The Black List: 

The manuscript has a uniquely strong premise. This is a solid and emotionally resonant concept that will be relatable to many readers: the aftermath of a horrific accident, as told by the many people affected by it. The multiple perspectives help challenge the reader’s preconceived notions of the accident and provide emotional weight to the passing of Cam. Cam’s death, though shocking and gruesome, is inherently compelling, and the complicated responses to her passing from her peers is tragically accurate. There is clear ambition here, and the vignette storytelling is reminiscent of authors like Jodi Picoult, who writes from multiple perspectives and ages, or Angie Kim’s Miracle Creek (though that is more of a courtroom drama). Another perk of the vignettes is that it is efficient world-building for the small town setting and doesn’t need to rely on exposition to describe the town’s size or economic makeup.

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Elizabeth Kulhanek, Developmental Editor:

With this revision, I felt that the novel’s beating heart—Tess’s relationship with Buzz—was even stronger and more present. Your work in expanding their scenes together; creating additional conversations between them that were by turns funny, poignant, fraught, and resonant; and heightening their bond, really paid off in a big way. Their relationship now forms the fierce emotional core of this novel, tying together the parallel lines of their two journeys back from grief and trauma.