I just met my first real live agent in the flesh, Nephele Tempest of The Knight Agency. Nephele’s workshop was presented by the Washington Romance Writers. She was warm and approachable and did not seem to mind at all when people walked up to ask questions after her talk.

Nephele gave an extremely informative presentation on a number of topics including how to write a synopsis and finding the agent that’s right for you. Nephele also gave us some insight into the mood of editors these days. Since I think others will find it as interesting as I did, here goes:

• Paranormal is still big but some editors are starting to say they don’t want to see any more vampires, werewolves or shapeshifters

• Historicals are picking up (mostly Regencies)

• Funny contemporary romances are not selling terribly well

• Women’s fiction that does not sound like Chick lit (focusing more on a woman’s journey) is selling

• Erotica still sells but has slowed down and is not moving as briskly as it once was

•  Escapist anything is very popular

• Young Adult is huge right now

 Nephele’s personal take is that there are not enough books on the market right now geared to high school-aged boys.

The Writing With the Stars competition is about to get under way. I am one of 10 finalists vying for the top prize…to be published by Kensington Brava!

The contest is a blend of Dancing With the Stars and American Idol. Each finalist works with a professional, published writer who helps her hone her entries (each round has a writing challenge). An industry professional assesses the entries but – in the end – the viewers/users determine the winner. Online voting begins October 11.

You can check out all of the finalists at RTBookReviews.
Of course, I immediately scoped out the competition. It’s such an interesting group of writers from a variety of genres. And I’m trying not to be intimidated by the fact that some of my fellow finalists have already published ebooks with very reputable online publishers. Pretty impressive.

What an incredible opportunity for any aspiring author. I still can’t completely believe it.  It wasn’t that long ago that I shied away from telling people I was writing a book.

Speaking of impressive…

My mentor for the duration of the contest is the amazing Brava author Mary Wine. Being paired with such a gifted writer has turned out to be an incredible stroke of luck for me.

More on the delightful and generous Ms. Wine in a future post.

I have a special soft spot for “Willa” because it was my first completed manuscript and I absolutely love the hero and heroine. Hopefully, the final round judge will feel the same way!