Archive | May, 2012

May’s “Water Stories” Winner

For Crits for Water 2012, I’ve decided to support the running of charity: water by purchasing sweet swag from their store…for you guys. To enter for some water-themed swag, all you have to do is write a Water Story, take a photo, share a memory, whatever, as long as water’s involved. There are still two more drawings to go on the last day of June, so feel free to keep entering! No donation required–on your end. It’s a shared experience, and all to support the folks in New York who have made this campaign possible.

May had three water story submissions! Check out

And the winner of this month’s drawing is…


Linda! HUZZAH

I’ll be emailing you soon.

Linda just won this super sweet hat:

Thanks to the other fine ladies. Good news: everyone is still eligible for the grand prize drawing! And if you’d like to contribute a Water Story now, you’ll be entered for both June’s drawing AND the grand prize. I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to enter more than once, of course :D

Posted on May 31, 2012 in Giveaway, Water Story · Comments { 2 }

May Agent Wishlist: Sandy Lu and Natanya Wheeler

Congratulations to Rebecca Enzor, Linda McLaren, and Sarah Raplee!
Stay tuned for June’s Agent Wishlist Contest.

 

 

Let the scramble for May’s Agent Wishlist begin! This is your chance to get a query and five pages read and critiqued by Super Intern Jess Silva, Super Author Luvina Jean-Charles, and one of two crazy awesome agents, Sandy Lu and Natanya Wheeler.

This contest will be open until June 6th at 11:59 AM Eastern Time or when all the spots are filled. Whichever comes first.

  1. Read the wishes to see if your (completed!) MS is a match!
  2. Claim your spot by commenting on this blog post. Please include the agent’s name and wish number in the comment. For example, comment: “Sandy Lu #2, please!”
  3. Hold tight until Jess replies if you’ve got the spot.
  4. Only once your spot is confirmed, go to http://mycharitywater.org/critsforwater2012and make one of the following donations:
    ——-$1 for a read only by either Luvina or Jess.
    ——-$5 for a critique by either Luvina or Jess.
    ——-$10 for a critique by BOTH Luvina and Jess.
  5. REGARDLESS of which donation you choose, if your pages are passed onto the agent, that agent will also critique your submission.
  6. Wait until you get an email about how to proceed.
  7. Jess/Luvina will read your submission. The ones they feel best match the agent’s wishes will be forwarded to the agent for another critique.

If you’re confused, feel free to ask questions in the comments. Both Jess and I will be monitoring the Wishlist to keep tabs across all timezones :)

—

So, without further ado, the Wishes!!

Introducing Sandy Lu of L Perkins Agency!

Sandy holds BAs in psychology and sociology from Queens College, with minors in music, business, and Japanese. Prior to becoming an agent, she attended the Ph.D. Program in Social and Personality Psychology at the CUNY Graduate Center and worked as a business/operations manager in the theater industry. She is fluent in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. Sandy is seeking submissions that draw her in with a unique voice and a good yarn that will make her miss her subway stop and keep her up at night.

Sandy’s Wishes (adult and YA):

  1. Espionage fiction set in China between the two World Wars (Spots left: 10)
  2. An historical thriller set in 19th century London or New York (Spots left: 10)
  3. Contemporary psychological suspense in the vein of Tana French and Gillian Flynn (Spots left: 7)

 

And Natanya Wheeler of Nancy Yost Literary!

Natanya Wheeler is an agent with the Nancy Yost Literary Agency, where she also handles digital rights. She represents both literary and commercial fiction, and always has an eye open for exciting nonfiction. Natanya is looking for submissions with unique voices, tight plots and strong characterization. She has an incurably weak spot for antiheroes. Natanya lives in San Francisco.

Natanya’s Wishes (adult only):

  1. A book about sisters (Spots left: 7)
  2. A well-researched literary thriller in the vein of Tom Rob Smith (Spots left: 10)
  3. A funny essay collection – on whatever subject! (Spots left: 9)

That’s all, guys. Aaaand GO!

Posted on May 30, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 28 }

CLOSED: Critique of a Query by Author Jodi Meadows

Big thanks to everyone who donated!

Congrats to the winner, Isaac!
And sorry about any confusion regarding the end of the raffle. It IS finished.
That was my bad. :(

And the fabulous Jodi Meadows is at it again, this time with a query critique. Jodi was well known for her Query Project, helping many folks (like me, during my successful query run!) with her expertise. Since she’s stopped the Query Project, this is a great opportunity to get her eyes on your work while still providing folks with clean, safe water. This query is for anyone with a fantasy or sci-fi MS, adult or YA/MG. So get a-donating, folks!

This raffle is open for entries until May 31st at 11:59pm, Eastern Time.

  1. Go to http://mycharitywater.org/critsforwater2012
  2. Click on the “Donate” button and donate $1.
  3. Then in the comments section, please write in a way to contact you. You can use your email, twitter, or website. Anything’s cool, as long as you check it often :D For example:
  4. When you donate, mycharitywater will ask you to become a member (if you’re not already). That does NOT mean the donation didn’t go through! If in doubt, check your email/bank account before re-donating.
  5. I will use random.org to pick the raffle winners on May 31st
  6. Anyone who does not win the raffle will receive a consolation Kat-Crit of a query or synopsis.

This is a little complicated, so please, if you have any questions, use the comment section below! And thank you so much!

—

About Jodi:

Jodi Meadows lives and writes in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, with her husband, a Kippy*, and an alarming number of ferrets. She is a confessed book addict, and has wanted to be a writer ever since she decided against becoming an astronaut.

*A Kippy is a cat.

Posted on May 29, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 4 }

CLOSED: Critique of 5 Pages + Query by Author Jodi Meadows

The first of several Jodi-Crits starts now! Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate and the upcoming Asunder, also lover of ferrets and other fluffy things like yarn, is offering to critique a sub package–query and five pages for one winner. This can be from a fantasy or scifi adult or YA/MG manuscript. As a former agent intern, Jodi’s got a lot of fabulous experience knowing what can help your first pages stand out to agents and editors. So get a-cracking, folks!

You can bid for this critique until May 29th at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time.

  1. Comment on THIS BLOG POST with your bid. Bidding starts at US$1.
  2. You may, of course, bid more than once.
  3. The highest bid at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 29th, 2012, will win.
  4. Once the auction closes, if you are the highest bidder, I will contact you with further instructions.
  5. Please DO NOT donate, send the file, etc., unless I email you! SERIOUSLY.
  6. And…go!

—

About Jodi:

Jodi Meadows lives and writes in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, with her husband, a Kippy*, and an alarming number of ferrets. She is a confessed book addict, and has wanted to be a writer ever since she decided against becoming an astronaut.

*A Kippy is a cat.

Posted on May 28, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 24 }

Agent Wishlist: INFO

FYI: Please do not donate for the agent wishlist yet! It will open on May 30th.

Group hugs are the best.

We’re gonna try something different, fun, and exciting on May 30th, so get ready guys, and tell your friends. Super Intern Jess Silva and Super Author Luvina Jean-Charles have put together a unique opportunity to get your work critiqued by one or both of them AND an agent. How?

Grant an Agent’s Wish!

Two agents, Sandy Lu of L. Perkins Agency, and Natanya Wheeler of Nancy Yost Literary have given Crits for Water 2012 three wishes of what they’d love to see in their inbox. If your MS matches one of those wishes, you can enter to get the first five pages of your MS plus a query read and critiqued. Each wish can have up to ten entries. To land an entry, comment on the blog post saying the agent and the wish.

Once your entry is confirmed by Jess, choose your donation:

$1 to enter only (no critique, unless you’re passed onto the agent).
$5 for a critique from Jess or Luvina
$10 for a critique from both ladies
(Again, please DON’T donate now.)

Whatever donation you choose, Jess or Luvina will read the entry and possibly pass it onto the Agent for another critique!

The wishes will be posted on May 30th!
The Agent Wishlist will be open for three days, or until each wish reaches 10 entries.
Whichever comes first.

So yeah. EPIC.

But also possibly confusing. If you have any questions about the Agent Wishlist, please throw them in the comments below. We’re figuring it out, too!

Posted on May 27, 2012 in 2012 Crits, FAQ · Comments { 4 }

GOAL!

I am flipping out. Y’all rock my world.

And there’s still another month left. We can change so many more lives. I am so excited for June! Also, be on the look out for information about the first Agent Wishlist coming soon. :)

Posted on May 26, 2012 in FAQ · Comments { 2 }

CLOSED: Critique of a Query by Author Michael R Underwood

Congrats to the winner, Mia!
But everyone should be getting an email from me soon.

Spot the d20?

Michael R. Underwood, author of the very upcoming Geekomancy, is offering to help refine another query for any science fiction/fantasy MS (adult or YA/MG). This is Mike’s last and final critique. He’s helped a lot of folks to great effect so far, so donate for clean water and get that query spic and span folks. (Is that actually how you spell that, anyone?) If you don’t win, you’ll still receive a query (or 1 page synopsis) critique from Kat! Huzzah!

This raffle is open for entries until 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 28th, 2012.

Read about Mike’s critiquerly aspects in his Not an Editor interview.

  1. Go to http://mycharitywater.org/critsforwater2012
  2. Click on the “Donate” button and donate $1.
  3. Then in the comments section, please write in a way to contact you. You can use your email, twitter, or website. Anything’s cool, as long as you check it often :D For example:
  4. When you donate, mycharitywater will ask you to become a member (if you’re not already). That does NOT mean the donation didn’t go through! If in doubt, check your email/bank account before re-donating.
  5. I will use random.org to pick the raffle winners on May 28th
  6. Anyone who does not win the raffle will receive a consolation Kat-Crit of a query or synopsis.

This is a little complicated, so please, if you have any questions, use the comment section below! And thank you so much!
—

About Michael

Mike started telling stories when he learned to talk and hasn’t seen a reason to stop yet. He grew up playing video games, CCGs, RPGs, and many other delightful games with acronyms. As a teenager, the friendly local game store was his home away from home, and the site of his apprenticeship in geekdom.

Mike earned a B.A. in Creative Mythology and in East Asian Studies from Indiana University, and a M.A. in Folklore Studies from the University of Oregon. Basically, destined to be a novelist.

Properly equipped with lots of ways to develop novel ideas, Mike set about accumulating a ridiculous job history, including bear builder, barista, bookseller, webmaster, web design instructor, and TV/DVD reviewer. He now works as a publisher’s representative, studies renaissance martial arts and dances Argentine Tango on the side.

Mike is a graduate of the 2007 Clarion West Writers Workshop.

Posted on May 25, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 1 }

CLOSED: Critique of 30 Pages by Agent Joanna Volpe

Super Agent at Nancy Coffey Literary, Joanna Volpe is offering to critique up to 30 pages (double-spaced, of course) of a manuscript or proposal. This can be for non-fiction for kids and teens, chapter books to YA novels, adult romance (historical, paranormal), fantasy (urban fantasy, steampunk), up-market fiction (dark, literary, horror, women’s fic, commercial thrillers, historical, magical realism, speculative fic), and commercial non-fiction (pop culture, environmental, foodie). Jo has a fabulous editorial eye and amazing, amazing taste, so get a-bidding and help Crits for Water change even more lives!

You can bid for this critique until May 25th at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time.

  1. Comment on THIS BLOG POST with your bid. Bidding starts at US$1.
  2. You may, of course, bid more than once.
  3. The highest bid at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 25th, 2012, will win.
  4. Once the auction closes, if you are the highest bidder, I will contact you with further instructions.
  5. Please DO NOT donate, send the file, etc., unless I email you! SERIOUSLY.
  6. And…go!

—

About Jo:

Joanna represents all brands of fiction, from picture books to adult. She has an affinity for stories that have a darker, grittier element to them, whether they be horror, drama or comedy. Her recent publications include The Shadow Reader by Sandy Williams (Ace), Divergent by Veronica Roth (Katherine Tegen Books), Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (Poppy), and Torn by Erica O’Rourke (KTeen).

Posted on May 24, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 38 }

CLOSED: Critique of 2500 words by Assistant Professor Sarah Mesle

Congrats to the winner, Kristi!

A rare and excellent opportunity today, guys, from Professor Mesle at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is offering her expertise on the first 2500 words of any adult or YA novel. She’d be an especially good reader for lgbt/queer friendly or political–as well as anything Victorian or nineteenth-century, or a MS with a more literary tone or bent (a “thinking” book). Or you can also have her creative and critical eyes on up to 2500 words of a synopsis. This is a fabulous opportunity to hone your craft and get a different sort of viewpoint on your work. So go forth and pledge!

You can pledge for this critique until May 25th at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time.

  1. Comment on this blog post saying how much you pledge.
  2. By pledging, you promise to donate the pledged amount only if you win
  3. Pledges must be at least $10.
  4. If you would like to pledge more, go for it! Every additional five dollars will give you another entry. (Ex: pledging $20, enough to give one person in a developing nation clean, safe water, gets you three entries.)
  5. You do NOT need to pledge more than previous commenters.
  6. Once pledging time ends, I’ll choose a winner using random.org.
  7. Again: please do NOT donate unless I email you saying you’re the winner.

This is a little complicated, so if you have any questions, feel free to comment below or email me.

—

About Sarah:

SARAH MESLE is a visiting Assistant Professor of Humanities at the University of California, Los Angeles. She received her PhD from Northwestern University in 2009. Her academic interests include American literature, particularly to 1900, the novel, gender and popular culture, and transatlantic cultures of slavery.

Posted on May 23, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 8 }

CLOSED: Critique of 25 Pages + Synopsis by Lorin Oberweger

Next up on the auction block is an amazing opportunity by renowned independent book editor and author Lorin Oberweger, founder of Free Expressions. Lorin is offering to critique the first 25 pages (double-spaced, of course) and a synopsis of any fiction manuscript. This is an amazing opportunity to get incredibly experienced eyes on your MS–so bid, minions!

You can bid for this critique until May 23rd at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time.

  1. Comment on THIS BLOG POST with your bid. Bidding starts at US$1.
  2. You may, of course, bid more than once.
  3. The highest bid at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 23rd, 2012, will win.
  4. Once the auction closes, if you are the highest bidder, I will contact you with further instructions.
  5. Please DO NOT donate, send the file, etc., unless I email you! SERIOUSLY.
  6. And…go!

—

About Lorin:

LORIN OBERWEGER is a highly sought-after independent book editor and ghostwriter with almost twenty-five years experience in publishing. Her company, Free Expressions, offers nationwide writing seminars, including the upcoming Breakout Novel Intensive 2.0 in Orlando, Florida with literary agent Donald Maass. In addition, she serves as Editor-in-Residence/Class Instructor for the renowned Writers Retreat Workshop, a workshop in which she has participated for twenty years.

Lorin’s students and clients have millions of books in print and have been published by imprints of HarperCollins, Random House, Penguin, Scholastic, and other mainstream and independent presses. They have also gained representation with some of the industry’s leading literary agents.

An award-winning author, Lorin’s poetry, short fiction, and articles have appeared in well over one-hundred periodicals, including THE MONTSERRAT REVIEW, STORYQUARTERLY, and the bestselling regional anthology FRENCH QUARTER FICTION. Recently, an excerpt of her novel-in-progress, ITCH, was awarded “Best of Workshop” at Writers in Paradise, co-founded by author Dennis Lehane. She is represented by Tracey Adams at Adams Literary.

Posted on May 22, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 20 }