Secret Agent Unveiled!

Huge thanks to Katherine Wessbecher of Bradford Literary Agency for her excellent secret-agenting!

Katherine's bio:

Katherine Wessbecher joined the Bradford Literary Agency in 2020. Katherine began her publishing career at Penguin, where she edited children’s and YA books at Putnam Books for Young Readers. She then served as the science and technology editor of an academic book review journal before joining the agency world. Katherine holds a B.A. in English from the College of William & Mary and lives with her husband in San Diego.

What Katherine is currently looking for:

Katherine is currently looking for children's, MG, YA, and upmarket adult fiction. She's drawn to grounded stories that transport her somewhere new (the past, an imagined world, or a different perspective on her own). A few things she'd love to see more of in her submissions inbox include stories the history books left out, unexpected narrative techniques (bring on the epistolary novels!), and more bone-dry humor.

Winners forthcoming!

Secret Agent Unveiled: Kristy Hunter

Heaps of thanks to our lovely and helpful Secret Agent, Kristy Hunter of The Knight Agency!

Kristy's bio:

As a graduate of Vanderbilt University and The Columbia Publishing Course, Kristy Hunter began her publishing career in New York City—first as an editorial intern at Bloomsbury Children’s Books and then as a book publicist at Grove/Atlantic and Random House Children’s Books. When she moved to the agenting side of the industry, she was closely mentored by Deidre Knight, president and founder of The Knight Agency, and her first co-agented project sold at auction soon after. As an associate agent, Kristy enjoys being able to bring a unique perspective to her clients thanks to her diverse publishing background. When she’s not curled up with a fantastic book or manuscript, she can be found kickboxing or hiking with her dog.

What Kristy is looking for:

Right now, I’m looking for that perfect escape read—something that pulls me in and doesn’t let go. This can be a fun-filled mystery, a deeply atmospheric story with hints of magic, an upbeat rom-com, a family saga with deep-rooted secrets—anything. Just transport me to that world (and make sure it’s middle grade, young adult or adult!).


Winners forthcoming!

Secret Agent Unveiled: JESSICA SCHMEIDLER

A huge round of applause (plus extra hugs for having to deal with technical issues) for our Secret Agent Contest, Jessica Schmeidler of Golden Wheat Literary!


BIO:

Jessica is the founding literary agent of Golden Wheat Literary. She holds B.A.s in Political Science (Pre-law) and English (Literature), as well as a Paralegal Certificate, and enjoys marrying the two together as a full-time literary agent. Jessica lives in Kansas on her late 1800s homestead, where she still ghostwrites, edits, and reads all the books. Jessica is currently focused on learning how to be a publicist for her authors in addition to being an editorial literary agent.

WHAT SHE'S LOOKING FOR:

Jessica has eclectic tastes, so she’s open to considering most any project, but more specifically, she’s hoping for general mainstream adult fiction, children’s or adult literary fiction, suspense/thrillers, and inspirational/motivational nonfiction (especially anything with Keto, running, or modern Victory gardens).

Winners forthcoming!

Secret Agent Unveiled: AMY STAPP

Huge thanks and all the virtual chocolate go to our incredible Secret Agent for this month, Amy Stapp of Wolfson Literary! 

Amy's Bio:

Amy Stapp received her BA from Samford University and MA from Georgia State University before beginning her publishing career at Macmillan, where she was an editor for seven years and had the privilege of working with bestselling authors such as Katie McGarry, Shelley Noble, and Amber Lynn Natusch, among others. Amy joined Wolfson Literary in 2018 and is actively building her list, with interest in women's fiction, mystery, suspense, historical fiction, young adult, and select nonfiction. She is particularly drawn to well-paced prose and smart, multidimensional characters.

What I'm looking for: 

On the adult side I'm seeking suspense, women's fiction, light magical realism, and historical fiction. In YA I love romance, mystery, historical, and coming-of-age. I'm particularly eager to find smart, "unputdownable" YA thrillers and complex, multigenerational women's fiction.

Thank you for your time and talent, Amy!

Winners forthcoming.

Secret Agent Unveiled: Colleen Oefelein

Huge thanks for our lovely and enthusiastic Secret Agent, Colleen Oefelein of the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency!

Jennifer's Bio:

I’m a fairly new agent with The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency (since February 2018), and I’m actively and very excitedly building my list. Prior to working with New York’s Jennifer De Chiara, I was an associate agent, agent assistant, and PR manager with Inklings Literary Agency, which was where I began my publishing career as an intern several years ago. Prior to that, I'd retired from the Air Force, where I was an officer and engineer working space launch. I hold a BS from Penn State in Chemical Engineering with a focus in Biotechnology, and I also hold a BS in German. Some of my off-the-wall talents include flying helicopters and speaking in 10-codes, which I picked up while working emergency dispatch for Alaska State Troopers. As a published YA author, I can greatly appreciate the journey to publication and always look for opportunities to mentor pre-published authors. As an agent, I host several online and conference workshops such as Rejection Correction, Pitch Perfect, “Reel” Inspiration, and Un-Dreary Your Query.

What she's looking for:

I represent authors of picture books, middle grade, young adult, and adult books in a range of genres. In general I love to see anything high-concept, fast-paced, and in deep POV. I love dark tales, flaw-ridden main characters, and unreliably evil antagonists. I shy away from anything with insta-drama or overly emotional responses in the opening pages from characters I haven't gotten to know yet.

In YA, I badly want a Faust retelling, and a retelling of a more obscure fable, fairy tale, or lesser-known cultural myth. Also in YA, a mystery/suspense/thriller based on or inspired by the David Grunwald murder (one that smartly navigates the culture of teen cannabis use and violence). I’d also love to see a suspense or thriller that involves identity policing. In YA SciFi, urban fantasy, or dystopian, a story that calls to mind THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN;

In MG and YA, I’d love to see a non-didactic, fresh perspective from a main character who struggles to fit in to or feels ostracized from his/her marginalized community;

In MG, YA, or Adult: anything by or based on an Alaska Native POV; and a thriller or mystery involving painted rocks.

In Adult: Romance and romantic suspense between multi-dimensional characters. Please no insta-love.


Winners forthcoming!

Secret Agent Unveiled: JOANNA MACKENZIE

Many thanks to this month's Secret Agent, Joanna MacKenzie of the Kristin Nelson Literary Agency!

Joanna's Bio:

Joanna joined Nelson Literary Agency in 2017 after a decade with a Chicago-based agency, and is currently building a list of adult and YA titles. She enjoys working with authors who embrace the full publishing process (read: love revising) and is committed to the stories her clients want to tell both with the words they put on paper, as well as with the careers the build. Joanna is looking for the epic read that, at it's center, beats with a universal heart. In particular, she’s drawn to smart, character-driven mysteries and thrillers - both, ideally, with a little edge. Originally from Poland, and by way of Canada, she’s all about narratives that deal with the themes of identity and the immigrant experience as well as those that delve into all aspects of the relationships that make us who we are – parents, siblings, best friends, and first love.

What Joanna is looking for:

On the YA side, I’m looking for strong, confident voices and characters I can’t stop thinking about. I’d love to find a Veronica Mars-ish character I could really sink my teeth into; or be swept-away into a Bone Gap world; or enthralled by characters like those in I’ll Give You The Sun. On the adult side, I’d love to find a great Tana French-esque mystery (no more girls on trains or wives between us for me) and also a book featuring Sarah Paulson’s character from Ocean’s 8, aka seemingly perfect suburban mom with a secret life, think the first season of Weeds.

Winners forthcoming!

Write Her Bio Contest Winners

Okay, this wasn't easy!  I was originally a bit disappointed by the small number of entries (only 13), but in the end, that turned out to be a blessing.  I'm sure I'd still be wringing my hands over which to choose!

I so appreciate the vast amounts of creativity that went into these efforts.  A HUGE THANK YOU to all thirteen of you!  Be assured that I read every entry more than once.  More than more than once.

In the end, though humor abounded, I decided to choose the 2 entries in which the writer really captured me.  It's a indescribable feeling when someone shows they've been paying attention--really getting to know the "you" that's been put out there.  It's all sorts of affirming.

So, without further ado, here are my two winning entries:


AUTHORESS BIO by Rebecca LuElla Miller

Loretta Langley writes young adult fantasy. As an aspiring actress and musician, she majored in music education in college. However, her passion soon turned to writing. After all, her first "claim to fame" had come in ninth grade as the author of a fairytale. As an adult, Ms. Langley's fame spread through her writing blog, Miss Snark's First Victim. Over 2.5 million visitors have benefitted from her contests, critiques, and advice. Although she still sings with the local symphony orchestra and plays the piano, she spends most days writing fiction. Ms. Langley is married, enjoys ballet, loves Teuscher truffles and helping other writers become publishing success stories. She is currently agented by Most-Beloved-Agent.


AUTHORESS UNVEILED BIO by Kate Larkindale

Harriett Saunders writes and lives in America’s Midwest. When the sun is shining, you will find her on the porch, writing to the music of the local wildlife, a cup of tea never far from her hand. Her hobbies include ballet, playing the piano and singing in a choir, two of which she is very skilled at. She loves the ocean, organic food and fingerless gloves. Harriett’s dedication and commitment to the writing community is legendary. For many years she has anonymously run Miss Snark’s First Victim, a blog through which she has supported and boosted the careers of numerous aspiring authors, and helped agents find great books to represent.


Congratulations, Rebecca and Kate, and thank you for your lovely and insightful depictions of me.  Please email me at facelesswords@gmail.com and let me know where to send your $20 B&N gift cards!

I'd like to also add this honorable mention, because I think it's the most epic name anyone could've come up with:


AUTHORESS BIO by Scott Mitchell

Euphemia Endeavour is a woman of many names because her parents couldn’t decide what to name her. Her actual name is Eunice Urella Penelope Huldah Elizabeth Mehitable Irene Arabella Endeavour. Her parents used the first initial of each name and called her Euphemia. It’s understandable why Euphemia loves wine. She began her writing career in kindergarten with Once Flushed, Gone Forever about the unexpected loss of her prize goldfish. Her writing endeavors continued through the years until she became Miss Snark’s First Victim. From that point on, with the help of chocolate and wine, she survived the writerly angst to finally publish Death by Wine and Chocolate. She lives with her husband somewhere in the United States.

Thank you, Scott.  You may call me Euphemia whenever you wish.  :)

And, finally, I thought you might like to see my actual bio:


In her quest to become a princess, Jillian Boehme once wrote a letter to Prince Edward in the hope that they could become pen pals (and, well, get married). That didn't work, so she decided to write stories instead. She also plays the piano, sings, and dreams of living in a hobbit hole. Having grown up on the east coast, she longs for the ocean, but has settled for the knolls of Middle Tennessee, where she lives with her husband, offspring, and an exquisite cat named Lucy.

And there you have it!  A huge thank you once again to everyone who took the time to create something special.  Hugs to all!

Hi, Everyone!

C'est Moi

Jillian Boehme

Author of Books for Teens

Represented by Danielle Burby of Nelson Literary Agency

Home:  Middle Tennessee (Greater Nashville area)

Originally from:  Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania

Love of my life:  Eric Boehme (a.k.a. Mr. A)

Education:  Bachelor of Music, Susquehanna University (piano)

Most important job:  homeschooling mom of 5

Volunteer:  Soprano with the Nashville Symphony Chorus

It has been my privilege and delight to speak into your lives for the past nine years as Authoress.  It will be my ongoing delight to continue to do so!

Over the next few days, Authoress: The Real Story will post as a series on the blog.  (It may or may not contain previously unpublished photographs.)  I've spent nearly a decade being very much myself online, while keeping the most important bits of my private life...well, private.  Authoress: The Real Story will give you a glimpse of my real world as it lines up with key posts/events on the blog.

I hope you'll join me.

Love, Jillian

All The Winners (Contests 2 - 5)

So many prizes to give out!  A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated!  Here are the answers and our winner lists:

CONTEST 2: ORDER OF EVENTS

1. First Secret Agent Contest (July 2008)

2. Authoress writes ODE TO MY READERS (Feb 2009)

3. First book deal attributed to the blog (Nov 2009)

4. First Baker’s Dozen Agent Auction (Dec 2010)

5. Our first Critique Partner Dating Service (July 2012)

6. Adorable Editors (July 2013)

7. Huge rant on how tired I was of being anonymous (March 2014)

8. Our first ON THE BLOCK (Nov 2015)

9. Authoress signs with Danielle Burby (Dec 2015)

10. Authoress changes the look and title of her blog (Sept 2017)

WINNERS:

1. Kel J. Heinen -- 1-chapter critique from Leah Peterson
2. Sasha -- 1-chapter critique from Karen Duvall
3. H. R. Sinclair -- 1-chapter critique from Peter Salomon
4. T. R. Hudgins -- 1-chapter critique from Julie Butcher


CONTEST 3: FAVORITE AUTHORS

(In no particular order)

Jane Austen
Nancy Bilyeau
Jodi Meadows
Katherine Kurtz
Suzanne Collins
Patricia Mckillip
Holly Bodger
Rae Carson
Mary E. Pearson
Ruta Sepetys

WINNERS:

Too many to list here (23)!  All winners will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your book.  Congratulations!

CONTEST 4: 2 TRUTHS AND A LIE

1.

A. I suffer from misophonia, a disorder that makes normal human sounds, like chewing, swallowing, and breathing, unbearable to listen to.

B. I have a bone spur in the big toe of my left foot which makes it nigh impossible for me to do a proper relevé. Also it hurts when I wear heels.

C. As a child, I had my appendix removed via emergency surgery, only to later learn that my appendix was fine. This was before the days of rabid medical lawsuits (so there wasn’t one). LIE!  My appendix is alive and well inside me.

2.

A. After college and before marriage, I put my worldly belongings inside—and on top of—a 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle and moved to Nashville, TN.

B. In college, I founded a small campus newspaper that focused on the school of fine arts, since we were largely ignored in the shadow of the school of business. We were still largely ignored, but I had a great experience writing for those two years. LIE! I did write a scathing letter to the editor during my sophomore year, though.

C. I was the accompanist for our University Choir for 3 of my 4 years at Susquehanna University. Those rehearsals were my only experience playing a Steinway full concert grand.

3.

A. At 17, I ran the family car into a tree, completely smashing the front and crackling the windshield. I wasn’t hurt.

B. I currently drive a 1998 Toyota Sienna. Neither door on the passenger’s side opens, because they handles have fallen off. Which means that, if I have a passenger, he has to crawl in through the other side.

C. My husband’s first brand new car had a standard transmission, which I didn’t know how to drive. He took me out for one lesson—just one—and I nailed it. LIE!  Yes, he did take me out for one lesson--and I absolutely, positively could not drive the stick shift.  He gave up and never took me out again.

4.

A. I’ve always had a strange fascination with insects. Our 8th-grade science teacher required a minimum of 30 specimens for our insect collection. I presented him with 84. LIE! I hate bugs. I eked out 3 or 4 bugs more than the 30-bug requirement and got a C.

B. I’m afraid of heights—I can climb up, but getting down is scary. Once, in San Francisco, I climbed onto a cement thing to take pictures of the trolley turnaround, and I froze. My husband had to come rescue me (in front of lots of people).

C. I grew up believing that women weren’t supposed to drink beer. Which is probably why it’s just recently that I’ve started to appreciate certain brews.

5.

A. My I.Q. is 138, my college G.P.A. was 3.69, and I’m an INFJ.

B. Over the years, I’ve been employed as a daycare teacher, an administrative secretary, a telemarketer, a U.S.P.S. seasonal worker, and an elementary music teacher.

C. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee.  LIE! I've only lived in Pennsylvania and Tennessee.


WINNERS:

1. Kate Larkindale -- 1-chapter critique from Danielle Burby
2. D. Strickland -- 1-chapter critique from Adam Bates
3. Susan Dalessandro -- 1-chapter critique from Holly Bodger
4. John Maffia -- 1-chapter critique from Authoress Edits

CONTEST 5: TRUE OR FALSE

1. Mr. A and I met in college. We were both music majors. TRUE
2. I hate cashews. FALSE (OMG I love cashews.)
3. I’ve been taking Tai Chi classes for the last few years. FALSE  I take BALLET. (You knew this.)
4. I signed with Josh Getzler in 2010. TRUE
5. I’ve met Beth Revis, Jodi Meadows, and Victoria Schwab in person. FALSE  I've never met Victoria.
6. My husband gets all the credit for training me to stop writing dorky dialogue. TRUE
7. Danielle Burby is my third agent. TRUE
8. My claim to theatrical fame is the lead role of Lili in Carnival. TRUE
9. I’ve always wanted a dog, but Mr. A is allergic to them. FALSE  I'm an avowed cat person (though Mr. A is indeed allergic to cats).
10. To date, I’ve written 11 novels. Just. Keep. Swimming. TRUE

WINNER:

Krystal -- 6-month subscription for ONE STOP FOR WRITERS.

Congratulations, everyone!

WINNERS:  If you do not receive an email from me by the end of today, please let me know!

(Please note: The announcement of the winners of the WRITE HER BIO contest are forthcoming.)

Contest #5: TRUE OR FALSE

Day 5: 80% of Authoress

Welcome to our fifth and final contest!  I'm SUPER excited about today's prize:  a 6-month subscription to ONE STOP FOR WRITERS, courtesy of Angela Ackerman.  You don't want to miss this opportunity!

Today's challenge:  TRUE OR FALSE

Simply decide whether each of the follow statements is true or false.  Post your answers in the comment section (please don't repost the questions -- just a numbered list of T's and F's!).  And don't forget to also sign up for the Rafflecopter drawing below.



1. Mr. A and I met in college. We were both music majors.

2. I hate cashews.

3. I’ve been taking Tai Chi classes for the last few years.

4. I signed with Josh Getzler in 2010.

5. I’ve met Beth Revis, Jodi Meadows, and Victoria Schwab in person.

6. My husband gets all the credit for training me to stop writing dorky dialogue.

7. Danielle Burby is my third agent.

8. My claim to theatrical fame is the lead role of Lili in Carnival.

9. I’ve always wanted a dog, but Mr. A is allergic to them.

10. To date, I’ve written 11 novels. Just. Keep. Swimming.


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Contest #4: TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE

Day 4: 60% of Authoress

Welcome to Contest #4!  Today we're giving away more first-chapter critiques (yay!).

Today's contest:  Below you'll find 5 sets of facts about Authoress--each set contains 2 truths and a lie.  Your job is to find the lie in each set!  Post your answers in the comment box below, and remember to click on Rafflecopter to be entered in the drawing for the critiques!

(Remember: You don't need to play the game to enter the giveaway! Simply choose a different entry option on the Rafflecopter below.)

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE

SET 1:

A. I suffer from misophonia, a disorder that makes normal human sounds, like chewing, swallowing, and breathing, unbearable to listen to.

B. I have a bone spur in the big toe of my left foot which makes it nigh impossible for me to do a proper relevé. Also it hurts when I wear heels.

C. As a child, I had my appendix removed via emergency surgery, only to later learn that my appendix was fine. This was before the days of rabid medical lawsuits (so there wasn’t one).

SET 2:

A. After college and before marriage, I put my worldly belongings inside—and on top of—a 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle and moved to Nashville, TN.

B. In college, I founded a small campus newspaper that focused on the school of fine arts, since we were largely ignored in the shadow of the school of business. We were still largely ignored, but I had a great experience writing for those two years.

C. I was the accompanist for our University Choir for 3 of my 4 years at Susquehanna University. Those rehearsals were my only experience playing a Steinway full concert grand.

SET 3:

A. At 17, I ran the family car into a tree, completely smashing the front and crackling the windshield. I wasn’t hurt.

B. I currently drive a 1998 Toyota Sienna. Neither door on the passenger’s side opens, because the handles have fallen off. Which means that, if I have a passenger, he has to crawl in through the other side.

C. My husband’s first brand new car had a standard transmission, which I didn’t know how to drive. He took me out for one lesson—just one—and I nailed it.

SET 4:

A. I’ve always had a strange fascination with insects. Our 8th-grade science teacher required a minimum of 30 specimens for our insect collection. I presented him with 84.

B. I’m afraid of heights—I can climb up, but getting down is scary. Once, in San Francisco, I climbed onto a cement thing to take pictures of the trolley turnaround, and I froze. My husband had to come rescue me (in front of lots of people).

C. I grew up believing that women weren’t supposed to drink beer. Which is probably why it’s just recently that I’ve started to appreciate certain brews.

SET 5:

A. My I.Q. is 138, my college G.P.A. was 3.69, and I’m an INFJ.

B. Over the years, I’ve been employed as a daycare teacher, an administrative secretary, a telemarketer, a U.S.P.S. seasonal worker, and an elementary music teacher.

C. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee.




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Contest #3: FAVORITE AUTHORS

Day 3:  40% of Authoress

Welcome to Contest #3, which offers TONS of free books as prizes!  In fact, we will be giving away 23 books!! (Note: All book prizes are USA delivery only, except for digital.)  Take a moment to scroll through the Rafflecopter below to take a look at the amazing list of prizes.

HOW TO PLAY:

Your job is to complete this list of my FAVORITE AUTHORS. (Disclaimer:  this is not my ENTIRE list of favorite authors.  Lest you feel I've omitted someone you were sure I loved.)

STEP ONE:  You are allowed, as a group, to request 5 CONSONANTS and 1 VOWEL.  Here's how this step works:

• Post 1 vowel or consonant choice in the comment section.  POST ONLY ONE PER COMMENT.
• As soon as TWO PEOPLE have requested the same letter, that letter is official.

(Note: Step One will likely move fast.)

STEP TWO:  Once I have the 5 consonants and 1 vowel, I will edit this post to include them.  THAT'S ALL YOU GET!  Here's what you need to do:

• Work out the list on your own until you've got all the answers.
• Post your completed list in the comment section.
• FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER so you're eligible to win glorious books.  (Please note that, except for anything digital, this giveaway is US only.)

IMPORTANT:  You don't have to play to enter the raffle!  Simply choose a different entry option in Rafflecopter below. 

AUTHORESS'S FAVORITE AUTHORS

(Hint: This list includes authors from today and not-today.)

 1.  J A N E    A _ S _ E N

 2.  N A N _ _    _ _ L _ E A _

 3.  J _ _ _    _ E A _ _ _ S

 4.  _ A _ _ E R _ N E    _ _ R _ _

 5.  S _ _ A N N E    _ _ L L _ N S

 6.  _ A _ R _ _ _ A    _ _ _ _ L L _ _

 7.  _ _ L L _    _ _ _ _ E R

 8.  R A E    _ A R S _ N

 9.  _ A R _    E.    _ E A R S _ N

10.  R _ _ A    S E _ E _ _ S

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Contest #2: ORDER OF EVENTS

Day 2: 20% of Authoress

To play:

Place these blog events in the order in which they occurred.  Post your answer in the comments section.  In order to be considered a viable entry, your blog comment needs to contain a completed list of all 10 items.

(Hint: A quick search on the blog will give you the information you need!)

IMPORTANT:  If you want to be eligible for the drawing for prizes, be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter!  There are options for extra entries to increase your odds of winning, so go for it!

ALSO IMPORTANT: You don't have to play the game to enter!  Simply go to Rafflecopter and choose another option for entering.

THE EVENTS:

1.  FIRST BAKER'S DOZEN AGENT AUCTION

2.  AUTHORESS SIGNS WITH DANIELLE BURBY

3.  ADORABLE EDITORS CONTEST

4.  FIRST SECRET AGENT CONTEST

5.  AUTHORESS CHANGES THE LOOK AND TITLE OF HER BLOG

6.  FIRST CRITIQUE PARTNER DATING SERVICE

7.  FIRST ON THE BLOCK CONTEST

8.  AUTHORESS WRITES ODE TO MY READERS

9.  HUGE RANT ON HOW TIRED I WAS OF BEING ANONYMOUS

10.  FIRST BOOK DEAL ATTRIBUTED TO THE BLOG

PRIZES OFFERED:  4 1-chapter critiques.  Scroll through Rafflecopter to see who they're from!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest #1: WRITE HER BIO - Submissions Now Open!

Welcome to the Authoress Reveal series of contests!  Submissions for Contest #1 are now open.

The above picture, currently completely hidden, is broken into 5 pieces.  At the close of each contest, 1 piece of the picture will be revealed.  Reveal Day -- November 1 -- will include the final photo.  No more hiding behind hats!

Review the submission guidelines for Write Her Bio HERE.

Enter HERE.

Two winning entries (of my choice) will each receive a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card.  (Woot!)

Best of luck!

Early Info: Submissions for the Write Her Bio Contest!

Here it is--a chance to let your creativity shine!

You don't know my name or anything about my personal life, aside from what I've chosen to share on the blog over the years.  Take what you know--and use your writerly imagination for the rest--and come up with a brief author bio for me.  Think about what you might read on a jacket flap or on an author's web site or blog--a few sentences that make it sound like you actually know everything about me.

The approach is your choice!  You can be humorous, go for something completely wacky, or do your best to try to get as close as possible to the truth.

Example:

Henrietta Toothsome spends most of her time spelunking in abandoned mines on her 4000-acre property in South Dakota.  When above ground, she enjoys writing stories while watching reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond.  She has won three local awards for her short stories, as well as a blue ribbon for the largest spaghetti squash at last year's Harvest Fair.  Her husband and three grown children live in the basement.

(Okay, not really.  I'll be more impressed if you write something that's actually believable.)

Here are the guidelines*:

• Submissions will open at noon EDT on Friday, October 20, and will close at noon EDT on Monday, October 23.
• Your "authoress bio" should be no more than 120 words in length.
• Come up with a FULL NAME for me!
• Please go HERE to submit your entry.
• This is not a lottery; I will read all the entries and choose my favorites.
• Two winners will each receive a Barnes and Noble e-gift card!

Any questions?  Please leave them in the comment box below!

*Those of you who actually do know me are not eligible for this contest. You know who you are. :)

AUTHORESS REVEAL: The Official Schedule of Jollity

I've invited you all to celebrate my taking-off of the perpetual hat, so I thought it might be a good idea to share what I've got planned.  

Without further ado, here is the official schedule!

OCTOBER 20:  Submission Day for Contest 1: WRITE HER BIO (details to post on the 16th)

OCTOBER 23:  Contest 2 - ORDER OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 25:  Contest 3 - FAVORITE AUTHORS

OCTOBER 27:  Contest 4 - 2 TRUTHS AND A LIE

OCTOBER 30:  Contest 5 - TRUE OR FALSE

NOVEMBER 1:  REVEAL DAY

Points of interest:

• The completion of each contest will reveal 1/5 of my photo.  On November 1, you'll see the whole thing.  
• Each contest will have its own offering of fabulously bookish and writerly prizes!  I will post the full prize list next week.
• Contest 1 (WRITE HER BIO) is the only submission-based contest.  The other 4 will take place on the blog, in the comment boxes, real time.
• The winners of Contest 1 will be chosen based on merit; the winners of Contests 2 through 5 will be chosen at random (via Rafflecopter).  All winners will be announced in a separate post on Reveal Day.

Please ask your questions below--I've gone over and over this, but am still worried I may have forgotten some necessary bit of information.

Also?  Thank you so much for your outpouring of enthusiasm, encouragement, and love.  I've done far less blogging and fewer contests this year, and I honestly didn't expect this level of outpouring from the masses.  I FEEL SO BLESSED.

And less terrified to reveal myself.  Thanks for that!  :)

Pssst. I'm Nervous.

I've been talking about this--and you've been encouraging me--for quite a while now.  Maybe even, I don't know, two years?  I've talked about it, but I haven't done it.

But this time, it's really going to happen. 

I'm taking off the red hat.

For real.

Of course, I'm going to do my best to make it fun.  With prizes and audience participation.

And, of course, photographs.

Of me.

(That's the terrifying part.)

It's already in the works.  It's happening SOON.

And I wanted you to know.  Because it's going to be a party, and you're invited.

I'm ready to say hello to you as the real me.

Will you be there?

:)

Secret Agent Unveiled: Nicole Payne

Huge amounts of thanks and applause to our lovely and gracious Secret Agent, Nicole Payne of Golden Wheat Literary!  

In case you missed it, we had an "imposter" Secret Agent leaving feedback this time, and Nicole was right on it, pointing out each time when the feedback was not actually from her.  It's difficult for me to keep up with the amount of comments that come through during contests like this, so I'm especially grateful that Nicole took the time to sort this out for me.

(Incidentally, I don't think our imposter had any malicious intent.  I'm just a little baffled as to why someone else decided to take the Secret Agent moniker--it's never happened before!)

Nicole's bio:

Nicole Payne is a new literary agent at Golden Wheat Literary. She has a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Forensic Genetics. Maybe that’s why she now uses her background to investigate for new books. It must be in her DNA.

What she's looking for:

She’s particularly interested in YA, NA, and Adult in Speculative Fiction, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Mysteries, Contemporary, Suspense, and Thriller. However, if the writing and story are amazing, she’s quick to snatch up exceptions, so if you think you’re a good fit, send her a query and see if you can convince her likewise.

Thanks again, Nicole!  Winners forthcoming.

Secret Agent Unveiled: Rena Rossner

Huge thanks and thunderous applause to the delightful and super helpful Rena Rossner of The Deborah Harris Agency!

BIO:

Rena is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University’s Writing Seminars Program, where she double-majored in poetry and non-fiction writing. She studied at Trinity College, Dublin and holds an MA in History from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She worked at bookstores in four countries, has written extensively for The Jerusalem Report and The Jerusalem Post, and worked in PR, grant-writing, and website development at The Jerusalem Foundation. She is a writer of both fiction and poetry as well as the author of the cookbook EATING THE BIBLE, which has been translated into five languages.

Rena is interested in representing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Speculative Fiction in all genres, Adult Literary and Contemporary Fiction especially Upmarket Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction and Thrillers. She is also actively seeking Young Adult, Middle Grade and Picture Books.

Recent Sales:

Between Two Fires by Mark Noce (Historical Fiction, sold to Thomas Dunne/St. Martin’s Press in a 2-book deal, comes out this month! August 23, 2016)
Not This Turkey by Jessica Steinberg (Picture Book, comes out October 1, 2016 from Albert Whitman)
Three Envelopes by Nir Hezroni (Thriller, sold to Thomas Dunne, St. Martin’s Press, sold in a 2-book deal, comes out April 2017)
Dear Martin by Nic Stone (Young Adult, sold to Crown in a 2-book deal, comes out October 2017)
Winterhouse by Ben Guterson (Middle Grade, sold to Christy Ottaviano Books in a 3-book deal, comes out in 2018)

Most recent deal: Leah Scheier’s third Young Adult novel, The Rules of Rain, was just sold to Annette Pollert at Sourcebooks Fire.

WHAT RENA IS LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW:  

I definitely seem to specialize in YA books, but I am actively seeking great classic-feel middle grade, especially middle grade historical fiction, and I am always looking for classic-feel picture books and funny/quirky picture books. In terms of adult fiction I am also on the hunt for a great Thriller, for Upmarket Women’s Fiction and for great Historical Fiction, along with anything in Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Winners forthcoming!

Secret Agent Unveiled: Beth Campbell

A shower of flower petals and thanks to this month's lovely Secret Agent, Beth Campbell of BookEnds Literary Agency!

Beth's Bio:

After an academic career filled with publishing internships, Beth joined BookEnds as a literary assistant in September 2012 and was promoted to Assistant Literary Agent in 2015. She's diligently building her client list and is always excited to meet an author with an excellent story. She's also spent years as the company's rights coordinator and now works alongside Moe to continue selling foreign and audio rights.

Beth's obsession with books began with a distinct fantasy/sci-fi flavor, and she's happily never kicked the addiction. She is primarily interested in signing clients within those genres, YA, romantic suspense, and mystery. She loves seeing diverse characters (sexuality, gender, race, you name it!) and strong friendships across all genres.

Beth currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and their cat. Outside of reading, her personal hobbies include drawing, cooking, gaming, and spending far too much time on the Internet.

What Beth is currently looking for:

I'm currently accepting submissions in fantasy, sci-fi, YA (no middle grade), mystery, and suspense. Right now I'm particularly interested in YA of all sub genres and am always on the lookout for diverse characters and stories that feature strong friendships and/or found families.

Many thanks, Beth!  Winners forthcoming.