We are celebrating with Maureen McQuerry today, as her new book BETWEEN BEFORE & AFTER takes its long anticipated first steps into the world.
Ten years ago, while the US economy was in a freefall, the manuscript which Maureen had originally titled A Trail of Crumbs was circulating and getting a lot of common feedback referencing her stunning prose; writing that made scenes jump off the page; and “such strong voice.” We were sure we were on a straight path to publication.
But then … we began hearing from editors citing a variety of reasons for passing on it: the economy; uncertainty about positioning; worry that the dual narrative mixed with present and past tense would make it too different. And would fairy tale references in a YA novel really work?
After a time, we set it aside and Maureen turned her attention to other manuscripts which were published to acclaim.
But this story of a family picking up clues and finding its way – in spite of twists in their path, locked doors, and secrets lurking in the shadows – would just not rest. Ten years (almost to the day) from the day of its first submission, this beautiful story found its publishing home with Blink YA Books.
As it turned out the timing of this book’s release is just right: librarians are now asking for more historical YA, Barnes & Noble called it one of their “Most Anticipated Historical YA Novels of The Year”, and it has been 100 years since the Spanish Flu swept through New York; the aftermath of which inspired Maureen to write this book.
Our fondest congratulations to Maureen on today’s release of BETWEEN BEFORE AND AFTER. We are proud to been part of the journey to finding this stunning book its publishing home.
Guest Post on Teen Librarian Toolbox
Maureen is represented by Sandra Bishop. For inquires, contact: sandra@transatlanticagency.com