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Kidlit Summer School is starting soon, and if you haven't heard about it already, you will definitely want to check it out!
Kidlit Summer School is a fabulous free way to learn about writing for children. It is put on by a fabulous kidlit faculty. There will be daily lesson posts with writing exercises and more. You'll want to register because it comes with some great perks:
eligible to win any giveaways or books, critiques, or other swag that they’ll be handing out during the month
eligible to participate in special Summer School events like webinars
able to access the Kidlit Summer School exercise book
invited to join our private Kidlit Summer School Facebook community where you can connect to other children’s book creators and lovers of kidlit
Even if you miss out on registration (it ends July 15th) you can still take part in class by going through the blog posts and doing the exercises. This year's theme is Heart & Humor. All stories can use those elements!
Kidlit Summer School runs from July 11th through August 5th. I'm all signed up and excited to get started. You can read about Kidlit Summer School here and sign up using their form. Hope to see you there!
*Bonus info! BEDTIME MONSTER illustrator Bonnie Adamson is this year's Kidlit Summer School Art Director. She created the adorable logos!
0 Comments on Kidlit Summer School is Coming Soon! as of 1/1/1900
It's pretty common when you're starting out writing picture books to have written a picture book and not know what to do next! I get questions about it all the time. So, here are some basics things you should do when you have written a children's book but are not quite sure how to go about getting it published:
Get critiques. Just because you wrote a picture book doesn't mean it's ready to send out into the world. Once you've made the story the best you can make it find some other picture book writers to trade with. Getting thoughts and opinions from others writing in the same category as you will help you see your work in a new light. Getting professional opinions from those who are working in the field can be eye opening as well. My recommendation would be to trade with critique partners and when you are ready, to spring for that professional opinion. (To find critique partners you are welcome to join my Sub It Club Critique Partner Matchup. If you are ready for a professional opinion, check out my critique services.)
Revise. Revise, revise, always revise! Revise to make your manuscript the best that you possibly can. Revise before getting critiques. Revise after critiques. Ha! Seriously though, putting your manuscript away for a few weeks then taking a new look at it can help your see it with fresh eyes. Picture books take lots of rounds of revisions.
Read Picture Books. In between all of those revisions and even when you are revising, read loads of picture books. Reading newly published ones from the larger publishing houses will help you know what the market is looking for. Although there are definitely some good books published by smaller publishers, don't automatically take them to be the general consensus on what publishers are looking for. Sometimes small publishers are able to make allowances that the big publishers don't. Self-published don't make good guides either as the author has no guidelines they have to follow.
Read books about writing for children. Get them from your library. Order them from your book store. Just read them!
Do numbers 1 - 5 so many times that you can't even count how many times you have done them.
Do NOT try to find an illustrator.I put that one in red because it is such a common misconception. If you want to sell your picture book manuscript to a publisher it is their job to find the illustrator for the book. They want to do this. You having the manuscript illustrated counts against you, not for you. If you yourself are not a professional illustrator, write the best, submission-ready, illustratable manuscript you can. Then send it out for consideration.
Learn about what publishers, and therefore agents, are looking for. When you start delving into the world of children's publishing you will know things like #7, for instance. You will know that to give your picture book manuscript a better shot it just might be best to keep it under 700 words. A high-concept can be a good thing too. (Tip #8 here is a little repetitive but I felt like it needed saying. You can learn about what publisher and agents are looking for by doing #'s 3, 4, & 9!)
Learn about querying.
Join me at Sub It Club. We talk about all the things that have to do with submitting manuscripts for publication. We post lots of submission information on the blog and have a very active private Sub It Club Facebook groupwith loads of super fantastic writers and illustrators where you can learn and ask questions, get help on your query letters, and more.
Check out the Monster List of Picture Book Agentswhere you can start learning about agents and what they are looking for. (Hint: agents who represent picture books often like to know what else you have if they are interested in the manuscript you have queries with, so it can be good to have a few polished manuscripts ready to go when querying. But keep in mind, there are no hard and fast rules here. Use your judgement.)
Check out the Monster List of Picture Book Publishers with links directly to publisher's submission guidelines so you can see what you need to do to ask them to consider your work. (Hint: If you are interested in working with an agent, you should submit your work to them first as they don't like a manuscript to be too shopped around. But you can definitely submit your work straight to publishers who are open to unsolicited submissions.)
You can join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. SCBWI is an international professional organization for writers and illustrators of children's literature. They have tons of resources and put on great workshops and conferences. Peruse their website to see all the things they offer.
Become a member of the SCBWI Blueboards. This is a message board where tons of writers and illustrators hang out. You can learn so much there! You do not have to join SCBWI to take part in the boards.
Please realize that all of these things take time. Picture books may seem short and simple but they take a lot of work and thought to be great. That beautiful picture book you see on the shelf has most likely been years in the making. But, they are definitely worth it!
If you have a specific question feel free to contact me. If I can I will answer your question on the blog here.
0 Comments on I've Written a Picture Book, Now What? as of 1/1/1900
In the Fall of last year I was excited. I told myself that over the winter I'd have lots of time to get writing done. Oh yes, I'd finish up a few of those picture books I've been working on. Maybe I'd even revisit that middle grade novel I have half way finished that is sitting in the file waiting for me. I had other big plans too but, ya know, they didn't quite happen as planned.
The thing is that writing something of quality always takes longer than I feel like it should. Logically, I know this. I work long and hard on each one of my picture book manuscripts. I get critiques, revise, re-revise, and revise some more. I mull over that scene, that phrase, that word until I can get it "just right" for the story. Still, my brain can't help but think, you know what the story is. Just get it finished up already! Of course, writing a publishable picture book takes time. Sure, we hear the stories of 'it just came to me, I wrote it down, sent it out, and the publisher loved it!' I am certain that can happen but I tend to take any of these sorts of statements with a grain of salt. They are not the norm by any means. The picture book authors I know work long and hard to make those few words shine. They get critiques, revise for their agents, revise for editors, and sometimes... eventually those words get turned into a book.
Finding that "perfect" way to tell a story that will mesh with illustrations takes a lot of thought time. I can tend to get hard on myself that I am not getting anything accomplished. I have to remind myself that I am. Stories are always rattling around in my brain. They have been all winter. And now, suddenly it's spring. And that's okay. Because now I can write outside.
0 Comments on Suddenly it's Spring as of 5/16/2016 8:20:00 PM
There is an Auction of Hope going on right now for writer and Sub It Clubber Cindy Springsteen. Cindy was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Leukemia. The auction is to help with any medical or miscellaneous cost that will come their way during treatments and other things she will be going through. One of the items up for bid is a picture book manuscript and query letter critique from me. No bids so far so you just might get a good deal and help someone out at the same time! Bidding ends on 5/15.
I have updated my critique services page! It's something I've been wanting to do for quite a while now but haven't taken the time. I think that the explanations on what I do when critiquing and the process for requesting a critique are much more thorough now. I also added a bit about my experience. I get a lot of the same questions and I tried to answer them on the page so people don't have to ask. If you see anything else you think I should answer, just let me know! I do love helping others with their picture book manuscripts and query letters. Here's the updated page info:
Picture Book Manuscript Critiques
You should never submit a manuscript to an agent or publisher without having your worked critiqued and then undertaking revisions. This is how we make our work shine! We become so close to our stories that we just cannot see what needs improving after a while. Another pair of eyes can do wonders! How do you know when you are ready for critique? Have you rewritten and revised and worked hard on your manuscript and feel like you are stuck? Are you thinking your story is complete but have not gotten any feedback? Then it's probably time. For me, when I cannot see anything else I think I should change, or am even making changes back and forth to words or phrases I have previously written, I know I am ready for a critique. When I get those critiques back I always see ways to make more improvements. Picture books in particular take more work than it feels like they should, because they are so short. Don't be fooled! While there are many different ways a manuscript can be written, there are certain criteria that publishers are looking for that make a picture book manuscript publishable. Of course, each story is different and I always keep your vision in mind, as well as the market, when giving a critique.
My picture book critiques tend to be intensive. I use track changes and include line by line notes using the comment feature to point out issues I see as I read through the manuscript. I oftentimes put in examples to help illustrate ideas or concepts to help you get your revision juices flowing. I can't help but throw in line-editing if I see a spot that needs it or a general issue that needs to be addressed. I also write notes straight onto the manuscript. At the end of the document I give a general big picture analysis. I do not just read through once, but many times, until I feel that I have given you the best critique that I can.
Beginning writers will find that I do a lot of teaching in my critiques. There are many common mistakes that I see in picture book manuscripts -- things that are definitely learned from studying, writing picture books, and taking part in the industry for an extended amount of time. I tell people things I wish I would have been told when I was starting out! I add tips or links that I think might be helpful to you in your picture book writing endeavors.
Experienced picture book writers will find that I keep an eye toward the market when giving critiques. I make suggestions and ask questions to help you bring out your best manuscript.
All of my picture book critiques, no matter your experience, are given with an eye toward helping you create a salable manuscript. I want to see you succeed! I put in lots of time and thought on critiques. Of course, we all want to hear that our work is wonderful and ready to go, but I vow to give you an honest critique pointing out the good and the things that need work. To me, that is the best kind of critique that a writer can get!
Picture books up to 1000 words, non-rhyming critique fee is $85.00.
Higher word count manuscripts can be prorated. Add $15.00 for rhyming manuscripts (because they take much longer to critique.)
Picture book and query letter critique at the same time, for the same manuscript -- $120.00
Query & Cover Letter Critiques
I love query letters. Cover letters too. The difference? A query letter asks if you can send the material, while a cover letter introduces what you have sent. When you have a good base letter, you can change it up to fit your needs. To me, writing these letters is a fun challenge. That seems to make me somewhat of an anomaly. But, it’s true. Query letters are like a puzzle that has many possible solutions. I just love piecing them together. It is imperative to remember that your letter is a sales tool. One that you need to use to your best advantage. I can help you make sure your letter includes an enticing hook, the pertinent manuscript information, and relevant bio. Just as with my picture book critiques, I am very thorough with query letter critiques. I give line by line notes and suggestions as well as line editing if needed. If I need to ask you questions to help me give better suggestions on your letter, I will. As with manuscripts, you can't always see the issues in your own query letter. You want to give enough information so that the gist of your story is clear to someone who has not read it. You want it to be enticing. You want your query letter to make the reader want more! My letters for various manuscripts have gotten requests and interest from many agents and publishers. I have helped writers of all genres with their query letters. So, if you are ready for another set of eyes on that all important introduction to your work, from board book to picture book, MG, YA to Adult novel -- fiction or nonfiction, I would be happy to help.
Query letter critique fee is $40.00
One page letter, any genre.
Picture book and query letter critique at the same time, for the same manuscript -- $120.00
Critique Request Instructions
When you are ready for a critique please email me. Indicate the type of critique you are looking for -- picture book manuscript, query letter, or both. You can put CRITIQUE REQUEST in the subject line of your email.
For picture book manuscripts please let me know the word count and whether or not the story is written in rhyme. For query letters I'd love to know the genre you are working in. If you have any questions for me, just ask. You are welcome to attach the manuscript or query as a Word or Open Office document in your email.
I bill through Paypal, which you can pay whether you have a Paypal account or not. I will email you an invoice via Paypal once I have gotten your request and we have worked out any details. I am also happy to take a check. Critiques will be started once payment is complete.
I like to have up to two weeks to complete manuscript critiques as I sometimes like to have time to think on things, but I often have them done more quickly than that. Query letter critiques will be completed in one week or less. I am happy to work with you to have your critique done by a specific date if requested.
It is nice if you have your manuscript in a standard format. Plus you will need it that way for submitting! If you are not sure about standard picture book manuscript format, you can find instructions in my formatting post.
Critique fees are for a one time critique. If you are interested in having me critique a manuscript after you have revised, I am happy to do it at a discounted rate.
About My Experience
I've been writing picture books for a very long time. I can't even begin to count the number of critiques I have done. I’ve edited novels, both fiction and nonfiction for publishers, critiqued everything from story app concept to magazine article, MG, YA, and even the "dreaded" synopsis. My picture book, BEDTIME MONSTER, is published by Raven Tree Press. KICK! JUMP! CHOP! THE ADVENTURES OF THE NINJABREAD MAN is scheduled to be released by Sterling Publishing in 2017. I am represented by Sean McCarthy Literary Agency.
"Heather's critique is exactly what I needed to get me out of a state of stagnation and moving in a better direction on my children's book proposal. The constructive information she shared in my critique was conveyed with a distinct air of "been there, pitched that" experience. Heather knows what agents and publishers need from a proposal and helps writers hone in on their story's hook and refocus their pitch. I highly recommend her services and wouldn't hesitate to work with Heather on future projects." - Stacey Viera, Best Light Media "Heather has critiqued a number of my picture book manuscripts--and I couldn't be more satisfied. Her comments are thorough and insightful and straightforward--a gift for any of us who have walked away from a critique with more questions than answers!" - Terry H., Children's Book Writer
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Red Fox Literary has a new agent! Stephanie Fretwell-Hill started her career selling foreign rights for Walker Books Ltd. and also worked as an acquiring editor at Peachtree Publishing. You can read her full bio on the Red Fox Literary About Us page.
Red Fox agents are normally closed to unsolicited submissions but Stephanie is open for a limited time. If you want to submit your work to Stephanie you will need to do so by July 25, 2016. Update: As of 4/25/16 Stephanie has already gotten over 4,000 submissions! She will now be closing to submissions on 5/15/2016. Please do check the Red Fox Literary Submission Guidelines to make sure that date has not changed before you submit.
Although she is new to agenting, there is a bit more good information around the web to help you make the decision as to whether or not Stephanie might be the right agent to submit your work to:
Kathy Temean has a great interview with Stephanie about her agenting style, what she is looking for as an agent, and more. You will definitely want to read this one. Bonus: Stephanie will be doing first page critiques on Kathy's blog. Submissions need to be in by April 21st. The post will be up on April 29th. Stephanie is on Facebook and has some public posts on her page that might help you get to know her tastes.
You can follow her on Twitter @SFretwellHill Writer's Digest did a New Agent Alert that is repetitive if you've read the other links here, but it does lay out what Stephanie is looking for quick-style.
There are a couple of quick tips from Stephanie at this post about the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference at Write Naked. (Scroll down to under the second photo.)
There's some comments on Querytracker regarding Stephanie's response time. You have to join to be able to read them, but it's free.
Alright, this is digging deep. I found a link to an old blog of Stephanie's. If you have a food manuscript she just might dig it. ;) (I put the link to the profile so you can see it for yourself. Website 1 does not work. Website 2 does.)
Okay everyone, do remember that submitting to Stephanie has a deadline! A new agent such as Stephanie can be a great opportunity as she is building her list. Good luck!
This post is part of the Monster List of Picture Book Agents. If you have an additions or changes you think should be made to this listing please contact me or leave them in the comments. Thanks!
0 Comments on Monster List of Picture Book Agents - Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, Red Fox Literary as of 1/1/1900
I've come across a few good sites with some helpful picture book writing tips as of late, so I wanted to pass them along. I know so many of you reading my blog are working hard on your picture book manuscripts!
Mem Fox has so many great books. I happened upon her website and found that she has a whole bunch of hints for writers. She has 4 links in the sidebar on the page. Her hints are nice and straightforward. Love them!
It can be good to take a break and refresh your picture book writing knowledge with posts like these and then dive back into writing. I myself am off to dive into picture book revisions again now.
When you think you are ready for new eyes on your manuscript check out my Critique Services. I love helping new and seasoned picture book writers and can always make time for a picture book critique!
0 Comments on Some Picture Book Writing Tips as of 1/1/1900
Publisher's Weekly -- it's the place to go to read about book deals. It can be so fun to read, and to see the people I know from around the web getting book deals. For me, it's inspiring to read about what children's books will be coming out in the future. The Publisher's Weekly Rights Report helps me see what types of books are selling and who the agents and publishers involved are. Reading the weekly report is another good way to get to know the publishing world. Of course, when you really want a book deal it can perhaps be not as fun to read becuase you wonder if you are ever going to see yourself listed there, but it helps to remember that if you are a writer you have to be in it for the long haul.
For me, it has finally happened. My book deal is listed in the Publisher's Weekly Rights Report! It is amazing to see myself there. I have wanted to have a book announcement for so long in general. Of course, I have known about my book deal but seeing it there announced to the kidlit book world makes it feel all new and exciting again. If you don't want to follow the link I will show you here:
I am super excited about this book. It's punny. It involves cookies, and ninjas. Stuff I love! My agent really helped encourage me to write even better than I thought I could. Zaneta Jung and the team at Sterling Publishing are so enthusiastic and supportive. The cut paper illustration style that Bomboland does are fresh and fun. I cannot wait to see how it all turns out!
0 Comments on Me, in PW? aka I HAVE NEWS!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!! as of 1/1/1900
Painted Words is an agency founded by Lori Nowicki in 2006. They represents many award winning books and many author/illustrators. They represent a few authors who do not illustrate as well.
You can find Lori Nowicki at Publisher's Marketplace. While it looks like she tends to focus on author/illustrators she does say, "We are currently looking for submissions from authors in the areas of picture books, beginning readers, and chapter books (ages 4-8), as well as Middle-Grade fiction (ages 9-12)."
There is not much information about Lori Nowicki online. I have queried Lori and got a nice, personal reply from her assistant. Looking at Lori's list of clients and award winning books to me, made her an agent to definitely consider. Lori was listed as one of the top 20 picture book agents according to sales in 2013,
Be sure to peruse the entire Painted Words website to get a feel for the type of stories they represent. If you would like to submit your work to Painted Words please see their submission guidelines.
Painted Words represents Connie Schofield-Morrison & Marilyn Sadler.
This post is part of the Monster List of Picture Book Agents. If you have an additions or changes you think should be made to this listing please contact me or leave them in the comments. Thanks!
0 Comments on Monster List of Picture Book Agents -- Lori Nowicki, Painted Words as of 2/3/2016 7:18:00 PM
Today I published my very first Writers of Childish Things Newsletter. I was sort of nervous. I see sending something directly to people's inboxes as a big responsibility and I am very humbled by those who have chosen to subscribe.
I'm starting my newsletter in a very busy month! In this first newsletter I share about the opportunities we have coming up this month for Sub It Club's 3 Year Celebrations. There are going to be some great giveaways for picture book writers! There's also a long list of upcoming pitch opportunities that are open to picture books.
Of course, I talk about the new Monster List and my new Picture Book Query Letter Workshop. In my newsletter you'll find a special Workshop discount for subscribers. So, if you've interested I'd love for you to subscribe!
You can read the newsletter here: eepurl.com/bN7XGb. You'll find a subscribe button in the top, left hand corner.
0 Comments on My First Ever Newsletter is Out! as of 1/1/1900
I know that a lot of you use my Monster List of Picture Book Agents. It's a good resource for when you're on the hunt for an agent, if I do say so myself. I go through the same process to create the posts as I would if I were researching an agent to query. I search to find information about the agent, what they're looking for when it comes to picture books, what they want in submissions, who they represent... all of those things we try to figure out so we can make an educated guess as to if we might want to work with someone. All that research can help you find a way to personalize your query letter too.
I started the list because when I was looking for an agent I spent so much time slogging through submission guidelines trying to figure out if an agent actually took on picture book writers who didn't illustrate, that I got pretty fast at it. Plus I had a big list of agents and I wanted to share it. I still do. Putting together Monster List posts takes some time. But it's fun and I'm going to try to step it up this year and get a lot more posts done. There are lots of agents out there looking for picture books!
There's another Monster List I have been wanting to create for some time. As I was putting together my new Picture Book Query Letter Workshop (I announced it yesterday!) I knew that I finally needed to get the list together for people to use.
Sometimes you want to submit your work straight to a publisher, and that is what this list is all about. I am really happy to give you the Monster List of Picture Book Publishers! So far there are over 60 publishers on the list, most of whom are open to unagented submissions right now.
I'm not going to be doing individual posts for this Monster List. Instead I have created a page and linked directly to the publisher's submission guidelines. Those can be so hard to find sometimes! Then you can click through to their website and see what picture books they publish and do your research to decide if they might be a good publisher for your manuscript.
I'm going to add to the list as I come across more picture book publishers. I'll keep track and do an update post on the blog every so often and will be sending out the info in my newsletter as well. (You can sign up in the sidebar.)
A huge THANK YOU! you to my partner in Sub It Club, Dana Carey, for changing up the fabulous Monster List of Picture Book Agents logo she created for me so that I can use it with the Monster List of Picture Book Publishers as well. I just love love that logo!
Whether you are thinking you might like to submit your book directly to publishers, or are well underway with submitting your work, open the door and take a peek at the new Monster List of Picture Book Publishers! Maybe some good places to submit your manuscript will jump out at you.
And if you're feeling like you need help with your query letter, please check out my Picture Book Query Letter Workshop. I'd be happy to help you get that query letter written so you can put your best pitch forward and submit that picture book!
0 Comments on The New Monster List of Picture Book Publishers! as of 1/30/2016 2:36:00 PM
I have found that I am an anomaly. I don't hate query letters. It makes me sad when people call it "the dreaded query letter". I actually love writing them. Love with a capital L-O-V-E. Yeah, I know. I'm weird. But it's a useful quirk.
To me the process and challenge of writing a query is like solving a puzzle. How can the story be pitched best? The moving and changing of words and phrases trying to find the best combination is exciting. I embrace the challenge and hope you do too.
Since I partnered with my agent I don't have to write query letters for myself anymore. So, I've been helping other writers create and polish their queries to get my query fix. I do critiques, writing, and consulting for many picture book writers, which led me to an idea. One that will let me help even more people write great query letters and have the skills to write them for the picture books in the future as well.
I've been working hard to put together a query letter workshop specifically for picture book writers. Lessons on how to write a query letter are broken down with step by step instructions, examples, and explanations. The workshop is designed for writers that have a picture book manuscript that they are ready to write a query letter for. As part of the workshop I am going to make myself available for questions and assistance throughout as well as give a full query letter critique. I've also added resources, and information on submitting your work. I think you all already know I love to talk about that stuff!
If this sounds like the kind of help you could use, I'd love to have you check out my new Picture Book Query Letter Workshop page for more details. I'm excited. This is going to be fun!
Oh, and look for a new Monster List to celebrate the workshop coming very soon!
0 Comments on A Picture Book Query Letter Workshop! as of 1/1/1900
I have some exciting things coming up soon. I have a new Monster List I'm creating to help you find places to submit your work. I have some fun opportunities coming up at Sub It Club. And maybe sometime soonish, I'll even have some good news.
Since I split myself between here and the Sub It Club blog I don't always get all of the information out in one place. So, I think a newsletter will be a good one stop place to capture it all. My plan is to only send out a newsletter 3 to 4 times a year. I'll include the news on who I've added to the Monster Lists, links to tips on submitting and writing, and whatever else I find that I think is helpful to children's book writers. If you're interested I'd love for you to sign up!
Subscribe to my Writers of Childish Things Newsletter!
Today's Monster List of Picture Books Agents feature is on agent Carrie Hannigan of HSG Agency (Hannigan, Salky, Getzler Agency). You won't find a bunch of interviews with Carrie online or much social media. But that doesn't mean she's not an agent to consider by any means!
According to Carrie's bio on the agency website she worked with esteemed agent Timothy Seldes of Russell & Volkening for 14 years before moving on to form HSG agency. HSG Agency opened in 2011. Carrie has many successful clients.
Carrie has some amazing clients. She represents author/illustrators as well. Be sure to check out theHSG Agency Clients page.
If you think your work might be a fit for Carrie Hannigan, read over the HSG Agency Submission Guidelines for details on how to submit your work. They ask for electronic submissions only. Yay!
*Please do note that Carrie is not looking for picture books written in rhyme.
This post is part of the Monster List of Picture Book Agents. If you have an additions or changes you think should be made to this listing please contact me or leave them in the comments. Thanks!
0 Comments on Monster List of Picture Book Agents - Carrie Hannigan of HSG Agency as of 1/1/1900
Hey there. As you probably know, the road to publication can be a long one. When you are writing and polishing, submitting and waiting, not a whole lot of tangible things happen. Yes, you have put words on the page. Lots of words! But if you're like me, you aren't showing them to anyone. If you're not careful it can make you feel like you are not doing anything because there is nothing for anyone to see! Or worse, you can feel like you are failing and that is not good for writing great things.
Here's the thing, a published book is but one of the positive things that can happen for you as a writer. Sure, a published book or agent can feel like the golden prize that we're all trying to reach. But there are lots of positives along the way that you need to recognize. They are the things that will keep you going along the long road!
Here are some things that you should pat yourself on the back for:
Coming up with something great: a title, character, sentence, etc. Yes!
Finding the perfect word you needed. Uh-huh!
Finishing a draft. Sweet!
Completing a revision. Even sweeter!
Positive things your critique partners say about your work. Woohoo!
Figuring out a problem you had in your writing. Phew!
Submitting your polished work. Yay!
Getting to go have fun at a conference. Yippee!
Great writer friends. The bomb!
And of course these are things to hold onto that should tell you that yes, you are doing things right:
Personalized rejections. They don't send these to everyone!
Invitations to send more work. They like your style!
Revision requests. They believe you created a piece that might work in their publishing program!
Agent interest. An agent thinks they may be able to sell your work!
Nope, you can't control these last things but if you get something of this nature, don't forget it. Pull it out and reread it when you are wondering why you are spending so much time on this writing thing.
Either way, remember the positives! Go write some more great sentences. Find that perfect word. And chat it up with your writer friends. You can usually find me blabbing away at Sub It Club or on twitter. ;)
0 Comments on Enjoy the Little Things as of 1/7/2016 6:34:00 PM
Heather Alexander became an agent at Pippin Properties in 2014. Prior to that she was a children's book editor at Dial Books for Young Readers. She is looking for quirky, subversive picture books. It seems to go without saying that Heather is an editorial agent. There is lots of great info about Heather online to help you decide whether or not she might be the right agent for you:
In this May 2015 interview Heather talks about picture book renaissance and commonly occurring themes in picture book submissions.
Heather did an insightful Query Questions interview where she talk about how many queries she gets vs. how many requests she makes among other interesting tidbits.
See some specifics of what Heather is interested in acquiring in her Manuscript Wish List feed. This is updated with Heather's #MSWL tweets so be sure to check back.
Follow Heather Alexander on Twitter @heatheralexand to learn more about her. You can also find her on Facebook. Pippin Properties also has Facebook and Twitter accounts.
And you are in luck! Heather just started her very own blog. Here's looking forward to lots of great info there.
This post is part of the Monster List of Picture Book Agents. If you have any changes that you think should be made to this listing, please contact me or leave them in the comments. Thanks!
0 Comments on Monster List of Picture Book Agents - Heather Alexander of Pippin Properties as of 12/8/2015 7:19:00 PM
Oh my gosh it has been a while! I have had a lot going on. Some things that I can tell you about and some that I can't (but hopefully will be able to soon!)
You know, sometimes I think I choose the hardest things there are to do. Write picture books. Check. Farm garlic organically. Check. Live on a mountaintop. Check.
As you might have noticed I pretty much took the summer off from my blog. But I still managed to do quite a bit of blogging at Sub It Club. I have actually been doing a series on Submissions that you might want to check out if you're new to submitting your work or if you just want to see if there's any new tips you may not have thought of. Or if you're like me and like to review information that you already know. (I say this because I am doing another round of reading books on writing. Once you've read as many as I have it REALLY starts to sink in. Ha!) Also, I've been updating lots of great contest opportunities so you might want to check those out.
This year (I count the months of March to early November as a year. I do more work in that time than I can even comprehend. Hooray for freezing weather to give us a farm break!) was a lot different at the farm. We decided to participate in WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms for our first time. We had a bunch of great kids (they were in their 20's. I'm old.) stay with us over the summer. They came to learn about organic farming and rural living. It took a bit of getting used to at first having so many extra people around (more cooking and cleaning!). It was fun though and they helped us so much. It was great for my kids to get to know such wonderful young adults that they could look up to. We had super smart kids from prestigious colleges, athletes, musicians, and even a professional photographer stay with us. I think that the ruralness might have been a shock to some of them but everyone seemed to have a great time and we miss them all. You can see some of the fun we had at our Great Northern Garlic Facebook page. I wish I would have had time to post more but yeah--working. And we planted even more garlic this year. Next year should be interesting!
As for our ruralness. Technology has suddenly brought us closer. The "regular" internet has finally reached way up here in the mountains. (Yes, my technological words are lacking.) This means no more slow satellite internet with limited access! This also means that we can have a telephone. Gulp. I have lived for 20 years without a telephone in my house so this idea is taking a little getting used to for me. I did make my first phone call and it was just so weird to be talking on the phone in my house instead of in my parked car in town, which is where I usually (used to?) make all my phone calls. Having a phone at home will be super convenient, of course. Now if technology could just make the dirt road less bumpy.
On the writing front, super cool things are happening. My agent is the best and I know I am very lucky to have his help. Being a picture book writer is a huge challenge.You have to set the stage for a great story that includes pictures. And it has to stand out in a super competitive market. Even if you have a great story there is still revision and rethinking that can need to be done. So, my picture book writing friends, don't be discouraged. Keep at it. Celebrate the little accomplishments on your journey. And check in for new Monster List posts. Now that I have time I am planning to do more updates!
Have you heard about Kidlit Summer School? If not you should head on over! This summer they're focusing on plot. You need to register to join. But it's free! The faculty is amazing you'll definitely want to check out what they're offering.
Besides some amazing authors and illustrators, editors and agents are participating. I know it's short notice but my fabulous agent, Sean McCarthy will be doing a pitch critique session on Monday. You have to register by tomorrow morning to participate live (sorry for the short notice!) but by it looks like you can still listen in if you register later. Sean gives the best advice and you can learn a lot by listening to pitch critiques so I highly recommend taking part if you at all can!
0 Comments on Kidlit Summer School! as of 7/26/2015 12:48:00 AM
·Do your best to make your illustration notes flow with the story so you don’t interrupt the text
·Don’t use colored text for your illustration notes (or any of your manuscript for that matter)
·Revise, edit, and proofread your notes as you do the rest of your manuscript. This includes reading them out loud
·Never use illustration notes to dictate anything that isn’t crucial to your story. Ever. The illustrator is a partner in your book and will put their creativity to work from what your story brings to their mind. You have to trust in this
Okay, no matter how much we writers try not to use them, sometimes illustration notes are necessary. You definitely want them to be formatted in an easy to read and understand way. They shouldn't take center stage or be overpowering. They should be there because they must.
There are a few ways that I have formatted illustration notes in my picture book manuscripts. Almost every time I simply put them in italic parenthesis in line with the text like this: (Illustration note: Jim is a dog.) Placement is important. You want to put the note by the text that the illustration needs to make clear but you don't want to break a sentence or paragraph up and make it choppy. I usually opt to place the note at the end of the paragraph.
When I’ve had manuscripts that contain italicized thoughts I have bolded my illustration notes instead of italicizing. This seemed to not be too overpowering since there were only a couple of notes amongst a lot of text. I suppose you could use ALL CAPS if you wanted as well. Take a look at overall manuscript and decide on how it works best aesthetically.
If you have one overall illustration note for the story that needs to be told a good place to put it is right up at the top right corner header on your manuscript under your word count. (If you don't know how to format a picture book go here.) I have seen it said to put the note in your cover letter but if readers need to know that information for your story to work (which I assume they do otherwise you shouldn’t be using the note) you want it on that manuscript. Things get separated, may not be read at the same time, etc.
Of course you could use other words besides "Illustration note" such as Illustration suggestion, Art or Art note. You could use [brackets] instead of parenthesis. The basics are not too big of a deal. What is important is how and when you choose to use illustration notes. Choose wisely! Any questions?
0 Comments on How to Format Illustration Notes as of 1/1/1900
You may have heard that using illustration notes in your picture book manuscript is a big no no. Why? Illustration notes can get a bad rap when writers are too heavy handed and try to dictate illustrations. The thing is, picture books are a visual medium. While it is best to use none or as few illustration notes as possible there can definitely be things conveyed in your story by the illustrations that aren’t part of the text. Sometimes, as writers, we have to give a clue as to what is happening in the story when it can’t be taken from the words. So when is it okay to use illustration notes?
When something critical to the storyline happens that is not evident in the text. This means that if an agent, editor, or illustrator is reading your manuscript that the image your words will bring to mind is different or even opposite of what you have said.
For example: You’re text says, “Meredith put the book back nicely onto the shelf.” But really, Meredith does not put the book onto the shelf nicely at all because there’s going to be a catastrophic book pile up that comes crashing down and it is all Meredith’s fault. Perhaps this scenario could use an illustration note.
Or maybe Jake put his very best clothes on because he has something important to do, but yikes! In the illustration he has put on two different colored socks and is going to be very embarrassed when he sits down for his recital and people start to laugh. He doesn’t know that his socks are two different colors, so the text doesn’t say it. This might be a good place for a note, depending on how the story unfolds, of course.
I used an illustration note in my manuscript for Bedtime Monster because Dad being a bit of a monster himself wasn't evident in the text. At all. Would the editor and illustrator have known that (spoiler alert!) dad had a tail at the end of the story? Definitely not. I put in a very simple, straight to the point note: (Illustration note: Dad has a tail.)
Some of my picture book manuscripts have a lot going on visually that is not hinted to in the text so, yes, they are a bit illustration note heavy. This has been fine with my agent and with editors. They need to see a complete story and sometimes I need illustration notes to make the story complete. Others of my manuscripts have no illustration notes at all. The story doesn't need them. Each manuscript is different. You have to choose what is right for each one. (Hint: Let the manuscript with notes rest. Read it through without the notes. Do you still see places you need them? If not then take them out. Read the manuscript with the notes. Are they 100% necessary? If not, cut them. Be brutal!)
No matter what, I work just as hard on my illustration notes as I do the rest of my manuscript. I revise and edit them, putting them to the same rigorous test as I do the rest of my words. You should too.
On Tuesday I’ll talk do's and don'ts and how to format notes in your manuscript!
0 Comments on Using Illustration Notes in Picture Book Manuscripts as of 7/11/2015 4:34:00 PM
A while back I interviewed Paul Greci for a series I really loved doing called
Okay, my while may be longer than other's whiles but we're talking the publishing world here. Anyway, today is a day to celebrate as Paul has moved into the ranks of The Read! Paul's debut novel, SURVIVING BEAR ISLAND is out today! Not only that, his book is a 2015 Junior Library Guild Selection. I am so thrilled and cannot wait to read this book!
Paul really does live the type of lifestyle that leads to adventure so he knows about what he writes! Go read Paul's Unread interview to learn about him and his writing. You won't be disappointed.
If you want to know more about SURVIVING BEAR ISLAND check out this from Kirkus Review:
A fateful kayaking trip forces Tom to grow up fast while he faces dangers he only ever dreamed about. When his mother died in a biking accident three years ago, Tom had to struggle to find his way back to a normal life. Dad was no help, as he reacted to the loss of his wife by shutting down and shutting out the rest of the world. But a kayaking trip in Alaska’s Prince William Sound seems to be a turning point for the two of them, a chance to start living the rest of their lives as a family again. Unfortunately, a choppy sea and a bad accident rip them apart, and Tom is forced to struggle for his own survival on Bear Island. Facing starvation, injury and the eponymous bears, Tom relies on the hope of finding his father to get him through his ordeal. Greci delivers a compelling narrative that manages to keep a quick pace despite being built around one character alone in the wilds. Flashbacks to the moments before the accident and memories of life before the trip work well to explain certain plot points and to add texture and meaning to the first-person narrative. The tension is well-crafted and realistic. Bear Island is a challenging environment to survive but a terrific thrill on the page. (Adventure. 9-14)
Today's Monster List post features agent Linda Pratt of Wernick & Pratt Agency. Marcia Wernick and Linda Pratt started Wernick & Pratt Agency in 2011 after both agenting at the renown Sheldon Fogelman Literary Agency. Together they have years of experience in the industry. Wernick & Pratt is a career agency, meaning the agents are looking to represent writers and illustrators for the long term. I had the pleasure of receiving my very first professional critique from Linda a long time ago at the first SCBWI conference I ever attended. She was so kind and helpful, I could just feel that I was in the right industry. I know that critique, as well as the feedback she gave me on the subsequent submission, helped me leap forward in terms of my writing and I will always be appreciative of the time she gave me.
You can find Wernick & Pratt Agency on Facebook and on Twitter. Linda Pratt is on Linkedin. Linda represents picture book writers Ann Marie Pace, Karen Beaumont, and Hannah Rainforth, among others. If you think your work might be a good fit for Linda, read the very specific Submissions Policy posted on the Wernick & Pratt website. While the agency states they are most interested in picture book author/illustrators they do take submissions from picture book writers who do not illustrate as well at the time of this posting. Picture book writers are asked to send 2 different completed manuscripts of less than 750 words when submitting. This post is part of the Monster List of Picture Book Agents. If you have any changes that you think should be made to this listing, please contact me or leave them in the comments. Thanks!
0 Comments on Monster List of Picture Book Agents - Linda Pratt of Wernick & Pratt Agency as of 3/17/2015 6:22:00 PM
Have you heard? It's Kidlit Week over at Sub It Club! So far we have picture book critique giveaways from authors Amy Dixon and Katy S. Duffield, as well as a proofread from Dori Kleber. We have feedback opportunities and great posts for picture book writers and illustrators alike from Mark Fearing and Sarah Frances Hardy. Plus you can enter to win an autographed picture book from Corey Rosen Schwartz. And now I'm going to give you a scoop: Tomorrow on the Sub It Club blog we'll be giving away a free participation in agent Jodell Sadler's online course, Pacing Picture Books To Wow!
Jodell's agency, Sadler Children's Literary, represents authors as well as and author-illustrators. Jodell is open to picture book submissions and is here to talk about what she looks for when it comes to picture books in part 1 of my interview with her. You'll be able to find part 2 tomorrow on the Sub It Club blog. For now, read on to learn what Jodell looks for in picture book submissions and more:
Why do you choose to represent picture book authors?
I love picture books! Picture books remain that toy that spans from 1 to 101 and has staying power. I love the power of words and their magic and it feeds into my study on Pacing Picture Books to Wow. I have a picture book that I have kept a long time. It was one that was held by the many generations in my family, and I love it. It made it through my childhood, managed to escape a dog incident, and escorted me into my college years at Mount Mary University.
What types of stories do you see a place for in today’s picture book market?
Many. Whatever is in a writer’s heart-- if they can carry it onto the page in an original way. I know, not fair, but really, the minute we think a book cannot be done, one is birthed into the world. Picture book are just a visual and aural treat for kids. What would the world be like without them?
What types of picture books do you represent (or not represent) specifically?
I’m not a fan of message-driven, but love any type of picture book, fiction and nonfiction. I also enjoy graphic novel manuscripts that fit into that little older genre.
How do you feel about picture books written in rhyme?
I love a rhyming picture book if it is done well. It has to be visual and concrete and so well done that it sings. When I see one that works, it will work. But it’s a tough write. A writer has to be 100% committed to do what it takes to make it move forward with a strong story arc.
On your website you say, “I’m really interested in working with you to get your story all sparkly and ‘just right’ and right into the hands of the right publisher.” In general, how much revision do you do with clients to get their picture books submission ready?
I love working with clients on picture book revision. It’s fun to work to really polish a piece of writing. I just recently worked on a picture book that was so honed, but only had a few words here and there that needed to be considered and challenged. The writer and I went back and forth until it we both felt like each word was ‘just right.’
If you take on a client because of their mass market appeal picture books, would you also represent other things they wrote, such as educational or board books, if they had merit?
Yes. I do work with clients from fiction board books to young adult (and new adult), but I also enjoy nonfiction picture books to nonfiction proposals. I would go outside my scope for titles my writers were working on like an adult memoir, for example.
What are some of the elements you think a picture book needs to be successful?
I completely believe in Pacing a Picture Book to Wow and really look for all the tools I talk about in my online 4-week course: words, rhythm, repetition, etc. because the musicality of language, the ability to get on the page of your writing, and really slow and speed the unfolding of a story to enhance reader experience is a must in today’s competitive marketplace. If you’d like to see more about this, please visit my website: http://www.sadlercreativeliterary.com/pacing-2-wow-class.html.
Are there common mistakes you see in picture book submissions in particular?
Yes. I see cover pages that are far too long, poetry that is very abstract, and concepts that have been done so often they would be hard to sell like seasonal books. I also see books that have not been honed down to some 500 words. Writers really need to take the time to pull their words back and make their picture books an infectious experience. We should want to hear it again and again. In my recent Pacing Picture Books to Wow class for January, we had a few books like this. It’s a lot of fun to find that manuscript that is ready for editorial eyes.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you'd like to share with us?
We have a few upcoming projects: a MG nonfiction story about strong women, a great author-illustrator picture book about a feisty witch and even feistier cat, a picture book about a very small creature that one man works to save, and an illustrated MG series—and so much more in the works. We’ve done a game project and covers this past season as well, and I hope we will do a whole lot more in 2015, including one really exciting project that hugs my heart.
Thank you so much, Jodell, for talking picture books here with us! Everyone, please come over to the Sub It Club blog tomorrow to read part 2 of my interview with Jodell's where she talks submissions and is giving away a chance to win her Pacing Picture Books To Wow! course to one lucky winner.
0 Comments on Agent Jodell Sadler Talks Picture Books as of 2/20/2015 4:01:00 PM
I resigned myself to the fact that success doesn't come quickly for me a long time ago. I've been working hard on my writing for so long that I can't even count how long it's been. My family has been growing garlic for quite a few years to build up our seed stock so we are just now beginning to find out if we can sell all that we grow. (Scary!) And well, Sub It Club, that's something I wanted to do for a long time but finally got the guts to do just about two years ago now and am amazed to see it take off like it has in 2014.
But if you want to hear the truth, I want to do more. I guess that's what keeps me going. I want write great stories and make Sean proud. I want to grow our family garlic business even more so we can hire employees and help give a few of the wonderful people in our community jobs. I want every writer and illustrator out there to find the support they need. So yup, there's more to do! But how am I going to do it? I'm going to keep on keeping on!
As far as writing goes, I'm going to keep writing the best stories that I can. I'm going to keep learning from agent and editor notes, critique partners and books. I am going to work on learning to listen to myself better when I know something is working...and when it's not.
The garlic? Well, we planted twice as much garlic this year as we did last year so we should be harvesting twice as much come summer. (The weather has been a little wacky so I worry but there's nothing to do but wait!) I'm afraid I may get lost in the garlic abyss around August when there is harvesting, drying, cleaning, shipping, and planting to do, so I'm trying to get lots of writing things done this winter. I guess I'll see what happens!
And then there's Sub It Club. I love Sub It Club. Such a great group with so many amazing people. We just celebrated members' successes of 2014 and I couldn't be happier for each and every person! I hope we can keep bringing helpful information to writers and illustrators who need it, and keep fostering those helpful connections in our support and critique partner groups.
You know what else?I had an amazing number of wonderful clients this year! I want thank each and every one of you for sharing your work with me. It is so fantastic to see so many people taking on their dreams and working to create children's literature. I feel really honored to be a part of that.
And so many of you who have sent me kind notes about what helped you in a post or my blog in general. Thank you so much! You keep me going!
So, here's to all of you! I wish we could get together for a New Years Party. One with a rejection pinata, great food and drinks, and lots of writing chit chat.
0 Comments on Three Cheers for 2014! as of 1/4/2015 5:21:00 AM
Janine Le has been an Assistant Agent at the well established Sheldon Fogelman Agency in New York since 2010. She started there as an intern in 2009. Janine is an agent building her list which is a good opportunity for those of you looking to connect with an agent.
Janine's bio says, "Janine is building her list of clients and is open to picture books through YA. She is most drawn to stories with a strong emotional core that influence the way readers view the world, themselves, and the people around them. She is also fond of complex characters and relationships, unique cultural perspectives, and stories with a touch of humor, romance, or both."
There isn't much extra online information on Janine, but Sheldon Fogelman Agency is a top notch agency that has some amazing clients. Agents such as Marcia Wernick and Linda Pratt established themselves as agents there as well as my great agent Sean McCarthy.
Some of Janine's information is posted as Janine Hauber or Janine Hauber Le.
This post is part of the Monster List of Picture Book Agents. If you have any changes that you think should be made to this listing, please contact me or leave them in the comments. Thanks!
0 Comments on Monster List of Picture Book Agents - Janine Le, Sheldon Fogelman Agency as of 1/3/2015 6:05:00 PM
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