Last week, I got an email that my book is a semi-finalist in the J@mes J0nes First N0v3l F3ll0wship. My understanding is that is the top 20 or so out 600+ manuscripts. I shipped off the hardcopy of the first 100 pages and now must wait for the decision in September. Not too shabby though. Although, I was all set to start querying a few small presses and now I'm thinking I should hold off till September. Finalist (fingers crossed) would sound much better in the letter...
That's fantastic! CONGRATULATIONS ALIAS O!!!