BIO
Rachel Lynn Solomon is a Pacific Northwest native who loves rainy days, tap dancing, red lipstick, and new wave music. Her debut contemporary YA novel, FINGERS CROSSED, will be out from Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse in spring 2018, with a second book to follow in 2019.
Rachel has written for newspapers, produced a radio show that aired in the middle of the night, and worked for NPR, and she currently works in education. Rachel lives in Seattle with her boyfriend and tiny dog. She’s represented by Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency.
EXPERIENCE
I have been a Pitch Wars mentor for the past three years! In 2014, both my mentees received offers of representation within days of the contest’s end, and one has a book deal with Penguin/Razorbill. In addition, I have worked with many critique partners on their paths to finding agents and securing book deals. My background is in journalism and education, and I love, love, LOVE working one-on-one with new writers, both on edits and guiding them through the publishing process.
Rachel Lynn Solomon is a Pacific Northwest native who loves rainy days, tap dancing, red lipstick, and new wave music. Her debut contemporary YA novel, FINGERS CROSSED, will be out from Simon & Schuster/Simon Pulse in spring 2018, with a second book to follow in 2019.
Rachel has written for newspapers, produced a radio show that aired in the middle of the night, and worked for NPR, and she currently works in education. Rachel lives in Seattle with her boyfriend and tiny dog. She’s represented by Laura Bradford of Bradford Literary Agency.
EXPERIENCE
I have been a Pitch Wars mentor for the past three years! In 2014, both my mentees received offers of representation within days of the contest’s end, and one has a book deal with Penguin/Razorbill. In addition, I have worked with many critique partners on their paths to finding agents and securing book deals. My background is in journalism and education, and I love, love, LOVE working one-on-one with new writers, both on edits and guiding them through the publishing process.
OVERVIEW
My #1 love: books that take risks and push boundaries. Interpret that however you wish! Diverse characters and #ownvoices are important to me. I’m also fond of characters with unique hobbies, girl MCs who could be called unlikable, sex positivity, swoony romance, heart-wrenching emotion, bittersweet endings, vivid settings, complex family dynamics, moral gray areas.
My #1 love: books that take risks and push boundaries. Interpret that however you wish! Diverse characters and #ownvoices are important to me. I’m also fond of characters with unique hobbies, girl MCs who could be called unlikable, sex positivity, swoony romance, heart-wrenching emotion, bittersweet endings, vivid settings, complex family dynamics, moral gray areas.
YA contemporary, mostly, but I also like YA thrillers, mysteries, and YA with light speculative elements. I love multiple POV, unique structures, and nonlinear timelines.
MENTORING STYLE
My style is incredibly collaborative. I never demand changes — I make suggestions, ask questions, and we work together to solve plot/character problems!
My style is incredibly collaborative. I never demand changes — I make suggestions, ask questions, and we work together to solve plot/character problems!
IDEAL MENTEE
Someone who is optimistic about this sometimes fraught publishing journey, excited to learn, willing to work hard, and full of ideas!
Someone who is optimistic about this sometimes fraught publishing journey, excited to learn, willing to work hard, and full of ideas!
FAVES
Favorite authors: Nina LaCour, E. Lockhart, Courtney Summers, Hilary T. Smith, Corey Ann Haydu, Amy Reed, Morgan Matson, Katie Cotugno, Emery Lord, Lauren Strasnick, Abigail Haas, Jandy Nelson, Jennifer Mathieu.
Favorite movies and TV shows: Rushmore, Sixteen Candles, Before Sunrise, Roman Holiday, Groundhog Day, You’ve Got Mail, Heathers, Gilmore Girls, Felicity, Party Down, Veronica Mars, Parks and Rec, Broad City
Favorite authors: Nina LaCour, E. Lockhart, Courtney Summers, Hilary T. Smith, Corey Ann Haydu, Amy Reed, Morgan Matson, Katie Cotugno, Emery Lord, Lauren Strasnick, Abigail Haas, Jandy Nelson, Jennifer Mathieu.
Favorite movies and TV shows: Rushmore, Sixteen Candles, Before Sunrise, Roman Holiday, Groundhog Day, You’ve Got Mail, Heathers, Gilmore Girls, Felicity, Party Down, Veronica Mars, Parks and Rec, Broad City
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