AMM 2020: Author Mentor Match!
I’m ready for my rose AMM 2020! Though I’m a new fan of The Bachelor (sucked in by a misfortunate channel turn and now doomed to watch till the end because it’s all together too juicy), I feel a bit like a girl waiting for a rose.
Here I am, expressing my eternal love and devotion, but ultimately you, AMM, hold the roses. So, allow me the privilege of pleading my case and hoping against hope you’ll whisper my name.
About me (read more here or here)
- I’m a mom of 3 great kids and wife to an awesome husband.
- I taught English to 7th graders for about 5 years before switching to online teaching with a Chinese company allowing me to be a SAHM/writer.
- I’ve been writing since 2012, but most importantly I’ve been all about improving my craft.
- Writing is my passion and my dream. I’ll pursue this forever so it would be fantastic to have AMM’s help along the way. (Already writing my acknowledgments page LOL but seriously…*hard stare)
My Book Pitch for AMM:
My YA Fantasy, FATE’S SHADOW, is complete at 81,000 words.
Comps: HARRY POTTER x SHADOWHUNTERS (Cassandra Clare) with a hint of ASH PRINCESS by Laura Sebastian.
Pitch: Fate’s blessing turns curse when soon to be sixteen-year-old Eden discovers her entire life is a lie and no one is who they seem — not her guardians, not her best friend, not the mysterious new boy, and worst of all, not herself. With growing magical abilities, an ethereal-like voice in her head giving omniscient instruction, and prophetic dreams, Eden must learn the truth to who she is before the dark forces seeking her power find her. But fated powers can cause more harm than good, or so it would seem, and Eden must piece together this patchwork quilt of life, lies, and magic before it’s too late.
*I have a more detailed query (some spoilers contained for specificity purposes) as well as a synopsis.
Included in said book:
- Magic — both dark and light
- Boys with egos
- Mail from dead parents
- Girl power
- Kidnapping
- Lies
- More lies
- Lots of grief and learning to live with it
- Prophecy
- A journey to a new world made entirely of light and magic
- Some romance (subplot)
- Self-doubt to self-love
Why AMM 2020 for this book?
I’ve queried this book and been rejected by a handful of agents. I’ve done hard edits, recently begun a mutually beneficial critique partnership, had a couple beta readers, received a query critique from a literary agent as part of a giveaway, and edited/revised some more. BUT…I’m not there yet.
I feel AMM could be the last step to the grande finale — agent and publishing.
For the sake of AMM 2020, I’m treating this like a job interview and, therefore, I must toot my own horn.
Why me?
- I’m hard working, respectful, and ready to learn.
- With an English teaching background, you can rest assured my writing is up to standard, without too many grammatical errors.
- I crave critique so you won’t hurt my feelings!
- My story is AWESOME! *cue unfortunate winking
- I work well with others and enjoy dialogue with fellow writers
- I’m part of The Jerry Jenkins Write’s Guild and plan to join MasterClass soon ($ from my bday) so I’m serious about improving my craft.
- I think reading fiction is as important to writing as reading about writing.
- Honestly, I want this and will work in whatever capacity to achieve it!
So, will you AMM 2020 accept my rose and take this journey with me?
If you offer, I will gladly accept yours.
To my fellow writers pursuing AMM 2020, best wishes to you all. The writing path often feels lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Join a community via twitter, critique groups, etc. Your words are important! Never stop telling your story.
Be sure to follow all guidelines for the AMM 2020. I’d be happy to assist in any way possible. Leave comments below or tweet me @WinnGilbert for questions/thoughts.
