How to use this Page

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE <![endif]-->

by Nancy I. Sanders

Question:
Do I really need an agent?

Answer:
Everyone complains that it’s impossible to get a children’s book published these days because every publisher requires agented submissions. This simply is not true. Even the big houses send acquisitions editors to conferences where they will pick up your manuscript if they find merit in it. There are also numerous smaller houses who take unagented submissions. In fact, some publishers prefer not to work with an agent. These publishers are usually known as “smaller” publishers because they produce fewer titles each year, have a smaller editorial staff, and publish a lower print run. They may not be able to pay fees that cover an agent’s expense.

It’s actually good experience to go through the process of landing a contract at least once by yourself to know what an agent is supposed to do. It also puts you one step ahead of the rest. At one point, agent Rachelle Gardner posted on her blog at cba-ramblings.blogspot.com that she had over 200 submissions she was considering, most of which were by unpublished authors. It’s to your advantage to earn publishing credits before you contact an agent. How? Search your market guide. Look for publishers who say 50% or more of their product list is with first time authors. These publishers probably won’t be the huge megacorporations every writer dreams of signing a contract with. Many publishers who work with a high percentage of first-time authors are smaller or focus to fill a specific niche in the publishing world. None-the-less, these publishers usually offer standard contracts. And the nice surprise is that they’re often eager to hear from you.

Once you experience some publishing success and know how signing a contract works, you can certainly try to acquire an agent. There are numerous benefits to having one such as representation, constructive feedback, and legal advice. Meet with various agents—look for conferences that offer private appointments—or get to know them better by reading their blogs. As you’re sending out simultaneous submissions to publishers for your manuscript, include several agents in your mailing list as well. An agent won’t just want someone who can write, however. Agents are on the lookout for writers who also have a platform. They know that it’s one thing to get a book published. It’s another thing to get it to sell. While you’re looking for an agent, also start building up your platform. Teach writer’s workshops, build a blog, and schedule book signings for the books you’ve already had published. Make an agent want you as much as you want an agent.

As you’re searching for an agent, what exactly do you want from your writing at this point in your life? Do you want representation at the top houses but want to manage your own career? Look for an agent who will represent your book, not your career. If you want someone who will give advice on how to shape a more successful career, look for an agent who offers to spend time helping you develop long-term goals. Also take an honest look at your strengths and weaknesses. Are you interested in writing for the educational market and have numerous ideas for titles in this genre? You probably don’t need an agent to follow your dreams. Have you experienced solid success in the work-for-hire nonfiction market and love the fast, frenzied pace and tight structure of nonstop assignments? An agent in the loop might slow down your pace—and your income. However, if you feel you have the skills to write picture books with pizzazz or sweep-‘em-off-their-feet YA novels, then acquiring an agent will probably be to your advantage to la

What better way to celebrate Black History Month AND Non-Fiction Monday than by hosting a giveaway? Details on how to enter are below.

D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet by Nancy I. Sanders and illustrator E.B. Lewis

Part of the now famous and much loved Sleeping Bear Press Alphabet series, this one is a fantastic overview of different events and people in history for both young children and older kids.

Each letter represents a person/place/event/etc. and is explained with a short rhyme. On the sidebars, more detail and facts are given, expanding knowledge on the topic featured on that page. The rhymes are great for the young kiddos, the sidebars perfect for references for projects or the opening up of discussion of a particular subject.

I'm always impressed with these alphabet books, but this one is really exceptional. The illustrations are beautiful and the information is vast for such a small book. I learned about Malcolm X, Tuskegee Airmen, the March on Washington, quilts, and so much more.

Great for classrooms or home shelves. And you should really head to the library and check out the entire series...there are tons of these books and all of them are well planned, written nicely, and incredibly educational.

D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet
Nancy I. Sanders
32 pages
Non-Fiction Picture Book
Sleeping Bear Press
9781585362936
September 2007 
Review copy received from publisher

Pappy's Handkerchief by Devin Scillian and illustrator Chris Ellison

This one is from another of Sleeping Bear Press's awesome series, Tales of Young Americans. Moses and his family, fish mongers from Baltimore in 1889, decide to make the long journey to Oklahoma where rumor has it there's free farmland.

Ice storms, sickness, floods, and other difficulties hammer the family as they make their way, but they're determined to be able to finally have their own farm. Once they arrive, however, the family isn't so sure the rumors they heard were true.

An adventure story for sure! The author's note explains that this particular book is not about any one family, but is a "medley of the struggles and experiences of thousands of families who journeyed west to live as pioneers on the prairie." Inspirational and educational. So even if it's not true "non-fiction" it is certainly based on real facts and events in history.

Great for units on westward expansion and blacks in history. I personally never knew that black families were pioneers as well....so even I learned something!

Pappy's Handkerchief
Devin Scillian
37 pages
Picture Book
Sleeping Bear Press
978