Congratulations to My Agent!

One of the things I love about my agent, Jeff Ourvan, is he not only rocks at his job as my agent by placing my book into the right editor's hands, communicating quickly, and calming my worries, but he understands me as a writer. I think a lot of this stems from him being a writer himself.

So a big congratulations to Jeff for the release of his book, HOW TO COACH YOUTH BASEBALL SO EVERY KID WINS, published by Skyhorse Publishing.

It opens with a very cool foreword by Baseball Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda and includes 100 color photos featuring a few kids from his past Little Leagues.

You can link to the Amazon or B&N listings right from his newly launched website: www.everykidwins.com.  Or just access it here on Amazon's or B&N's websites.  The book can also be found at your local bookstore May 1st.

I've already ordered my copy of the book. I've got two sport fanatics at home who are ready to learn all they can on baseball.

AGENTED!!!!!!

There are the everyday moments, the ones you never notice.

Then there are the awful ones that wet your pillow with tears.

There are the moments that fill you with precious memories.

And there are moments you LIVE for.

I've just had a LIVE FOR moment!

*SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*

Yeah, I'm totally freaking, flipping out. And dancing around the house.

Because I can now say I have an AGENT!!!!!!

I am totally thrilled to announce that I've signed with Jeff Ourvan from the Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency. Not only is he amazingly cool and knowledgeable, but he loves my work.
SQUEEEEEEEE!

Here's me freaking out:

Thankfully I calmed down so I could sign the contract:

And here I am with the smile that's glued to my face:

There are some people that I MUST thank because they have been a huge part of all of this and are full of pure awesomeness:

My hubby- You never doubted.
Julianne, my sister and muse- So many late night phone calls listening and solving my 'issues'. You always believed in me.
Beth Revis- You were there when I first started writing (dear Lord, poor you), and you've been my cheerleader and great friend through all of this. And yes, your critiques are always spot on. 
Casey McCormick- You never let me give up even when I wanted to. Thank you for reading those awful drafts and never allowing me to write less than my absolute best. There are no words for how awesome you are.
Ellen Oh- My Korean expert! Thank you for dropping everything to read my story in the midst of your own awesomeness book deals.

THE MIGS:
Andrea Mack- You always have such great insights and find those details that I miss.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi- For those critiques that made me think about everything in a new light. 
Carmella Van Vleet- My taekwondo expert who inspired me to join a do-jang.

Susan Laidlaw- For keeping me true to my YA voice.

Kate Fall- For all those encouragements. How I needed those.

I truly believe that a writer's journey shouldn't be alone. It's about discovering, pushing yourself to new levels and more importantly telling a beautiful story that will touch lives. I couldn't do it without them. And I know my writing is that much richer because of them. *I heart you guys!*

Please pop back here on Monday because I'm going to celebrate with a PARTY on my blog! With book prizes, games, dancing and lots and lots of chocolate.

Agent and Editor Panels

AGENT PANEL- Psst! Wanna Know a Secret?



Now for the agent and editor panels at the SCBWI conference. Wow. What a fantastic lineup and they were so open and willing to share their thoughts. I jotted down some notes below and hope they can be useful to you!

The agent panel consisted of Erin Murphy, Michael Bourret, and Sarah Davies

Thoughts from Erin:


• Measure success by your happiness


• Don’t compare yourself


• Talk through your book with your editor


• Don’t get attached to your title


Thoughts from Michael:


• Be happy with the work you are doing knowing that you are growing as a writer


• Set realistic goals


• He’s an advocate for his writers


• Treat people with kindness and respect


• Titles can be important because they can sell your book


• It all doesn’t end with the deal because you still need to sell the book


• Take one step at a time


Thoughts from Sarah:


• Rewriting or starting over again can be the most valuable tool to revision


• One word titles in YA are beginning to go out of style


• Writing isn’t for the fainthearted


General thoughts they shared during the 1st Page Critiques:


• Be careful that your beginning isn’t clearing your throat


• Use ‘said’


• Your plot and character must advance at the same time


• Be careful using date/time- needs to have a reason


• ‘see’ the story, not be told the story


• Intrigue the reader but don’t confuse them


• Descriptions should be clear, especially in fantasy


• PB’s need to focus on the illustrations

Editor Panel- Fantasy


Katherine Jacobs, Krista Marino, and Arianne Lewin


• Fantasy is a world not bound by our laws


• Fiction of the impossible


• Find a way to make your story fresh


• Write a book with a theme that goes through the whole story


• There is ALWAYS room for romance! They want romance.


• Read everything that’s out there


• Build on the classics


• Keep your readership in mind

Agent's Perspective on Trends

If you are confused, disheartened or downright frustrated over what to write or not write, check out Mandy Hubbard's post on chasing trends. She's got great advice, and I love how she breaks down the categories and shares her take on what editors are interested in. Look for her latest novel coming out in August, You Wish.