Many thanks to everyone who participated in the pitch contest with editor Mary Altman from Sourcebooks! Also a huge thanks to Mary for visiting us and offering such a great opportunity!
WINNERS:
Title: Under African Skies
Author: Courtney Sheets
Comments: I don’t think I could have slammed my hand down on the YES button faster. In fact, I am 99% positive I will have to fight my co-worker over who gets to read this. (I plan to fight dirty.)
Instructions: Please send the full, a 2-3 page synopsis, and a general idea of what you think book 2 and book 3 would look like tomary.altman@sourcebooks.com
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Title: Once Upon a Playlist
Author: Melissa Fragiadaki (w/a Melina Kantor)
Comments: Your pitch is utterly charming. I’ll admit, I’m not certain the hook is quite strong enough as it stands, but your voice is really appealing and I immediately wanted to read more.
Instructions: Please send the full, a 2-3 page synopsis, and a general idea of what you think book 2 and book 3 would look like tomary.altman@sourcebooks.com
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Title: Erin Jane
Author: Meredith Ireland
Comments: I am intrigued by the premise…and your uncanny ability to read my mind. I had just recently mentioned to my coworker how fun it would be to read a modern-day Jane Eyre. I love that your cast is diverse, and I’m curious how you handle the wife while keeping the romance strong and the hero, well, heroic.
Instructions: Please send the first 50 pages and a 2-3 page synopsis to mary.altman@sourcebooks.com
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Title: A Test of Honor
Author: Nicole S. Patrick
Comments: I like the themes you’re working with, and your opening caught my attention. The hook may need a bit of strengthening, but I’d love to take a closer look. I’m very familiar with the location and the Corps, as I was raised around both, so you may want to check your research before sending, just in case.
Instructions: Please send the first 50 pages, a 2-3 page synopsis, and a general idea of what you think book 2 and book 3 would look like tomary.altman@sourcebooks.com
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Title: Dare to Love
Author: Jade Chandler
Comments: I’m very intrigued by this story. I’m not sure about the hero or hook—when you write to a trend, you have to be really careful to stand out—but I’d definitely like to take a closer look. I’m a little confused by the fact that the heroine is a 29-year-old runaway. When I hear “runaway”, I definitely think younger. I’m curious to learn more!
Instructions: Please send the first 50 pages, a 2-3 page synopsis, and a general idea of what you think book 2 and book 3 would look like tomary.altman@sourcebooks.com
Congratulations to the winners and honorable mentions. Best of luck with your submissions!
To everyone who participated: If you are interested in having Sourcebooks publish your work, you can always submit your queries to through their regular submission method. Details can be found here: http://www.sourcebooks.com/resources/submissions-guidelines.html.