Cry Baby Hollow
BY hallie christensenQuery Letter
I am seeking representation for my manuscript, CRY BABY HOLLOW, a spooky middle-grade paranormal novel around 49,000 words in length. From what I have researched from your MSWL, my manuscript fits within your interests of a paranormal middle grade novel with mystery, friendship, adventure, and folklore retelling.
Everyone in the town of Hugelmont knows of the ghost that haunts Hollow Bridge and its insatiable appetite for candy bars. Emma and her friends use the old legend as a “rite of passage” into their group and take their newest friend to the bridge for a fun scare. But this time Emma sees the ghost and is asked to help break a century’s old witch’s curse, or else Emma will be cursed as well. Emma agrees to help, but soon realizes the reality of the legend and curse when her parents disappear the next day.
Now Emma and her friends must solve the tragic past of the ghost and break a witch’s curse by Halloween or else she will lose her family forever. Against all odds, they might just solve this mystery, but the ghost in the woods was not who she appeared to be. Emma and her friends find themselves trapped in a perilous wager with the witch of Hollow Bridge. Time is ticking. They must break the curse by midnight on Halloween or they will all disappear forever.
CRY BABY HOLLOW is a standalone novel. This story features a diverse group of friends, scary and chilling thrills, and the love of family and friendship. The novel would be a perfect read for fans of R.L. Stine, Small Spaces series by Katherine Arden, and 8-12-year-old readers who enjoy adventure, magic, humor, and getting spooked.
I live in Alabama with my husband and a couple of cats. I received my bachelor’s and master’s in English and am currently teaching writing courses at a local junior college. My first middle grade fantasy novel was published on October 12th, 2021, by Sweetwater Books - Enchanted Misadventures with Great-Aunt Poppy. I have a Bookstagram account on Instagram with over 5,500 followers that is growing weekly. I have created an author website to keep my readers informed on my current book projects. I have included the link to my site below.
I would be delighted to send you the full manuscript of CRY BABY HOLLOW at your request. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to hearing from you.
About
Age Range
Middle Grade
Genre
Horror
Word Count
49,000
Agent
Bethany Fulk
Query Stats
Number of Queries Sent
80
Number of Full Requests Received
~15
Number of Offers of Representation
2
Number of Months Spent Querying This Novel
12 months
Years Spent Writing Before Getting an Offer
4
Number of Manuscripts Queried Before This One
2
Publication Status of The Book Queried
On Submission
Years Spent Writing Before This Book was Published
4 years before my first novel was published in 2021 with a small press (unsolicited)