Tag Archives | Agent Crit

CLOSED: June Agent Wishlist: Ammi-Joan Paquette and Sarah LaPolla

Thank you so much to everyone for participating!
Congratulations to Haylee Qualls, Suze Winegardner, Brandi Ziegler, 
Chris Day, Emily Skrutskie, and Demetra Brodsky!
 
 
 
 
 

Let the scramble for June’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 spectacular agents, Ammi-Joan Paquette or Sarah LaPolla.

This contest will be open until June 29th at 10:00PM Eastern Time or when all the spots are filled. Please participate as quickly as possible, as donations to the campaign will close soon.

  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: “Sarah LaPolla #3, please!”
  3. Hold tight until Jess or I reply 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 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 Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency!

Joan joined EMLA in spring 2009 as an associate agent and was promoted to agent in fall 2011 after working in the editorial area of educational software development. In the last few years she has placed dozens of manuscripts with editors and is especially passionate about connecting with and launching the careers of debut authors. As the “East Coast branch” of EMLA, Joan works from her home office in Massachusetts, with long-distance support from the main Flagstaff office. She represents all forms of children’s and young adult literature, but is most excited by a strong lyrical voice, tight plotting with surprising twists and turns, and stories told with heart and resonance that will stand the test of time.

An EMLA client herself, Joan is also the author of a picture book, The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies (Tanglewood, 2009), a mid-grade novel Nowhere Girl (Walker, 2011), and several other books due out in the next few years. When she is not on the phone, answering email, or writing, you will most likely find Joan curled up with a book. Or baking something delicious. Or talking about something delicious she’s baked. Really, after books and food, what else is there worth saying?

Joan’s Wishes:

  1. YA psychological thriller with unexpected plot twists and turns; perhaps even an unreliable narrator (Spots left: 9)
  2. Well-paced YA mystery in the style of Agatha Christie (Spots left: 8)
  3. Rich YA fantasy, with a strong female main character and plenty of action, in the style of Graceling (Spots left: 1)

 

And Sarah LaPolla of Curtis Brown LTD!

Sarah LaPolla began at Curtis Brown in 2008, working with Dave Barbor and Peter Ginsberg. Sarah is interested in literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, science fiction, literary horror, and young adult fiction. She loves complex characters, coming-of-age stories, and strong narrators. Sarah graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Writing and English, and went on to receive her MFA in Creative Writing from The New School.

Sarah’s Wishes:

  1. MG literary/coming-of-age – think Jenny Han, but younger (Spots left: 7)
  2. YA science fiction (less on the dystopian side and more on the space adventure side) (Spots left: 6)
  3. YA psychological mystery/thriller – but not paranormal/supernatural (Spots left: 9)

That’s all, guys. Aaaand GO!

Posted on June 27, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 68 }

CLOSED: In-Depth Query Critique with Agent Kate Testerman

Excellent critique opportunity today with super agent Kate Testerman of KT Literary. She’s offering to critique a query of a young adult or middle grade manuscript (any genre). This will be in-depth, like a very special About My Query post, PLUS Kate’s offering the winner a follow up phone call (or some tea, if you live in the area) to discuss the query, as well as some sweet KT Literary swag: a tote bag and a flashdrive/bracelet. So get a-bidding folks, and help Crits for Water finish with a bang.

This auction is open for bids until 11:59pm, Eastern time, June 26th.

  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, June 26th, 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 Kate:

After nearly ten years with industry powerhouse agency Janklow & Nesbit Associates, Kate Schafer Testerman formed kt literary in early 2008, where she concentrates on middle grade and YA fiction as well as handling some select adult commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. Bringing to bear the experience of working with a large agency, she enjoys concentrating on all aspects of working with her authors, offering hands-on experience, personal service, and a surfeit of optimism.

Her clients include Maureen Johnson, Ellen Booraem, Stephanie Perkins, S. Terrell French, Thomas E. Sniegoski, Josie Bloss, and Matthew Cody, among other exciting newcomers. Kate is a graduate of the University of Delaware’s Honors Program, a former cast member of the New York Renaissance Faire, and an avid collector of shoes. Her interests cover a broad range including teen chick lit, urban fantasy and magical realism, adventure stories, and romantic comedies. She is an active member of the SCBWI and AAR.

Posted on June 25, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 15 }

CLOSED: Critique of a Query or Synopsis by Agent Katie Grimm

Another fabulous Super Agent opportunity, this time with Agent Katie Grimm at Don Congdon Associates. Katie is an incredibly warm and talented agent, and she’s offering to critique a query or one page synopsis. In adult fiction, this can be for: literary fiction, upmarket women’s fiction, historical fiction, mystery, or thriller. In young adult, the MS can be a fantasy or contemporary (but especially a mix between the two), and any genre in middle grade (but preferably something humorous with a creepy twist).

You can pledge for this critique until June 24th 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 $5.
  4. If you would like to pledge more, go for it! Every additional three dollars will give you another entry. (Ex: pledging $20, enough to give one person in a developing nation clean, safe water, gets you six 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 Katie:

Katie joined Don Congdon Associates in 2007. In addition to maintaining her own client list, she acts as business manager. She focuses on vivid literary fiction, transportive historical fiction, up-market women’s fiction, cohesive short story collections, and lurid mysteries & thrillers with exotic or historical settings. In young adult, she is actively seeking both contemporary and fantastical high-concepts with a touch of romance. In middle grade, she looks for heart and humor with a strange or creepy twist. Most importantly, she is hooked by fiction with emotional resonance and longevity, and in her opinion, this requires an authentic voice, relatable characters, and a twisting plot that keeps her intrigued. For non-fiction, she is looking for narrative non-fiction about history, popular science, off-beat topics, and counter-culture. She is also a member of SCBWI.

Posted on June 22, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 21 }

CLOSED: Critique with Authors Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, Adams Literary, and Editor Laura Schreiber

An amazing opportunity today, guys: co-authors of These Broken Stars Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner (also author of the amazeballs upcoming Skylark) are offering an amazing critique package for any young adult or middle grade manuscript (but especially of the fantasy or scifi persuasion). Not only will both critique your first 25 pages plus query, but your revised query will then be examined by their super agents, Tracey Adams and Josh Adams of Adams Literary. AND your critiqued and edited shiny first chapter will also be read by editor Laura Schreiber, of Disney-Hyperion, and she will provide a follow-up twenty minute phone call.

UPDATE on the extra-secret awesome: Because bidding got so high, and there was that fabulous tie at the end, Meg, Amie, Tracey, Josh, and Laura have offered another crit package to the second place winner, Kristina. Thanks to everyone for providing fifty more people with clean water. Y’all are the best.
You can bid for this critique until June 12th 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, June 12th, 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 Meagan:

Meagan Spooner grew up reading and writing every spare moment of the day, while dreaming about life as an archaeologist, a marine biologist, an astronaut. She graduated from Hamilton College in New York with a degree in playwriting, and has spent several years since then living in Australia. She’s traveled with her family all over the world to places like Egypt, South Africa, the Arctic, Greece, Antarctica, and the Galapagos, and there’s a bit of every trip in every story she writes.

In her spare time she plays guitar, plays video games, plays with her cat, and reads.

About Amie:

Amie is a young adult author from Melbourne, Australia, represented by Tracey Adams of Adams Literary. She writes fantasy, science fiction and all things speculative. Her debut novel, THESE BROKEN STARS, co-authored with Meagan Spooner, will be out in 2013 from Disney-Hyperion.

Her favourite procrastination techniques involve chocolate, baking, sailing, her dog Jack, gardening, plotting and executing overseas travel, napping, her music collection and reading. Also her husband.

About Adams Literary:

Adams Literary is a full-service, boutique literary agency exclusively representing children’s and young adult authors and artists. Clients include Meagan and Amie (obviously!), Veronica Rossi (Under The Never Sky), New York Times Bestseller Margaret Peterson Haddix, and many other award-winning authors.

About Laura:

Laura Schreiber is an Assistant Editor at Disney-Hyperion. She loves books for small people, angsty people and discerning grown-up people. She once dared Meagan Spooner to bring a lion home from Africa.

Posted on June 11, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 37 }

CLOSED: Critique of 1250 Words by Agent Elana Roth

Congratulations to Alexandra, Elana’s winner!
But I’ll be contacting everyone for your consolation Kat-Crits as well. :)

Elana Roth, agent at and founder of Red Tree Literary, has offered her amazing expertise to Crits for Water next! She is offering to critique the first 1250 words of any young adult or middle grade manuscript for one winner. Elana has amazing taste (she represents Justina, for example, whose auction is running until the end of June 10th!), so head over to mycharitywater and enter! And if you don’t win, you’ll still receive a consolation Kat-Crit.

Entries will be accepted for this critique until June 12th at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time.

  1. Go to http://mycharitywater.org/critsforwater2012
  2. Click on the “Donate” button and donate $5.
  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 winner June 13th
  6. Anyone who does not win the raffle will receive a consolation Kat-Crit.

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

—

About Elana:

Elana Roth is a Brooklyn-based creative type, specifically of the word variety. After 4 years of agenting at other people’s companies, she opened Red Tree Literary to continue working with a select list of children’s and young adult authors on her own.

How she fell in love with children’s content is a long story that begins by sheer dumb luck with an internship at Nickelodeon Magazine. Books followed when she began working as an editor at Parachute Publishing, where she spent 5 years learning the publishing ropes on series for kids of all ages (and that includes some adults). She switched to agenting in 2008.

Educationally, Elana is a graduate of Barnard College and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she earned degrees in English literature and Bible. Surprisingly, it’s that second degree which comes more in handy when trying to make conversation at cocktail parties.

Posted on June 10, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 2 }

CLOSED: Critique of a Synopsis by Agent Marisa Corvisiero

Marisa Corvisiero‘s other critique opportunity is a zinger–she’s offered to help one winner refine that synopsis. This can be, in adult, YA, or MG realms, for a romance, thriller, adventure, paranormal, fantasy, or scifi.. Considering the trepidation many authors have when facing the synopsis, get her advice to learn how to make yours sparkle and help charity: water!

You can bid for this critique until June 3rd 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, June 3rd, 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 Marisa:

Marisa A. Corvisiero is the founder of the Corvisiero Literary Agency and our Senior Literary Agent. During the few years prior to starting her own agency, Marisa worked with the L. Perkins Agency, where she learned invaluable lessons and made a name for herself in the industry. She is also a Literary Consultant at Literary Powerhouse Consulting and Attorney. Marisa has over ten years of legal experience in New York City.

Marisa seeks creative stories with well developed plots and rich characters with unique voices. She will consider Romance, Thrillers, Adventure, Paranormal, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and any combination thereof. She will also consider the same genres for Young Adults and Middle Grade readers. In non-fiction, she enjoys out of box and high concept spiritual, self-improvement, parenting, science, business, and cookbooks.

Posted on June 2, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 6 }

CLOSED: Critique of a Query by Agent Marisa Corvisiero

Super Agent, founder of Corvisiero Literary Agency, and spifftastic literary consultant at Literary Powerhouse, Marisa Corvisiero is offering TWO winners a query critique. (Even if you have a query for two separate books, you can only win once.) This can be, in adult, YA, or MG realms, for a romance, thriller, adventure, paranormal, fantasy, or scifi. Or a query for a non-fiction spiritual, self-improvement, parenting, science, business, or cookbook proposal.

You can pledge for this critique until June 4th 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 $5.
  4. If you would like to pledge more, go for it! Every additional three dollars will give you another entry. (Ex: pledging $20, enough to give one person in a developing nation clean, safe water, gets you six 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 Marisa:

Marisa A. Corvisiero is the founder of the Corvisiero Literary Agency and our Senior Literary Agent. During the few years prior to starting her own agency, Marisa worked with the L. Perkins Agency, where she learned invaluable lessons and made a name for herself in the industry. She is also a Literary Consultant at Literary Powerhouse Consulting and Attorney. Marisa has over ten years of legal experience in New York City.

Marisa seeks creative stories with well developed plots and rich characters with unique voices. She will consider Romance, Thrillers, Adventure, Paranormal, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and any combination thereof. She will also consider the same genres for Young Adults and Middle Grade readers. In non-fiction, she enjoys out of box and high concept spiritual, self-improvement, parenting, science, business, and cookbooks.

Posted on June 2, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 8 }

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 }

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 }

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 }