Ready! Set! Pitch!

We here at Wordwrnglers would like to welcome Piper Denna back for her second pitch session!
 
 
Last year’s pitch session was so successful, Piper asked to come back.

45 brave souls stepped up to the mound and pitched (sorry, baseball season looms).

A quick list of authors contracted through their pitches:

  • Laura Lee Nutt, Kyra Jacobs, and Calisa Selfridge all contracted a book with Lyrical Press.
  • Jennifer Lowery, Jessica Day, and Mae Clair have contracted 2 books with Lyrical.
  • Sara Walter Ellwood is in edits for her 3rd book with Lyrical Press…and she and Piper “found” each other here at Word Wranglers, a year ago.

 

So 7 authors contracted out of 45…not-so-shabby odds.

 
 

First, the good stuff. Rules for pitching:

 

  1. 7:00 a.m-7:00 p.m. EST
  2. Please, only completed romances. Must be romance, must be complete. Lyrical Press publishes only romance, and contracts only finished books.
  3. Pitch should be 1-3 lines.
  4. 1 pitch per person.

 

Now, some quick info about the person you’ll be pitching to:

 

Books have always been my thing. I've been a writer since I could pick up a pencil, but not professionally until about 2005, when I wrote three novels. Through a couple of critique groups and thousands of crits--both given and received--I honed my craft quite a lot. After watching two of my books go through the editing process at publishers, I got the wild idea (the wild, incredibly overconfident idea, in retrospect), that I could do that.


After passing an editing test (yes, we have one, and no, not everybody can pass it), I became an acquiring content editor at Lyrical Press http://lyricalpress.com/ in 2008.

In 2010, Renee promoted me to Executive Editor, which means I get to herd the other editors around, in addition to editing my roster authors. I keep a “brag page” on my personal website, of the books I’ve edited: http://www.piperdenna.com/bragpageeditedworks.htm


And I still write. (When I have time, and when I can tranquilize that inner editor enough to shut her up so I can type.) My characters must endure extensive suffering and conflict, and sometimes they do things certain readers don't approve of, but they always get their happy ending.

What kind of books do I prefer to edit? Deep conflict, relatable characters, believable plots, and a strong romantic element. Because romance makes the world go round. Right?

Piper Denna

Romance is sexy!

Twitter: @PiperDenna
http://www.piperdenna.com/ 

Facebook: PiperDenna

 

Comments

  1. Title: MY SUNNY VAMPIRE
    By: Stacy McKitrick
    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    Word Count: 99,000

    When a respected vampire loses one night in his long life to amnesia, he becomes the number one suspect in the unauthorized turning of a woman who resembles his late wife. Certain he's innocent, he withholds the crime from the authorities and sets out to find the culprit. But working closely with the woman brings about feelings he hasn't felt since his marriage, and as he uncovers the events of that night he begins to doubt about his innocence in the whole matter.

    Thank you for this opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HI Stacy. Wow, that sounds intriguing. The poor guy has a lot going on. I'd be happy to read a partial and synopsis (if you have one). You can send it to piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  2. Piper Denna,
    Thank you so much for this opportunity.
    I have a historical romance completed at 75739 words. It's an American/Post-Civil War with a twist.

    MISPLACED HEIRESS

    Tonia Lake refuses to work in a London brothel to survive, but when her morals land her in debtor’s prison, her only out is as mail-order bride to a man in America. Can she find happiness in the arms of a stranger or will a long-buried secret from her past ruin everything?

    Thank you for your consideration.
    Krystal Shannan
    krystalshannan(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Krystal.
      Nice era for your setting...great historical feel, yet not "done" as often as some time periods. And I love the predicament your Tonia is in. (though she I imagine she doesn't, and I'm probably showing what a sicko I am because I like characters to suffer!). I'd love to read your partial and synopsis. piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  3. Title: The Russian's Unexpected Lover
    Author: Kasey G Dillard w/a Vanessa Moss
    Genre: Contemporary romance
    Word Count: 53,000

    When the reputation of her beloved mentor is sabotaged by Russian gem exporter Maxim Borovsky, British jewelry designer, Emily Parker, sacrifices her future as an elite designer to preserve the legacy of a man she loves like a father.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Vanessa. Sounds like Emily has major motivation to dislike Maxim...a match made in heaven, eventually. Right? LOL I also respect her as a heroine because she has values and is willing to make personal sacrifices for those she loves. I'd like to read this... can you please send me a the full ms and synopsis? (And I hope the 2 previous ladies don't feel like this makes their pitches less worthy--they're just longer books and this one will be faster to read.) piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would love for you to read Maxim and Emily's story! I will send everything you requested within the week. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Vanessa Moss

    ReplyDelete
  6. Title: Mr. Right Now
    Author: Kristina Knight
    Genre: Contemporary romance
    Word Count: 50,000

    Best-selling self-help author Cassandra Cash could lose her career if the press keeps hounding her over the rumor that her fiancé has left her - for another man. A quiet Caribbean cruise seems like the perfect solution until she learns a reporter has followed her on board – is it the man who has taken up residence in her stateroom? Or the one she can't keep her hands off of?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kristina, You had me with the title. LOL. I'm a sucker for punchy titles...sometimes they can be so hard to get right. But when they're good, they grab. I'm getting a "Love Boat" vibe from this one, and that's all good--I loved that show.

    I'm a little confused as to whether there are 2 men involved who might be the reporter, but also intrigued.

    My reading list grows...(this is a good thing). I'd love to read this full ms if you'll send it my way. (and a synopsis if you have one...which I imagine you do) piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Thanks, Piper - I'll send the full and synopsis right away. :)

      Delete
    2. YAY! Go girl! I loved this premise the first time I heard it. LOL

      Delete
  8. Title: Penance
    By: Melissa Aird
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Word Count: 95,000

    Posthumous infant photographer, Vivi Kates, considers her job as penance for a stress-induced miscarriage and has managed to exist without really living . . . for three years. When fate grants Vivi a seat in first class next to Diesel, the tabloids' favorite badboy, she targets him for a one-night stand in an effort to burst out of her numb existence. Neither anticipates the unlikely romance that ensues, or the deceptions and grievous truths that threaten to keep them apart.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Melissa, I'm a little confused about Vivi's job...I keep thinking she takes pictures of dead infants. Probably I'm mixing something up. LOL.

    But...Tortured heroine's work for me, and I like the idea of her hooking up with a bad boy! I'd love to read a partial and synopsis for this one. Please send it to me at piper@lyricalpress.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Title: Syphon's Song
    Author: Denise Plumart w/a Anise Rae
    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    Word Count: 98,000


    Violinist Bronte Casteel is a syphon mage, a legendary power forbidden by death from fear that syphons can drain a mage’s energy. To protect herself, she spends her life hiding her magic. When Bronte unknowingly passes coded messages for an anti-magic terrorist group in her music, she must turn to her family’s enemy, Colonel Vincent Rallis to help prove her innocence. But the colonel’s price is steep. She must join her taboo power with his and give him her heart.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You're right, Piper. Vivi does, in fact, take pictures of dead babies. No mix up! Will send you the requested materials via email. Thanks so much for the look.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Denise,
    A syphon mage...I had to Google that, and all I could come up with was some trading cards of some sort. Which tells me your heroine is something original, or at least not often-done. Which I like. I also like the idea of a creative-type heroine, having to compromise herself with a hero she despises.
    If you could send me a partial and synopsis, I'd love to give this one a spin! piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've been lame. Is anyone wondering how much of a partial to send? LOL. 3-5 chapters would be good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to admit I did wonder, but I sent 3 chapters. Hopefully at a point where you're yelling "I want more!" Yeah, I dream a lot!

      Thanks again for the request!

      Delete
    2. LOL, Stacy. I guess on some level I figure if you're savvy enough to put together a pitch, then you probably know what most editors consider a partial...and like you said, it's helpful if YOU can choose the cutoff point, to leave me wanting more. And as an author myself, I'm always pro-helping authors have an easier time. :)

      Delete
  14. Title: When a Soldier Cries
    Genre: Contemporary Military Romance
    Word Count: 110K

    Assigned to protect the Commandant's goddaughter from a bomber, former MARSOC and Force Recon operative Major Tanner Caldwell is both shocked and elated to find Navy psychiatrist Victoria Morgan is the prison shrink he spent one night with during a personal mission he'd rather not have come to light. Happy to be back on active duty, Tori needs to focus on the traumatized men under her care at Bethesda, but the sharp-eyed sniper dogs her every step and it doesn’t take the hard-bitten combat veteran long to ask if he's the one who got her pregnant. If only her problem was that simple.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Eden,

      This sounds really, really good. Unfortunately, Lyrical Press only publishes books up to 100k. If you think you can cut 10k, you're welcome to send me the partial and synopsis. piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Piper, 10K can be cut. I'll forward you the requested documents this week.

      Delete
  15. Title: The Convict & the Cattleman
    Genre: Historical romance
    Word count: 67k

    Bridgit Madden yearns for a normal life as a wife and mother, but as a POM--prisoner of mother England--she's sentenced to seven years of servitude in New South Wales.
    Despite his reluctance to take in a convict, Jonah Andrus, a grazier and pioneer cattleman, needs a servant to watch over his young niece.
    As a relationship forms between Bridgit and Jonah, it looks like marriage might be in their future, if they can overcome the devious woman determined to keep them apart.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Allison,
      This sounds great. 2nd female convict of the day...I'm liking this. LOL. I also like the whole down-under-for-prison scenario. Something about a whole country full of society's castoffs seems very romantic in a windswept, redneck way.

      I'd love to read this. Please send me the full and synopsis when you can. piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  16. Fun day! I didn't know you kept a brag-page, Piper! Very cool. :)

    I just wanted to make one correction for the ladies of WW. It was my alias, Calisa Rhose, who pitched and sold to Piper after last year's pitch, not Calisa Selfridge. :D

    You're doing a great thing here on Word Wranglers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Calisa, I'm sorry. That was my mistake, not the Word Wranglers'. My apologies.

      Delete
    2. Haha! No biggie, just thought no one will know me as that. :)

      Delete
    3. I would! Nice to see you over here, Calisa!

      Delete
  17. Title: Darkness Undone
    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    Word count: 101k

    Eve Leighton keeps away from intimacy of any sort after an accident in her teens left her with a painful gift—the ability to see into another’s mind through physical contact.
    When an ice-cold warrior claims she is his world’s savior, she’s intrigued, until she dares a look into his soul and sees a man who’s been cruelly betrayed.
    She agrees to help him and loses her heart, but Eve has to face her own mortality and fight for a love of a lifetime when the vicious goddess he’s bound to, wants him back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Georgia,
      Sounds like Eve's "gift" can also be a curse at times, eh? This sounds intriguing. And it's just a tad over our allowable word count, but I haven't come across a 100k+ book yet, where I couldn't find a couple thousand words to trim.

      If you're open to that, please send me a partial and synopsis. piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
    2. Hi Piper,
      Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I will send the partial to you.

      Delete
  18. Just wanted to say good luck to everyone pitching today! What a great opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Good morning Piper,
    Thanks for looking a pitches and enjoy your day.

    Title: A Wish Granted
    Genre: Spicy Contemporary
    Word count: 50K

    Allyn enjoys the sexy role play that allows her to be close to the man she wants, while keeping her heart at a distance. The week of her best friend's wedding everything starts to fall apart, one of the bridesmaids tries to expose a dark secret from Allyn's past, Logan the man she loves, wants to change the rules and bring their relationship out of the closet but she’s afraid that the bride-to-be, Logan's sister, will not condone the relationship.

    Allyn must decide is she going to keep her true feelings concealed and live with lies or will she stop hiding behind the games, risk it all and accept what Logan’s offering as a wish granted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He LeelaLou,
      I have to confess, I'm intrigued by what this role-play entails! Please send me a partial and synopsis.
      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
    2. YAY! Thanks Piper for taking a look :) I'll get it out to you within the next day or so.

      Leela Lou Dahlin

      Delete
  20. Hi Piper and D'Ann!!!

    Just popping in to say I'll never regret D'Ann's insistance that I pitch something--anything to Piper last year...Well, the only book even close to pitching was a contemporary western that I lamely titled "Butterfly". Piper requested a partial and synopis. A few months later Butterfly was contracted and became Gambling On A Secret, which released in January. Since then I've contracted two other books. So glad my wonderful friend and crit partner was looking out for me!

    Sorry, just wanted to share that you never know where good fortune might be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for coming by, Sara.
      I was pretty fortunate that day, too. You're awesome. :)

      Delete
    2. We love happy posts over here, Sara. :-)

      Delete
  21. Hi Piper -

    D'Ann has been an encouragement to me (we went to high school together). I'm a first-time writer (and a guy!) - have sample chapters ready if this piques your interest...I appreciate your time!

    Thanks -

    Jon

    Title: Career Opportunities
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Word count: 50K

    Cassandra is a harried but successful account executive – a consummate professional with too many projects going on simultaneously; after being fired unexpectedly for reasons that are not her fault, she finds herself unemployed and unable to understand why she lost her job but she resolves to get back on her feet and do something.

    At the unemployment office, she meets Jake, who is also filing for benefits. There is a mutual but awkward attraction; she declines coffee but takes a rain check (after some small talk and exchange of phone #’s).

    Her job search goes badly - numerous resumes, a couple of interviews, no luck. Jake texts and sends emails, but she has stopped responding. She is having a hard time keeping it together for herself – but Jake persists in his interest. Deciding that enough is enough, she redoubles her efforts and contacts Jake – they discuss their goals and become mutually supportive in their quests for work. They do a lot of inexpensive but fun things together – adding twists to make them that way and reaffirming joy of companionship.

    Things take a turn though, when Jake finally lands a job – but it turns out to be Cassandra’s old one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Jon.

      Yes, D'Ann is an excellent encourager--I'm so happy to see her landing contracts all over the place. Very well-deserved success.

      Now for your pitch...

      Ah, a down-on-her-luck heroine, trying to find her footing when everything's shifting around her. Nice set-up for some serious angst. I'd love it if you'd send me the partial and synopsis. piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  22. Just stopping by to say "Hi" to Piper and all the girls and lend my moral support. :) Looks like you're going to be very busy very soon, Piper!

    And a word of encouragement to those with 100K+ works--the book I pitched to my editor at Lyrical was originally 106K and by the time I submitted it, it was a svelte 97K! You can do it!

    Good luck to all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for coming by, Jenna. And you're right: A fresh pair of eyes can find the "painless" words to cut.

      Delete
  23. Hi D'Ann, Piper, and pitchers!! Just wanted to stop in and say GOOD JOB to everyone who has pitched here today! There are some fabulous pitches up already!! I took the plunge and pitched to Piper last year and it changed my life! So congrats to all of you for taking that leap!
    Happy Pitching!
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hey Jennifer, thanks for coming by. You were another of my "lucky catches" last year. :) So glad Word Wranglers got us together.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Piper,

    Title: Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids
    Genre: Romantic comedy
    Word count: 60K

    Sabrina Thompson was totally happy with her job as the freelance columnist incharge of finding and sharing Natural Beauty Secrets for articles in Skin Deep Magazine. Her perfect little world starts to crumble when her handsome boss, Travis Wellington, informs her that due to the economy, she will have to take on
    another column or lose her job.

    Imagine her surprise when she discovers her new job is offering advice for the Love and Sexual column. What does a twenty-four year old virgin know about Love or Sex, when she's never been on a second date in her life?

    What Sabrina doesn't know is that her boss already knows about her lack of experience and plans to be her practice toy as well as her teacher as she finally graduates becoming a woman.

    Thanks for the opportunity.
    deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi again, Deb.
      I believe I've seen this one before. *wink*
      Seems like I read the partial, and you were going to run through the ms once more, then send it in to me? The door is still open...
      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
    2. I'm a dork...I went back and revised alright then wrote Book 2 and 3 and forgot to send the revisions...just sent!

      Delete
  26. Title: GRANT ME SOLACE
    By: LH MARLEY
    Genre: Romance
    Word Count: 75,000


    After two family legacies are uprooted by tragedy, deception and despair, Grant and Sara are reunited with one purpose – to flourish in peace, hope and love. As two conflicting strategies and personalities threaten their ability to work together, Grant’s regiment deploys. Sara Chapman struggles to decide between lust or love and escape or patience while waiting for her one and only, Grant Brassington-Brown.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi LH,

      I've got lots of questions. I know, it's hard to get everything we need in a short pitch, right?

      Is this a contemporary romance? historical? futuristic? I'm sensing Sara takes up with aother man in Grant's absence. Maybe you could send me a blurb or short synopsis, so I can get a better feel for where the story goes?

      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  27. Hi Piper, I've enjoyed reading all the great pitches. Thank you for the opportunity today!



    Title: Letters From Inside
    by Teresa Blue
    Genre: contemporary romance
    Word Count:58,000


    After divorcing her alcoholic husband, and with a sigh of relief, Linda Wheeler wins custody of their teenage daughter, Jessie, and moves into her childhood home, looking forward to life in the old-fashioned house. What she gets is another battle entirely. Without Linda’s knowledge her teenage daughter, Jessica, is exchanging letters with convicted rapist and unknowingly supplies him with hope for a new life. Jessica signed her mother’s name to all the letters.
    Detective Tom Harrington will stop at nothing to see his sister’s rapist behind bars. And finding the author of those letters is a start.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Teresa,

      I'm a bit confused (it happens often, LOL). So...Jessie is writing letters to a man in prison (the convicted man)? If so, who is the rapist Tom Harrington is after?

      Delete
    2. Sorry for the confusion. Tom Harrington's sister was a victim and once he learns the convict is up for parole, becomes determined to see the convict back behind bars. Following her parent's divorce, Jessie believes her mom can't appreciate a good man (her dad) wonders what would she do with a bad one?

      Queries are so difficult. ((gulp))

      Delete
    3. Hi Teresa,

      That makes more sense.

      So, I'd kind of like to see what the rest of the plot looks like. Could you please send me a synopsis, and partial? Thanks.
      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  28. Hi, can we still pitch? :O) Thank you x

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello Piper,

    Thank you so much for the opportunity.

    Title: Prophecy of Love
    by Margaret Taylor
    Genre: Paranormal Romance
    Word Count: 125,000

    Marla Cortside, is a Paganite living in Atlanta, GA, 37 years after The Great Awakening. She has devoted her life to the fight between good and evil, vowing to keep the balance equal in all things.

    That is, until she meets sexy Atlanta Police Detective Austin Tygris and his twin Brother Max. The brothers are part of a long standing Prophecy to the Paganites. According to a legend passed down for nearly 2,000 years, one of the Twins is good and one is evil and it will be up to Marla and her love for both men to decide who lives and who dies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Adian,

      This sounds really good. However, Lyrical Press only publishes books up to 100k in length. Confident as I am at being able to trim 6 or 8,000 words, I'm not sure I could do 25k, which would basically be 1/5 of your book. If you have a plan for doing so, you're welcome to send me a partial and synopsis. piper@lyricalpress.comn
      If you can't, sorry!

      Delete
    2. Yes Ma'am. I realized after I'd posted it that you were looking for 100k or less. I went and checked the MS and apparently I'm having a blonde day! It's sitting at a nice, 97k right now. The 125k came from the first time I pitched this to someone else and it was approx. (IE: Before I'd finished it, way back when!)

      I would love to send you the first three and a synopsis if you're still interested?

      Margaret Taylor.

      Delete
    3. Sure Margaret/Adian. That's great news.

      Send it my way. :)

      Delete
    4. As requested, it is on the way, flying through Cyber Space as we speak and leaving *me* an absolute bundle o' nerves in waiting...

      Thank you again Ms. Piper. Your time and attention is muchly appreciated!

      Delete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Dear Piper,

    I would like to pitch my completed manuscript to you.

    Title: The Rock Star's Girls
    By: Debbie Rowe
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Word count:52K

    Nightclub publicist Leah Montague has a secret past - who doesn't, right? But when hers, in the form of rock star, Nathan Llewellyn, waltzes in to her nightclub, complete with the paparazzi and a model on his arm, can she keep her secrets safe, especially the fact he's the father of her six year old daughter?

    If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Deb :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie,
      Oh, oh, oh! I'm rocking in my seat like Horshak (sp?) used to on Welcome Back Kotter. I'm a sucker for rockstars (I wrote one under my mainstream pen name, LOL). They're so darn irresistible, especially the 2nd time around, no? (I always picture Bon Jovi, and the way he's gotten hotter over time...but I digress).
      Ahem. Adding in that child he doesn't know about, he's gonna be as much of a mess as Leah. I love it.
      Please send me your full manuscript, and synopsis.
      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
    2. Jon Bon Jovi rocks! It's on its way - I hope it meets your expectations, Piper. Oh gosh, I'm soooooo nervous now. Thank you :o)

      Delete
    3. This sounds especially nice! *wink*

      Delete
  32. Thank you for the oppotunity Piper.

    Title Her Secret, His Child By Charlotte Mcfall
    Genre; Contemporary Romance
    Word Count 50,000

    Journalist Chloe Townsend returns to her childhood home for her best friend's wedding. It's been six years since she left and she's hoping her past will stay right where it is. Will the secrets and lies she took with her be revealed, or will she be able to leave with her heart unscathed?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Taylor,

      (love your name)

      Ah, weddings. Next to class reunions, they're Most Likely to Make Us Feel Inadequate, right? A return to our hometown can evoke so many feelings...not all of them good, but many of them deep.
      Sounds angsty, which is just up my alley.

      I am curious about her secrets and lies, but have a feeling the title may be an indicator. LOL

      Could you please send me the full ms and a synopsis?
      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  33. Hi Piper,

    I thought I posted this before, but apparently not, since I don't see it listed here.
    Title: The Price of Honor
    Genre:Historical romance
    length 76000 paged

    Thank you for this opportunity.

    A widow escapes France and a pre-arranged marriage to search for husband’s killer and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the colony of New France. Along the way she discovers true love in the arms of a childhood friend.

    Thanks,
    Susanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susanne,

      Sometimes electronics like to mess with our heads, right? I'm glad you noticed your post was missing!

      Widows. Gotta love 'em, because they're apt to do so many more fun things that naive virgins won't, in historicals. Right? In the "old days" if a writer wanted her historical heroine to have premarital sex, that heroine had to be a widow. Anyway...

      I'd love to read a partial and synopsis for this one.
      Please send it my way. piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
    2. Hi Piper,
      You should have it by Friday.

      Susanne

      Delete
  34. Piper,

    What an awesome opportunity!

    Title: Conflicted Heart
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Word Count: 50k

    A suicidal mother and unfaithful father has Jessica Yates swearing off love. When her mother almost kills herself, Jess takes her attention off her business and concentrates on healing her mother's heart. The last thing she needs is head-strong rancher Jeremiah Pennington, his daughter, and his horses to be the one that holds the key to their happiness. But will his secret destroy Jess' new found hope for a family to call her own?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Amber,

    Ranches! Horses!
    Yesss!
    I love a good western, or western-set novel. Looks like Jess has tons of baggage to deal with, but now on top of it she's got a sexy rancher (assuming the sexy part, here) and his daughter, too.
    Especially since he's got a secret... Yesss. (did I already say that?)
    I'd love to read this.
    Please send the full ms and synopsis my way.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Piper,

      Thanks so much! I'll have it to you ASAP. I want to double check the MS for errors one last time and I have to write out the synopsis. (I have a very rough draft) I will have it to you by Monday, no ifs ands or buts. I've already found some missing words and a line or two was either deleted or added. I hope this is fine. I know it means mine will take a little longer to be looked at.

      Delete
  36. from Gina...

    The Wicked Bargain
    Regency Romance
    100,000 words


    Haunted by a past as a sex slave, nobleman Ethan Warth returns to England as a male courtesan for rich matrons and runs a brothel for wealthy lords. Arabella Covington appears on his door, trained in the medical arts but unable to practice because she is a woman. He hires her to care for his ladies but her inquisitive nature and beauty make him desire to teach her the world of seduction.



    Ethan, however, never counted on falling in love…

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hooboy. This one sounds like a scorcher! And I'm totally up for it. ;)

      D'Ann, can you please ask Gina to send her partial and synopsis my way? Gracias.

      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
  37. Title: Stolen Hearts
    Author: Christy Newton
    Genre: Romantic Suspense
    Word Count: 50,000


    Twenty-two year old, Cammie Adams knows one thing for sure - life isn’t fair. She is still an emotional wreck from the tragic loss of her parents seven years ago. Right after she gets her PI license she is not only robbed, but abducted, only to find her life was all a lie. Simon Fisher has really only loved one thing - jewels. This ex-jewel thief, now bodyguard, doesn’t even know what hits him when he rescues a woman who will not only steal his prized jewel, but his heart.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Christy.

      I love the thief-turned-bodyguard idea. I'd like to see a partial and synopsis for this one. Hoping the heroine isn't totally defeated by life...it sounds like she's had a tough go of it, but hopefully she's tough and bounces back well.

      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Yep, she is feisty!
      Thanks for the opportunity, Christy

      Delete
  38. Congrats to every one on there pitches they all sound intriguing i have my fingers crossed for all of you.
    Now i just need to get one of my romances completed and maybe next time i can participate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, Melissa. What are you waiting for? LOL. I'm just kidding. I know how it is to try and carve out time to write.

      Delete
    2. Thanks piper time isn't so much an issue as much as getting my muse to stay quiet long enough to complete one story before another pops into my head ;)

      Delete
    3. Ah yes. Muse ADHD. Been there. Had that. :) Just keep on keepin' on. You will get there!

      Delete
  39. Monica Garry
    Novella Title: Lover’s Unchained
    Genre – Erotic Paranormal
    Word count 25,000

    Twenty years ago Jude, a tracker demon was cursed by a dark witch never to have sex again until he met his mate and for twenty years Jude has searched the Immortal Realm for the witch hoping to break the curse. Until he is captured by Lana, a vampire eager to have him as her sex slave, However Jude’s inability to pleasure Lana angers her and bruises her pride.Lana decides to perform a test to see if it’s her causing Jude to be unresponsive or if it’s him. Lana brings her new slave Carissa in and is filled with jealous rage as sparks ignite between her two captives.
    Now that Jude has finally found his mate he is eager to get her alone and make up for lost time. But first he has to get them both to safety.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Monica.

      Okay...poor ole Jude's in a tough spot. 20 years? And I thought I liked to make my characters suffer! LOL. Looks like this could have some hot scenes.

      I'd love to read the synopsis, and the full ms (would be funny to request a partial on a novel this length!).

      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much Piper for this opportunity. If my story is too short i can lengthen it. (Lengthen- i think i like that word, :)

      Warning: This story is full of steamy explicit scenes!

      I will get this sent to you before the week is over, thanks again! Excited.

      Delete
    3. Monica,

      We publish stories usually starting at 20k, so you're okay with word count. Unless the story feels rushed, I wouldn't need you to lengthen. Or unless you like to lengthen. Then you could definitely lengthen.

      Delete
  40. Title: Cooking Up Love
    Author: Heidi Senesac
    Genre:Contemporary Romance
    Word Count: 90,000

    What's a woman to do when her almost-fiance cheats with a despised co-worker and she inherits a run-down cafe that comes with a twelve year-old mystery? Faced with a rapidly changing life, Jemima George does the only thing she can. She moves to a small tourist town, hires hottie contractor, Jack Kerrigan, re-vamps the menu and opens for business. But has she bitten off more than she can chew when she tries to solve the mystery?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Heidi.

      A hottie contractor and a mystery, too? Woohoo! I like the heroine's spunk already--she walks head-on into the change and tackles not only the work, but the big secrets too. Mr. Jack better watch out.

      Oh, this is a long one. But I'd really like to see it all... so please send me the full ms and synopsis.

      Thanks!

      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Delete
    2. Hi Piper,
      I'd be delighted to send it to you. You will have it within a week. Thanks so much for the opportunity. This was a fun way to get to tell Jem's story. I'm looking forward to your feedback.
      Thanks!
      Heidi

      Delete
  41. Title: HIS LOWBORN HEART
    By: JC Hay
    Genre: Futuristic Romance (Space Opera)
    Word Count: 80,000

    As the daughter of one of the 4 planetary dukes that govern her world, Theodora has spent her life being responsible and preserving her reputation - an attitude that goes out the window when she meets a rakish fighter pilot whose devil-may-care attitude reawakens the wildness in her heart. Now giving in to temptation has tangled her in a web of conspiracy, treason, and an alien horror bent on conquering the world she holds dear. Forced to choose between revealing the truth and saving her own reputation, her real decision is if her future is more important than her past.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi JC,

      Ooooh, I love that last line about whether her future is more important than her past! Suhweet tag line.

      I'm so curious about what this alien horror is...and really want to see poor Theodora pull herself out of this mess sex has gotten her into. LOL.

      Please send me the...well, what the heck...send me the full ms and synopsis.

      piper@lyricalpress.com

      Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Thank you, Piper, both for the opportunity and for taking pitches today. I'll get it sent out to you in the next 24 hours.

      Delete
  42. Okay. Now, I don't want to cut anybody's opportunity, and I know for people in other parts of the world, the whole time conversion thing is confusing. So I will be checking back in to see if we have any stragglers pitching. And they'll be treated the same as everyone else.

    But what I do want to tell those of you who I've requested partials or fulls from, is this: I'll be reviewing the submissions in the order I receive them. At this point I've requested 8 full manuscripts, and 16 partials. So once I have several of those in, I'll be letting subsequent subbers know they might be waiting longer than my standard couple of weeks.

    Thanks, everyone who stepped up and pitched in front of the wide world. And thanks to all you lurkers too, for checking out the Word Wranglers blog today. I've had quite a few friends, authors, and other LPI editors who've told me they've been watching today... thank you all, too, for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thanks, Piper, for being on Wordwranglers today! It's such a great chance to get to pitch to a real, live editor. Thanks to all those who were courageous enough to put their work out there for all of us to see. Congrats to those who recieved requests! And to those who didn't, you will next time!
    ~The wranglers~
    Liz, D'Ann, Kristi, Margie, Shawn

    ReplyDelete

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