Agents, Authors, Books, Critiques, For Writers, Literary Agents, Manuscript Requests, Publishing, Query Letter, Writing, Writing Life, Young Adult Novels

Query Letter Critique (YA Contemporary)

Original Query: Almost fainting onstage should be a foolproof way to lose a battle of the bands. But seventeen-year-old singer Charlie’s sabotage backfires, and her all-girl band the Wretched Gretchens takes first place anyway. Cue the sappy “Hallelujah” music. It’s not that Charlie wants her band to break up—she’s just sick of her stage persona… Continue reading Query Letter Critique (YA Contemporary)

Agents, Authors, Critiques, For Writers, Literary Agents, Manuscript Requests, Publishing, Query Letter, Writing, Writing Life

Query Critique (Non-fiction)

The Original Query: Address Address Address To Whom This May Concern, GO BLOG YOURSELF! What better way to showcase concrete research on blogging as a legit form of writing for students then to place it next to blog entries from the researcher, and teacher, herself? My book, GO BLOG YOURSELF, would include entries from two of… Continue reading Query Critique (Non-fiction)

Agents, Authors, Barbara Poelle, For Writers, Happy Things, Literary Agents, My Agent Is Super Awesome, Publishing, Science Fiction, Sparkly Things, Speculative Fiction, Writing, Writing Life

Special Post: Ask an agent ANYthing and Harper is open to unagented submissions!

A couple of amazing things I had to share with my fellow writing friends... If you’ve ever wanted an opportunity to ask a literary agent ANY question regarding publishing - now’s your chance! My agent (Barbara Poelle) is doing a monthly column for Writers Digest where she’ll be answering questions from YOU. No writing/publishing question… Continue reading Special Post: Ask an agent ANYthing and Harper is open to unagented submissions!

Agents, Authors, Barbara Poelle, Contest, Debut Novels, For Readers, For Writers, Giveaway, Happy Things, Literary Agents, Sparkly Things

Lots of Sparkly Things Happening…

This post is going to be a little different because there are a few things happening around the interwebs that writers (and readers) might be interested in. I LOVE helping my peoples out when I can, so here you go! 1. There’s a new agent at my agency! *throws confetti* Here are some deets: Name:… Continue reading Lots of Sparkly Things Happening…

Authors, For Writers, Getting Started, Literary Agents, Manuscript Requests, Novels, Publishing, Synopsis, Writing Life

Say what? Publishing Terms Defined

Publishing has a lot of jargon we take for granted because we’re around it ALL the time. Over the weekend I was asked a few questions, so here are some definitions if you’re seeing things floating around twitter or the blogosphere and feel out of the loop... Please note: This list isn’t all inclusive, so… Continue reading Say what? Publishing Terms Defined

Agents, Barbara Poelle, For Writers, Happy Things, Literary Agents, My Agent Is Super Awesome, Query Letter

Attn Writers: My agent is doing a webinar!

Hey writer friends I’ve got something for YOUUUU! My agent is doing another Writers Digest Webinar (From Cozy to Carnage: An Agent Explains the Ins and Outs of Thriller/Mystery Writing–For Both the Adult and YA Markets) on Thursday April 12th. Are you squinting at your screen wondering why you should be interested in this? If… Continue reading Attn Writers: My agent is doing a webinar!

Big News, Happy Things, Literary Agents, Writing Life

Four words, twelve letters: I HAVE AN AGENT!!!

You guys... I can’t believe I’m actually typing this post out. I mean, sure I’ve dreamt about writing something like this for the last two years, but I seriously can’t believe it’s real. I mean, it’s REALLY real. HOLY MOTHER. I HAVE AN AGENT. A real, live, agent is my partner in publishing crime. And… Continue reading Four words, twelve letters: I HAVE AN AGENT!!!

Agents, beautiful life, Big News, Happy Things, Hearts and Hearts, Literary Agents, Sparkly Things, Writing Life

Big news is on the way…

This morning I had a super secret phone call that made me do this: Immediately followed by this: I can't say much... yet. But I will say one thing: Today is DEFINITELY worthy of an Empire Records montage*... Check back in a few days on Wednesday for an official announcement and details of the phone call...… Continue reading Big news is on the way…

Authors, Books, Characters, For Writers, Getting Started, Happy Things, Inspiration, Interwebs, Literary Agents, Love, Manuscript Requests, Sparkly Things, Writing Life

5 things you can be proud of RIGHT NOW

As writers we spend a lot of time inside of our heads. A LOT. I’d say we also spend a GREAT deal of time focused on the future. OMGGG when will I sign with an agent? When if ever please please please will I find an editor who wants to buy my book? What if… Continue reading 5 things you can be proud of RIGHT NOW

Books, Characters, Inspiration, Literary Agents, Manuscript Requests, Query Letter, Science Fiction, Writing

Revisions, Unicorns, and lot’s of Face Punching

Oh my, oh my, OH MY. I can’t believe it’s Friday, which is a good thing. But STILL. Where does the time go? More importantly WHERE DID MY BRAIN GO?! There’s so much happening. Here’s the deal: I received a reader’s report on my current manuscript several weeks ago, LURVED the suggestions and got to… Continue reading Revisions, Unicorns, and lot’s of Face Punching