PNWA Member Query Critique Drawing 

Foreword Literary Inc. is sponsoring PNWA's new monthly query critique drawing. Agents Laurie McLean, Gordon Warnock, and Pam van Hylckama Vleig are inviting members to submit a one-page query letter.  

Each month, three (3) queries will be selected at random in a drawing and then forwarded to their chosen agent. Each agent will read ONE selected query, critique it and provide feedback for the author.

So here is how it works:

1. Entrants must be current PNWA Members (click here to join or renew)
2. Review agent bios to determine who you would like to query: CLICK HERE
3. Brush up on writing a query by visiting: pred-ed.com/pubquery.htm 
4. Email us your completed attached Word .doc query to pnwa@pnwa.org - subject heading MUST READ: "May Query Critique for (list agent's name)"- then click send.
5. That's it, you are all done! (note: we will not email contestants to confirm delivery receipt)

PNWA members who have won will be notified. Once the query critiques are completed, we will send the feedback to the author.  

PNWA member Jane Isenberg announces the release of her latest novel, The Bones and the Book, from Oconee Spirit Press. The Bones and the Book is a historical mystery set in Seattle's Jewish community during the Gold Rush and in 1965. Widowed by the 1965 earthquake, Seattle housewife Rachel Mazursky translates the Yiddish diary of a murdered young immigrant, Aliza Rudinsk, whose bones were unearthed by the same quake. Rachel shares her translation with the reader so Aliza's distinctive voice alternates with Rachel's own passionate account of her response to the diary. Aliza's story moves Rachel, compelling her to read between the lines while searching Seattle for clues to the young woman's murder. For more details, visit www.janeisenberg.com.

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PNWA member Randall Reneau is pleased to announce that his book, Deadly Lode, has won the Richard Boes Award for best debut novel written by a veteran. The award is given annually by Reader Views Literary Awards. This is the 4th time the award has been presented. Richard Boes was a Vietnam veteran, who wrote two books dealing with Vietnam, and was writting a third when he passed away. The award was estabished in his honor. Visit Randall at randall-reneau.com.

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PNWA member Dorine White announces the release of her debut middle grade fantasy novel, Cleopatra's Legacy: The Emerald Ring, from Cedar Fort Books on May 14. She also invites you to join her for her book launch party on Wednesday, May 14 from 7-8pm at Third Place Books (17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155). She hopes to see many PNWA friends there!

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PNWA member Ariella Moon announces the release of her YA romance, Spell Struck, by Astraea Press. Goth outcast Salem Miller believes her love spell failed, until Aidan Cooper arrives at Jefferson High. When he chooses her over the popular girls, Salem knows magic brought him. But can she summon enough wizardry to save her sister? Salem fears Amy's next suicide attempt will succeed. Magic brought Aidan. Maybe it can cure Amy. Salem's final hope lies hidden within a damaged grimoire, nearly destroyed by a wrongful love spell. Was her rightful love spell enough to restore it? Spell Struck, the sequel to Spell Check, will be a June 2013 release. Visit http://www.ariellamoon.com for more details.

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PNWA member Judy Dailey is pleased to announce that her debut mystery, Animal, Vegetable, Murder, has just been released by Five Star/Cengage. It is a humorous cozy set on an urban farm in Seattle and won the Claymore Dagger award in 2011. You can read the first chapter and reviews of the book on her website (http://www.judydailey.com). Animal, Vegetable, Murder is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Powell's, and other independent bookstores. Judy will also be holding a book signing at Seattle Mystery Bookshop on Saturday, May 18 at noon.

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The local PNWA members and award-winning writing duo of Cary Morgan Frates (Redmond) and Deborah O'Neill Cordes (Issaquah), aka Morgan O'Neill, is proud to announce the upcoming release of The Other Side of Heaven, book one of their medieval Italian time travel series. Released through Crimson Romance, it will be available everywhere in e-book format on May 13, 2013. The sequel, Time Enough for Love, will be available on July 8, 2013. Visit them at www.morganoneill.com.

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PNWA board member and Author magazine editor-in-chief Bill Kenower invites you to the official book launch of Write Within Yourself: An Author's Companion, on Monday, May 20 at 7:00pm.  The party will take place at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park.   

CONTESTS/SUBMISSIONS:

Emerging Writers Contest

The Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Alumni Association Emerging Writers Contest is now open. This is a first novel contest. Submission deadline is May 24, 2013. Please note that our definition of a qualified "emerging writer" is someone who has yet to publish a book, including chapbooks, e-books, and self-published works. Awards are given for first, second and third place.

The first place award includes: 1) a full read/critique from Andrea Hurst Literary Management (as well as possible representation or referral); 2) a one-week retreat to a Smoky Mountains cabin (valued at $2,000 - transportation not provided); and 3) a $300 cash prize.

For submission guidelines, click here.