Friday Five: Book Deal Style!

I have some amazing news: CREWEL has sold!  We went out on submission last weekend, and I'm pleased to report after a whirlwind week, I accepted a contract this morning.


Here's the official Publisher's Marketplace announcement:

Gen Albin's CREWEL, the first in a trilogy that is equal parts science fiction, adventure, and romance, this debut novel takes place in a world where women known as "spinsters" are able to "weave" the very fabric of existence, to Janine O'Malley at Farrar, Straus Children's, in a major deal, in a three-book deal, by Mollie Glick at Foundry Literary + Media (North America).

And the really awesome press release from my publishers at Farrar, Straus Children's, which is an imprint of MacMillan:

FSG has won a hotly contested auction for North American rights to an extraordinary debut teen novel: CREWEL, by Gen Albin. 

Equal parts science fiction, adventure, romance, and novel of ideas, CREWEL takes place in a world where women — known as “spinsters” -- are able to “weave” time, matter, and the very fabric of existence.  Being selected as a spinster means power, privilege, and beauty—but it also means entering a world of secrets and lethal intrigue.  CREWEL has a smart, resourceful, and rebellious heroine in 16-year-old Adelice Lewys, selected to become a spinster but gifted with a unique power that holds the key to her world’s future.  It mixes elements of The Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale, Elsewhere, Uglies, and Mad Men — and is completely original and compelling.  “I devoured it over the Memorial Day weekend,” says FSG Senior Editor Janine O’Malley, who acquired the property. “I knew it was a project I couldn’t live without—a perfect blend of sci-fi, romance, and thrilling suspense—not to mention poetic writing and amazing characters.” 

Author Gen Albin has a Masters degree in English from the University of Missouri, where she was an editor for Pleaides and The Missouri Review. She’s the founder of the popular parenting blog Theconnectedmom.com and blogs about writing at http://blog.genniferalbin.com. 

CREWEL sold fast: it was submitted on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend and there were several pre-empts offered by Tuesday.  FSG emerged as the winning bidder among five this Friday morning.  The book was represented by Mollie Glick at Foundry Media.

So my Friday Five:
1.  It was a little less than a year ago that my mother-in-law demanded that  I write a book.  So, first of all, thank you, Mom!


2.  I only did it, because I have an amazing husband who made sure I had 15-20 hours to work each week after he got home from his full-time job.  He read my abandoned WIP and made it a top priority to get me writing time.  Last night, he told me that as happy as he was about the deal that he was more proud when I finished the book and he got to read it.  He's also currently making me dinner.  I have the.best.husband.ever.
 2 1/2.  Because I get to make up things today: My critique partners who gave me feedback, let me vent, and were always up for a brainstorming session - thank you Bethany and Robyn!


3.  I seriously love my agent.  Mollie is a savvy, amazing agent who gives every aspect of the publishing process her all.  I'm so excited to keep moving forward with her.


4.  I drank a lot of champagne last night!


5.  The first book is planned for Fall 2012!  I'm going to be an Apocalypsie!


Thank you for continuing on this journey with me and for all your support!