TIPS FROM THE SLUSH PILE by Sara Megibow

I always look forward to Sara's words of wisdom when it comes to queries and publishing. Here is her take on her first client and why she signed up Allison Rushby...We wish Allison much luck with her new sale Paparazzo Jo....(thanks for allowing me to share, Sara)


TIPS FROM THE SLUSH PILE by Sara Megibow

I am truly thrilled to be able to announce the sale of PAPARAZZO JO by Allison Rushby to Stacy Cantor at Walker!
Allison emailed us a query at the end of 2009 – yup, she was a slush pile find! Also exciting is the fact that this is my first sale as an agent! What an honor to be working with Allison – she is charming, enthusiastic, responsive, hard-working and VERY talented! PAPARAZZO JO represents the 117th book sale for the Nelson Literary Agency.
Please look her up at www.allisonrushby.com (there is even a teaser excerpt of JO in her News section)
So, what made PAPARAZZO JO stand out to me? First of all (and above everything else) – Allison’s query letter was professional and well-written. Great writing always stands out! Second, the concept felt unique to me – Jo is a talented 16 year-old living in LA who earns money by taking pictures of the rich and famous. Yup, she’s a paparazzo. She wants out, badly, and is offered a gig that will earn her the money to enroll in her dream classes in Paris. Unfortunately, she is going to have to betray the only star she’s ever liked.
Naturally, I asked to see the sample pages and the rest is history! I am particularly excited that Stacy Cantor will be our editor. Walker Books is the publishing house working with our client Simone Elkeles whose RULES OF ATTRACTION has been repeatedly hitting the New York Times Bestseller list. Super excited to be a part of the Walker team!!!

Congratulations Allison!

Sincerely,Sara Megibow
Associate Literary Agent

(This story sounds really great, I look forward to its release!)

Dawn Chartier
Not An Angel, TWRP
www.dawnchartier.com
www.thewildrosepress.com