Hey there, all you mentee hopefuls! Are you ready for a summer of revisions and writing in preparation for that final agent round?
This experience will be life-changing in more ways than one—I speak from experience because I was a mentor for the last two years, and I’m proud to say that two of my mentees have now gone on to sign publishing contracts and another one is absolutely rocking the querying stage!
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel a Lion King gif coming on?
Ah, yes! That’s much better! So, where were we?
Oh, yeah…
Not only is this experience challenging and fun, but it’s also a chance to branch out and meet new people who are (or have been) in the same position you’re in now. The writing community is blessed with some amazing talent, and I have to tell you that my time with WriteMentor has proven that this community is one based on love, friendship and respect. My time as a mentor has given me much more than an opportunity to share my experience and knowledge—it’s given me a host of wonderful friends and colleagues with which to share the good and bad, the ups and downs of this crazy profession we all hold so dear.
So, without further ado, let me tell you a little more about myself and my mentoring style as well as the intricacies of that all-important wishlist.
Who Am I?
Well, I could tell you, but then I’d have to…I kid, I kid.
My name is Brandy Woods Snow, and I write YA contemporary and contemporary romance. I’m one of those people who always knew she wanted to write, even from the time I was six years old, though when I went to college, everyone told me that I was crazy to major in creative writing. You can’t make a living writing books! (That’s what they all said.) So, I diverted paths a bit, majoring in English and minoring in Writing/Journalism. For 19 years since, I’ve worked a slew of writing jobs, from international corporations to my own clients in a small LLC, with my work falling into the marketing, PR, and business development categories. During those same 19 years, I’ve freelanced for many magazines, including Greenville Business, Columbia Business, Home Design & Décor (Charlotte, Raleigh), and Delta Sky. Despite the extensive career in journalism, creative writing has always been my first love. I wrote my first book in 2015, a YA contemporary romance MEANT TO BE BROKEN, and it was published in 2018 with Filles Vertes Publishing. My second book, a YA contemporary romance AS MUCH AS I EVER COULD comes out May 26, 2020, and I’m currently querying my newest WIP, a YA contemporary.
In addition to being a part of WriteMentor, I’m also a member of RWA and YARWA and currently work as an Acquisitions Editor and Marketing Manager for Filles Vertes Publishing.
On the personal side of things, I have been married to my military husband for 18 years, and we have three kids and a hyper two-year-old boxer, Moonshine. When I’m not writing, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, playing the piano, yelling “Go (Clemson) Tigers!” as loud as I can, and taking country drive in my Jeep Wrangler.
My Mentoring Style and What You Should Expect
I believe in structure, but I’m no drill sergeant! 😊
My style is 100% honesty, but I will never be brutal or mean. If something’s not working, I’ll tell you, but I’ll also make sure to tell you what’s working well. I believe that a little positive reinforcement goes a long way during the grueling editing process.
If any “homework” is needed, I’ll send that along in the beginning as well for you to look through as I’m getting the first notes into the MSS. Next, I will send you an editorial letter with an overall statement of needed changes as well as your MSS with in-line comments. From there, you’ll polish the final draft and get it ready for the final round. I will also critique and help you finalize your full submission package, including query and synopsis.
I will be available for online discussions, calls, or even video chats. It is my hope that my selection will become more than a months-long mentee, but will also become a friend and colleague in the writing community. I want to be your champion not only during WriteMentor but throughout your career!
The Ultimate Wishlist
Ah, the moment you’ve been waiting for. Could we be a match? Let’s dive in, shall we?
First and foremost, I am mentoring YA only.
In the YA realm, I’m looking for all the delicious submissions in contemporary romance and emotional contemporary. If it’s swoon-worthy, I will stake my claim and never let go. I adore all the juicy, tingly feelings of first love and am a total sucker for any sort of romance, be it a lighthearted rom-com or an angsty, drama-filled, winding road to the HEA/HFN. If it makes me laugh and cry, I want it. **grabby hands for days!**
Emotional contemporaries that feature protagonists coming-of-age stories are firmly in my wheelhouse, and I’m not afraid of manuscripts that dig deep into all the feels. I love it! Screwed-up family dynamics as well as sibling stories also pull on my heartstrings. I love stories with a deep sense of setting that draws me in and transports me there. Extra points for small towns and settings in the Deep South.
I am NOT the best fit for high fantasy or sci-fi.
I think those are the main points, but please feel free to message me with any questions you may have! I’m on Twitter all the time and will be hosting a Q and A session, so stay tuned for dates and times. I look so forward to meeting you!
Hugs & Lightning Bugs,
