Coordinators have received dozens of generous donations of items to be auctioned off. Many authors – Bridget’s friends and acquaintances – have donated signed copies of their books; there are also a number of manuscript critiques and proofreading services for writers.

Here’s a sampling:

—One Critique of a Query Plus the First 10 Pages of Your Middle Grade or Young Adult Novel by Jill Corcoran of the Herman Agency. Peek: “Jill Corcoran is an Associate Agent at Herman Agency representing middle grade and young adult authors. Jill is a huge fan of humor. If you can make her laugh or crack a smile, you are her kind of writer. Even in a serious literary book, there is room for humor. Jill prefers realistic and paranormal [fiction] to high fantasy. A commercial hook with a literary bent.”

—Manuscript Critique by Bestselling Author April Henry: “Have the first 20 pages (up to 5,000 words) of your manuscript critiqued. The critique will include ‘big picture’ comments as well as a line edit. April Henry has written eight mysteries and thrillers for adults and teens, with five more on the way.”

—The Texas Sweethearts Writing Critique: Three Authors, Three Sets of Eyes, Three Helpful Opinions: Peek: “What could be more helpful than a critique to strengthen your story? Three critiques! Multiple-published members of The Texas Sweethearts—[children’s-YA authors] Jo Whittemore, P.J. Hoover, and Jessica Lee Anderson—will individually critique your query letter, synopsis, and first three chapters (up to 30 pages).”

—The Art of Writing for Teens and Tweens: Online Course. Peek: “An online eight-week writing class guaranteed to be fun and informative! Taught by [Ann Gonzales] the author of the YA novel Running for My Life (WestSide, 2009)(signed copy also available in this auction!).”

—A Picture Book Critique by Editorial Anonymous. Peek: “Critique of one picture book manuscript, not to exceed 2,500 words. Fiction or non-fiction.”

—Set of Two Poster-Sized Kevin Henkes Originals: For the Kevin Henkes enthusiast who thinks s/he has everything! Peek: “These two signed original marker sketches are each 27″ x 32.” They are on butcher paper and have been rolled up, so they do have some wrinkles and yellowing. They would look fantastic in frames–perfect for a child’s room, a studio, or a library!” Learn more about Kevin!

But that’s not all – there’s something for everyone! The auction includes works of art, food and drink, baby gifts, jewelry, and more. Many of the items would make lovely gifts, just in time for your holiday shopping. Take a look – you may find just the thing you’re looking for!

Auction items can be viewed at http://www.32auctions.com/view_auction?id=bridget&pwd=rules – or just go to www.32auctions.com and use the Auction ID: bridget and Password: rules (as in: Bridget rules!!) to view the auction.

You will need to create an account on the site in order to bid on auction items.

(Creating an account simply requires your name, email address, and a password, and it is required so that coordinators can contact you if you win an item.)

Bidding will begin Nov. 27 and continue through 9 p.m. central time Dec. 11.

Do You Live in Madison?

Bridget lived in Madison for 10 years. Bridget was a youth services librarian at the Madison Public Library (Lakeview branch) until she moved to Portland last year. Many local businesses and organizations have generously donated items to the auction. You’ll see all of these Madison-specific items – such as gift certificates for local services and businesses, and tickets to local events – labeled “for Madison-area bidders” in the online auction.