Editor Pitch: Piper Denna Lyrical Press

Lyrical Press Editor Piper Denna is now taking 1-3 line pitches.

The rules are simple:

1. Contest opens at 7:00 A.M. EST and runs through midnight
2. 1-3 lines
3. 1 pitch per person

That's it. We're easygoing over at Wordwranglers, but if you break the rules, you'll be disqualified.

Don't miss this chance to get your pitch in front of an editor!

Piper's bio:
Writing is a craft, a skill which improves with practice. Grammar can be learned.

Spelling...notsomuch. Either you're good at spelling, or you're not. And unfortunately, Spellcheck might be helpful, but let's face it: it's only as good as its programmers, and we all know how many problems certain software programs have. Which is why, no matter who you are, no matter what you write, you need an editor. If you don't believe me, ask Stephen King-we're very close. Like two peas in a pod. (At least, in my mind, which I mean in a completely un-stalkerlike way.)

Now that I'm done name-dropping... Books have always been my thing. And I've been a writer since I could pick up a pencil. My thoughts didn't turn toward writing 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. So much so, in 2008 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.

My poor authors have to learn my lingo: "Innerds"-deep third inner thoughts from a character, generally requested as a replacement for narrative ("She wondered why he hadn't arrived yet" comes off much stronger as "Where the hell was he already?") or "Holding Pattern", which I type as a shortcut to remind an author to mix up sentence structure, rather than going with a repetitive subject/predicate format every time.

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!

http://www.piperdenna.com/

http://www.lyricalpress.com/piper_denna.php

Comments

  1. Jaded CEO Adam Lawrence knew exactly how to get what he wanted in business and in the bedroom. When independent, sexy and impossible to ignore Cassie Jacobs dares to best him on a business deal, Adam vows revenge. But how far can he go when the two find out they about to become family?

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  2. "Rumors of forest phantoms stalking a rural private school compel a reclusive widow to investigate after a student is attacked. What she uncovers is a conspiracy from within, forcing her to confront her own demons to defeat a serial killer, and perhaps find love again." Hummingbird Wars

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  3. A beautiful fairy from Annwn,Mia is bound by a promise to love Robert for all eternity. She is a powerful seer and empath forced to enter the mortal world of men.But even she cannot forsee the danger of the Darkshadows that threaten her very existence and that of the promise!

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  4. An average suburban girl has to overcome tacky pick-up lines from a seductive demigod and hideous overtime at work in order to battle a putrid demon and his obsession with a birthright she knows nothing about.

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  5. Thank you for the opportunity to pitch to Piper.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Butterfly is a 100,000 word contemporary Western romantic suspense.

    When mysterious runaway-turned-heiress Charli Monroe trusts drunk ex-soldier Dylan Carter to rebuild her ranch, an entire Central Texas town is shaken to its core as more secrets than just hers are revealed.

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  7. Thanks for this opportunity, Piper!

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  8. If hot flashes and a frigid marriage aren’t enough to push Em to the brink, when she hires a rugged Mexican guest worker to rescue her native prairie from being plowed under, his tender ways not only thaw her broken heart but set her pants on fire! Unable to live the charade of her marriage anymore, Em must find the courage to follow her heart for the first time in her life or live with regret the rest of it. IS IT NOW YET? is one woman’s coming of middle-age journey.

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  9. StaceyC4,
    This sounds awesome. You gave me info on both the H and h, and explained the conflict too. I'm assuming this is a complete work. If you'd like to send me a partial and synopsis, you can do so at piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. rainbowriter,

    Can you give me a little about the love interest? I think the rules here say you can only post once, so you're welcome to email me directly if you like.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jennie,

    Is there a romantic conflict? Can you tell me more? I don't usually edit fairies, but have several editors who do. You can email me with a complete blurb if you like.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

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  12. Peta,
    This sounds very funny! Please send me a partial (25 pages or so) and synopsis (2-3 pages is good, but don't sweat it if yours is longer or shorter)

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sara,

    I'm a sucker for anything with cowboys, Texas, and danger (wrote one myself, LOL). You're welcome to send me a partial--girls, I'd normally be requesting fulls because that's LPI policy, but we just started judging our contest entries yesterday and I'm soo backlogged right now. Anyway, please send me a partial and a synopsis. 100k is at the upper edge of our word count limit, but I'll still take it on if it's good.
    And I'll probably quit posting my LPI email address in every reply. I had no idea there'd be so many great pitches!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Em-Musing,

    As someone who's written 2 "revenge for infidelity" novels, I can tell you this might be a tough sell. Luckily, LPI is pretty open to whatever, so long as it happens without alienating readers.

    And... I'm intrigued to see if you can pull that off. Please send me a partial of the ms and a full synopsis.

    By the way, I love your title.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hope y'all don't mind me popping by and hanging out for a bit. I'm enjoying reading your pitches.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Gifted with an unusually intense intuition and befriended by a wizard, Clementine meets Ichiro, a fictional character she created years ago, a mythical creature now haunting her dreams. The synchronistic encounter in a subway station leads Clementine into a world she had only suspected existed until now.

    ReplyDelete
  17. She moves things with her mind; he can touch you and tell what you're thinking.
    Together they have to find a killer before the killer finds them.
    Sounds easy--right?

    Thanks for the opportunity.
    Cait Donnelly

    ReplyDelete
  18. Keep Calm Carry On
    Word Count 90,000
    After a Chicago home renovator goes broke, she returns to her grandmother’s estate,
    a fixer-upper in England, to start over. When the British curator of the property digs up a family secret she’d thought long dead, her newfound legacy is the spark she needs to rebuild her business. But when her life is threatened, she must face her empty past. And only with help from the charming but reclusive curator can she find the truth, exposing her heart to find a fresh future.

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  19. Thank you Piper for this wonderful opportunity.

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  20. What wonderful pitches!! I'm don't envy Piper her decisions!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sin – 40,000 Word Romantic suspense

    Born into a mob family, Sin Deleon takes on the responsibility of repaying her deceased brother’s debt to the mob to gain her freedom.
    Her final job, bring mega gemstone dealer, Joe Gallant down by any means including sex and deception.
    Joe quickly identifies Sin as a mob family member, but can’t stay away from the woman who has stolen his heart and will try to ruin his life.

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  22. Thank you for the opportunity, Piper!

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is from someone who couldn't get on the site:

    Pitch:

    Until her guide dog turns into a boy and demons kidnap psychic teenagers for their plan to conquer humanity, Marlene Gardner, A blind Wiccan, only wanted to teach psychic humans how to deal with their burgeoning abilities. Then, her ex-lover, Detective Nicholas Drake, re-enters her life, her students are kidnapped, and her mentor drags her along to outwit the demon commander, Moloch. Good-bye quiet life.



    Thanks and take care, Barbara Bates batfam@charter.net

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  24. There are so many ways to burn. In SoulFire, a modern religious fantasy romance, webs of desire, jealousy, and spirituality ensnare Darcy, powerful Chief of Guardians, as he adjusts to a dual angel/human nature. Look behind the veil dividing the physical and spiritual planes.

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  25. Stealing Home, Contemporary Romance
    by Julie Sellers

    Major League MVP, Colin McQueen, has broken more than world records. When their college relationship ended, Brenna O’Brien swore she’d never be that vulnerable again. But now Colin’s back, with a troubled son in tow, and needs her help. Stealing home is the riskiest of plays, but in the end, it wins the game.

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  26. Hi Annie Quinn,

    This sounds like a cool fantasy story. Is there a romance involved?
    We focus pretty heavily on romance at LPI.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Cait,

    Could you send me a longer blurb and synopsis? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  28. OK, Penthree. First thing I'm thinking is, "British accents! Yayy!" LOL. I also really like stories about finding roots. Please send me a partial and synopsis.

    I'll put in my email address again, just in case.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

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  29. LOL, Kristina. I may have a lot on my plate after today!

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  30. Betty,

    "Sin" is a very bold choice for a title! I like it. And though personally, mob fiction just isn't "my" thing--I think agent Laura Bradford was tweeting about it yesterday or the day before, and I was so glad because I thought I was the only person anywhere who wasn't into it--I do enjoy a story where a man gets involved with a woman knowing full well she's trouble with a capital T. If the mob parts aren't too heavy or graphic, I'll probably enjoy the story. And if they are heavy but the story is good, I bet I can find a home for it.
    You're welcome to send me a partial and synopsis.
    Thanks!

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  31. StaceyC4,

    I'm having a blast! Pleased so many authors are coming out--and their pitches are awesome.

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  32. D'Ann,

    Barbara was able to get hold of me privately with her pitch. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hey Robin,

    This is another genre I'm not too familiar with. However, we do have several titles with angels and demons out. Feel free to send me the full synop and a partial. I might have an editor willing to take it on.

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  34. Piper, thank you for the invite to send more of "Sin". Will happily do so. Thank you for the chance.
    Betty

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  35. Julie,

    I love baseball! Baseball movies, books (there just aren't many)... baseball butts... And I'm having trouble NOT typing in all caps. I'm that excited.

    This story involves a kid who's sure to make a mess of things, which I love, plus the couple has a past, and he's an MVP so I know he's super hot. And the final line of your pitch absolutely rocks.

    Please send me the synopsis, and the full manuscript. (again, I'm trying hard not to go ALL CAPS)

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks Piper for this opportunity.
    Cheers!
    Tricia Q.
    (Penthree)

    ReplyDelete
  37. A Civil War colonel transported to the present day, Caleb DeCardian meets alluring Arianna Hart when she nearly runs him down in her car. Battling the curse of lycanthropy, and searching for the man who betrayed him, the last thing Caleb needs is to become entangled with the independent schoolteacher, but their attraction in undeniable. Add a successful real estate developer with surprising ties to Caleb’s past, and the present is suddenly more complex than the turmoil he left behind in 1863.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  39. Mae,

    I'm thinking this might be a fun story. Between the poor guy trying to get up to speed on modern inventions, conventions, and speech, he's got a handful. And the real estate developer bit intrigues me.

    Please send me a partial and synopsis. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Many thanks, Piper! I will follow through as requested. Thank you for the opportunity!
    Mae

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi Stephanie,

    I'm guessing Dan is also the ghost? Sometimes the big romance fan in me gets scared of love stories involving a ghost because it's so hard to have a HEA (and I'm gonna be honest--I am addicted to happy endings)

    If this story has a HEA, please send me a partial and synopsis.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  42. On the run, and grieving the loss of her family, self-sacrificing surgeon Alana O’Grady turns to hardened mercenary, Cristian Slade. Alana’s fire warms Cristian’s cold heart, but he’s a hardened assassin – he has no business being with someone like her. Alana has to decide what she’s willing to fight for, and how far she’s willing to go.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Piper! Thank you for doing this pitch today.

    Perfect Dr. Viv- contemporary romance
    55,000 words complete

    Between a skunk named Skittles and a seven year old cupid, veterinarian Vivian Dane sets out to heal the scorched heart of twice-burned Medi-Flight EMTP, Conner McKay, while falling head over heels for his young daughter, Janna-Jelly Bean.
    Not even the sexy new town vet is enough to convince Conner there’s more to life than being the perfect dad for his daughter, after the hands-on lessons he learned. But he soon discovers the feisty pet doctor (and don’t let her hear you call her that) has the right medicine for more than just four-legged creatures.

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  44. Irredeemable Angel - Paranormal Romance complete at 96,000 words.

    Josie is a hardened bounty hunter with nothing left to lose. David is an Angel of the highest order. When the gates of Hell open, their unholy alliance and forbidden love may be the only thing standing between mankind and complete annihilation.

    Mary Stella Clemens

    ReplyDelete
  45. Irredeemable Angel - Paranormal Romance complete at 96,000 words.

    Josie is a hardened bounty hunter with nothing left to lose. David is an Angel of the highest order. When the gates of Hell open, their unholy alliance and forbidden love may be the only thing standing between mankind and complete annihilation.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I wanted to thank you Piper for this opportunity. In my haste I just realized I posted my pitch without at least greeting your properly AND posted it twice... Nervous and eager anyone?

    LOL Mary S Clemens

    ReplyDelete
  47. Guarded Hearts

    After escaping poverty and homelessness, Evie Marcherand aims for stardom with her guitar, her voice, and her gut-wrenching songs. Jake Collins, assigned to protect her, has uncovered some of her secrets – the biggest one being that Evie Marcherand doesn’t exist – and that someone wants her off the scene permanently. Now Jake and Evie must set aside their antipathy and work together to solve the puzzle of Evie’s past, before her future comes to an abrupt rest.

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  48. What an awesome opportunity.
    I'm in the middle of writing something - so not ready to pitch yet.

    Good luck to everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Rescued from the Dark
    Romantic Suspense

    Undercover FBI agent Jason Michaels infiltrates the terrorist cell and risks everything, even his life, to save the FBI intern who stole his heart then walked away. Once Mercy wakes from her coma she has no memory of what happened and Jason realizes the terrorists vow to get her back for their secrets locked in her memory, no matter what the cost. In a race against time, Jason and Mercy struggle to fight their attraction and put their differences aside as they launch a manhunt to save their country and each other.

    Thank you for the pitch opportunity. :}

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  50. Jennifer Lowery,

    Could you please send me a synopsis so I can get a better feel for the conflict and plot?

    Thanks.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm having so much fun reading these pitches and Piper's responses. Good luck to everyone! And big thank you to Piper for joining us today.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I couldn't resist. Had to pop on and say hi to Piper! *waves* Howdy to D'Ann too .

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  53. Thanks Piper for the opportunity I have sent more details regarding,The Promise as requested. Cheers Jen

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  54. African American Contemporary with strong romantic elements

    1. Focus on career first. 2. Avoid scandal 3. Stay away from relationships that suck the life out of you—the only three items on Sydney’s ‘run away from suffocating boyfriend’ list when she fled to Michigan. Sydney’s enjoying her thriving career and her uneventful relationship with new boyfriend, Caden-until one betrayal, two fifths of patron, and three years of pent up lust threaten to destroy her beautifully constructed life. Now she's torn between two brothers—so much for avoiding scandal.

    Thanks for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Bloods' Voice
    Paranormal Romance

    Anya Millar had no memory of her life or an instruction manual on how to navigate the insane world of humans, biting, and reality. Instead, Anya has had to learn to navigate the world of love, life, and sanity while avoiding those that would see her dead or enslaved.
    Anya must come to terms with who she is and her missing past, Nicholas must win back the object of his eternal love while dealing with new cravings in his silent heart, and Declán must learn to destroy the very creatures that he has unequivocally given his heart and blood.

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  56. Hi Calisa,

    Skunks are so cute--and so potentially funny! I'm getting a fun vibe from this pitch...and I do like heroes who wear uniforms. This is a great pitch--it tells me about both the H and h (and the daughter as well), provides enough details to picque the curiosity, and sets up the GMC.

    Please send me a synopsis and partial!

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Mary Stella,

    No need to be nervous!:)

    This is a fantastic pitch--you've shown me the H and h are dealing in superhigh stakes, and set up your story with the worst villains ever-those in Hell. LOL Please send a partial and synopsis. This may or may not be "my" genre, but I probably have an editor who'd be interested.

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  58. Christine,

    First of all, I've edited a book with this same title. LOL. I know, there's nothing new under the sun, right?

    I like the premise of Jake uncovering her secrets, and it sounds like some of them are secrets she doesn't even know. That's intriguing.

    Could you please send a full synopis, and a partial ms?

    Thanks,

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. In case anybody wonders... I'm asking for full synopses, not because I'm a hater and want to make you suffer (as an author I've done my time despising the dreaded sucknopsis myself) but so I can get a better idea of the scope and plot of the book, and make sure it doesn't include any objectionable content. No, I won't judge the voice or quality of the ms based on the synopsis--just get an idea where the story goes.

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  60. Hey LKF,

    Holy crap! Another Major Stakes book. I like. I really like the premise (it makes me shudder really) of terrorists erasing the h's memory and putting secrets in there. And... you had me at FBI. I'm such a sucker for cops and uniforms and accents. *Sigh*

    This is a very nice pitch--you've laid out GMC and the most interesting external conflict. I'd love it if you sent me a synopsis and the full!

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks, Margie!

    I'm having a great time. A bit overwhelmed... I honestly didn't expect so many, or for the pitchs to be so good. :)

    My contest judging may have to go on hold...

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi Sheri!

    Hope those query revisions are coming along for ya. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  63. Piper, you're awesome! I have two contract offers and three have my full. Your help meant everything to me. (sure LP wouldn't be interested?)

    ReplyDelete
  64. Leslie,

    Hoo boy! I love the build-up of the 1,2,3, and the repetition of it (especially the 2nd one with the 2/5 of Patron LOL). Super pitch.

    I get a nice chick-litty/contemporary romance vibe here (and I use chick-lit as a compliment). Sounds like a fun story about a younger woman trying to straighten out her love life, and not having things turn out quite like she planned.

    And that last line is so shocking!

    I'd love to read a partial and synopsis.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks, Piper - and you're right, nothing's new, lol!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Anya,

    I'm probably one of less than 1% of women who aren't really "into" vamps. That said, I can spot good writing, and I have a LOT of editors who are very into vampires. If you'd like to send me a synopsis and partial, I'll forward it on to another editor for review.

    Also, is this a menage? Please let me know when you send the submission. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Sheri,

    I did look back over that other submission... It was just too long, dangit.

    If you could get under 100k.... :)

    ReplyDelete
  68. How can you get to "Happily Ever After" when you can't remember what happened before? Welcome to a romance Shencan't remember, and He can never forget. The Carriage Trade.

    Thank for the Op!

    Lisa Deon

    ReplyDelete
  69. The day is only half over... lol You are special for doing this after the out-pouring of interest! I'll get that partial to you very soon. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  70. DESIGNER GENES - "The Boyfriend Cut", an Upper Young Adult/New Adult dystopian romance

    A seventeen-year-old girl born with the genetic markers the government needs, is dropped into a covert cloning program where her future is already decided, and she wants out—until she meets her destiny. Over six feet of lean muscle, lips that should be registered as lethal weapons, and the perfect link to Marli Davis' genetic code, Jordan Mason only wants to fulfill his government contract, not fall in love, but his heart changes the game plan. When Jordan's rebel twin brother, Jesse, offers Marli an escape from her manipulated fate by living life in his arms instead of his brother's, Marli must decide if life without love, or Jordan, really is freedom.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Hello Piper,
    I read your post and yelled a little louder than I should have because the Doctor I work for ran in to see if I was ok. Too funny! I'm excited and will e-mail you the information soon, but have to get back to the day job. :}
    Thank you again for this.
    Lynda

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hey Lisa Deon,

    Hope I'm getting this right: She's got amnesia and can't remember their love affair, and he wants to forget it? And it sounds like a historical, correct?

    I'm intrigued. Do you have a longer blurb or synopsis you could send me?

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. J. Coleman,

    Wow! I've gotta be honest--this is the first YA I've seen (since we opened to YA) that really caught my eye. I love the "lips that should be registered as lethal weapons" line. LOL And that's sooo the way an upper YA voice should be thinking.

    I'm kinda getting myself stretched thin with the 2 fulls I've requested, but you've set up a really irresistible conflict here for Marli, and who can pass up 6 feet of lean muscle? LOL (and I really wanta get my foot in the YA door, but I keep letting the newer editors have our good YA submission)... So please send me a synopsis and a full.

    ReplyDelete
  74. P.R. Isabelle loves the voice of sexy singer, Alejandro, but despises his much-publicised image. When she discovers the passionate man behind the image, the paparazzi and her ex-husband create dangerous problems. Can Alejandro overcome her fear and lack of trust to win his bride?

    ReplyDelete
  75. Lynda,

    Keep it on the downlow, girl. We don't want you leaving your day job just yet! LOL :) Just tell Doc you set an appointment for one of your favorite patients...

    ReplyDelete
  76. Misfortune shadows Marissa Bergstein, a fertility specialist and abuse survivor forced to forgo her solitary existence in a dystopian society after a dark warrior lands on her doorstep. She resists the love she develops for General Darrin Reed despite his attempts to claim her heart. When human-hunting beasts surge into the past to assassinate him, Darrin and Marissa must join forces to defeat evil or face certain death.

    ReplyDelete
  77. OMG! I shouted a word the lawyers in my firm have not heard heralded in our hallowed halls. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Walk The Line - Romantic Suspense

    Despite ex-SEAL Spade Michaels’ aversion to gambling and his constant struggle with PTSD, he can't turn down beautiful addicted gambler, Tina Cloud, who pleads for his help in finding her mother’s murderer, especially since she appears to be next on the serial killer’s list.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Piper,

    Thank you for the invite. I will write up the synopsis and send it right out.

    Áine

    ReplyDelete
  80. Guardians Awakened
    Paranormal Romance

    Morgan Mathews finds herself inexplicably drawn into an epic battle of good versus evil; she discovers newfound wonder at her own talents, talents that will provide a pivotal role in a war she is destined to fight with her newfound allies. Ryker Stratis, an immortal warrior, is aided by supernatural beings to fight to save the future of mankind. When Ryker rescues Morgan he finds himself drawn to the feisty human and willing to risk everything to keep her safe from his war she stumbled into the middle of.

    Thank you,
    Leslie McFarland

    ReplyDelete
  81. Annalise Callahan, an intelligent and striking woman, plagued by a past that she can’t remember, is desperate to evade the attentions of Garrett, O'Rourke, the grandson of the founding partner of her law firm. Can she convince him she isn’t worth pursuing before he convinces her to love him?

    ReplyDelete
  82. OMG! Just peeked back at the blog before going back to work. Can't believe it. *dances around the floor*

    Partial and synopsis coming right up! :)

    Mary S Clem

    ReplyDelete
  83. Hi Piper...my name is Eva North and I myself am an avid reader, but what i'm wondering is if you need help with proofreading/editing or know of anyone who does and who would be willing to take me on as a proofreader? Please contact me either way at haskids2009@gmail.com and have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Wishing for a Highlander 100,000-wd 2012 Suzannah finalist
    Single and pregnant museum worker Melanie loves getting up close and personal with history, but when an artifact from her Scottish Immigrants exhibit plunks her in the middle of a clan skirmish in the sixteenth century Highlands, things get a little too personal. Warrior and heir to his uncle’s lairdship, Darcy Keith confiscates the artifact that represents Melanie’s only ticket home and manipulates her into marrying him. Melanie’s indignation turns to understanding, friendship, and eventually love when she discovers Darcy has done it all to protect her and her unborn baby from his tyrannical uncle and when he risks everything to return her to the future in which she is no longer certain she belongs.

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  85. Wow! Checking in to see how it's going--makes me wish I had a pitch! Happy to see some familiar names stopping by, too.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Oh, Sue.

    I am also a sucker for a rock star. And judging by the way you spelled "publicised" I'm betting these characters have accents I'll love!

    I'd love to read more (and see if he's an alpha...). Please send me a partial and synopsis!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Ami_Shaw,

    Our publisher is actively seeking dystopian. She's after erotica, and I'm not sure how this one falls for heat level.

    However, you've set up a catchy premise... so, could you send me a synopsis and sample pages? Also maybe a little info on heat level. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Pam,

    Uh-oh. You've been reading my posts and learned of my weakness for lawmen and uniforms, haven't you? Ex-SEAL? hello!

    But seriously. You've set out both the H and h, given them cause to "rub each other the wrong way" (no pun intended. Well, maybe a little..), and put the h in serious danger, with the potential for some awesome heroism to happen. What's not to like?

    Please, please send me a synopsis and partial. (I'm sitting on my hands around here to keep from requesting more fulls today But just barely making it.)

    ReplyDelete
  89. Leslie McFarland,

    This one is probably a little more "supernatural" than I'm used to working with. But I bet I can find an editor chomping for it, if the writing is good.

    Send me a sample and a synopsis, and I'll get it reviewed.

    ReplyDelete
  90. D Stroud,

    I'm not getting a picture of conflict or story outside of Garrett pursuing Annalise. But it's hard to get all the good stuff in 3 or 4 lines of a pitch. Can you send me a full synopsis?

    Thanks.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Eva,

    The best place to get answers to your questions would be on individual publishers' websites--under their Employment link. We're not currently looking for help, but I bet somebody is.

    Best of luck!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Hi Jessi,

    I'm catching a LOT of Outlander similarities here. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing... Outlander is an all time favorite of mine, and probably millions of others.

    Could you please send me a synopsis so I can get a better overall picture?

    Thanks!

    piper@lyricalpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. Liz,

    It's going great! This is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  94. Hi, Piper! Hi braves souls putting yourselves out there! Just dropping in to say WOW! What a turnout. And to thank Piper. Myself and the other WWs are soooo happy to host you here today. Thank you again, Piper, everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  95. Thanks Piper.
    I'm just heading out to work but will email you as requested when I get home.
    Thanks for taking my pitch - it's a great challenge!
    Regards,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  96. D'Ann,

    Thank you Word Wranglers.

    I'ma be out for a little while--gotta run daughter to orthodontist and pick up The Son (he thinks he deserves capitals anyway) from school. But when I return, I'll get back to reading and replying...

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  97. Thank you for this opportunity, Piper. I just sent you the requested information. Cheers to you for allowing us to post to you! :)

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  98. On Bonnie’s first day of liberation from the foster care system, she meets Morgan who needs an evening babysitter while he takes a business admin class. Bonnie has vowed never to be a part of a “family” again, until a chance meeting with Morgan’s toddler Maddie melts her heart. Morgan’s attraction to Bonnie wars with his feelings of betrayal to his deceased wife, Carrie.

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  99. So many wonderful story ideas today! Congrats and good luck to all of you.

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  100. These are some outstanding pitches! Just stopping in to say hi, and good luck to everyone. Also wanted to say thanks to Piper. You're the best!

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  101. Piper, Thank you. I'll send it right away.

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  102. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  103. I am trying again to get my pitch in. My internet went down, and I don't see my comment, so will try again.

    PITCH:
    Christine is becoming depressed because of the co-dependent relationship with her mother. She is preparing a career in family counseling. After being burned once, she meets a young man who loves her and is ready to assume the responsibility of her mother in order to have a life with Christine.

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  104. Ethan, a rugged Maine fisherman on the verge of losing his boat, gambles with his livelihood to investigate the truth behind Ava’s guarded secret.

    Ava, a New York City socialite, kidnaps a child to protect him from the custody of a cold blooded killer—his father.

    Their war of wills pits livelihood against secret, and love against duty, and if not careful for both of them, could end in death.

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  105. I'm sorry, everyone, but only ONE pitch per person per the rules.


    The rules are simple:

    1. Contest opens at 7:00 A.M. EST and runs through midnight
    2. 1-3 lines
    3. 1 pitch per person

    That's it. We're easygoing over at Wordwranglers, but if you break the rules, you'll be disqualified.

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  106. Georgina,

    Ah, a classic premise. The momless child and widower, made whole again by the right woman. A story to keep us warm and fuzzy.

    I'm a little confused by the "chance meeting" with the toddler bit, because I thought Bonnie went to babysit the toddler? You're welcome to send me a synopsis--it'll give me a picture of the rest of the plot and conflict.

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  107. Thanks, Shawn. Wow. I'm flattered. :)

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  108. Not wanting to be a political pawn, Monique flees the fairy realm for the human one. Used to controlling anyone with a flirtatious smile and an attraction spell, she decides Daniel is the one to help her hide from those who want her home. Too bad he's the only human she ever met who's FAIRY PROOF.

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  109. Hey Evelyn,

    I'm feeling a little iffy on the "hook" for this book. Writing pitches can be so tough--but like Grandma always said about giving away the milk for free... try to tease a little and keep the good stuff (the ending) back. If you'd like, you're welcome to send me a complete synopsis. I'm sure that'll make things much more clear.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

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  110. For senior Parker Murphy, every action has a reason. When Ryan, her first true heart's commitment is shot and killed on accident, she's not about to let it be brushed aside. Her parents, school and a narrow escape from depression may try and stop her, but she is determined to see it through. "Hallowed Halls"

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  111. Hi Ann Stewart (I think there was another Ann earlier--not trying to be formal LOL),

    I'm liking the contrasts of the rough Maine fisherman (thinking knobby wool sweater) vs the NYC socialite (cashmere? or silk?). And I'm also betting there's a pretty explosive scene somewhere when the H discovers he's helping to harbor a kidnapped kid. :) I like this "juxtaposition"--sounded like a fun word to use, hoping I'm not murdering it.

    Please send me the complete synopsis and a partial. Thanks for participating!

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  112. Constance,

    LOL. 1st at the fairy trying to escape politics by going human, and also at your final line. That is too cute! Grabbed me by the... keyboard. Yeah, that's it. By the keyboard.

    As I said earlier, I've edited only 1 fairy story, and I'm definitely not against them--but they aren't my specialty genre, by any means. Still, if the writing is good, I'll take it on or refer it to one of my fabulous content editors at LPI.

    Please send a full synopsis and partial to piper@lyricalpress.com

    Thanks!

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  113. Hi Doree,

    We're really going strong on our upper YA line now, so that's great for you. Is this book a romance? Since Ryan is shot and killed, I'm wondering if Parker finds a new flame.

    If it is a romance, with an HEA, I'd love you to send a partial and synopsis.

    Thanks!

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  114. Piper,
    This story started after a dream about a man in a knobby wool turtleneck. I’m thrilled you saw that in the pitch.

    Thank you for the opportunity.
    Ann (Stewart)

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  115. Ann,

    I also had a little Kurt Russel/Goldie Hawn "Overboard" moment when I read it. :) And that's an awesome movie.

    Can I talk about Kurt's butt?
    Oh, not here? Dangit...

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  116. Piper,

    Hallowed Halls is a romance. Parker gets help from a silent partner until he turns up the heat.
    Thank you, I'll send those to you.

    Doree

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  117. Thanks for the opportunity to pitch Piper!

    Scheherhezade, a wealthy merchant’s daughter wants to marry for love. But when her father is forced to promise her hand to the Sultan’s younger brother, she decides to run away.
    Haroun al Rachid, known as the Demon of the Desert, has already buried two unfaithful wives. When his older brother, the Sultan arranges for a third marriage, he decides to become better acquainted with his betrothed on the trip from her home to his, before the wedding.
    Haroun treats her with respect, and she quickly falls in love, but honor will not allow her to betray her betrothed. When their feelings for one another survive the Deception in the Desert?
    Ane

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  118. Ane,

    Oh, it sounds like she (I'm using "she" because her name is tough for me, LOL) is up against quite a wall. Sold to the Sultan's brother... yowch.

    And I can see how Haroun wouldn't trust her much after his former wives.

    I'd like to read a synopsis and partial.

    Thanks!

    piper@lyricalpress.com

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  119. Against her better instincts, Natalie Reed accepted her new boyfriend's invitation to join his family at a Caribbean resort for a month after graduating college. She learns too late that they aren't the kind of people she wants to share an island with -- her boyfriend least of all. Her only escape comes in the form of a sexy Dominican lifeguard, whose friendship gradually grows into something more.

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  120. By the way, some of my editors are making google-eyes at some of these requests. Might be facing anarchy if I stay greedy. ;)

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  121. Sabrina Thompson is an innocent woman who write a beauty aids column for Skin Deep magazine based in Sacramento, CA. Trent Wellington is a Boston transplant taking over as head of a magazine and pretending to be his brother. Between Sabrina's beauty aids experiments gone awry, and Trent's game of "Sexcapades", Sabrina's revenge take two people on a fabulous and funny trip of love.

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  122. RLP,

    I love the setting. Caribbean beach... yeah, baby. Sexy lifeguard... yeah, baby.

    Stuffy people from home... later.

    I'm kinda hoping for external conflict, too... can you send me a synopsis so I can get an idea of the plot?

    Thanks.

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  123. Deb!

    I love this! Did you get it all finished? If so, send along a synopsis and partial (25 pages or so).

    Piper@lyricalpress.com

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  124. I'm one of Piper's editors and yes, I'm drooling. Really great pitches here.

    Good luck all!

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  125. Thanks, Piper!
    I'm thrilled to send you a synopsis and a partial of "Deception in the Desert", Yea!

    Ane Ryan Walker
    HerStroyCalls.com

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  126. Piper,

    It was finished but my laptop died, I've managed to retrieve the first 8 chapters, but will gladly rewrite easily as I remember it well. Hoping to get the laptop to the IT Doc asap.

    Let me know if you'r still interested.

    deb

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  127. Boston University Assistant English Professor John Miller's wife is kidnapped and turned into a falcon by the evil Faerie Queen of the Untamed Court, who orders John to find and kill the mysterious Faerie King known as The Green Man in order to free his wife.

    Soon he meets Sara, a young woman who claims she has been wrongfully accused of murdering her mother, the wife of the Green Man. She agrees to help him if he helps her, and together they must find a way to free John's wife and prove Sarah's innocence without killing the Faerie King, an act that would threaten the very balance of reality.

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  128. Thanks for this opportunity, Piper.

    Red and the Wolf

    They say Little Red Riding Hood lived happily ever after. They lied. In truth, Blanchette is overwhelmed with terrors she must conquer to escape execution as an unnatural beast, accept the monster she’s become since the wolf attack, and embrace her huntsman’s love.

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  129. Deb,

    Shoot me an email once you've got it rewritten and have had a chance to do some polishing-up, okay?

    ReplyDelete
  130. Hey Alex,

    Is this a romance? I'm kinda guessing not, since John is trying to rescue his wife?

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  131. Piper,

    Not a romance, but everything he does is motivated by love for his wife, so it could be...

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  132. Hey Laura Lee,

    Oooh. Fairy tale remakes are kind of a thing right now. :) I've been editing a series of contemporaries based on fairy tales, actually. Way to find the niche!

    Your pitch is succinct, and offers a twist--Red as a were. Neat.

    I'd like to see a partial and synopsis!

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  133. Alex,

    You know that Hanes commercial where the guy keeps telling Michael Jordan they're just like twins because they have on the same t-shirt, and Michael keeps shaking his head, but the guy keeps going, "Mmyeah"?

    Mmmmmmyeah.

    This is probably a great story, but LPI's readers are VERY romance focused, and romance readers very much demand a happy-ever-after in the form of a guy and girl (or guy and guy, or guy and guy and girl... I could go on) falling in love and walking off into the figurative sunset.

    So, this one... probably not for us. Great work on the pitch, though, and keep looking. You WILL find a home for this manuscript.

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  134. Thanks for the opportunity Piper and Word Wranglers!

    Finding Flight, Paranormal, 80,000 words

    As an Enforcer for a secret society of shapeshifters, Ledger Arneau is offered a chance to retrieve his wayward brother, and when the trail goes cold he is willing to try anything to pick it up again. Corinne Winters is able to find any missing object by concentrating on it, and after an embarrassing setback with the local police department she jumps on Ledger’s offer to use her skills as she’s always dreamed, to help locate missing people. Corinne finds a love she didn’t know she was looking for with Ledger, but when her new love and his brother disappear back into the secret society Corinne must stretch her talent beyond anything she ever imagined to bring them home.

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  135. When a woman disguised as a man teams up with a mail-order bride to go west, they're dealt more than they bargained for by a cynical card shark.

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  136. Castleview -55000 word contemporary romance.

    A determined single mom intent on raising her daughter in the small town where she grew up, fights to keep the Big Cat sanctuary where she works from being closed down by the new owner. He’s the guy voted most likely to be wildly successful their senior year and who is just as determined to save his family’s business, no matter what.

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  137. Piper,
    Thanks for allowing us this fantastic opportunity. Here's my pitch for REDEEMING GRACE, a 100,000ish word women's fiction (with a dash of romance, and suspense, and a healthy dose of wit and sarcasm):

    Desperate to find the true cause behind her best friend’s bizarre and debilitating car crash, Jessica allows a handsome, ambitious patrolman to convince her to utilize a rather unorthodox method of investigation.

    Will Jessica and off-duty Officer Steele survive run-ins with frigid receptionists, vengeful ex-girlfriends, gorgeous bosses, groping HR directors, chauvinistic business partners and double-crossing secretaries in their quest to find the person(s) responsible and bring them to justice before anyone else gets hurt?

    It’s all about REDEEMING GRACE…

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  138. Hey Heather,

    Awesome. But, poor Corrine! LOL. You've done a great job with the pitch, leaving her hanging and leaving the reader to wonder/hope she manages to find her love.

    I'd love to see a partial and synopsis. Thanks!

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  139. Morgan,

    This is pithy. Short and to the point. And I love you for it! (Laugh if you like, but I'm starting to droop a little at the keyboard)

    I do love the concept of the 2 women traveling as a man and a woman... and running into trouble w/the card shark.

    Please send me a synopsis (and I might be slightly punch-drunk here, but...) and the full ms. Westerns rock.

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  140. Hi Lynn,

    Conflict with a capital K! Oh, sorry. I mean "c". See how punchy I'm getting? ;)

    Seriously though, I'm a sucker for small-town settings, and also revisiting and turning-around those old high school relationships (or lack thereof). Man... any chance your hero wears a uniform or has an accent? Kidding. Not needed. Just would've been, like, all my "like"s in one story...

    I'd love to see a synopsis and partial.

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  141. Kreann,

    I'll bite. (even though a 100k-er is more of a party sub than a bite, LOL).

    I'm sort of a fan (and purveyor of, via my other pseudonym) stories with wild characters and wacky turns. I love secondary characters!

    Please send me a complete synopsis and partial.

    piper@lyricalpress.com

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  142. Piper,
    I'll get the partial and synopsis out to you this week.

    And no, he's not in uniform, but it's an interesting thought. LOL

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  143. Oh, and Kreann,

    Yay for uniforms!!! Thank you!

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  144. Lynn,

    'Sokay. You've got plenty of other like-y elements in your story.

    Maybe you could revise and add a baseball player cousin? Kidding. Totally kidding!

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  145. 'baseball player cousin'... isn't that what they call serial bait?

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  146. Lynn,

    Nothing wrong with bait, so long as something's biting, right? ;)

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  147. Piper,

    I'll definitely be sending you the synopsis and partial as soon as I finish the re-writes. Keep your eyes out for "Sex, Lies, and Beauty Aids."

    Bless you and thanks for spending time with the Word Wranglers.

    Deb

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  148. Hi Piper, thanks for the encouraging comments and the opportunity! I'll keep looking.

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  149. Thanks, Piper! I've sent my synopsis and partial your way. Thanks again for the opportunity!

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  150. Hey, everyone. This has been amazing. Piper, you've been an amazing trooper. Amazing pitches.

    We're almost at wrap-up time, all.

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  151. Thank you girls of WW! You are amazing for inviting Piper here all day! I hadn't planned to submit anything at this time, but couldn't pass up a wonderful opportunity when I saw it.

    Thanks again Piper!

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  152. After her team is taken ill, blue-haired Iggy must secure an island with the man who was her mentor and then broke her heart. Calder recently lost his wife, the woman he left Iggy for, and is just now coming to terms with the secrets that his wife kept from him. It is dangerous work, and the island seems to be having a strange effect on them both...

    Islands of Mystery is a 20K Paranormal Romance (written in first person)

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  153. Hi Sally,

    I'm probably dense (or tired, or it's the head cold) but... I'm confused about WHAT Iggy is? Is she supernatural, or just a human who colors her hair blue?

    Why don't you send me a synopsis, and I'm sure I'll get it. :)


    piper@lyricalpress.com

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  154. Thanks so much to all of you who pitched to me today! It was a super turnout.

    I'm going to "turn in" now (which means I'm going to bed with my Fire to read a bit of a contest entry until I zonk out).

    I'll check back in the AM to see if anybody else sneaks through the last 5 minutes. Thanks again, and 'night all!

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  155. Beware the Pirate's Return/12th century historical romance.
    After sixteen years as an adventurer on the high seas, Roddik Macrae returns to Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands to discover his brother murdered and their father dying. Lorrainna, the grieving widow, wants no part of the future of the Clan when she realizes her father-in-law expects her to marry Roddik and save their people. Can they survive a marriage in name only, a handfast between strangers, while trying to solve the mystery of her first husband's murder?

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  156. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  157. Dadgummit (Okie speak)!!! I had no idea, Piper, that the first time I hit a button it went through! Eeeekkk. I hope that doesn't disqualify my, but I am a little computer challenged. No matter...thank you so much for this. It was fun!

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  158. And that's all she wrote!

    Midnight EST. Done.

    A HUGE thank you to the incredible Piper Denna. You have been wonderful.

    All the folks who came out, you made our day an enormous success! Thank you!

    Please come back and vist us here at Wordwranglers again. We have great posts every day of the week but Sundays!

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  159. And to all those who got requests--congrats and best of luck. If your story is one of the lucky-lucky ones and leads to publication, we'd love for you to check back with us and share your success story.

    And be sure to stop by in the next three days when we'll be spotlighting Lyrical Press authors on our blog.

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  160. Hi Debi,

    You snuck in last night after I wimped out, but before the deadline. :)

    I love Scottish Highlands stories. However, I know I'm not qualified to edit for historical accuracy. However, we have a bonafied historical expert on staff, and she's an amazing editor. So if you get me a synopsis and manuscript, I'll forward it to her for review.

    Thanks!

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  161. Thanks, Piper! Whoa. Now my work is cut out for me!!

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  162. I just wanted to thank Word Wranglers & Piper Denna for this opportunity to pitch. It led to me signing a contract with Lyrical Press, Inc. for my time-travel romance. This is my first publishing contract, and I am SO thrilled! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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