SinC-New York/Tri-State’s First QueryFest
We’re delighted to announce the chapter’s first QueryFest! A true member perk, three leading editors and agents will be joining us to discuss best query practices, after which they will evaluate our members’ query letters in groups of four in private virtual rooms. These letters will be delivered in advance to give each group leader sufficient time to digest their contents and offer meaningful advice on how to improve them. You’ll also glean insight by listening to your fellow members’ queries and the advice given. It’s a great opportunity to polish up your pitch!
Thanks so much to the Query Advisors who will be leading this event:
Terri Bischoff, Senior Acquisitions Editor, Crooked Lane Books, began her life in books as a bookseller at Kramerbooks in Washington, DC. After moving home to the Midwest, she worked at a feminist bookstore before purchasing and operating Booked for Murder in Madison, WI. She spent 10 years at Midnight Ink as their acquiring editor and published 36-40 books a year. Terri has a wealth of experience and knowledge in both mysteries and in bookselling, particularly as a book buyer and reviewer. Terri’s interests lie in mainstream suspense, thrillers, quirky and humorous cozies, LGBTQIA, and diverse characters/storylines.
Nettie Finn, Associate Editor at St. Martin’s Press, began her publishing career at St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur in 2016, where she has been happily reading and editing ever since. For Minotaur’s list, she’s on the lookout for domestic thrillers, sharply plotted mysteries, unconventional sleuths, and cheerful cozies. She’s drawn to commercial and upmarket suspense with a focus on strong women and unique perspectives, and to anything with a powerful sense of place, such as international and historical fiction, as well as stories set in the south or with a gothic edge. On the St. Martin’s Press side, she’s looking for women’s and book club fiction with strong characters and lots of heart.
Victoria Skurnick has been with the Levine Greenberg Literary Agency since 2007. Among the suspense novels she represents are A Death of No Importance and Death of a Showman, by Mariah Fredericks, Mr. Churchill’s Secretary and the forthcoming The Hollywood Spy, by Susan Elia MacNeal, Jar of Hearts and Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, and Bad Things Happen and The Good Killer, by Harry Dolan. In addition, Victoria represents literary fiction, women’s fiction and nonfiction, specializing in history and politics. Victoria was Editor-in-Chief of The Book-of-the-Month Club and senior editor at St. Martin’s Press and Pocket Books.
We look forward to seeing you all in May!