES OF CIVILITY by Amor Towles, THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger, THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by Liane Moriarty, I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson, ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins, and WONDER by R.J. Palacio
Read more about The Knight Agency here.
KT Literary
Renee NyenSeveral years in the editorial department at Random House’s Colorado division provided Renee with the opportunity to work with bestselling and debut authors alike. After leaving Random House, she came to KT Literary in early 2013. She loves digging into manuscripts and helping the author shape the best story possible. Though this is great for her profession, it tends to frustrate people watching movies with her. With a penchant for depressing hipster music and an abiding love for a good adventure story, Renee is always looking for book recommendations. Even if that means creeping on people reading in public. Which she does frequently. She makes her home in Arizona with her husband, and their two children.Read more about KT Literary here.
L. Perkins Agency
Leon HusockBefore he joined the L. Perkins Agency, Leon was an associate agent at Anderson Literary Management. He graduated from Bard College with a BA in Literature and from there went on to attend the well-known Columbia Publishing Course, where he decided he wanted to be an agent.He has a particular interest in science-fiction and fantasy, especially fantasy with non-Western European inspired settings and cultures (e.g. Leigh Bardugo’s Russian-inspired fantasy). He also loves young adult and upper middle-grade of all stripes, as well as genre mashups (e.g. fantasy westerns, noir + almost anything else, etc). Strong characters are, of course, a must.
Leon is actively building his list, and is currently open to queries.
Leon does not represent picture books, women’s fiction, novellas, or non-fiction.
Read more about L. Perkins Agency here.
LKG Agency
Lauren GalitAgent: such a loaded job description. It’s the word you scream into the phone when you get stuck in an airline or cable company’s automated loop. AGENT! Or it might call to mind images of a classic real estate or Hollywood agent with slicked-back hair and too-sharp clothes. But that’s not who I am. My client, Clinton Kelly, once wrote in the acknowledgments of Freakin’ Fabulous: “Lauren Keller Galit, a totally chill agent who’s not even a jerk.”Being a literary agent is my dream job (but then again, I was a literary geek at Harvard): I get to work with writers all day long, helping them craft their book ideas and editing their proposals. And then, once the proposal is complete, I get to connect with editors to sell them on something I have passionately committed myself to for the past few months. And I get to chat — a lot (but hopefully not too much). With writers, with editors, with Caitlen. All good.
I also get to be a world-class dilettante. For each new project that comes along, I delve deep into that writer’s world and expertise, learning all I can, so that I can speak knowledgeably about the subject. What could be bad about exploring a new angle on parenting or fitness or style every few months? My closet is certainly the better for it; hopefully my kids, too.
I started my agenting career in 2002 at John Boswell Associates, a literary agency and book packager that’s most noted for creating 365 Ways To Cook Chicken, as well as countless other best sellers. Because Boswell was a packager as well as an agent, he taught me how to do more than just craft a proposal and sell it; he showed me how to create a book from scratch, working with designers and production people along the way. It is that attention to detail that I bring to my current projects, even if we aren’t packaging them. I help my authors envision what their books could be.
Before becoming an agent, I was a magazine editor for 10 years, starting at GQ (Gentleman’s Quarterly) and ending at GH (Good Housekeeping). That’s where I learned to edit and copy edit, to read and reread until an article or caption or pull quote was just so. It is a skill I bring to every proposal I work on with a writer. It won’t go out until it is just so, because the proposal should beautifully and accurately represent the idea an author is dying to bring to the world.
Read more able LKG here.
Caitlen Rubino-BradwayI joined the LKG Agency in 2008, thereby disproving the theory that no English major ever does anything with their degree. Before that I worked at another literary agency, Don Congdon Associates, where I had the behind-the-scenes thrill of seeing Kathryn Stockett’s The Help first come in (and getting one of the first reads). And before that I was getting my Masters in English and Publishing from Rosemont College. I have enjoyed my apprenticeship under Lauren very much, and I am now actively looking to build my own list, which includes (after a surprisingly minimal amount of begging and pleading on my part), securing Lauren’s agreement to open the agency to considering middle grade and young adult fiction.In my spare time, I am an author in my own right (or is that write?). My first book, Lady Vernon and Her Daughter, which I co-wrote with my mother, was released by Crown in 2009. We also contributed to Jane Austen Made Me Do It, published by Ballantine in 2011. My first middle grade novel, Ordinary Magic, was published by Bloomsbury Children’s in 2012.
Read more about LKG here.
Martin Literary
Clelia GoreIt was when Clelia first read Charlotte’s Web in the first grade that she got hooked by the magic of books. Her love of children’s books carried through adulthood and she is delighted to dedicate her life to bringing quality books and stories to young (and whimsical adult!) readers. Clelia is originally from the suburbs of New York City. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Boston College. She received her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law and practiced law as a corporate litigator in New York City.
In 2011, she decided to dedicate her career to books and reentered graduate school at Emerson College, where she received a master’s degree in Publishing and Writing. While she was studying publishing and taking creative writing courses at Emerson, Clelia gained firsthand experience in the publishing industry working in the children’s book division at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and in academic books at Oxford University Press. She also taught academic writing and research courses to freshman students as a graduate student faculty member at Emerson College.
Clelia attends writing and publishing conferences. She also sits on the board of directors for Poetry Northwest magazine.
Clelia acquires picture book, middle grade and young adult books. She is particularly interested in developing her nonfiction clientele. With apologies, Clelia is no longer accepting new adult fiction queries at this time.
Read more about Clelia Gore here and her agency here.
McIntosh &; Otis
Shannon PowersShannon Powers is a graduate of New York University. She began her career in publishing at McIntosh and Otis as an intern in 2011, and then went on to intern at The Book Report Network and W.W. Norton & Company. She has also worked as a bookseller. She returned to M&O in 2014, where she assists Shira Hoffman and Christa Heschke and is also looking to build her own list as a junior agent.Shannon is interested in representing a range of both adult and children's genres. Above all, she looks for projects with a strong hook, smart plotting, memorable characters, and an addictive voice. She is open to both lighter projects and projects with a darker edge. For adult, her reading interests include literary fiction, mystery, horror, popular history, and romance. In YA and middle grade, she is searching for mysteries and thrillers with high emotional stakes, projects with romantic elements (whether fun or angsty), horror, light sci-fi or fantasy, and contemporary with a unique premise.
Read more about McIntosh & Otis here.
The Seymour Agency
Jennifer WillsJen, a lifelong devourer of books, always dreamed of becoming an agent and helping authors bring their books to the world. That, or becoming a veterinarian. Or an astronaut.She holds a BA in English, with a focus in creative writing, from The Ohio State University. She has five years’ experience in publishing, as an assistant to Claire Roberts at Trident Media Group and to Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House. She loved helping develop fledgling writers into NYT bestselling authors. She currently assists Nicole Resciniti at The Seymour Agency.
She took a brief hiatus from publishing to explore her other interest - veterinary medicine – but finally realized that she much preferred authors to creatures whose bite is worse than their bark. Digging through the slush pile is a lot less dangerous, and a lot more fun, than working with puppies.
(Note: Jen is NOT considering a career in aerospace.)
Read more about Jennifer Wills here.
The Rights Factory
Lydia Moëd Lydia Moëd came to Canada from the UK, where she worked for several years as a foreign rights executive in children’s publishing. She has also worked as a freelance literary translator and editor, and as a bookseller at Foyles in London. In addition to handling foreign rights for The Rights Factory’s children’s and YA list, she is building her own list of clients for representation.For fiction, she is most interested in acquiring science fiction and fantasy, though she also enjoys magic realism, historical fiction and stories inspired by folklore from around the world. She is only looking for manuscripts that pass the Bechdel Test. For non-fiction, she is interested in narrative non-fiction on a wide variety of topics, including history, popular science, biography and travel. Until September 1st she is only accepting queries from authors from marginalised groups, because somebody dared her on Twitter.
Her non-book-related interests include hula-hooping, watching ice hockey, and exploring unlikely regions of her new country. She likes swashbuckling SFF TV series and quiet Japanese films in which nothing really happens.
Read more about Lydia here.
TriadaUS Literary
Lauren SpiellerLiterary Agent Assistant Lauren Spieller comes to TriadaUS with a background in literary scouting and editorial consulting. She has a sharp editorial eye, and is passionate about author advocacy. Lauren is seeking Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, as well as commercial Adult fiction and non-fiction. Whatever the age category or genre, Lauren is passionate about finding diverse voices. In MG, she’s drawn to heartfelt contemporaries, exciting adventures, contemporary fantasy and magical realism, as well as light sci-fi. She loves books that make her laugh and cry in equal measure, books that make her think, and books that surprise her. Some of her favorite recent Middle Grade novels include Rules for Stealing Stars, George, My Seventh-Grade Life In Tights, The Seventh Wish, and Rooftoppers. In YA, she’d love to find authentic teen voices in any and all genres. She is especially fond of fantasy and sci-fi, as well as high concept contemporaries. Her recent favorites include Dumplin’, Scorpio Races, Since You’ve Been Gone, Feed, An Ember in the Ashes, Six of Crows, and Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda.
In Adult, Lauren is seeking commercial fiction, particularly twisted psychological thrillers in the vein of Lauren Beukes and Gillian Flynn, and immersive literary fantasies, such as The Night Circus, The Miniaturist, The Rook, The Miniaturist, and A Darker Shade of Magic. She is also interested in upmarket Women’s Fiction (especially if it's funny or has a touch of magical realism!) and unique non-fiction with an existing platform. She's particularly hungry for counter culture books, cocktail books with a twist/theme, or narrative nonfiction with a unique hook.
Uwe StenderDr. Uwe Stender, is a Full Member of the AAR (Association of Authors' Representatives).Our best known clients are actress Melody Thomas Scott, CNN HLN and TruTV's In Session News Anchor Christi Paul, Eric Deggans,former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan, 4 time Grammy Award winning composer Lalo Schifrin ("Mission Impossible"), Elizabeth LaBan, Stacy Tornio, and legendary NBA referee Bob Delaney.
Uwe was a guest speaker at several major conferences including the SCWC in San Diego, the Crimebake (Mystery Writers of America New England Chapter), CAPA-U in Hartford, Connecticut, the Writers' League of Texas in Austin, Penn Writers, and he spoke on a panel at the Book Expo America in New York City.
Mallory BrownLiterary Agent Assistant Mallory C. Brown is seeking young adult, women’s fiction, adult, and non-fiction. She is especially drawn to pieces with strong character-driven plots and witty humor. She loves contemporary fiction, low fantasy (think realistic world with a fantastical twist), and romance. Mallory also appreciates a well-placed comma and hopes you do, too.Some of Mallory’s favorites at the moment are: A Study in Charlotte, A Thousand Splendid Suns, Outlander, and Bringing up Bébé.
Read about TriadaUS here.
Trident Media Group
Mark GottliebMark Gottlieb’s focus on publishing began at Emerson College, where he was a founding member of the Publishing Club, later its President, overseeing its first publication and establishing the Wilde Press.After graduating with a degree in writing, literature and publishing, Mark began his career with the Vice President of Berkley Books (Penguin), working with leading editors.
His first position at the Trident Media Group literary agency was in foreign rights, selling the books of clients around the world. Mark later worked as Executive Assistant to Robert Gottlieb, Chairman of Trident, with responsibility for organizing/managing diverse authors and their complex business transactions. He next assumed the position of audio rights agent. Since Mark has managed the audio rights business, the annual sales volume has more than doubled. Mark showed great initiative and insight in identifying talented writers.
In passing the Audio Department's torch, Mark is building his own client list of writers. He is excited to work directly with authors, helping to manage and grow their careers with all of the unique resources that are available to Trident. Since that time he has ranked as high as #1 in Agents on publishersmarketplace.com in Overall Deals and other individual categories.
Read more about Trident here.
Writers House
Alec ShaneI began my career at Writers House as an intern in September of 2008 and simply refused to leave, so I was given the wonderful job of Assistant to Jodi Reamer. I am now also in the process of actively building my own list and currently represent a fairly eclectic mix of Children's and Adult fiction and nonfiction. I'm eagerly looking for both.On the fiction side, I love mysteries, thrillers (although I'm experiencing a bit of terrorist fatigue at the moment), bad-ass protagonists with a chip on their shoulders, beautifully told historical fiction (The Vietnam War, the Maccabees, and The American Revolution fascinate me in particular),well-researched adventure stories, and great horror - I haven't been scared to turn off the light in far too long and something needs to be done about it. In terms of children's books, getting boys to read again is especially important to me, and thus I'm particularly on the lookout for a fun middle-grade adventure series, ghost story, or anything else geared toward younger male readers.
On the nonfiction side, I'm attracted to odd, quirky histories, military history, biographies of people I didn't even know existed (but definitely should have), "guy" reads, humor, narrative nonfiction that sheds light on under-the-radar events and lifestyles, and all things sports. I'm also currently up in the air as to whether or not I believe in ghosts, hauntings, and the supernatural, so if you have something that can convince me one way or the other, I'd love to see it.
Read more about Writers House here.
Now that you've met the agents who will be participating in Nightmare on Query Street, enter to win my free pass!
October 7, 2016
Meet the (Not Scary at all) Nightmare on Query Street Mentors!
I know you'll want to get to know the mentors who will be helping the finalists perfect their query letter and first 250 words. But first a few dates for Nightmare on Query Street:
Submission Window Opens: October 14th 4:00 pm EST
Final Picks are Announced: October 20th undecided time
Mentors Go to Work: October 21th - 26th
Revised Entries Due Back: October 26th at 8:00 pm EST
Agent round: October 29th - 30th
Half of the list of amazing mentors is here. To see the other half of the list, visit Michelle's blog. Some of the mentors have been helping our contests for ages and some are brand new. Please give all of them a big welcome!
Richard Taylor Pearson's debut novel THE ROLE was published by Lethe Press on May 4, 2016. Richard is a triple threat: author, actor, and attorney.
He grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he appeared in many plays and musicals. After graduating from Rhodes College, Richard went on to obtain a law degree from Rutgers School of Law. While he works as an attorney by day, his nights and weekends are spent writing novels and performing in theatrical events all over New York City. Richard lives in Jersey City with his husband, Brian, and their amazing daughter, Natalie.
Website:http://www.richardtpearson.com/
Twitter:@AuthorRTP
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/authorrtp
Buy links: Amazon | B&N | Lethe | Smashwords
MARTY MAYBERRY
Marty Mayberry writes adult and young adult fiction. When she’s not dreaming up ways to mess with her character’s lives, she works as an RN/Clinical Documentation Specialist. She has a BA in International Affairs in German and an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She lives in New England with her retired Seabee Chief husband, children, and three (make that four) neurotic cats. She’s a member of SCBWI, YARWA, and a PRO member of RWA. Her young adult sci-fi thriller, PHOENIX RISING, won the ‘15 YARWA’s Rosemary Award for speculative fiction. She’s represented by Jessica Watterson of the Dijkstra Agency.
Twitter: @marty_mayberryWebsite: http://martymayberry.com/
CM MCCOY
Colleen Oefelein (aka CM McCoy) is the PR Manager for Inklings Literary Agency. She leads conference workshops on pitching, query writing, and book promotion. Her paranormal debut, EERIE, released last year and was featured in an April issue of PEOPLE Magazine. Colleen loves to Irish dance, drink whiskey, and sing WAY too loud. Thankfully, her Last Frontier neighbors (the moose) don't seem to mind. Though she holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and one in German from Penn State, she's happiest writing the stories of monsters in Alaska (with an awkward kiss in the mix.) While working 911 dispatch for State Troopers, she learned to speak in 10-codes, which she still does...but only to annoy her family.
Author Links:Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook
Book links for EERIE:
Watch the awesome book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPx4FELVxH4 Add to GoodreadsBuy Links: Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iTunes│Kobo│Amazon UK
MICHELE HAZENMichelle Hazen is a nomad with a writing problem. She can most often be found climbing rocks, riding horses, or figuring out creative ways for fictional people to maim each other. She also works as a Book Coach for Author Accelerator, and a freelance editor, and delights in helping people fall madly in lust with their own manuscripts. Her own manuscripts tend to be about love and fight scenes, as she writes NA contemporary romance, and adult romantic suspense. She is represented by Naomi Davis of Inklings Literary, and is the Amazon-bestselling author of eight paranormal suspense titles.
www.michellehazenbooks.comhttps://twitter.com/michellehazen https://www.facebook.com/MichelleHazenAuthor/
J.C. Lane is the author of TAG, YOU’RE DEAD, a thriller for YA and adults. She also writes mysteries as Judy Clemens, including the Anthony- and Agatha-nominated Stella Crown series, the Grim Reaper mysteries, and the stand-alone LOST
SONS. She is a former president of Sisters in Crime, and is represented by Dr. Uwe Stender of TriadaUS Literary Agency. jclanebooks.com
Sarah JanianSarah Janian is a elementary school teacher-turned MG and YA author. She attended Swarthmore College ('05) and earned her master's in literacy education ('09) from Bank Street in NYC. After being selected for Laura Heffernan's Query Kombat team in the spring, she recently signed with Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger for her MG contemporary SPLIT. In between working on her next projects and taking care of her two-year-old daughter, Sarah has also given away dozens of query critiques through Twitter contests. She is thrilled to be an MG mentor for this year's NoQS.
MELINDA O'NEILLAs the owner of a boutique chocolate factory in Atlanta, Melinda O’Neill loves to write adult and YA stories with a sweet twist, including her debut mystery, THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS, due out in fall of 2017. When she’s not spinning a sweet yarn or creating delicious confections, she spends time with her husband, Brian, their kids who range in age from 24 to 7, a hyperactive cocker spaniel named Divo (after the band), a princess tabby cat named Twilight (before the book stole her name) and a collection of stray fish. She is represented by Priya Doraswami of Lotus Lane Literary. Check out her blog at melindajoneill.blogspot.com and follow on twitter. Or if you’re an author in need of a chocolate fix, claim your author’s discount at http://www.chamberlainschocolate.com/
Aimee Hyndman has been writing since she could hold a pencil. She is a senior in college, double majoring in Creative writing and English. She has interned remotely for Kimberley Cameron & Associates, and in Spring of 2016, interned for McIntosh and Otis and Defiore and co while in New York for a semester.
She is repped by the wonderful Laura Zats of Red Sofa literary, and her first novel, HOUR OF MISCHIEF, is published through Curiosity Quills Press. The other three books in the series are soon to come. When not writing, she binge watches anime, plays Zelda, and blogs.
You can also find her on twitter ( @AimeeHyndman ) , Pinterest (Aimee Hyndman) and youtube (Kallypso8).Blog: http://kallypsowrites.blogspot.com/
Jamie Zakian is the author of the NA criminal suspense series Ashby Holler (Limitless Publishing) and the YA sci-fi thriller Emergence, forthcoming from Month9Books 3/7/17. On the rare occasion when not writing, she enjoys blazing new trails on her 4wd quad or honing her archery skills.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/demoness333Website: www.jamiezakian.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieZakianAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15152930.Jamie_Zakian
Amy Trueblood
A devotee of reading and writing from a very young age, Amy Trueblood grew up surrounded bybooks. After stints working in entertainment and advertising, she began writing her first manuscript and has never looked back. Her published work has appeared in The Fall and Summer's Edge short story collections as well as Pen & Muses' first Dark Carnival collection. Currently she is a freelance editor with Wild Things Editing. Her work is represented by Roseanne Wells of the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. To learn more about Amy, check out her blog, Chasing The Crazies or follow her on Twitter or Tumblr.
Blog: Chasing The Crazies - www.chasingthecrazies.wordpress.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/atrueblood5Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyTruebloodAuthor/Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/atruebloodwrites
Heather Van Fleet is stay-at-home-mom turned book boyfriend connoisseur. She’s the wife of her high school sweetheart and the mother of three little girls. In her spare time, she can be found with her head buried in her Kindle, guzzling down copious amounts of coffee.Currently, Heather works as an agency intern and is a former content editor for BookFish Books. Her contemporary romance, Reckless Hearts, releases February 7th, 2017 from Sourcebooks Casablanca.
Links:www.heathervanfleet.comwww.facebook.com/authorheathervanfleetwww.twitter.com/HLVanFleetAmazon: http://amzn.to/2dQXEiv Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30095469-reckless-hearts?from_search=true
Kim LongKim Long is an attorney in the Chicagoland area, where she spends her days expressing her clients’ (always true) stories to judges and juries. She writes MG contemporary fantasy that contain a sprinkle of science and is represented by Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties. When not managing her fantasy baseball and football teams, she can be found biking, watching Star Wars for the zillionth time, or teaching her nieces about the importance of choosing the correct racer (Toad) and vehicle (standard bike) to win in Mario Kart.
kimlongwriteshere.blogspot.com@theSol23
Max Wirestone is the author of the geek-themed Dahlia Moss mystery series, the second of which--- THE ASTONISHING MISTAKES OF DAHLIA MOSS - will hit stores in March of 2017. Max is a Query Kombat alum with a penchant for zippy query letters, expansive JRPGs, and overcommitting his schedule. Check out his website at maxwirestone.com or follow him on twitter at @maxwires.
Also check out THE UNFORTUNATE DECISIONS OF DAHLIA MOSS today.
Now that you've met the mentors, enter to win my FREE PASS into the contest!
Submission Window Opens: October 14th 4:00 pm EST
Final Picks are Announced: October 20th undecided time
Mentors Go to Work: October 21th - 26th
Revised Entries Due Back: October 26th at 8:00 pm EST
Agent round: October 29th - 30th
Half of the list of amazing mentors is here. To see the other half of the list, visit Michelle's blog. Some of the mentors have been helping our contests for ages and some are brand new. Please give all of them a big welcome!
Richard Taylor Pearson's debut novel THE ROLE was published by Lethe Press on May 4, 2016. Richard is a triple threat: author, actor, and attorney.
He grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he appeared in many plays and musicals. After graduating from Rhodes College, Richard went on to obtain a law degree from Rutgers School of Law. While he works as an attorney by day, his nights and weekends are spent writing novels and performing in theatrical events all over New York City. Richard lives in Jersey City with his husband, Brian, and their amazing daughter, Natalie.
Website:http://www.richardtpearson.com/
Twitter:@AuthorRTP
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/authorrtp
Buy links: Amazon | B&N | Lethe | Smashwords
MARTY MAYBERRYMarty Mayberry writes adult and young adult fiction. When she’s not dreaming up ways to mess with her character’s lives, she works as an RN/Clinical Documentation Specialist. She has a BA in International Affairs in German and an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. She lives in New England with her retired Seabee Chief husband, children, and three (make that four) neurotic cats. She’s a member of SCBWI, YARWA, and a PRO member of RWA. Her young adult sci-fi thriller, PHOENIX RISING, won the ‘15 YARWA’s Rosemary Award for speculative fiction. She’s represented by Jessica Watterson of the Dijkstra Agency.
Twitter: @marty_mayberryWebsite: http://martymayberry.com/
CM MCCOYColleen Oefelein (aka CM McCoy) is the PR Manager for Inklings Literary Agency. She leads conference workshops on pitching, query writing, and book promotion. Her paranormal debut, EERIE, released last year and was featured in an April issue of PEOPLE Magazine. Colleen loves to Irish dance, drink whiskey, and sing WAY too loud. Thankfully, her Last Frontier neighbors (the moose) don't seem to mind. Though she holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and one in German from Penn State, she's happiest writing the stories of monsters in Alaska (with an awkward kiss in the mix.) While working 911 dispatch for State Troopers, she learned to speak in 10-codes, which she still does...but only to annoy her family.
Author Links:Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook
Book links for EERIE:
Watch the awesome book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPx4FELVxH4 Add to GoodreadsBuy Links: Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iTunes│Kobo│Amazon UK
MICHELE HAZENMichelle Hazen is a nomad with a writing problem. She can most often be found climbing rocks, riding horses, or figuring out creative ways for fictional people to maim each other. She also works as a Book Coach for Author Accelerator, and a freelance editor, and delights in helping people fall madly in lust with their own manuscripts. Her own manuscripts tend to be about love and fight scenes, as she writes NA contemporary romance, and adult romantic suspense. She is represented by Naomi Davis of Inklings Literary, and is the Amazon-bestselling author of eight paranormal suspense titles. www.michellehazenbooks.comhttps://twitter.com/michellehazen https://www.facebook.com/MichelleHazenAuthor/
J.C. Lane is the author of TAG, YOU’RE DEAD, a thriller for YA and adults. She also writes mysteries as Judy Clemens, including the Anthony- and Agatha-nominated Stella Crown series, the Grim Reaper mysteries, and the stand-alone LOST SONS. She is a former president of Sisters in Crime, and is represented by Dr. Uwe Stender of TriadaUS Literary Agency. jclanebooks.com
Sarah JanianSarah Janian is a elementary school teacher-turned MG and YA author. She attended Swarthmore College ('05) and earned her master's in literacy education ('09) from Bank Street in NYC. After being selected for Laura Heffernan's Query Kombat team in the spring, she recently signed with Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger for her MG contemporary SPLIT. In between working on her next projects and taking care of her two-year-old daughter, Sarah has also given away dozens of query critiques through Twitter contests. She is thrilled to be an MG mentor for this year's NoQS.
MELINDA O'NEILLAs the owner of a boutique chocolate factory in Atlanta, Melinda O’Neill loves to write adult and YA stories with a sweet twist, including her debut mystery, THE CORPSE WORE STILETTOS, due out in fall of 2017. When she’s not spinning a sweet yarn or creating delicious confections, she spends time with her husband, Brian, their kids who range in age from 24 to 7, a hyperactive cocker spaniel named Divo (after the band), a princess tabby cat named Twilight (before the book stole her name) and a collection of stray fish. She is represented by Priya Doraswami of Lotus Lane Literary. Check out her blog at melindajoneill.blogspot.com and follow on twitter. Or if you’re an author in need of a chocolate fix, claim your author’s discount at http://www.chamberlainschocolate.com/
Aimee Hyndman has been writing since she could hold a pencil. She is a senior in college, double majoring in Creative writing and English. She has interned remotely for Kimberley Cameron & Associates, and in Spring of 2016, interned for McIntosh and Otis and Defiore and co while in New York for a semester. She is repped by the wonderful Laura Zats of Red Sofa literary, and her first novel, HOUR OF MISCHIEF, is published through Curiosity Quills Press. The other three books in the series are soon to come. When not writing, she binge watches anime, plays Zelda, and blogs.
You can also find her on twitter ( @AimeeHyndman ) , Pinterest (Aimee Hyndman) and youtube (Kallypso8).Blog: http://kallypsowrites.blogspot.com/
Jamie Zakian is the author of the NA criminal suspense series Ashby Holler (Limitless Publishing) and the YA sci-fi thriller Emergence, forthcoming from Month9Books 3/7/17. On the rare occasion when not writing, she enjoys blazing new trails on her 4wd quad or honing her archery skills.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/demoness333Website: www.jamiezakian.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieZakianAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15152930.Jamie_Zakian
Amy TruebloodA devotee of reading and writing from a very young age, Amy Trueblood grew up surrounded bybooks. After stints working in entertainment and advertising, she began writing her first manuscript and has never looked back. Her published work has appeared in The Fall and Summer's Edge short story collections as well as Pen & Muses' first Dark Carnival collection. Currently she is a freelance editor with Wild Things Editing. Her work is represented by Roseanne Wells of the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. To learn more about Amy, check out her blog, Chasing The Crazies or follow her on Twitter or Tumblr.
Blog: Chasing The Crazies - www.chasingthecrazies.wordpress.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/atrueblood5Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyTruebloodAuthor/Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/atruebloodwrites
Heather Van Fleet is stay-at-home-mom turned book boyfriend connoisseur. She’s the wife of her high school sweetheart and the mother of three little girls. In her spare time, she can be found with her head buried in her Kindle, guzzling down copious amounts of coffee.Currently, Heather works as an agency intern and is a former content editor for BookFish Books. Her contemporary romance, Reckless Hearts, releases February 7th, 2017 from Sourcebooks Casablanca.Links:www.heathervanfleet.comwww.facebook.com/authorheathervanfleetwww.twitter.com/HLVanFleetAmazon: http://amzn.to/2dQXEiv Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30095469-reckless-hearts?from_search=true
Kim LongKim Long is an attorney in the Chicagoland area, where she spends her days expressing her clients’ (always true) stories to judges and juries. She writes MG contemporary fantasy that contain a sprinkle of science and is represented by Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties. When not managing her fantasy baseball and football teams, she can be found biking, watching Star Wars for the zillionth time, or teaching her nieces about the importance of choosing the correct racer (Toad) and vehicle (standard bike) to win in Mario Kart.kimlongwriteshere.blogspot.com@theSol23
Max Wirestone is the author of the geek-themed Dahlia Moss mystery series, the second of which--- THE ASTONISHING MISTAKES OF DAHLIA MOSS - will hit stores in March of 2017. Max is a Query Kombat alum with a penchant for zippy query letters, expansive JRPGs, and overcommitting his schedule. Check out his website at maxwirestone.com or follow him on twitter at @maxwires.Also check out THE UNFORTUNATE DECISIONS OF DAHLIA MOSS today.
Now that you've met the mentors, enter to win my FREE PASS into the contest!
October 3, 2016
Nightmare on Query Street Free Pass!
This year, I'm offering each of you a chance to bypass the slush and go straight into the contest where you will receive mentor feedback and be featured in the agent round. You'll still have to wow the agents, though, so make sure your first page and query (and the entire manuscript) are as polished as you can get them before you submit.
My Free Pass contest will be open until October 13. Yes, that's the day before the submission window opens. I want everyone to continue polishing their entries right up until the end. I'll post the winner at 8:00 AM EST on October 14.
To enter the contest, follow me on Twitter and answer the following question in the blog comments, using 50 words or less: What would your main character be for Halloween? Please include your Twitter handle so I can notify you if you win. I reserve the right to disqualify entries without notice, for any reason.
Make sure you use the Rafflecopter and don't just leave a comment. The Rafflecopter will choose the winner, so your name has to be in it. There are many additional options for extra entries, so take advantage of them.
I'm offering a special thank you to anyone who preorders AMERICA'S NEXT REALITY STAR and is not chosen for the final round. After the winners are announced, if you're not chosen, you can email proof of purchase to laura (at) pitchslamcontest (dot) com, and I will send feedback you on your entry. Feedback includes overview comments on the query/first page, as well as my general impression. This is not a full query/first page critique. Since we are only accepting a limited number of entries, you can request your thank you gift even if you miss the submission window. Just send your entry along with the proof of purchase and note that you weren't able to enter. This offer is not available to anyone who is not eligible for Nightmare on Query Street due to being featured in other contests or submitting more than one manuscript. Proof can be emailed through the end of October. You are NOT required to send proof in order to claim the Rafflecopter entry. There is no purchase required to enter the giveaway.
To learn more about Nightmare on Query Street and eligibility, go here. Mentors will be posted Friday, agents go up next Monday, and we'll have a Twitter party later this month. Watch my blog for more details.
Good luck with the free pass!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Free Pass contest will be open until October 13. Yes, that's the day before the submission window opens. I want everyone to continue polishing their entries right up until the end. I'll post the winner at 8:00 AM EST on October 14.
To enter the contest, follow me on Twitter and answer the following question in the blog comments, using 50 words or less: What would your main character be for Halloween? Please include your Twitter handle so I can notify you if you win. I reserve the right to disqualify entries without notice, for any reason.
Make sure you use the Rafflecopter and don't just leave a comment. The Rafflecopter will choose the winner, so your name has to be in it. There are many additional options for extra entries, so take advantage of them.
I'm offering a special thank you to anyone who preorders AMERICA'S NEXT REALITY STAR and is not chosen for the final round. After the winners are announced, if you're not chosen, you can email proof of purchase to laura (at) pitchslamcontest (dot) com, and I will send feedback you on your entry. Feedback includes overview comments on the query/first page, as well as my general impression. This is not a full query/first page critique. Since we are only accepting a limited number of entries, you can request your thank you gift even if you miss the submission window. Just send your entry along with the proof of purchase and note that you weren't able to enter. This offer is not available to anyone who is not eligible for Nightmare on Query Street due to being featured in other contests or submitting more than one manuscript. Proof can be emailed through the end of October. You are NOT required to send proof in order to claim the Rafflecopter entry. There is no purchase required to enter the giveaway.
To learn more about Nightmare on Query Street and eligibility, go here. Mentors will be posted Friday, agents go up next Monday, and we'll have a Twitter party later this month. Watch my blog for more details.
Good luck with the free pass!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
