How good is my editing?
A good (and inexpensive) way for you to find out how well I edit my clients’ books would be to read the RUN FOR IT! sample printed here on this web site.
(Although it is common practice for publishers to arrange for the editing of books they produce, given my background I chose to edit RUN FOR IT! myself.)
RUN FOR IT! was recognized recently with the Third Place award (Young Adult Books - Published) in the Royal Palm Literary Awards competition of the Florida Writers Association.
Readers of all ages invariably tell me that the book is a joy to read. The story itself is of course paramount, but these good feelings are made possible by good editing.
What's RUN FOR IT about
RUN FOR IT! is an exciting story. Set in 1939 as the world goes to war, it follows the cross-country path of two teenage American boys, Robert Bell and Merwyn Peterson, who see a man murdered and run for their lives.
For reasons that seem entirely plausible to these innocent boys, they choose to deal with this problem without involving their parents or the police. (Several readers have confided to me that, given the nature of one or another of their own children or grandchildren, such a response would not be too surprising in their own families!)
To the killers who are after them, the boys look like easy prey. And they are – a couple of yearlings, separated by wolves from the herd.
In the process of staying alive the boys outwit the Mob, exasperate a Black cop, confound some Irish patriots (terrorists, actually), foil the devilish commander of a U-boat, and end up in the arms of a couple of beautiful blondes.
What do readers say?
RUN FOR IT! is for readers of all ages (well, 14 and up). Critics and readers have loved it. Here are some quotes:
"The Hardy Boys on Speed."
--Ann Bannon, author of the classic Beebo Brinker Chronicles
"An adventure to die for. But wait! With pluck and luck and loyalty teenage buddies Robert and Merwyn race through the pages of Tom Bender's kids-on-the-loose dime novel dodging disaster and bedeviling bad guys from the first scene to the last. Hang on."
--Frank C. Strunk, author of Jordon's Wager, Jordon's Showdown and Throwback
"It's early in the day, yet Robert Bell has already witnessed an armored car heist, faced a blazing tommy gun, and found a dead man on the driveway. Thanks to his friend Merwyn's street smarts, the two boys are still alive... for the moment. With nothing going for him but a quick brain and the ebbing innocence of childhood, Robert must face down the mob. Adventure, guts, determination, and the true loyalty of lifelong friends - Robert and Merwyn have it all. Grab onto their shirttails and RUN FOR IT!"
--Mary Anna Evans, author of the Faye Longchamps Archeological Mysteries
"If you want a story that has the sweet stupidity of kids coming of age, yet deals with a profound moment in American history, try this first novel. It takes your heart."
--Ann Perdew of The Villages, English teacher and avid reader
"My new Number 1 favorite mystery book! It's better than Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Trixie Beldon put together. Full of action and adventure, it's easy to see how it beats these classics."
--A young reader named Ashley (age 13), who borrowed RUN FOR IT! from the Lady Lake, FL, Public Library
To obtain a copy of RUN FOR IT!, please mail me a check for $10 plus $4 postage.
My address is:
Tom Bender
3189 Darien Way
The Villages, FL 32162
(Please put a note in with your check giving me your postal address!)