Need an agent? Pay It Forward Contest starts today!

CONTEST IS CLOSED. The top 5 will be announced Monday.

If you did not get a chance to enter, Diana fox will be doing an agent pitch here in March - hope to see you back.

============

Due to those who have helped me, I'm holding my own "Pay it Forward" contest.

As I mentioned, a while back when I was looking for an agent, one of my blogger buddies, Suzanne Young, helped me tremendously. You can read the full story here.

It will run this week - Monday, Jan 31 at 9am EST - Friday, Feb 4th at 5pm EST.

The winner will get a personal recommendation from me to my agent, Alyssa Henkin at Trident Media. (Trust me - you want her as an agent!)

This is how it will work:

* I will have people enter their pitch (YA or MG) and chose my top 5 pitches
* Then, those top 5 will send me their full query pitch letter.
* From the top 5 - I will choose 2 or 3 I like.
* Those will get a free query critique AND get to send me their first 3 chapters of their novel.
* I will pick ONE winner that I will recommend to Alyssa. If though she will know I haven't read your whole novel (but I see major potential in writing, story, and premise), you can use my name when you query her, which will get you pulled out of the slush pile.

Rules:

* You must be a follower of my blog and twitter. (If you don't have twitter, that's fine.)
* Your entry must be posted sometime between Monday morning 9am EST and no later than Friday 5pm EST - the contest will start and end by my clock.
* Your pitch must be NO MORE than 4 sentences.
* You must post a pay it forward post this week on FB or blog and post the link with your entry
* Your book must be done (or in revisions to be done in the next couple of months). I don't mind if you are editing/revising it as a draft, but it cant be only 3 chapters done. I want to do the recommendation by spring or so; not wait 6 months. (to be honest, I might forget and I want to stand good on my offer)
* You must be unagented and unpublished in novels (short stories and articles are fine) in MG and YA (if you have nonfiction or adult that is okay)

To Enter: Follow these 3 easy steps:
NOTE: You can post your entry anytime between Mon Jan 31st at 9AM EST and Friday, Feb 4th by midnight EST. It does not have to be today.

1. Post a "Pay it Forward" post on your blog or FB notes if you don't have a blog. (This can be any day this week during the contest).

* In that post, you MUST recognize someone for giving back to you. Maybe someone who has helped you in your writing or in your personal life. In your post, you can link to my "Pay it forward" post so your readers can also pay it forward.

2. Double check to make sure you are a follower of my blog and Twitter (if you have a Twitter account.)( what can I say - I like to reward my loyal followers and I want to meet you!)

* Of course, you are always welcome to join me on Facebook or sign up for my marketing newsletter that will start soon. I love cyberstalkers :)

3. Put your entry in the COMMENTS (Shout Out link at bottom of post). In your entry, you MUST provide the following information:

• first, last name
• email address
  
• genre (only for MG or YA)
  
• pitch (no more than 4 sentences)
• the link to your "Pay it forward" post (either on FB or blog)
  
• your twitter id (if you have one)

* If you don't follow these 3 steps, your entry may not count.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Good luck to everyone! :)

A Bookanistas Happy Dance for Beth Revis

The Bookanista's celebrate Beth Revis's Across The Universe hitting the NYT Bestseller's list!



Congrads Beth!

We love you!

Bookanistas: Over the Moon for Across the Universe

The winner of the Little Brown arcs are:

feeling fiction

Congrads and email me your address at sjohannes@bilaninc.com

Next - check out fellow Bookanista's Myra McEntire's Cover reveal for Hourglass! It's GORGE!!

All of the arcs from that have been won will be sent out next week.

Today I'm giving a shout out to Beth Revis and Across the Universe. I am so happy for Beth.

First - she debuted on the NYT bestsellers list!! woot woot! She - more than anyone - so deserves this success. I know all about Beth's long journey to publication. Not only have we been blogger buddies for about 3 years but we're also in the Bookanistas together. She is also one of my critique partners and let me tell you - she is an amazing critiquer!!! Like takes the time to give comments on anything and everything that could be helpful. Can you tell I'm a huge fan :)

ATU was like her 10th or 11th book. I actually remember a couple she tried to get agents for. Beth was a teacher, making ends meet while busting her tush at night to write. I even happen to know she got agent rejections for ATU. I also happen to know that she was on the verge (which I don't think would have happened b/c she loves writing too much) of giving up if this book didn't fly.

Guess we all know now what she was destined to do because Beth took off and is still flying - just like Godspeed. :)

My point in even revealing some of this (which she will tell you and has blogged about) is don't think this can't happen to you! Don't give up! You are only one person away from yes. One day you can get 10 rejections and the next get the one. The good thing about this publishing business is one day you can be ages away from ever seeing your book on the shelf but the next it could all happen in the blink of an eye. It's exciting.

Why I love ATU -

• Its different! what? no paranormal.....I think Beth was brilliant in taking Star trek and making it for teens is BRILLIANT.
• Her character, Amy, is spunky.
• It's pacy and she's a great writer. (hence, teacher!)
• I love the idea of being stuck in universe and having no future
• The first chapter - was - so - GRIPPING. Seriously, I literally felt the angst of being frozen. drowning. losing my parents.
• Elder is not your typical YA boy.
• I'm in love with the cover. Seriously - I have 2 books, one with the Elder cover and one with the Amy cover. ;)
• I loved the dual-perspective.

and finally....because I adore Beth :)

Go get it and you can fly high too.

Check out the other Bookanista reviews:

• Christine Fonseca freaks for THE FAMILIARS
• Elana Johnson loves THE LOST SAINT
• Jen Hayley and Scott Tracey swoon over ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS
• LiLa Roecker dies for DESIRES OF THE DEAD with a fabulous giveaway!
• Shannon Messenger gushes some cover love for HOURGLASS
• Carolina Valdez Miller loves THE LIAR SOCIETY, complete with a signed ARC giveaway!
• Shana Silver has fallen for FALL FOR ANYTHING
• Kirsten Hubbard is blown away by BLOOD MAGIC
• Myra McEntire reveals her amazing cover for HOURGLASS
• Carrie Harris celebrates XVI
• Jessi Kirby is mesmerized by A BLUE SO DARK
• Rosemary Clement-Moore marvels over MATCHED

Pay It Forward Contest

A while back when I was looking for an agent, one of my blogger buddies, Suzanne Young, helped me tremendously.

At the time, I only knew her through her blog and she had just signed with an agent and got a four-book deal with Razorbill. Her new novel with Balzer and Bray, A Need So Beautiful, comes out in June. (As a side note, I'm reading the ARC now and it is FRAWESOME (freakin' awesome.)

One day, Suzanne stopped by my blog and took the time to read my synopsis on the side. She contacted me offline - out of the blue. She loved my concept, voice, and idea so much - she personally recommended me to her agent. Suzanne's agent was kind enough to read my submission quickly and offered a letter of advice on how I could improve my book. She also offered (as did a few others) to reconsider the project if I revised it.

Several months later - I sent the revised book to Suzanne's agent (at the time) and a few others who also offered feedback. Suzanne's agent at the time was the first of the few that offered representation.

I've always had a special place in my heart for Suzanne because she was so selfless in giving me my first break - and sometimes that all you need is just a break. She did this without even knowing who I really was as a person.

So I'm feeling like it's time I give back. If you know me, you probably know I love to give back. I try to help people get in front of agents and editors on my pitch contests. Though I've seen some great pitches that haven't been chosen.

So I want to try and give someone else a break. Sometimes that all we need to take a step forward in this crazy business.

Therefore, I'm holding my own "Pay it Forward" contest. It will run next week - Monday, Jan 31 at 9am EST - Friday, Feb 4th at 5pm EST.

The winner will get a personal recommendation from me to my agent, Alyssa Henkin at Trident Media. (Trust me - you want her as an agent!)

This is how it will work.

• I will have people enter their pitch (YA or MG) and chose my top 10.
  
• Then, those top 10 will send me their full query pitch letter.
  
• From the top 10 - I will choose 3 I like.
  
• Those 3 will get a free query critique AND get to send me their first 3 chapters of their novel.
  
• I will pick ONE winner that I will recommend to Alyssa. That means you can use my name when you query her, which will get you pulled out of the slush pile.

Rules:

• You must be a follower of my blog and twitter. (If you don't have twitter, that's is fine.)
• Your entry must be posted sometime between Monday morning 9am EST and no later than Friday 5pm EST - the contest will start and end by my clock.
  
• Your pitch must be No more than 3-4 sentences.
• You must post a pay it forward post on FB or blog sometime during the contest time. I will need the link.
  
• 
  

To Enter: Follow these 3 steps
NOTE: You can post your entry anytime between Mon Jan 31st at 9AM EST and Friday, Feb 4th by midnight EST.

1. Post a "Pay it Forward" post on your blog or FB (can be any day next week during the contest).

• In that post, you MUST recognize someone for giving back to you. Maybe someone who has helped you in your writing or in your personal life. In your post, you can link to my "Pay it forward" post so your readers can also pay it forward.
  

2. Double check to be sure you MUST follow my blog and Twitter (if you have an account.) I like to reward my loyal followers and I want to meet you!

• Of course, you are always welcome to join me on FB or sign up for my marketing newsletter that will start soon. I love cyberstalkers :)

3. In your entry, you MUST provide the following information:

• name, email address, 3-4 sentence pitch, genre (MG or YA?), the link to your "Pay it forward" post (either on FB or blog), and your twitter id (if you have one).

• Your book must be done (or in revisions to be done in the next couple of months). I don't mind if you are editing/revising it as a draft, but it cant be only 3 chapters done. I want to do the recommendation by spring or so; not wait 6 months. (to be honest, I might forget and I want to stand good on my offer)

• your pitch can not be longer than 4 sentences.
  

Next week - I will be posting a few different "Pay it Forward" posts about people who have helped me along the way.

Hope to see you back here on Monday! :)

Marvelous Marketer: Alvina Ling, Executive Editor at Little Brown (Young Readers)

Today Alvina Ling (Executive Editor at Little Brown Books for Young Readers) has stopped by to share her thoughts on marketing.

Alvina and I are were both on faculty at the Carolinas and I can say she is as cute and sweet as she is a great editor. She's funny, loves karaoke, and especially likes taking pictures of food. I think she took a snapshot of mine before each course! :) (no really I have a picture to prove it - that is MY dessert she is enamored with!)

Hey Alvina, thanks for stopping by. First, tell us about yourself as an editor.

Wow, that's quite the open-ended question! Let's see. Aside from the fact that I'm an all-around awesome editor (haha); in terms of acquisitions, I'm the type of editor that will only sign up books that I am absolutely head-over-heels in love with. Then again, most editors are like that.

I'm also the kind of editor that looks for the type of books I loved as a kid, or the type of books that I WISH existed when I was a kid. I tend to love literary writing and the so-called "quiet" book, although of course love books that straddle that sweet spot of literary writing with commercial appeal. I'm also a blogging and tweeting editor--in terms of marketing and publicity, I try to do what I can to get my books noticed and out in the world. I'm generally a very accessible, approachable editor. I'm also a Karaoke-loving editor!

Yes, I have heard karaoke is your specialty! :) I'll need to look you up for BEA. I know most editors support their author's marketing, but how does Little Brown as a publishing house support their authors in their book marketing efforts?

As with most major publishers, we have some books that have huge marketing campaigns, including publicity tours, advertising, posters, displays, mailings, events, bookmarks, etc. etc. In comparison, I think there are other books that might give the perception that we don't do much in terms of marketing, but in reality, as an editor, I'm very happy that each and every book we publish gets some type of support.

We have a passionate and creative marketing department, and we're always trying new things. We also have an amazing school and library marketing department, and books that don't necessarily have wide commercial appeal get considerable school and library marketing support--special mailings, featured at conferences such as ALA, IRA, TLA, and NCTE, etc. Also, each and every book we publish gets a marketing and publicity contact. I've been pleased that our marketing department is also open to ideas and feedback from the author, and I've seen many examples (although of course not always) of an author suggesting something that we've decided was a good idea and executed.

We also have a document that we send to authors that gives advice on what the author can do themselves to help promote their own books (blogging, Tweeting, school visits, etc.)

It's nice to hear that some publishing companies promise some marketing no matter if you are mid-lister or headliner. On that note, what do you feel is most important in promoting books? What doesn't seem to work?

This might be a cop-out answer, but I think the most important thing in promoting a book is to first have an excellent book to promote. Word-of-mouth is probably the most powerful and yet most uncontrollable element in book promotion. We can do everything we can to get the books into the right people's hands, but if they don't love the book and then recommend it to others, it ends there. I also think an appealing, commercial cover paired with a strong title goes a long
way to selling books.

To be honest, the longer I'm in the business, the more clueless I am about what works and what doesn't. It really seems like a crap shoot to me. I know this isn't a great answer--but it's the truth!

What is the acquisitions process at Little Brown? From the time a book is submitted until you offer a contract.

The standard process is this: an agent submits a MS to me. I generally take between 1-3 months to read it. If I read and love it, I'll bring it to our weekly editorial meeting to ask for some additional editorial reads. The editors who volunteer will read it for the following week's editorial meeting. If the consensus is that we all love the book, then our editorial director or editor-in-chief will read the book within a week and determine whether it's ready to go to our biweekly acquisitions meeting.

We prepare materials for this meeting a week in advance, including a memo, comp titles and sales, and a P&L. At the meeting (which is attended by all of our Directors--Sales, Marketing, Publicity, etc.), our Publisher will ask for feedback, and then make the final decision of whether we want to make an offer or not.

Generally, due to the timing of the meetings, once it goes to editorial meeting it will take 3-5 weeks for us to make a decision. Of course, if there is other interest for a manuscript, or an editor loves a book so much they want to try to preempt it, the process can move much more quickly--we can have people give the book overnight reads.

Here's a little more information about how auctions work. I'd say from the time of submission, the fastest we can turn around an offer is one day. But, the average turnaround time from submission to offer is probably 2-3 months.

What is the most exciting part of acquiring a book? What is the hardest part about wanting a book?

Hmmm. I think the most exciting part of acquiring a book is the falling in love part. Reading a new submission for the first time, feeling my heartbeat speed up, feeling the butterflies, realizing that what I'm reading is really, really wonderful. The hardest part is wondering if I will be able to acquire the book--if I'll get the support I need in-house, if other editors at other houses are also
falling in love with it, if the author will want to be with me, too.

What is Little Brown looking for?

We're looking for quality books for children and teens. We're very YA heavy right now, and although that doesn't mean we're not still looking for wonderful YA books (that's what's selling right now, after all!), I think we're more actively looking for Middle Grade and picture books to balance our list. We don't publish much nonfiction, but of course will publish nonfiction that we all fall in love with, particularly if it has trade (bookstore/commercial) appeal.

We're looking to fall in love!

Thanks Alvina!

You can follow Alvina on her blog or Twitter.

ASK a question or comment and I will giveaway a few Little Brown YR ARCS that just came out in late fall. I will leave the post open until Tuesday night at midnight EST

Bookanistas - In Love with Harlequin

So I have soooooo many books I'm trying to get through. Since the Bookanistas has taken flight, we all are swamped with books!

Good thing right?

Not so much when you read so many books you like!

Here are a few series from Harlequin Teen that you might want to check out or continue....

Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
Iron King, Iron Daughter and Iron Queen. Even a little novella called Winter's Passage fills in a few holes. Iron Queen is the newest with a release date of Feb 2011.

MY NAME IS MEGAN CHASE. I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it. THIS TIME, THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK.

Megan is much stronger in this book.  This series is amazing, fast paced with a love triangle and a few twists.  If you loved the 1st one, you will like this. If you haven't read the first one - go back, it's worth it.

Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent
My Soul to Steal is the most recent one released in Jan 2011. It's so hard to review a series because I don't want to give anything away.

High school junior Kaylee Cavanaugh is trying to balance her normal life with a newly discovered, terrifying ability to make life-and-death decisions—literally. Kaylee is a banshee, complete with an uncontrollable scream that rips from her when someone near her is about to die. And the more people she saves, the harder it becomes to guard her own soul from things that go bump in the Netherworld.

Kaylee's thoughts and emotions in this book were so real and insightful. In the end, I felt she made some good decisions and I was proud of her. Oh yes, and then there is Todd :) Another great trio. Sabine is completely terrifying as a mara, a Nightmare-giver who feeds on fear. I would read them in order. I think the mystery builds and clues are dropped along the way.

One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen

It’s taken a long time for me to feel like a normal teenager. But now that I’m settled in a new school, where people know me as more than Charlotte Silver of the infamous Silver family paranormal investigators, it feels like everything is falling into place. And what better way to be normal than to go on a date with a popular football star like Harris Abbott? After all, it’s not as if Noah is anything more than a friend... But my new life takes a disturbing turn when Harris brings me to a party and we play a game called One Hundred Candles. It seems like harmless, ghostly fun. Until spirits unleashed by the game start showing up at school. Now my friends and family are in very real danger, and the door that I’ve opened into another realm may yield deadly consequences.

This is the second book in the One Hundred Candles series featuring Charlotte Silver by Mara Purnhagen. You can find the first book, Past Midnight, at local retailers and online.

I have never heard of the one hundred candle game (ritual?). Pretty cool.

This book is better than the first. Pacy and focuses on the ghost hunter part. I like that this is not a book about a teen who is estranged from her family and likes the "bad" guy. The parents are kinda cool in this book and the love is not the core thing. The ghost story is scary and the mystery is intriguing.

Outside In by Maria Snyder

Again, this is a series. Just like in Inside Out, the plot in was thrilling, suspenseful, and unique filled with twists I never saw coming. The first book is around a rebellion, the second is about a war. Snyder is not afraid to kill off characters so you can never feel safe getting attached to just one.
Outside In is a dystopian novel where people live ‘inside’ this giant cube that floats around in Outer Space, with a specific course and timing for destination. Trella is back. Only instead of after just winning the fight between the pop cops and the uppers, she finds the Committee wasn't the best way to go and has to step back in a lead.

ME? A LEADER? Okay, I did prove that there’s more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion—between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we’re free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again—while still touching base with Riley, of course. He’s the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there’s outside and then there is Outside. And something from Outside wants In.

Check out the other Bookanista reviews:

Katie Anderson raves about THE LIAR SOCIETY

Christine Fonseca applauds Michelle McLean's HOMEWORK HELPERS: TERM PAPERS AND ESSAYS with Signed Book Giveaway

Carrie Harris celebrates THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE

Jen Hayley lauds DELIRIUM

Elana Johnson recommends Michelle McLean's HOMEWORK HELPERS: TERM PAPERS AND ESSAYS with Giveaway

Jessi Kirby admires MATCHED

Myra McEntire gives some cover love for THE LIAR SOCIETY

Shannon Messenger commends THE LIAR SOCIETY with an ARC Giveaway

Carolina Valdez Miller salutes XVI with Signed Book Giveaway

Megan Miranda gives some love to ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

Lisa and Laura do a happy dance for Beth Revis

Shana Silver cheers for HERE LIES BRIDGET

Scott Tracey acclaims DIVERGENT

Bethany Wiggins praises Michelle McLean's HOMEWORK HELPERS: TERM PAPERS AND ESSAYS

ARC Winners

Hey guys -

So sorry I have not announced these yet.

We got snowed in last week. And with kids being home (for the whole week!) and Internet being iffy. I didn't get to the Arc contest.

Here are the winners (chosen by random number generator):

1. S. Kyle Davis
2. Riv Re
3. Shallee
4. Addictedtolife
5. ♥ttlyoverit17♥♪
6. Amber Cuadra
7. Shoshana
8. Jenna Wallace
9. Mariska
10. Kristin Rae
11. Mim
12. Sara B. Larson
13. Mrs. DeRaps
14. Grace
15. Cinette
16. J. Ro
17. Meradeth
18. Kailia Sage
19. Spav
20. Shelly B
    

Please email me your address at sjohannes@bilaninc.com and tell me if you would like YA, MG or Adult. I will send you a list to choose from. First come first serve! (US only)

If I do not hear from you by end of day on Friday - I will choose another name. hey - it's only fair! :)

Congratulations!

Also - here is a hint of what is coming up: Get your paragraph query ready! :) 4- 5 sentences.

Bookanistas - Harcourt Winners

I've been reading that I wanted to mention. These books are from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt which has got some great stuff coming out.

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton (Nov 2010)

I saw this book back at BEA but didnt get a copy (BOO!). This book is backdropped against Celtic myths about goblins and the Travelers who fight them. Teagan's life is perfect until Finn shows up. He talks about goblins and about being born to fight all goblin-kind. And it's a good thing because the goblins are coming.

Teagan is a strong character with real aspirations. She works at a zoo in Chicago (so did I!). Her BFF Abby is adoreable and gives a glimpse into the life of a real Italian family. And then there's Finn: a cue boy, a fighter, and yes, has a sexy Irish accent. Kind of a modern day Lord of the Rings .

Always a Witch (Sequel to Once a Witch) by Carolyn MacCullough

The adventures continue in the sequel. More time

travel, talents, spy work, and evil Knights. The plot centers on two family of witches, and every witch has their own talent. Tamsin power is that she's immune to all other talents and can take other peoples talents. Nice!

Tamsin is back to prevent her family from being destroyed by Alistair Knight. Tamsin has no choice but to travel back to the 19th century and infiltrate the Knight's ranks. She must rely on her Talent and New York City smarts to defeat the Knight's once and for all. I love that this story does not revolve around Tasmin's relationship with Gabriel.

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell (Mar 2011)

The Vespertine is set in 1889 Baltimore where Amelia is sent to find a suitable husband. There, meets Zora and develops her power to foresee the future. When one of her darkest premonitions comes to pass, people start to wonder if Amelia see the events or cause them.

This is a beautiful Victorian era story - haunting yet romantic. A perfect mix of supernatural and historical fiction. I adored Amelia and Nathaniel. And I must say, I never saw the twists coming. The setting is it's own complicated character. 

For those of you who read Saundra's first novel, Shadowed Summer, will not be disappointed!

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (May 2011)

There is no reason for Maddie to leave her home. She can go to school online. Talk to her friends online. Watch tv shows, the news, and even read books online. Maddie has been content living her life in the digital world. Until, she meets Justin.

Justin likes being with people and shows Maddie that the best things in life aren't behind a computer screen. Maddie falls in love with Justin, even though her father, the founder of Digital School, forbids it. The book ended in action.

I can tell the author is not fond of the computer era based on Justin's dialogue. And I can see the fear of computers taking over. We are definitely moving towards a world where computers become an interface between everything and human contact is slowly extinguished. That is scary after reading this book.

Check out the other Bookanista reviews this week:

ElaElana Johnson and LiLa Roecker celebrate the release of Across the Universe with giveaways

Christine Fonseca gets lost in Nightshade

Shannon Messenger raves about Like Mandarin with an ARC Giveaway

Jamie Harrington thinks the outlook is good for The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball

Shelli Johannes-Wells celebrates Harcourt winners

Michelle Hodkin, Carolina Valdez Miller and Shana Silver travel Across the Universe

Scott Tracey gets some Clarity

Myra McEntire is In The Fort with Beth Revis

Megan Miranda falls head over heels for Fall For Anything

Bethany Wiggins is living for Three Quarters Dead

Jen Hayley worships Unearthly

Carrie Harris flips for Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Kirsten Hubbard goes crazy for Delirium

Happy Launch Day! Across the Universe by Beth Revis!

As most of you know, us Southerns are pretty much shut down due to six inches of snow.

We never get snow so basically we are all trapped inside - killing each other, renting movies, and eating junk.

But......

I'm poking my head out of the snow for a minute to wish my good friend Beth Revis a wonderful launch day today.

I met Beth online a couple years ago way before we had agents. When we each probably had less than 10 followers and a dream. I loved meeting her finally in person this fall for drinks and am happy to see her day finally here after all the struggles and hard work.

Across the Universe is hitting the stores and everyone needs to go get this book. I got an ARC early last fall and loved the whole creativity and world building around this book.

As the spaceship Godspeed travels toward a new earth, the lives of 100 cryogenically frozen settlers hang in the balance after someone endeavors to quietly murder them. The other passengers aboard the ship have never known life outside its walls and are enslaved by the machinations of Eldest, their tyrannical leader, who divides them into three distinct classes. When Amy, a frozen settler from earth, survives being thawed in a murder attempt, she immediately bonds with Elder, Godspeed's lone teen and future leader. Amy’s individuality, her rebellion, and her fierce desire for freedom, inspire Elder to act on his own doubts and defy Eldest--his mentor and keeper--with shocking results.
The book's web site launches today so go check out the space ship blueprints! So cool.

Or check out all the stuff going on at Beth's site.

Happy Book Bday Beth! Can't wait to see you soar to the stars - at Godspeed :)

Ill announce all the ARC winners later this week after I dig myself out of the ice.

Arc Drawing!

As you know, I have some ARCS to share.

Comment and follow by midnight EST tonight and enter into the drawing.

Monday I will announce the amazing ARCS and the lucky winners.(US only)

Have a happy weekend!

The Bookanistas - "Lost in the River of Grass"

The Bookanistas are back for 2011 - some great books are coming so stay tuned every Thursday for scoop.

I was sent this eArc a awhile back.

And, I LOVE a good survival story. Especially for kids.

Lost in the River of Grass by Ginny Rorby is a great book. It is scheduled to be released by Carolrhoda Books (Andrew Karre's imprint) in March 2011.

A science-class field trip to the Everglades is supposed to be fun, but Sarah's new at Glades Academy, and her fellow freshmen aren't exactly making her feel welcome. When an opportunity for an unauthorized side trip on an airboat presents itself, it seems like a perfect escape--an afternoon without feeling like a sore thumb. But one simple oversight turns a joyride into a race for survival across the river of grass. Sarah will have to count on her instincts--and a guy she barely knows--if they have any hope of making it back alive.
I loved the survival aspect. YA for "City mouse visits Country mouse". City girl goes to everglades, gets lost, and meets local woodland boy who rescues her.

This book touched on my biggest fears: snakes, gators, being lost, and surviving in the wild with no hair gel or chocolate. The Everglades scare me so this was a way to go there without getting my feet wet :)

If you thought getting through school and boys and publishing was hard? be glad you are not stuck in the Everglades.

I think it's a great book for boys and girls.

Add it to your list.



Check out these other Bookanista reviews:

Michelle Hodkin gushes about The Near Witch

Elana Johnson schools us on The Education of Hailey Kendrick

Christine Fonseca raves about Wither

Shannon Messenger travels Across the Universe with a special giveaway

Shelli Johannes-Wells gets Lost in the River of Green

Scott Tracey falls in love with Across the Universe

Beth Revis is captivated by Prisoners in the Palace

Carolina Valdez Miller is mesmerized by The Healing Spell

Megan Miranda takes a peek through The Marbury Lens

Shana Silver is digging Delirium

Jamie Harrington tells the truth about The Liar Society

Jen Hayley dies for a Touch Mortal

Bethany Wiggins dotes on Paranormalcy

Chris Richman Agent at Upstart Crow Literary

Hi guys - I'm back and looking forward to connecting with everyone again.

Who ever comments this week will be entered into a HUGE ARC drawing contest. Just to say Happy New year!

I have done a few conferences with Chris now and I adore him. He's as funny as he is smart. And he knows books. Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Stearns as well. Enjoy!

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Hi Chris. Happy New Year! For those who don't know you, tell us about yourself as an agent.

I’m an agent at Upstart Crow Literary, focusing exclusively on books for middle grade and young adult audiences. I consider myself extremely picky with the material I take on, but this selectiveness allows me to have more time to spend on my small list of clients. I guess I fill a few different roles as an agent: I’m a cheerleader (I spread the word about the book and cheer it on), an editor (I typically work with writers on revisions before sending a project out), and a big brother (I offer advice and act as the author’s protector when things get tough, fighting the battles so the author can focus on the writing).

I love that you help in the editorial process. How do you support your authors in their marketing efforts? What do you feel is most important in promoting books? What doesn't seem to work?

I tend to support my authors’ marketing in two ways: the first is by acting as a sounding board. While I don’t actively go out and pursue marketing opportunities for them, I typically discuss their ideas for independent marketing, and weigh in on what I think is worthwhile and what isn’t. I’ll offer advice based on what I’ve seen work in the past and will sometimes brainstorm ideas. I’ve even sat in on marketing meetings with publishers. The second is by acting as the aforementioned cheerleader. I talk up my clients’ books on Twitter, Facebook, at conferences (sometimes I will mention the projects I work on in speeches and request that the booksellers carry copies), and everywhere else people will listen.

The most important elements in promoting a book, especially for debut writers, is to make sure an author is making personal connections. Whether it’s with booksellers, or parents, or with other writers, it’s definitely helpful when an author is more than merely a name on the spine of a book. There’s a difference between someone saying “Here’s a book by Joe Smith. Never heard of him” and “Oh, I remember meeting Joe Smith! He came into the store and was so friendly” or “I met Joe at a conference.” The truth is, if you don’t have a big marketing effort put forth by the publisher, there’s a strong chance people won’t know who you are when you’re a debut. And with the internet, it doesn’t always have to be in person. Twitter, Facebook, and email an allow a writer to connect with people directly. People just have to remember that they’re competing with loads of people for this same space, which is why occasionally thinking outside of the box for unique marketing opportunities can be important, too.

What doesn’t seem to work is when an author tries to force things, or steps too far outside what they’re comfortable with. Do what comes naturally—if you’re not a people person, and the idea of approaching a bookseller to talk about your forthcoming work terrifies you, stick to what works for you.

What do you (agents) go through during submission time? We hear about the angst with writers, do agents have the same feeling?

We definitely get affected by the ups and downs of the submission process, but probably not nearly as much as writers do. After all, this is what we do for a living, and the longer we’re an agent, the more times we go through the process, whereas it will be the first time for many writers. Plus, although we have a personal stake in the success of each project, we’re less apt to take responses personally, since we weren’t the driving force behind the creation of projects. It helps, too, to approach it as a business.

Yes, we’re invested in the stories and the writers who craft them, but we also know it’s professional. Sometimes writers can lose sight of that. With that being said, there’s definitely a level of anxiousness that comes from going out with a new project, and excitement when we find a great home for a story.

What is the most exciting part of acquiring a book? What is the hardest part about wanting a book?
Because acquiring a single book is only the first step in what will hopefully be a long relationship, what’s most exciting isn’t the book itself, but everything that comes after, from more books, to eventual sales, to a long and fruitful career. First time writers often focus so much on getting an agent as this momentous goal, but from our side, it’s just the beginning.

The hardest part about wanting a book is knowing that, with the growing number of agents out there, there’s a good chance we’ll be in for a dog fight. Part of the reason I’ve become more and more picky as I’ve gone along is to make sure that a writer knows I’m very serious when I do make an offer to represent a project. Hopefully that works in my favor!

What are you looking for? What are you seeing too much of?
At the moment, I’m really interested in books that feel classic. I’ve sold a fair number of contemporary stories recently both in YA and middle grade, which is great, but I’d like more books like Jacqueline West’s THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE series that feel like they could have have been published 25 years ago, or 25 years from now. Books that have a timeless quality about them, so they’re still relevant going forward.

I see too much of writers obviously trying to chase trends. Trends are difficult to predict, but often times if people are noticing trends on the bookshelves, like angels or dystopians or whatever, there’s a good chance the trend is already on its way out. Plus, it’ll likely be two years before your book hits the shelves anyway, which means you could now be several years behind the trend.

I prefer writers to focus on writing the best book they can. And then send it to me!

NOTE: Get your queries ready because Upstart Crow is reopening to submissions from on 23 January 2011.

Comment this week and I will do a drawing for 20 different Arcs on Friday!

I'm having a New Years Revolution!

I was sitting up last night, trying to write but instead procrastinating by thinking of resolutions. I realized I make the same ones every year and have for #$ years.

This year,it's time for another New Year's Revolution. That means, no more annual promises to make.

So...here are all the promises I promise to break this year.

1) No more eating chocolate. (Yeah right. This year I'm going to eat 2 a day! Maybe even 3.)

2) Lose 5 pounds. (This year I think I'm going to try and 2 lbs. Oops - CHECK!)

3) Write 1000 words a day. (Whatever, I'll never make it anyway. Why set myself up for failure. Just to prove it - today I'm going to write ZERO words tomorrow.)

4) Going zen about the writing process. (Nah, I'd rather freak out when I can. It shows that I'm not dead inside.)

5) No more damn cussing. (Shit, my potty mouth is here to stay - sorry!)

6) Look my best everyday. (I'm not even going to dignify this one with a response.)

7) Saving money. (Impossible, I don't have any.)

8) Getting healthy. (I'm thinking cheetos count - a balanced meal with protein dairy, fat and carbs.)

9) Reading adult literature and poetic essays. (No way I'm giving up on my MG and YA. Just makes it hard to connect with friends who are reading Sarah Palin's biography and JayZ's book.)

10) Go totally green. (I try so hard but I tend to only make it to a bright lime-green.)

11)Chill out on social networking. (Hi my name is Shelli. I am a social network alcoholic and LOVE IT!)

12) Get out more and lead an exciting life. (Forget it, I'm boring and fine with it. Give me TV, my bed, pizza, and a book any day. Lucky for me hubby feels the same :)

13) Dress for success. (What? Give up Target, jeans, and Uggs? Give me my brand Mossimo any day?)

14) Watch less trash TV........ (Yeah right. I'm going to add another show just to rebel.Maybe even TMZ reruns)

15) Be a better wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter. (Nah, I think I already do a pretty good job. Who needs perfection?)

16) Stop repeating myself over and over and over and over again to my kids. (This is not going to happen any time soon.)

17) Watch more news. (Why? When it's so depressing?)

18) Cook more. (ie Get new microwave, learn to use a crock pot, and get a frozen box cutter. (the boxes are killing my nails.)

19) Did I say write more? (I write as much as I can.)

20) Call family and friends more. (I say to them - get on Facebook you losers!)

Happy New year!

What about you? What is your revolution for this year? What resolutions do you plan on breaking?