Tonight, for your dining pleasure, MY QUERY:

Ok, sharky-wannabes, have a bite. You know you want to.

*In my defense, this is like the millionth version of my query. I have had it down to around 250 words, and then I don't know what happened. My friend asked me today, "What happened to the one we worked on together?!" And all I could say was "I don't know! Its like I spun out of control!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" And then I ran away screaming.


Dear Agent:

Two years ago, the only aspect of seventeen-year-old Ever Van Ruysdael’s life that could be deemed unusual was her homeschool education. But that was before her house became an intersection for the dead. Not only was Ever forced to accept the very existence of ghosts, but she had to learn to share her most intimate spaces with the few that were unable to cross over. Taking it a step further, Ever has fallen hopelessly in love with Frankie: an eighteen year old who has been dead since the late 1950's. Unbeknownst to Ever, Frankie is in love with her as well, and has been since long before she even knew he existed. Frustrated and hopeless, both friends keep their growing love for one another a secret. The fact that their undeclared love is physically impossible remains a painful unspoken truth between them.

Desperate for a normal, attainable connection and trying to get over her futureless feelings for Frankie, Ever pursues a relationship with Toby, who moves into the house next door. Good-looking and charismatic, Toby inserts himself into Ever’s life – and the position Frankie has longed for – with little effort.

With the sudden appearance of nightmares, gripping fear begins to consume Ever’s nights. She awakes drenched with sweat, tangled in her sheets, and calling out for Frankie; remembering only a desperate need to find him. Responding to her cries, Frankie begins coming into her room at night, his compassion and concern for her adding fuel to the fire in her heart.

Ever spends her days in a seemingly "normal" relationship with Toby. Her nights spent in secret with Frankie. All the while, her heart continues to be torn in two different directions.

Ever will soon discover that falling in love with Toby meant putting Frankie’s soul in danger. Thrown into a situation larger than she even realizes, Ever must choose between the two boys, knowing that the consequences could be catastrophic for all involved. Innocently or not, she has started something that must be finished, regardless of whose soul gets lost in the process.

EVER is a paranormal YA novel, complete at just over 71,000 words. It is the first in a potential series. As EVER is the first manuscript I have sent out for consideration, I don't have any prior publishing credentials to provide you with. I feel that there is an honest and raw vulnerability in YA that is lacking in much of the mainstream adult fiction. I am striving to write YA in a voice that is not condescending to the YA reader; a voice that is open and truthful.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jessa Russo