Blow Me Away
- By: Jessica Faust | Date: Nov 03 2010
Occasionally on Twitter I host an #askagent session that allows fellow Tweeps to ask me questions live. If you’re ever up extremely early in the morning (roughly 4 a.m. EST), hop on to see if I’m hosting.
In a recent session I was asked about a recent submission that wowed me, and I thought this was a great question to share with my blogger friends as well. Very often when I read an amazing submission, or an amazing book, it makes me want more of the same. So to give you an idea of where my head is at this very moment, here is a list of some things I’ve read recently that have blown me away.
In no particular order, here are five things that I’ve read that have blown me away. Keep in mind that one of the biggest reasons they’ve all blown me away was because of the author’s voice.
- A narrative about a puppy and the animal control system.
- A memoir by a mommy blogger
- A steampunk YA
- A cross-genre fantasy romance
- Warrior by Zoe Archer
Believe it or not I seem to be opening more and more to memoirs and current affairs narratives.
I absolutely loved the steampunk YA. Can’t stop thinking about it. I would love to see more like this.
I’ve always really enjoyed the cross-genre fantasy romance and feel that some of the books I’ve done definitely fit this area. In my mind, they are books that go beyond paranormal and appeal to both types of readers.
Warrior is just a great book.
Jessica
I just realized after reading your entry and googling the results of a search that my MS fits cross-genre fantasy romance better than what I have been trying to pawn it off as. Is there any site, book, or something for dumbies that you would recommend that gives straight definitions to genres?
Jessica – are you adding YA to your lists, too?
What do you mean by "steampunk" ya?
Hi Jessica,
Would you consider an adult cross-genre literary novel? I get the impression that Bookends mostly likes romance, so just wanted to check. Thanks!
So, when my cat gets me up at 3AM (central time) I need to check Twitter. Okay!
Ah, I know this is TMI but when my bladder awakens me around 4am I'll check Twitter, oh wait I don't Tweet or Twitt (although I am one, a twit I mean).
Aw shucks…I'm going back to bed.
I'm reading Zoe Archer's book, Scoundrel. I love her voice. She's a sophisticated writer who does great research, but doesn't beat the reader over the head with it. Her pacing and world building is fabulous.
You can see what we're looking for both here:
https://www.bookends-inc.com/submit.html
and here:
https://www.bookends-inc.com/about_us.html
and yes, YA is on the list.
I'm afraid there is no Dummies guide to definitions since genres have loose borders and definitions change and bend over time along with reader interests.
steampunk is a subgenre and I like both adult and ya steampunk.
BookEnds represents a variety of genres. as for literary cross-genre, I'd have to know about the book.
–jhf
Reading this post has got me all inspired to finish the revisions on my cross-genre fantasy romance and get that query to you asap. Thanks for letting us know what you are looking for!
THAT is why you are such a good agent. Look at the variety of things you recently enjoyed. I'm glad you're so open-minded.
Good advice. Thank you.
Jessica — am in the middle of a steampunk YA. Any chance you'd be willing to read a proposal instead of a finished manuscript?
I've been reading your blog for ages – and I was always under the impression that BookEnds didn't represent YA period. I'm delighted to have discovered that Kim does – and you have an affinity for steampunk YA!
Adding you guys to my list of agents-to-query then, when I'm reading to start submitting!