A New Year, a New Chapter, and a Query Letter Critique Giveaway!
8:06 pm - by anitamumm
Happy New Year, everyone!
So much news and so many things to celebrate. 2013 was amazing and part of me hates to see it go! The first half of the year was marked with lots of milestones at Nelson Literary Agency. Among them: Kristin earned the title “Admiral Nelson” for her blockbuster contributions at Digital Book World, Sara Megibow celebrated her first NYT bestseller (go Jason M. Hough and The Darwin Elevator!), and NLA authors found big success with indie titles through NLA Digital. For my work in foreign rights, I coordinated translation deals for clients’ books in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. As in previous years, I got to present at conferences and events around the country. And I had the thrill of seeing authors I’d first met in the slush pile rise to bestseller status, release amazing sequels, and achieve success abroad.
In July, with the support of my friends at NLA, I made the very difficult decision to leave my work there in order to pursue a path that combines my passion for the writing and publishing industry with my other loves: teaching and travel. In September I left for Dharamsala, India to spend three months as a volunteer English teacher at an organization called ES Tibet, a nonprofit that provides education to Tibetan refugees who have fled persecution from the Chinese government in their homeland. The students I worked with, like many others in the refugee community, had literally climbed over the Himalayas to reach India for education and work opportunities and to join the community of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. (To read about the school or to see how you can help, visit their website or send me an email. You can also check out my pictures on Facebook.)
And that brings me to three things I’m celebrating at the dawn of 2014:
1) Returning from India. I arrived home to Denver just in time for Christmas with my family (at least I think I did—merciless jet lag!). To be honest, I’m both celebrating and mourning this one. The experiences I had at Kunpan Cultural School, and my subsequent travel in India, were among the best of my life. I had the chance to do meaningful work, learn about Indian and Tibetan culture, and meet some of the kindest, most courageous and generous folk on the planet. I also gained firsthand insight on the fascinating Indian book market. I’m not going to lie—leaving was rough. But the experience filled me with even more excitement and energy for my next adventure, namely…
2) The official launch of Mumm’s the Word Editing & Critique Services. With a name like mine, how could I consider doing anything else? I’m going with karma on this one! Armed with the knowledge I gained from my work at NLA and the publishing biz, I’m offering developmental editing and critique packages for full manuscripts, partials, and query letters. In the near future I’ll also offer workshops and presentations on writing craft, publishing advice, and other topics covered here on Word Café. Spanking new website coming soon! In the meantime, to receive an information sheet or book a project, send me an email at anitaedits(at)gmail(dot)com. My project schedule is filling up, so if your New Year’s resolution is to land an agent or polish your final draft for self-publishing, say no to procrastination!
3) The anniversary of Word Café. Yes, indeed—Word Café turns one today! It’s been such a blast and I can’t wait to kick off another year. So to celebrate, instead of cake (because my resolution is a serious reduction of sweets: Indian bakeries…withdrawal symptoms…not pretty!), I’ve decided to do a query letter critique giveaway. To enter the drawing, post a comment here or on the Word Café Facebook page (be sure to mention “query critique drawing”) and with the help of Random.org I’ll select two lucky winners at the end of this month.
I’ll close with a toast to all of my readers: health, happiness, and big writing success for 2014. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead…
Cheers!
31 COMMENTS:
paulayantorno
Welcome back to Denver, Anita! It's been interesting following your adventures! Good luck with your new editing service... Please enter me in the Word Cafe query critique drawing. Happy New Year!
January 2, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thanks, Paula! I'll definitely get you entered in the drawing. Happy New Year!
January 6, 2014
<a href="http://raboyd.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Ros Boyd</a>
Hello! I've been following Word Cafe for the past year and I've found it to be nothing but helpful. Thanks. And, oh yea, query critique drawing!
January 2, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thank you! Glad you've found it useful. Happy 2014 and good luck for the drawing!
January 6, 2014
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/natalie.aguirre.56" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Natalie Aguirre</a>
Your trip to India sounds fantastic. I met my husband there so I know what an amazing country it is. I'd love to win a query critique.
January 3, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Wow, how cool, Natalie! Which part of India have you spent time in? (Got you in the drawing!)
January 6, 2014
Kalli
Enjoyed reading about your experience in India. Also love the title of your critique service! Thanks for the opportunity to win the query critique.
January 3, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Many thanks, Kalli! You're in the drawing. Happy 2014!
January 6, 2014
<a href="http://www.adriancross.ca" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Adrian</a>
Sounds like you've got some great things brewing. And I'd love a chance for the query critique drawing. :)
January 3, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Got it, Adrian! Thanks and happy 2014!
January 6, 2014
<a href="http://www.swatichavda.com/" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">swatichavda</a>
Happy Anniversary to Word Cafe, and a very happy new year to you! Can't wait to see the new website with info about your new venture. *Praying at the altar of random-picking bots for Query Critique Drawing: pickmepickmepickme!*
January 3, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thank you! Happy 2014 to you as well, and best of luck for the drawing. :)
January 6, 2014
Elissa
I am a firm believer in immersing oneself in as much of the world as possible. Everyone should have a chance to live in a foreign country for at least a short time. Your new venture sounds marvelous. It's nice to see someone who actually knows writing and the publishing business putting out her placard. Too many folks are happy to lighten writers' wallets without giving any real help in exchange. Of course I'd like to win the query critique, but I think I'll get in line for some of your professional services, too.
January 5, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thank you, Elissa! It was great to hear from you by email, too. :) I've got you down for the drawing--best of luck!
January 6, 2014
<a href="http://moirakatson.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Moira Katson</a>
Wow! I would love to be entered for a query letter critique. Also, that sounds like an incredible trip - I'm looking forward to reading more about ES Tibet!
January 5, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thanks, Moira! Yes, ES Tibet is a wonderful organization. If you know anyone who might like to teach there or help out in other ways, please spread the word. I've got you down for the drawing--best wishes!
January 6, 2014
donnamariev
Congratulations on your anniversary and return from India. What a marvelous and generous adventure. Please enter my name in the query critique drawing.
January 5, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
I've got you entered. Many thanks for the kind words, and happy 2014!
January 6, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Congratulations, Donna Marie! I'm thrilled to let you know that you were one of the winners of my query critique giveaway. Please email me at anitaedits(at)gmail(dot)com and I will send you instructions for the next step. Happy Friday!
January 31, 2014
<a href="http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Donna Volkenannt</a>
Thank you, Anita. I'm so excited! I will e-mail you right away.
February 1, 2014
<a href="http://www.annaraeaberle.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">annaraeaberle</a>
Please include me in your query critique drawing ~ I am already excited to be among the very first to work with you on my manuscript critique and winning the query critique would be gravy should I be your first client to earn a publishing deal in 2014!! I know with your feedback I will be on my way to success and also able to showcase your talents! Love, love, love reading your blog and keeping up with your WordCafe FB page!
January 6, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thank you, Anna Rae! I'm very excited to work with you, too, and delighted to enter you in the drawing. Best wishes!
January 6, 2014
<a href="http://www.dwcee.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">dwcee</a>
Hi Anita! What a great year you've had. It was exciting reading about it from my end in Los Angeles, CA. I'd love to be entered in the query critique drawing. I sent out a query letter right before the holidays (and right before I read your advice on not to do this) and haven't heard anything. I obviously need help. Thanks for the opportunity!
January 8, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thank you! Sorry to hear you haven't had a response to your query yet, but new year, new start! I'm happy to add you for the drawing.
January 8, 2014
<a href="http://www.maturesolotravel.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">lee</a>
so glad GiGi shared this site
January 8, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Thanks, Lee! Would you like to be in the query drawing?
January 8, 2014
<a href="http://www.maturesolotravel.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">lee</a>
yes, please. I am just reading your outline to better understand what your new focus is.... I hope a query letter is one that requests sponsorships during a trip???? I am at the point where I am taking my travel blog to the next level on an extended trip and I need help from the local tourist boards to accomplish my goals.
January 8, 2014
<a href="http://thenextbigadventure.net" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Rhonda</a>
I love, love, love India and can certainly empathize with your sadness in leaving. I heard about your site from GiGi and would love to be entered in the query critique drawing. Best of luck on your new venture!
January 8, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
A fellow India-phile, yay! Many thanks, Rhonda. And I've got you entered in the drawing.
January 8, 2014
<a href="http://thestoryofjune.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">wearethedreamersofdreams</a>
Oh boy, is it really January 22nd?! I guess entering your query letter critique drawing has been circling in my mind for almost an entire month. Well, hope it's not too late. I'll heed your advice in future and say no to procrastination! -Sabrina
January 22, 2014
<a href="http://wordcafeblog.wordpress.com" class="url" rel="ugc external nofollow">Anita Mumm</a>
Haha, no problem, Sabrina! It's not too late--you're added to the drawing and I'll be announcing the winners on Jan. 31. Best wishes!
January 23, 2014