Here is what some of our clients are saying about us at Girl Next Door Communications:
Hi Jen,
I wanted to let you know my novel, TRACKING DADDY DOWN (Billie's story) SOLD!! In a two-book deal to Greenwillow.
I honestly don't believe it would have made it without your critique, because you encouraged me to add that much-needed character depth! I can't thank you enough.
--Marybeth Kelsey, SCBWI member
Jen is awesome. She and I worked together when she was at Simon & Schuster. Jen helped me with two picture books for beginning readers and we "relaunched" The Hardy Boys series together. She knows her stuff and is great to work with. Wait, Jen might be reading this. Maybe I should say, "she is great with which to work!"
--Dan Gutman, award-winning author
Jen,
Thanks for all your help for the past eight years with EthnicGrocer. You have been an asset to the company. Your great work ethic and dedication to work sets examples for others. I admire your assertiveness and your willingness to step up to the plate. You are full of great ideas and willing to do the necessary to make them come true. You always meet your deadlines and look forward to more projects. We, at EthnicGrocer appreciate all you do and look forward to our relationship,
long term. Thanks again.
--Gaurav Jain, President, EthnicGrocer.com
While at Aladdin, Jen Weiss acquired two children's book series I wrote, and she edited other projects of mine as well. As busy as she was, she always responded quickly to my emails and was well-organized. She's energetic, inspiring, creative, smart, and fun!
--Joan Holub, author of over ninety books for children
Jen,
Great to hear from you. I think you are absolutely right on with the suggestions. Sometimes I get so caught up in moving a story forward I get a little ahead of myself. I have been thinking about the story a lot and what needs to change with it...Glad you're excited about the story because I am too.
I'll be in touch.
--Heath Gibson, Writer
When I was working at EthnicGrocer, I counted on Jen for innovative e-marketing campaigns, mouth-watering copy to promote new products, and whatever needed to be done to brand EthnicGrocer as the #1 resource for home cooks who want to "cook globally." She's dedicated, and knows just what need to be done to get a message heard.
--Amit Prakash, formerly of EthnicGrocer.com
Wow, Jen. Your critique is totally amazing and right on target. When I was little, I could touch a bruise and know just how I got it by the feel of the pain. In a sense, you touched the "bruises" of the story, and showed that not all has been clearly developed, but I'm thrilled that in spite of that, you're still enthusiastic about the story.
The "looking for dad" in everyone is a common characteristic of adopted kids, but you're right. It's not really Eric's "search" as much as what you pointed out--the void! So, I will definitely fix that.
I will study your comments closely and weave the changes through the manuscript...then get the revision back to you.
It's a lot, but not so much that I can't make this a marketable book. Thank you again for guiding me! I'll catch up with you soon.
--Virginia Castleman, Writer
Hi Jen,
Well, I made it. The revisions on [my manuscript] are finished. I can tell you it was quite a ride. But I actually had such a good time making the changes. Don't have a heart attack when you get it -- it's about 120 pages longer. It's a real story now -- many more scenes, much more involvement from the other characters. I noticed in the first draft that there were a lot of gaps in the story, too many assumptions and connections the reader had to make. I've filled those gaps, and the pieces fit together better now. Also, Jamay changes more from beginning to end. Your suggestions made a big difference. You were right. I had to show his grief, his pain and fear, his thought processes. The first 1/3 of the manuscript hits much harder now. I'm putting it in the mail tomorrow.
--Heath Gibson, Writer