We have a HUGE lineup of awesome judges and mentors for the Query Kombat tournament. Our goal was to bring you the most diverse group of opinions, talents, and specialties. Needless to say, I think we succeeded.
But before I get to the judges and mentors, I have a free pass winner to announce! Drumroll please!
HeadscarfJazz is my pick!!!!
Even with just the nickname and the blurb, I find myself constantly thinking about the premise of the work. I feel like the nickname truly encompasses the story, and I find myself really really REALLY wanting to read it. The premise resonates with me on a deeper level than I can really put in words, like the book and I are connected...I don't know, it's weird. Maybe I was a Muslim woman in a previous life o_0
Check out SC and Michelle's blog (links in the top right-hand corner) for their pick.
Free pass winners: during the submission window, please put FREEPASS in the subject line of your submission email. Subject line formatting guidelines should also be followed.
Now, to introduce...
our fabulous judges:
UPDATE:
Terri Bruce is not able to join us for the tournament as anticipated. But we've brought two more judges into our fabulous ensemble. Please welcome Darci Cole and Jennifer Malone. (Cue applause)
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| Brenda Drake Brenda writes young adult and middle grade novels. She runs contests and holds workshops on her blog .Look for her debut young adult novel, LIBRARY JUMPERS, coming February 2014 and its sequels February 2015 and February 2016 from Month9Books. Check out her site Find her on Facebook |
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| Rhiann Wynn-Nolett Rhiann writes YA/NA fiction and is thrilled to be represented by Stefanie Lieberman of Janklow & Nesbit. Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter Find her on Facebook |
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| Angie Sandro For Angie Sandro, writing is as necessary as breathing. She is represented by Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary, LLC. Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter Find her on Facebook |
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| Mindy McGinnis Also participating as a mentor Mindy McGinnis is the author of NOT A DROP TO DRINK, coming 9/24/13 from Katherine Tegen / Harper Collins. She is also a YA librarian and overactive blogger at Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire. Here's her site Find her on Facebook |
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| Lizzy Charles Lizzy Charles, represented by Jamie Bodnar Drowley, is a YA contemp romance author who loves characters brave enough to face themselves, adventure stories, and anything with a thread of romance. Look for her debut novel, PRIMER, Fall 2013 from Swoon Romance of Month9Books. Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter |
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| Mike Anthony Mike Anthony loves writing about the tough stuff. Whether it's YA, NA, or adult, he enjoys dragging his characters through hell to toughen 'em up a bit. He's interested in reading anything with quirky characters, or that teaches a hard lesson. And if you can make him laugh, you've won his heart. Follow his blog |
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| SC He is a YA and adult writer currently working hard(er) on a YA Fantasy about a teenage girl living with all the pressure and currents of an underwater world. In terms of authors, he is a HUGE JK Rowling and Victor Hugo fan. And he's a guy. Look at his icon. It's so hard to make that clear when you go by "SC" Check out his blog Follow him on Twitter See what he's reading on GoodReads |
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| Phoenix Sullivan In the corporate world, Phoenix was a professional writer and editor for 23 years. Before that, she was a registered veterinary technician, working with small animal clinics and wildlife rehab centers. Today, she lives on a small farm in North Texas where she writes thrillers and fantasies. She also serves as the general manager of Steel Magnolia Press, an author consortium anchored by New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Jennifer Blake and Christina Skye. Check out her blog Steel Magnolia Press |
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| Summer Heacock Summer is a writer of Women's Fiction and whatever else pops into her head, but a reader of anything she can get her hands onto. She exists as a mommy, wife, writer, geekling, and is repped by the fabulous Sarah LaPolla of Curtis Brown, Ltd. Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter |
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| Darci Cole Darci Cole is a stay-at-home-mom of two perfect little boys and wife to the best husband in the world. Her home is *always* spotless and lovely, ready for visitors day or night. She loves Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Marvel movies, Mythbusters, and being Mormon. She is an Editorial Intern for Entangled Publishing, and spends her massive amounts of free time writing YA Fantasy, prowling Twitter, and reading for her incredible critique partners. Follow her on Twitter Find her on Facebook Check out her blog |
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| Michelle Hauck Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, is being published by Divertir Publishing in May 2013. Her short story, Frost and Fog, was chosen by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press for their summer 2013 anthology. Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter Find her on Facebook See what she's reading on GoodReads |
 Jennifer Malone She's a contemporary middle grade and YA writer with a love of juvenile pop culture (if it was an ABC Family Movie, she probably can quote it). She also teaches in the Film program at Boston University, drawing on her experiences as former New England Head of Publicity and Promotions for 20th Century Fox and Miramax Films. Check out her blog.Follow her on twitter. |
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| Rebecca Yarros Rebecca is a YA/NA author represented by Jamie Bodnar Drowley of Inklings Literary. She loves strong female characters, worlds she can get lost in, and great romance... oh, and brownies too. Check out her blog Check out her website Follow her on Twitter |
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| Richard Pearson Richard Pearson grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. At Rhodes College, he took numerous courses in theatre and creative writing (though his major was Sociology) and has never stopped writing or performing since graduating in 2004. Aware that he had to pay the bills somehow, Richard worked as a paralegal for many years, but eventually decided (thanks to some loving coaxing by his husband) to attend law school in 2007. After graduating from Rutgers School of Law in 2010, Richard passed both the New York and New Jersey state bar exams. He currently practices part-time out of his home in Hoboken, New Jersey. Check out his blog Follow him on Twitter |
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| Brianna Shrum Hello all! There will be no third-person here. Because, well, my brain doesn't quite function that way. So, a little about me. I've been writing since I was a wee bairn on my grandpa’s knee. We wrote fantastically silly poetry together. I never even considered, however, that being an author was possible. Once I finally realized that it was, though, that was it.So, now, I’m a writer of books. I love all things dark, twisty, and strange…I have a love for fairy tales and villains and things that go bump in the night. But meet me in real life, and you would have zero idea. I’m rather sunny, and extremely nerdy, and would rather do karaoke in a room full of people than brood in a dark, shadowy corner.I live in Colorado with my husband (who is also my high school sweetheart. Cue the ‘Awww’) and my crazy toddler. We read him lots of stories. We’re story people. Check out my blog Follow me on Twitter |
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| Jean Oram Jean Oram has worked as a freelance editor and was once agented for her nonfiction work. She is a moderator at the fabulous writer's websitewww.agentqueryconnect.com and has had several short stories published. She is currently celebrating her first indie publication, Champagne and Lemon Drops: A Blueberry Spring Chick Lit Contemporary Romance, and is working away on book two. Check out her blog Check out her site Follow her on Twitter Find her on Facebook |
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| MarcyKate She's an author of middle grade and young adult novels represented by Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary & Media. Her debut middle grade fantasy novel, MONSTROUS, will be out from HarperCollins Children’s Books in 2014 Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter |
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| Jennie Bozic Jennie writes sci fi and fantasy for young adults by night, and blow things up on television during day. She changes her hair color frequently, and she's represented by Steven Axelrod. Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter |
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| Vicki Weavil Vicki Lemp Weavil is the author of the YA Fantasy, CROWN OF ICE, which is out on submission, as well as two adult scifi novels. She is represented by Jennifer Mishler at The Literary Counsel. Check out her blog Follow her on Twitter
As you can see, we have an awesome array of talent for this tournament. If you enter, your query will definitely come out better. Remember, just two more weeks until the submission window opens. Good luck to all.
Quick sidenote: I got a new car. The stress of the search is over. Thanks to everyone who shared a kind word. I love our little community. You guys and gals are awesome!
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I'm the one with that nickname! I kept doubting that it wasn't that great, but thank you for proving otherwise!! Thank you for the free pass!! I really do hope you enjoy reading it as much as you say that you want to.
ReplyDeleteBtw, the list of mentors looks awesome!!
Thanks! Good luck in the tournament. I can't wait to read your query and first page. You still have about two weeks so shine shine shine it up. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
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