Tag Archives | Synopsis Crit

CLOSED: Critique of Three Chapters + Synopsis by Author Claire Legrand

Crazy fab opportunity today with unicornly Claire Legrand, author of the deliciously creepy upcoming middle grade, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls. Claire is offering to critique the first three chapters of and synopsis for a young adult or middle grade fantasy or science fiction. Claire is pretty much the most amazing thing since sparkles, so get to bidding, folks.

This auction is open for bids until 11:59pm, Eastern time, June 24th.

  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 24th, 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 Claire:

Claire is a Texan living in New York City! She writes fantastical stories, and her daemon is an ocelot but sometimes a unicorn.

Her first novel, THE CAVENDISH HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, due out August 28, 2012 from Simon & Schuster BFYR, will probably give you nightmares. Or at the very least make you buy a nightlight.

Her second novel, THE YEAR OF SHADOWS, due out in Fall 2013 from Simon & Schuster BFYR, involves several ghosts, a girl who lives in a haunted music hall, and a rather insouciant cat.

Her third novel, WINTERSPELL, due out in Fall 2014 from Simon & Schuster BFYR, is a young adult retelling of The Nutcracker, full of faeries, bloody swordfights, and forbidden romance.

Posted on June 23, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 9 }

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: Lucky 13s Critique Pack with Caroline Carlson, Peggy Eddleman, and Stephanie Kuehn

Awesome chance to get your submissions package polished to a shiny, shiny gem with three ladies of the Lucky 13s: Caroline Carlson and Peggy Eddleman are offering to critique the first 2500 words of your young adult or middle grade manuscript (any genre, though they specialize in speculative fiction). Then Stephanie Kuehn will critique your synopsis and query, rounding out your submissions package if you’re getting ready to query. This is a fantastic opportunity to get three separate, genius sets of eyes on your writing, so get to bidding, guys!

  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 18th, 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 Caroline:

Caroline Carlson grew up in New England and now lives with her husband in western Pennsylvania. She earned an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Caroline writes humorous fantasy for middle-grade readers, and her pirate adventure series is forthcoming from HarperCollins Children’s Books.

About Peggy:

Peggy Eddleman is the author of the middle grade post-apocalyptic adventure THROUGH THE BOMB’S BREATH, to be published by Random House in Fall 2013. On school days, she works with fourth graders who are struggling with math and language arts, and the rest of the time she hangs out at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah with her three hilarious and fun kids (two sons and a daughter), and her incredibly supportive husband. Besides writing, Peggy enjoys playing games with her family, making dinner, reading to her kids, toilet papering friends’ houses, doing cartwheels in long hallways, trying new restaurants, and occasionally painting murals on walls.

About Stephanie:

Stephanie grew up in Berkeley, California, which is a quirky sort of a place with a ton of wonderful bookstores. Her very first job was working in one of those bookstores, and she’s been a freakishly avid reader for as long as she can remember. Now, as an adult, she’s found her own passion in writing books for teens. Other passions of hers include mental health advocacy, social justice, and sports of all kinds. She currently lives in Northern California with her husband and three kids. Her debut young adult novel, CHARM & STRANGE, will be published in 2013 by St. Martin’s Press.

Posted on June 17, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 8 }

CLOSED: Critique of a Synopsis by Author Janice Hardy

Congratulations to the winner, Mia!

One of three chances to get a critique by the super fantabulous Janice Hardy, author of the Healing Wars series. For this pledge, Janice is offering to critique the synopsis (up to three pages) for any fiction MS, though she specializes in science fiction/fantasy. Plus, she’s offered to help over two drafts to get it epically polished. Janice also runs an incredible blog, The Other Side of the Story, that helps aspiring writers tackle the craft and submissions, including the dreaded synopsis.

You can pledge for this critique until June 17th 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 five dollars will give you another entry. (Ex: pledging $20, enough to give two people in a developing nation clean, safe water, gets you four 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 Janice:

A long-time fantasy reader, Janice Hardy always wondered about the darker side of healing. For her fantasy trilogy THE HEALING WARS, she tapped into her own dark side to create a world where healing was dangerous, and those with the best intentions often made the worst choices. Her books include THE SHIFTER, BLUE FIRE, and the final book in the trilogy, DARKFALL. She lives in Georgia with her husband, three cats and one very nervous freshwater eel. You can visit her online at www.janicehardy.com or chat with her about writing on her blog, The Other Side of the Story.

Posted on June 15, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 11 }

CLOSED: Critique of 25 Pages + Synopsis by Lorin Oberweger

The second of two opportunities to get an amazing critique by 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 young adult or middle grade manuscript. Lorin is incredibly well known and has helped many an awesome author.

You can bid for this critique until June 15th 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 15th, 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 YA/MG Your Best Book Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina with literary agents Josh and Tracey Adams and publishing professional Emma D. Dryden. 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 June 14, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 12 }

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 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 }

CLOSED: Critique of 20 pages by agent Lucienne Diver

Freaky monsters, Apollo, and guns. What's not to love?

Super Agent at the Knight Agency and author of YA like Fangtastic and urban fantasy like the upcoming Bad Blood, Lucienne Diver, is offering a critique of up to 20 pages (which may include a synopsis, if you wish). It can be from the first pages of a fantasy, romance, science fiction, suspense, or erotica manuscript. This is a unique opportunity to get a perspective from both an author and an agent, so go and bid, minions!

Check Mary Kaley’s critiquerly interview of Ms. Diver over at Not an Editor for an idea of her editing process!

This auction is open for bidding until 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, April 12th, 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 last comment at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, April 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!

—

Ms. Diver

About Lucienne:

Lucienne Diver joined The Knight Agency in 2008, after spending fifteen years at New York City’s prestigious Spectrum Literary Agency. With her sharp eye and gift for spotting original new voices, Lucienne is one of the most well-respected agents in the industry. A lifelong book addict, she graduated summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Potsdam with dual majors in English/writing and anthropology. She thus came well-equipped for her work as an agent. She is also the author of the popular Vamped series of young adult novels (think Clueless meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Bad Blood, the first novel in her Latter-Day Olympians series of contemporary fantasy, set in LA and featuring a heroine who can, quite literally, stop men in their tracks.

Over the course of her dynamic career she has sold over seven hundred titles to every major publisher, and has built a client list of more than forty authors spanning the commercial fiction genres, primarily in the areas of fantasy, science fiction, romance, mystery, suspense and erotica. Her authors have been honored with the RITA, National Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Heart, and the Romantic Times Reader’s Choice, and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. A publishing veteran, Lucienne has superb industry knowledge, numerous editor relationships, and a keen understanding of the foreign rights market. She is a member of the Association of Authors Representatives, RWA, MWA and SFWA.

Posted on April 11, 2012 in 2012 Crits, Finished · Comments { 15 }

CLOSED: Critique of 25 pages + Synopsis by Ashlyn Macnamara

Her books help bring back the name Benedict as much as the above sexy beast.

Duchess Ashlyn Macnamara, author of the upcoming regency romance A Most Scandalous Proposal (published early 2013), is offering a critique of the first 25 pages plus full synopsis of a historical romance manuscript. This is a great opportunity not only to get your work looked at by a rocktastic, soon-to-be pubbed lady, but also to get your contest/agent submission package looked at by a 2011 Golden Heart finalist (and judge!).

This auction is open for bidding until 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, April 8th, 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 last comment at 11:59pm, Eastern Daylight Time, April 8th, 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 Ashlyn:

They say that once you reach your forties, you undergo some sort of mid-life crisis. That must have been what happened to Ashlyn Macnamara when she finally made up her mind to set down some of the stories that had been accumulating dust in the dark recesses of her brain for years. As space becomes available, other plots and characters have developed the pesky habit of moving in to take their place.

Ashlyn lives in the wilds of suburbia outside Montreal with her husband and two teenaged daughters. When not writing, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading and wasting time on the internet in the guise of doing research.

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