Agent Pitch Contest with Suzie Townsend!

General updates

All the books that have won through today will be mailed out by Friday. Sorry about the delay

Sorry about not stopping, we had a nasty bug run through the family. Yuk.

Also the winners of this last week's giveaways:

• Greek: Double Date - DL Hammonds

• Dan Ehrenhaft's Tell it to Naomi and The AfterLife - Mandy Porto (My Little World of Books)

Today, Suzie Townsend stops by!

Agent Pitch Contest

Winner: Gets a query critique from Suzie!
When: Tomorrow, Wed July 14th. Begins at 91 EST, ends Thursday 15th at 9am EST
What: Leave your 140 character book pitch (children's books ONLY - including PBs, CB, MG and YA) in the comments.
Eligiblility: You cannot have an agent (obviously) or a book sold/published. This is for unagented/unpublished writers only.
Notes: It must NOT be longer than 140 characters. You can test this in Twitter or do a character count in Word.

Suzie Townsend, FinePrint Literary

*Comment on today's post and get an ARC of PERSONAL DEMONS by Lisa Desrochers.

Hey Suzie. Tell us a little about yourself and what made you want to be an agent.

When I first started exploring publishing, it was because my sister had working with McGraw Hill in the English textbook department. When she was working with them, she would tell me all about the job, and I found myself thinking about how much I would enjoy something similar. But getting into publishing itself was very difficult - and I wasn't sure which aspect of publishing I wanted to pursue.

I took an internship with FinePrint Literary, first thinking that it would be a stepping stone to getting a job in an editorial assistant position, but I just fell in love with FinePrint and every aspect of agenting. Luckily for me, everyone at FinePrint loved me too and offered me a job.

Tell us a little about your clients and their upcoming books.

I've sold six books now, which is very exciting, but I'll just name three of my clients' books which will be coming out in the next year.

PERSONAL DEMONS by Lisa Desrochers comes out 9/14 from Tor. It's the first book I sold, a YA paranormal romance about a girl who finds herself caught between an angel and a demon who are fighting over her soul - and her heart.

INVINCIBLE SUMMER by Hannah Moskowitz comes out April 2011 from Simon Pulse.

BELL JAR SUMMER by Arlaina Tibensky comes out summer 2011 from Simon Pulse.

In your opinion , what are some things authors should do to promote their books?

Having some kind of web presence is really important. A website with contact information, a blog, or a twitter account are all things I've seen that have worked well.

But people are different and what works for one person doesn't work for everyone so I think it's important for writers to try different things and find out what works best for them.

In terms of touring, it's really important for authors to make themselves available to their target audience. For instance, if someone is writing women's fiction that will be popular in book clubs, it's important for them to make themselves available to do talks with book clubs who are going to read the book.

In your experience, what are the top 3 query fails? Query success?

1. Sending presents. 2. Sending some kind of "I'm trying to stand out" query - like a Starbucks cup or something scented or an unusual package. 3. Claiming this is the next Harry Potter/Twilight/Da Vinci Code.

Successful queries tell what the book is about in a succinct and concise manner. It's so simple it's hard.

I spent time with you at BEA and shared your need for speed in getting the great galleys. When did you know you were a fellow Bibliomaniac? Bibliomania is an obsessive–compulsive disorder involving the collecting or hoarding of books to the point where social relations or health are damaged. One of several psychological disorders associated with books, bibliomania is characterized by the purchase of multiple copies of the same book and edition and the accumulation of books beyond possible capacity of use or enjoyment are frequent symptoms of bibliomania.

I hadn't considered there was a name for it until I read this question. But I've had symptoms since I was a little kid. Instead of picture books, my dad used to read my sister and I Lord of the Rings and as soon as I was old enough to realize there were different "editions" of the book, I tended to want each one. As anyone could tell from my TBR (to be read) room, I'm an avid book hoarder today.

If you could be a letter in the alphabet – what would it be and why?

Z. I'm not a hundred percent sure why. But it's always been my favorite letter. My parents actually spelled my name "Susie" when I was growing up, and I always wanted to change my name and spell it with a Z. And eventually I did.

If past lives really exist, what or who do you think you were in a past life?

I was a delivery girl in a past life. It is amazing how well I can go for a Starbucks run.
What is she looking for in children's books?
I'm representing everything from children’s books (chapter books to YA, both fiction and non-fiction) to adult fiction (speculative, fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction, and romance, especially paranormal). I'm interested in strong characters and voice driven stories that will keep me up at night. I also gravitate towards strong female protagonists, complex plot lines with underlying political, moral, or philosophical issues, and stories which break out of the typical tropes of their genre, like Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series.

You can follow Suzie at her blog or on Twitter.

See you back here tomorrow and good luck!

The Bookanistas Book Review: Sarwat Chadda's Dark Goddess!

Today is the first launch day of the "the writers who are bloggers who think they are fashionable and who are also starting to post book reviews about great children's books"! Yes I know....we thought it was too long too. So we did what any respectable group would do, we came up with a name! Oh yeah and our very own logo! Even a short book review policy (wow now we are an official group!)

We are the: Bookanistas: Books are the New Black!
Who are the Bookanistas?
We are a group of writers - in various stages of the publishing process – who have decided to band together and review the special books of our peers. This fashionable badge represents our group (club/gang/posse/secret society/peeps/the cool table).

How and what do we review?
The Bookanistas review any children's books but focus mainly on YA and middle grade (yes middle grade too! shocker!) We – as fellow writers – have decided to only post positive reviews, therefore, only reviewing the book we LOVE. No negative reviews here!

Yes that's right! We Bookanistas give nothing but love!!!!

When do we post reviews?
Starting today, we will post reviews every Thursday on various book topics– upcoming ARCs, books we love, diamonds in the rough, classics, and even, cover reviews.

Come join us on Thursdays and you can be be fashionable too. Because we think books are the best accessory!

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Sarwat Chadda's Dark Goddess (sequel to Devil's Kiss!)

I chose this one first for many reasons:
1) I LOVED Devil's Kiss!
2) Sarwat sent me an early ARC - book comes out in Jan 2011 (contrary to belief, I can be bought! ;)
3) I love this character, premise, and especially Sarwat's writing.
4) This whole series is awesome. Like "stay up late and read by flashlight in the bathroom because your hubby is sleeping and book-lite is waking him at 3 am" awesome. To be honest, both books of Sarwat's I could not put down.

In fact, I'm giving this book a Haute Book! shout-out!

Why should you read Dark Goddess?

• Do you want a badass protagonist instead of a wimpy one? CHECK!
• Hot guy with sexy accent? CHECK!
• Werewolves? CHECK!
• Vampires? CHECK!
• Awesome Setting? CHECK (London) and CHECK (Russia)
• Great writing? CHECK CHECK!
• A little history? CHECK!
• Fast Pace? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!
• Nice author? CHECK!!!!

What's not to like? Oh yeah, and you can read a teaser just to get hooked!

Book Summary
Billi SanGreal is the first girl in the Knights Templar, and the most kick ass weapon-wielding heroine around. At fifteen, her life is a rigorous and brutal round of weapons practice, demon killing and occult lore – and a whole lot of bruises.

In this sequel to Devils' Kiss, Billi goes to Russia to rescue Vasilisa, a chosen child that encompasses the power to feel and control nature. To save her, Billi must defeat the werewolves that serve the witch Baba Yaga. Baba Yaga ( i just like saying the name!) is sickened by the destruction and corruption humanity and she wants to rid the planet of the pestilence of Man. Betrayed and alone, Billi is sent to stop her and faces a final mighty battle in the abandoned ruins of Chernobyl. Oh yeah and with a cute boy by her side! Along with a kick-ass coat and some weapons of choice. swords, knives, and a sharp tongue. :)
Check out our other Bookanista book reviews for this week, Thursday, July 8th:

• Christine Fonesca - NIGHTSHADE CITY
• Jamie Harrington - ARCHVILLIAN
• Kirsten Hubbard - THE DUFF
• Elana Johnson - THE HEALING SPELL
• Katie and Sarah Frances - ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS
• Shannon Messenger - LINGER
• Carolina Valdez Miller - MATCHED
• Beth Revis - PEGASUS
• Lisa and Laura Roecker - STRANDED
• Scott Tracey - OTHER
• Bethany Wiggins/ Suzette Saxton - NIGHTSHADE CITY

Come follow us on twitter too for book updates and news.

Note: If you would like one of us to review a book or ARC, feel free to contact me at sjohannes@bilaninc.com (or any of us really) and we will add it to our list. Keep in mind we only review books we love.

It's Greek Week GIveaway! Double Date Review

Update: I am waaaaaaaaay behind on shipping book so hang with me. If you have not gotten it - i probably have not sent it. I have a stack going tomorrow and another next week when kids are in camp. Thanks for patience and understanding.

Have you watched Greek? Have you read the book?

I know what you're thinking.

Another book that's based on a TELEVISION SERIES or MOVIE?

Again?

I mean we've got Vampire Diaries, Clique...do we need more? Blah blah blah.

Well, Greek: Double Date, is worth the read. (not to mention the show is so worth watching especially if you want to relive your college years! Like me!)

Here's the summary:

Two dates—same night!

Major oops. When Casey Cartwright's brother begs her to be nerdy Dale Kettlewell's date to the sure-to-be-boring Honors Engineering Awards, Casey says yes. Even though Dale is totally not her type…and might have a crush on her. Ugh. But it's a nice thing to do, and Casey's always been the "nice" girl. But now, that night conflicts with the biggest event of the semester, the All-Greek formal. Casey already has a date lined up: hot transfer student Rob Howell.

What to do? What Casey does may surprise even herself….

Casey is a funny, snarky heroine and her boy problems can't help but make you relate. After all - havent we ALL gone out with multiple guys in one night (I guess i was the unlucky one then b/c I had a hard time getting one!)

Rusty, her brother, is just as quirky and after having a little brother of my own that was only a couple years younger - I felt right at home in watching them interact/fight/complain/help each other. Not to mention, the secondary characters are all quite silly and add to the story.

Especially the scenes with Ashleigh and Casey.

A few funny moments that stuck out to me:

• When Rebecca and Casey are hiding from a mouse for a long time in the kitchen. "Do you know how long we've been up here? I am this close to eating the box of salad croutons."
• When Casey is talking to Ashleigh about finding a date, Ashleigh suggests asking her brother for advice. Casey responds with: "Please! Me ask my brother to find me a date? Stars would have to collide in some universe-breaking fashion for that to happen." Ashleigh goes on to suggest hunting through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.
• When Dale, Cappie and Rusty are talking about Casey. "She'd dump him in an instant if you would commit. So do us a favor - put up or shut up - and no - this is not my anti-allergins talking!"

The easy dialogue is equally quick-witted and the book has a lot of silly moments that have you giggling out loud. I saw on Harlequin Teen that even Martha's author bio is totally fudged, and ridiculous (lets hope its fake - if not - sorry Martha!! :) So i think that's why the humor works in this book! The author obviously injects her own humor/lies. ;)

Have you watched Greek on ABC? This is a great way to ease into the TV series that is now into it's third season. So, check out this book if you want some fun light reading or if you want to see what the Greek show is all about. Also, the second book, Greek: Best Frenemies is coming out in Oct.

This week, you can head over to Harlequin Teen on Facebook to join in some of the Greek activities. They also have a fun Greek site up too.

Come on, when will you ever get to do Greek Week again?

So tell me, what was your biggest Dating OOPs in college and win a copy of Double Date!

Marvelous Marketer: Dan Ehrenhaft (Friend is Not a Verb)

Today, we have Dan Ehrenhaft from Harper Collins. I had the pleasure of meeting Dan for lunch in New York for BEA and he is funny and brilliant. One of those people that you walk away from and say "wow he is so smart!" I adore him and think he's a great writer. I've also heard he is also a wonderful editor. Who could ask for more? :)

Hi Dan, first tell us about you as an author.

Besides being an editor, I am the author of way too many books for children and young adults including Dirty Laundry and The After Life. I’ve written under the pseudonym Daniel Parker and occasionally Erin Haft. My newest book, Friend is Not a Verb, has just been released by Harper Teen, for which I had a signing at BEA.

Henry "Hen" Birnbaum's life is a shambles. His girlfriend Petra both dumped him and fired him her band, PETRA. And on that same miserable rainy night Hen's sister, Sarah, mysteriously returns home after having vanished for an entire year. Worse, Sarah won't tell him where she's been and why. The solution to all of Hen's problems? Become a rock star.

You know things are bad when your dreams come with a washed-up '80s soundtrack.

I was excited to get a copy :) Now, can you tell us a little about your background in publishing and about your new job at Harper.

I started the month after I graduated from college--I knew I wanted to work in children's books, and I took the only job I could find: editing and writing cover copy for the Sweet Valley High series, and assisting in their production. The company behind Sweet Valley High, Daniel Weiss Associates, eventually became Alloy Entertainment. I worked on and off there from 1993 to 2009--at which point I joined Sourcebooks. Creating their YA imprint, Teen Fire, was by far my favorite part of the job, and watching it grow so quickly was amazing.

Just recently, I left Sourcebooks and joined the Harper staff as Director of Intellectual Property Development for the Children's department--working mostly on teen and tween fiction. (My boss, Elise Howard, was my very first boss at Daniel Weiss Associates, so I feel as if I've come full circle--it's very nice.) I am responsible for coming up with book series and properties in the emerging digital space for Harper to produce in-house. Once I pitch a project and Harper approves, I will work with the staff here to find an author and help to see the project through publication.

Sounds like a new way to go for Harper. How do you feel about book packaging in general and what will you do differently?

I know that packaging sometimes gets a bad rap--that a packaged series is somehow less real or legitimate than a work of fiction conceived entirely by an author--but some of the most amazing, compelling, and original teen and tween series have either been packaged by publishers in-house or conceived by an outside packager such as Alloy. As far as what I'll do differently goes... I'll definitely focus on bringing properties to life in a variety of media, and looking to the audience itself for guidance and inspiration.

You made a huge impact on Sourcebooks and started an online presence that grew quickly. What was your social networking strategy?

At Sourcebooks, in addition to our Ning Site and YAlitchat, they offered an “Author toolkit,” that encouraged authors to build a webpage as part of the Sourcebooks on-line presence. The marketing department also planned to send authors on extensive blog tours.

What do you think authors should focus on when promoting their books?

Connecting with their readers in any way possible is crucial. The YA authors who are the most exciting to me are those who are the most accessible to their fans: blogging, tweeting, interacting on existing social networking sites or sites of their own making.

What would you be if you were not an author or editor?

That’s easy. A musician! I play guitar in pretty much the only all-YA-author band on the planet, Tiger Beat, with Natalie Standiford, Libba Bray on vocals, and Barney Miller on drums. But if I were a full-time musician, I know I'd answer this question by saying, "What I really want to do is work in YA fiction."

Thanks Dan!
Note: You can also follow Dan on Twitter.

Thanks for having me Shelli!

For today, I'm giving away 2 of Dan's books: Tell it to Naomi and The AfterLife. Tell me, if you could be any rock star, who would it be and why?