[QCrit] THE 12 DATES OF SUMMER, Adult Contemporary Romance (70K/First Attempt)

Dear Agent Name, 

I hope this note finds you well! I’m reaching out to you for representation because [personalization here].

Complete at 70,000 words, THE 12 DATES OF SUMMER follows a woman who embarks on a summer of romance while confronting online threats over a viral op-ed in hopes that she won’t lose both her job and someone who might be the love of her life. A spicy adult romance, this will appeal to fans of emotional storytelling in overcoming a past like Passion Project by debut author London Sperry and the sometimes quirky tone of Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone.   

Ellie decides that it’s time to move on, but moments before her first date in over a year, she receives an email demanding she speak at a conference at the end of the summer. Overwhelmed by memories of stalkers and online harassment, Ellie tearfully ends the date with Milo just after he arrives. Good thing her well-meaning best friends wouldn't let her off that easily and hatch a plan to help Ellie get her romance and confidence back. Twelve dates and the chance at rediscovering the Before Ellie that got buried under a layer of fear. 

Despite the rough beginning, Milo wants to date Ellie and vies for a slot in her dating scheme by accepting her for the nerd she is. In between bad dates and reading Milo’s hand-written compliments on her past research articles, Ellie tries to get out of the conference, but her boss threatens to terminate the contract without pay. Then, the source of her fear resurfaces. An article that went viral and started a violent movement #EndEllie gains traction online again threatening the safety Ellie thought she had. Now, Ellie struggles to find a way forward that keeps her safe, allows her to participate in the conference, and protects Milo, the man with whom she finally trusts enough to fall in love.      

I work in communications at a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. and have a decade of experience crafting emotional stories that open the hearts (and wallets) of hardened Washingtonian elites.  Unfortunately, every bad date Ellie goes on was inspired by my own cringworthy love life. I’ve done stand up storytelling events where I share these stories to large audiences and have posted them on my website. I’ve also published over 20 op-eds on global women’s issues also linked on my website, one of which went viral in 2017.

Thank you for considering my work. 

Best,
my name