Scones and Sensibility Release Day!!

YIPPEE! IT'S FINALLY HERE.

Join the adventures of middle-grade matchmaker Polly in this fun and funny new novel written by my darling critique buddy, Lindsay Eland. SCONES AND SENSIBILITY is available TODAY - just in time for those lucky girls on your Christmas list.

Read about the sweet and talented author, Lindsay Jo Eland.
Then read what the reviewers are saying about SCONES.
Finally, go out now and buy SCONES AND SENSIBILITY - um, or you can stay in your pajamas and order it right here.

Congratulations, Lindsay!!
P.S. Have I told you I love SCONES AND SENSIBILITY??

Agent Appreciation Day: Erin Murphy

Top 10 reasons why I love my agent:

10. She represents picture book authors.
9. She's a hands-on, editorial agent. Nothing goes out until it's perfect.
8. She loves my projects - not all, but most.
7. She gently nudges me in the best direction for my career.
6. She responds to my e-mails by the end of the day.
5. She knows the business and targets submissions with expert precision.
4. She treats all my ideas with great respect.
3. She considers her clients one big family - we have our own Yahoo group.
2. She holds an annual retreat for her clients.

And the #1 reason why I love my agent ...

1. She's a lovely and lovable person - kind, considerate and fun.

Learn more about Erin Murphy:

Guide to Literary Agents Interview
Part I
Part II

Erin Murphy Literary Agency - NEW WEBSITE!!

Michael Stearns on Picture Book Writing

Here's a great essay from agent Michael Stearns at Upstart Crow. Let it guide you as you prepare for our next Picture Book Peek Week coming up on December 14th.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Picture Book Peek - December 14th!

HO! HO! HO! Holiday Picture Book Peek Week

Free critiques of select PB manuscripts - including those wretched rhymers (Yup, 3 of my upcoming PBs are written in verse!

It begins December 14th, and I've changed up the format a bit. Here's how it will work:

Sign up for a critique by entering your PB WORKING TITLE in the comment section of this blog post anytime (midnight to midnight Mountain Time) on December 14th. Titles submitted before or after December 14th will not be considered.

I'll throw all titles into a hat and pick 1 for critique. Please note, I'm only picking one so as not to dilute the auction value of my critique offered at the Bridget Zinn Auction. To up your chances of winning a critique, why not check out the auction too.

Keep in mind:

* Manuscripts must be 1000 words or less.

* I accept only fiction.

* Level of detail in the critique will vary based on my impression of the caliber of the writing.

* Please understand that I'm not an editor and will not be providing line-editing of your work. My critique will be comprised of suggestions for improving your manuscript. So please send me your most polished piece.

* The critique winner must e-mail me his/her manuscript as a Word attachment upon announcement of the winner. Manuscripts will be kept completely private. When I receive the manuscript, I'll let the author know when they can expect my critique.

* As with any art form, likes and dislikes are entirely subjective. Please understand that my critiques are only one reader's/writer's opinion. It's always wise to seek feedback from a few different readers. If my ideas resonate with you, they're yours to use. If you disagree, I encourage you to compare my comments with those of other readers. But in the end, it's your book. Stay true to your vision.

I look forward to reading your work.
Jean
P.S. For little "fashionistas" everywhere- TOO PURPLEY! - Preorder it now!

Pay it Forward Friday - Bridget Zinn Auction

Bridget's friends have done it again. Please check out the online auction - Bridget Kicks Cancer - for my fellow author and librarian Bridget Zinn.

From the auction website:

"All proceeds from this auction will go to Bridget Zinn and Barrett Dowell. Bridget is a 32-year-old author and librarian who was diagnosed with colon cancer last February. She and Barrett, who have been together since they were teenagers, were married in the hospital just minutes before she went into surgery to remove a large tumor on her colon. She is now undergoing expensive treatment to shrink - and we hope obliterate - additional tumors. The treatment is working, but much of it is not covered by her health insurance. Bridget & Barrett's friends and family are rallying to help them pay the bills so that they can focus on Bridget's health."

I'm excited to be participating again. Bid to win an autographed F&G of TOO PURPLEY! OR a picture book manuscript critique from me OR other great items and services including books, toys, art, jewelry, critiques, home items and more.

Get some holiday shopping done early and give to a great cause- check it out!!
http://www.32auctions.com/view_auction?id=bridget&pwd=rules

I'm Pickled Tink ...

... drunk with excitement, that is. I've got another cover.

Talking about Titles - More Links

A few more folks are talking about titles:

Jill Corcoran, Literary Agent - your title is your billboard.
Editorial Anonymous - a fabulous title can move you to the top of the slush.

See my original post for more discussion on the importance of titles.