Tag Archives | Romance

CLOSED: Critique of 2500 Words with Leigh Bardugo, Vanessa Di Gregorio, and Biljana Likic

Crazy awesome opportunity with three Pub Crawl ladies: Leigh Bardugo, Vanessa Di Gregorio, and Biljana Likic. They’re offering one lucky winner a critique of 2500 words from young adult fantasy or scifi, adult literary fiction, romance, or horror. This is a great chance to get three fabulous sets of eyes on your opening, so get to changing lives and bid, guys.

This auction will be open for bids only until June 29th at 6:00pm, Eastern Daylight Time. Please be aware that, as the campaign is ending soon after the close of the auction, you need to make your donation before 11:59pm, eastern time, on the 29th. Sorry for any inconvenience.

  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 6:00pm, Eastern Daylight Time, June 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 Vanessa:

Vanessa Di Gregorio works in publishing as an account manager/sales rep at Ampersand, a book and gift sales agency. A former literary agency intern with a penchant for picture books and YA fantasy, Vanessa knew she would end up working in the book biz. When she isn’t driving around visiting bookstores (or working on her company’s website), she can be found reading, playing video games, watching T.V., or writing. She also may or may not be working on a YA fantasy. A social media addict, Tumblr enthusiast, carbivore, Instagram junkie, and supporter of the serial comma, Vanessa leads a wonderfully nerdy life in Toronto with her husband. You can find Vanessa geeking out at Something Geeky, Goodreads, or on Twitter.

About Leigh:

Leigh Bardugo was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University. She indulges her fondness for glamour, ghouls, and costuming in her other life as a makeup artist in Hollywood. Her debut novel, SHADOW AND BONE, a YA fantasy set in a world inspired by Tsarist Russia, was published in June of 2012 by Holt Children’s/Macmillan and is now a New York Times Bestseller. She is repped by Joanna Stampfel-Volpe of New Leaf. To learn more about Leigh and the Grisha Trilogy, please visit her website or follow her antics on twitter.

About Biljana:

Biljana Likic (Bil-yana Lik-itch) was born in Belgrade, Ex-Yugoslavia, but has lived in Toronto, Canada since she was only a year old. Her dream as a kid was to be an actor, but as time passed this dream morphed into being a writer, since in writing she wasn’t confined to simply one character. It was during high school that she decided to dabble in writing a novel, and it has since turned into the finished manuscript she is revising today.

She’s also passionate about history and the personalities that occupy it. She’s constantly drawing inspiration from the past and setting these ideas in today’s world, discovering that really, people don’t intrinsically change as drastically as the snooty tomes of history would have us believe. Right now, she’s in her second year at the University of Toronto with a double major of English and Medieval Studies.

Posted on June 28, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 11 }

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 }

CLOSED: Critique of a Query by Agent Joanna Volpe

Congratulations to Monique!

Super Agent at Nancy Coffey Literary, Joanna Volpe is offering to critique one lucky winner’s query. 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). She has an eagle eye and a fantabulous sense of humor, so don’t miss pledging for her expertise!

You can pledge for this critique until May 23rd 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 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 21, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 34 }

CLOSED: Critique of 10 Pages by Junior Agent Brittany Booker

Thank you for your patience and participation!
Congrats to Kate, the winner!

Next up in the CLA Triangle (like the Bermuda Triangle, but with the forces of GOOD), Brittany Booker of the Corvisiero Literary Agency is offering to critique the first 10 pages from a YA, fantasy, paranormal, or romance manuscript.

You can pledge for this critique until May 20th 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 Brittany:

Brittany Booker is a Jr. Literary Agent in training. She has worked with Marisa A. Corvisiero during her time at the L. Perkins Agency. Brittany is a Senior at The University of Arkansas at Monticello, where she is majoring in English and minoring in Journalism.

Brittany loves to read YA, paranormal, fantasy, romance, and some historical fiction. She is a big sucker for happy endings. Brittany has working knowledge of Japanese and Spanish.

Learn more about Brittany at her blog.

Posted on May 18, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 5 }

CLOSED: Critique of 10 pages by Junior Agent Jordy Albert

Congrats to the winner, Tom!

To start off the CLA awesome triad, Super Junior Agent Jordy Albert of the Corvisiero Literary Agency is offering to critique the first 10 pages from an historical or paranormal romance, science fiction, fantasy, or horror manuscript. So get to pledging, and cross your fingers that random.org loves you!

You can pledge for this critique until May 19th 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 Jordy:

Jordy Albert is a Jr. Literary Agent in training. She holds a B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University, and a M.A. from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. She has worked with Marisa Corvisiero during her time at the L. Perkins Agency for over a year. Jordy also works as a freelance editor, and of course enjoys reading in her spare time. She is a fan of the SyFy, History and Discovery Channels, enjoys studying languages (French/Japanese), and is teaching herself how to knit. Her favorite genres include historical/paranormal romance, sci-fi/fantasy, dystopian, and horror.

Posted on May 17, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 6 }

CLOSED: Critique of 30 pages by Agent Emmanuelle Morgen

Super Agent Emmanuelle Morgen of Stonesong is offering an in-depth critique of the first 30 pages (double-spaced, of course) from a women’s fiction, historical fiction, romance, YA, MG, or narrative non-fiction (memoir, psychology, sociology, or popular science) manuscript. Emmanuelle has rocking good taste and is incredibly kind, so get to bidding, folks!

This auction is open for entries until 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 16th, 2012.

  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 16th, 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 Emmanuelle:

Emmanuelle Morgen joined Stonesong as an agent in January 2012. Previously she was an agent at Judith Ehrlich Literary and Wendy Sherman Associates, and an editor at Fodor’s, the travel division of Random House. She enjoys developing long-term relationships with her clients, working closely with them to build their literary careers.

Emmanuelle represents adult and children’s fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction in the areas of memoir, psychology, sociology, and popular science. In children’s books, she is looking for young adult and middle grade novels. In adult books, she is looking for women’s fiction, historical fiction, romance, and a certain type of thriller in which a team of people or a partnership battle impossible odds.

Posted on May 15, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 26 }

CLOSED: Critique of 3000 Words by Author Imogen Howson


Congratulations to the winner, Tom!

The lovely Imogen Howson, author of several adult romances and young adult books, including the upcoming Linked is offering a 3000 word critique of the first pages from a romance, horror, fantasy, scifi, or YA manuscript (but no ultra-grim forensic-types, please).

You can pledge for this critique until May 9th at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, and read about her critiquing style over in her Not an Editor interview.

  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 Imogen:

As a child, Imogen loved reading so much that she not only read in bed, at the table and in the bath, but in the shower and – not so successfully – on her bicycle. She enjoyed books in a slightly unorthodox way, too – many of her childhood books have ragged edges where she tore paper from the margins in order to eat it.
Some years later, she’s busy writing romantic science fiction and fantasy for young adults and adults. She lives with her partner and two teenage daughters, in a house that desperately needs a second bathroom, near Sherwood Forest in England. She still reads in most places but she no longer eats paper.

Posted on May 7, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 8 }

CLOSED: Critique of Three Chapters by Author Sherry Thomas

I just noticed the cover model isn't wearing shoes. Awesome.

Rounding off the Romance month of April (a little extra, ’cause it’s awesome) is multiple RITA-Award winning Sherry Thomas, whose new historical Beguiling the Beauty releases today (so excited!!). Sherry also has a young adult fantasy series that will hit the shelves starting Fall, 2013. She is offering to gently skewer the first three chapters of a romance (any sub-genre) or a young adult MS.

Check out her critiquing style over at Not an Editor.

This auction is open for bidding until 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, May 2nd, 2012.

  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 2nd, 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 Sherry:

Sherry Thomas burst onto the scene with PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS, a Publisher Weekly Best Book of 2008. Her sophomore book, DELICIOUS, is a Library Journal Best Romance of 2008. Her next two books, NOT QUITE A HUSBAND and HIS AT NIGHT, are back-to-back winners of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award for Best Historical Romance in 2010 and 2011. Lisa Kleypas calls her “the most powerfully original historical romance author working today.”

Her story is all the more interesting given that English is Sherry’s second language—she has come a long way from the days when she made her laborious way through Rosemary Roger’s SWEET SAVAGE LOVE with an English-Chinese dictionary. She enjoys digging down to the emotional core of stories. And when she is not writing, she thinks about the zen and zaniness of her profession, plays computer games with her sons, and reads as many fabulous books as she can find.

Posted on May 1, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 11 }

CLOSED: Critique of 20 Pages + Query by Jess Silva and Luvina Jean-Charles

The double phenomes that are Jess Silva (one of my crit partners extraordinaire) and Luvina Jean-Charles are offering a two-for-one critique of 20 pages and a query from the first pages of any commercial fiction, but especially YA/MG or romance MS. Jess is one of our illustrious Lit Agent Interns of Awesome (and also a great author), and Ms. Luvina is an incredibly creative author represented by Tina Wexler.

An only slightly arbitrary picture of princesses.

This auction is open for bidding until 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, April 28th, 2012.

  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, April 28th, 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 Jess:

Jessica Silva is a 23-year-old YA writer born and raised in the Seattle metropolitan area, which broadly means she enjoys coffee and nature but not at the same time. She tells stories she wishes she’d read as a growing girl (usually involves kickassery). Outside of writing, she’s a research assistant in the psychology department at the University of Washington and a remote intern for a fabulous literary agent.

 

About Luvina:

She’s an 23-year-old American YA writer living in Paris. Bright-eyed club kid turned micro-blogging expat, turned frequently anxious baby author. She writes fiction about people with problems. She likes Mexican food, horror movies and those refrigerators that let you choose between ice chips and ice cubes. Sge also like listing things in groups of three. She’s represented by International Creative Management.

Posted on April 27, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 14 }

CLOSED: Critique of 20 pages by Author Jenn LeBlanc


Congratulations to the winner!

She finds the best models evar, for serious.

Excessively talented and generous Jenn LeBlanc, the genius behind illustrated romances, is offering a critique of 20 pages. This can be from the first pages of any romance manuscript. Don’t miss her amazing eye, genius creativity, and wonderful kindness!

Read about Jenn’s fabulous insight into the individual styles of critiquers at her Not an Editor interview.

You can pledge for this critique until April 28th 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 $20. (Enough to provide one person with clean, safe water–maybe saving their life.)
  4. If you would like to pledge more, go for it! Every additional five dollars will give you another entry. (Ex: pledging $40 gets you five 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 Jenn:

Jenn LeBlanc is an award winning photojournalist. While true, it isn’t exactly what you’re here for. Jenn LeBlanc is a new author and a romance photographer. Her first novel THE RAKE AND THE RECLUSE, came out a year ago to no reviews and crickets in the background. A few months later, this little book started a movement. The pictures were stirring up trouble– and a legend was born. That legend was remastered and rereleased as it was meant to be with all new content, images and the previously unreleased story of The Rake in 2012.

She can’t be in the same room as firefighters, they freak her out. The stories are endless, hilarious and somewhat legendary at this point.

The fact is, she hangs out with sexy models during the day, and writes sexy heroes during the night, and right now she is still shocked that anyone is interested in either.

Jenn is fluent in English, snark, and knows some dirty French with the help of Google.

Posted on April 26, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 1 }