Gimme your high-concept
Plain and simple, if you can explain your book in one sentence, no matter the genre, I wanna see it. Being able to understand your story so quickly, and get me excited about it, is a really appealing thing for me.
Here's an example, using my CP's book: a kid-friendly parody of the television show Breaking Bad, where an honor student grows in popularity by hawking essays under a pen name. Yes, please! And another example, using my own: the untold story of how seventeen-year-old Bonnelyn Parker becomes half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo during the 1920s. I hope you'll say, "yes, please!" And here's a quick article defining 'high concept' by Rachelle Gardner.
HERE's WHAT Else I'm AFTER...
The genres I tend to pick up are fantasies and historicals, though I'm open to all genres if the concept/setting has me itching to read on. Like... books that drop me in a new place, a new time, or a new world. That's not to say that contemporary novels can't fit this mold as well. If you have a setting/situation that's atypical (think how Pitch Perfect immersed people in its acappella world), chances are you'll have me sitting up a bit straighter.
I also adore retellings. There's just something so interesting about taking the familiar and giving it your own unique spin. Marissa Meyer killed this in her science fiction series, The Lunar Chronicles. I was also completely captivated by Megan Shepherd's historical fantasy series, The Madman's Daughter. Other elements I'm drawn to (in no particular order):
Probably not the best fit for...
Generally speaking, I don't typically pick up books that include nightmare-inducing horror, non-human-like aliens, half-humans (think: centaurs. I'm okay with fae, mermaids), zero romance, or strong themes of suicide, rape, or school shootings. So, if your book aligns with those elements, I may not be best for you. BUT I betcha there's a mentor out there who is thinking, "Jenni, you're a fool." And, they're probably right.
WHY PITCH TO ME?
I'm a rather passionate, tireless person, who is surrounded by words (and a 6-month-old, two-year-old, needy goldendoodle, supportive husband, and carbs). I'm a copywriter for an advertising agency. I'm a freelance editor. I blog for Kick-Butt Kid Lit. I've got a book I'm super proud of coming out from Tor/Macmillan. And I also have a little something new I'm anxiously waiting to talk about...
Besides that, I've been through the ropes of pitching and querying, heartbreak, fist pumps, finding an agent (twice), heartbreak, fist pumps, revising, being on sub, the good fortune of having my dreams become a reality, and working with an amazingly talented big 5 editor. And, I'm really excited to help my mentee on his/her journey to publication. To get a better idea of my editing style, check out my 500-word critiques on voice and setting. You can also get to know me a little better through this interview, which includes my plan of attack for my mentee's manuscript. And just so you know, if you work with me, you're stuck with me. My Pitch Wars family grows larger every year and I wouldn't have it any other way. 
eally important announcement: When submitting, please donate. I won't see a penny of it (nor should I; I'm contributing my time/energy to an awesome cause: your career). Likewise, Brenda and her admins won't profit from your donation. Your hard-earned money will go toward offsetting the high financial and time-related costs of running this one-of-a-kind contest.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you'll consider pitching to me. Just like for the mentees, there's A LOT of stiff competition out there for the mentors, as you'll see in the bios below. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or chat with me @jennilwalsh.
Mister Linky's Magical Widgets -- Thumb-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site. If this widget does not appear, click here to display it. 7/20/2016 04:15:35 am
Love your element list! Forgot to put vikings on mine. Hope you have great subs. <3 7/20/2016 07:12:02 am
Thanks, Sharon! I have a feeling we'll be seeing some of the same subs with our similar tastes! <3 7/20/2016 07:53:25 pm
Hey Jenni- So given your picture of the cool castle on the floating island in your 'Here's What Else I'm After' section, it looks like you are open to an alternate world fantasy, with a new planet, new races and creatures, as long as they are humanoidish (is that a word?)? 7/20/2016 09:07:08 pm
Hi, Candace! Thanks so much for reaching out. And yes, epic fantasy with humanoidish characters are up my alley. I've enjoyed books like Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Splintered, An Ember in the Ashes, The Winner's Curse, and of course Harry Potter :)
ReLynn
7/25/2016 04:59:06 pm
Hi Jenni! I had a quick question about your nope list. You mentioned suicide as a theme. I do have a character with a past, situational based attempt, and some ongoing suicidal ideation related to what is essentially PTSD. However, it isn't an overarching theme and not an "issue" book. Would that still be a pass for you? Thanks! 7/25/2016 05:48:27 pm
I'd have to read to know for sure, but I think the fact it's not an "issue" book would push it out of the "nope" list. I don't think I'd be the best mentor for the project if it was an overarching theme. Thanks for the question, ReLynn! 7/29/2016 09:42:18 am
This is a great list--thank you from all of us potential subs! :-) 7/29/2016 10:54:51 am
Hi Adrianne! Thanks for the question! So I haven't actually read Juliet Marillier, but her books sound like they'd be up my alley. Some historical fantasy I've read (and enjoyed) have been by Robin LaFevers, Libba Bray, and Susan Dennard. I'm also dying to read Evelyn Skye's new historical fantasy and have it waiting for me on my kindle :) Hope that helps!
Adrianne Karasek
7/29/2016 11:11:58 am
Ah, Robin LaFever's Mortal Heart is one of my all-time favorite YA books! Perfect. Thank you.
Douglas Guth
7/31/2016 09:20:20 pm
Hi Jennie! Would you consider looking at middle grade historical fiction about the Civil War? Time travel is involved as well. Thanks! 8/1/2016 08:05:23 am
Hi Douglas, thanks for reaching out! Although this sounds like something I'd be all over as a reader, as a YA mentor I'll need to work on a YA project. But check out the fabulous MG duo, Wade and Timanda, who would be eager to find a time travel in their inbox http://wadealbertwhite.ca/pitchwars/ :) 8/1/2016 08:14:53 am
Your book is something that may be of interest to Alexandra Alessandri as well. Best of luck!!
Douglas Guth
8/1/2016 10:06:03 am
Got it! Thanks much for the feedback. 8/1/2016 11:10:58 am
One more :) JC Davis and Addie Thorley are co-mentors who are dying for mg historical. Here's their wishlist: http://www.jcdavis-author.com/2016/07/pw2016.html
Douglas Guth
8/1/2016 04:22:55 pm
Thanks again for the detailed feedback, Jenni! Much appreciate the hustle. 8/1/2016 03:09:56 pm
Hi Jenni: would you consider a novel set in 1985? The 1980s aren't the point of the novel. My narrator is a car thief--part of an all female gang with her great aunts--and it was much easier to steal cars pre 1986. I know that some people call Eleanor & Park contemporary, whereas others call it historical. Thanks, Nan 8/1/2016 04:14:16 pm
Hi Nan! Thanks for the question. The year isn't as important to me as the setting, the concept, and the characters. So if you think your story fits my wishlist, then I'd love to see it :) Comments are closed.
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