As some of you have heard by now, Random House Children's books has decided to close my imprint, Tricycle Press. Books scheduled through summer 2011 will be printed as Tricycle books.
MAY B. was to be released Fall 2011.
I first heard of Tricycle Press when my boys were younger, during our hitting-the-fifty-book-limit library days. We eagerly read things like THE PICKLE PATCH BATHTUB, TURTLE SPRING,
47 Comments on When Things Don't Go As Planned, last added: 11/22/2010
new posts in all blogs
.jpeg?picon=2982)
By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 11/19/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: picture books, editing, writing, children's literature, editors, publication, Tricycle Press, the writer's life, Nicole Geiger, novel-in-verse, MAY B., agent, Michelle, Add a tag
Display Comments
Add a Comment
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Nicole Geiger, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 6 of 6
By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 11/19/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: picture books, editing, writing, children's literature, editors, publication, Tricycle Press, the writer's life, Nicole Geiger, novel-in-verse, MAY B., agent, Michelle, Add a tag
By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 6/9/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: editorial letter, Nicole Geiger, editing, editors, Add a tag
When I sold MAY B., I invited my readers along on my publication journey. Here goes!
First stop: first-round edits.*
As I mentioned Monday, editors approach their work differently. Still, all editors write a letter to send to their author along with the marked-up manuscript. What might an editorial letter include?
- Nicole started my editorial letter by affirming me as a writer. Not a bad thing! "I love this book! You have done such a wonderful job; at times I felt I was only fiddling with your beautiful narrative, but fiddle I must and have done...This edit is like pruning a prized rose bush: a little there, not too much here." How's that for motivation to do my best work?
- A reminder that edits are not "carved in stone" and that when there are areas that need work, I am to assume I can "revise as [I] see fit".
- A suggestion as to how to approach the work: Read through with all the edits and comments first before getting started.
- A heads up as to what I will find in the edits. If you need to add some scenes (as I do), this will be the place the content is addressed.
- Questions that aren't yet answered in the text/threads that need to come together. (I've got several things to work on in regard to character motivation).
- Possible new solutions to problems you and your editor have discussed before. (I've got a big portion toward the end of MAY B. that I'll need to re-work. I've been thinking. Nicole's been thinking. She's shared some ideas to help move the story in the direction it needs to go).
- Technicalities you might need to address at a later date. (Mine have to do with "soft" returns and an eventual editing round devoted entirely to small things like articles and conjunctions).
I have a month to work through this first round. Here's to a productive four weeks (in the midst of a house on the market and an impending move)!
*Because it is not unusual to begin edits before contract negotiation is complete, I've chosen to hold off on my contract post.
13 Comments on What is an Editorial Letter Like?, last added: 6/10/2010
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 6/6/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: editing, editors, writing across genres, Nicole Geiger, Add a tag
I'm sure there are as many ways to approach editing as there are editors. Here's what I'm learning about my editor's style through the editing process:
I can expect to do two to three rounds of edits before copy edits.
For my initial round of edits (or "first pass"), my editor reads through my manuscript three times: Once with a pen "like a real old-timey editor", as she says, once converting those edits to the computer with the Track Changes function, and once more for review before sending it off to me.
Anyone else who can share their editing experiences?
11 Comments on How Does an Editor Edit?, last added: 6/9/2010
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 4/2/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: editors, marketing plan, Nicole Geiger, author questionaire, marketing, Add a tag
Last week, I talked with my editor, Nicole Geiger, for the first time since selling MAY. While we didn't talk book specifics, I learned about a typical book schedule. As Nicole is wrapping two other books right now, I should expect to receive my schedule in the next few weeks. For now, here's what I learned:
- Book deadlines are flexible but get tighter toward the end. The "soft deadlines" come early, before getting the book to press. The first "hard date" would be for the galleys.
- For a Fall 2011 book, galleys should be ready to print mid-January 2011. Tricycle prints mid-grade galleys domestically; it takes 2-3 weeks.
- Once the book is done, I'll be handed off to the marketing and publicity department for the day to day contact with Tricycle.
- I'm to expect my author questionaire fairly early and am to "do it in a timely way but take [my] time." While my tentative marketing plan lists authors the marketing team is planning to approach for blurbs(one of the most thrilling parts of this whole process!), I'm to also compile a list of "people who would make a difference" in sales: librarians, booksellers, blog reviewers, or other authors I've admired from afar.
Author Marketing Questionaire
Sample Marketing Questionaire
Author Questionaire
From Chris Webb's Publishing Blog: Book Marketing for Authors: The Author Questionaire
16 Comments on Phone Meeting With My Editor, last added: 4/2/2010
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 3/24/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: editors, thank you, Nicole Geiger, Add a tag
I'm very touched by all the support sent my way these past few days. The idea I've actually sold a book is still pretty surreal.
A friend who now heads up a book club I started (back in my Northern Virginia days) told me she'd sent out an email to all club members, sharing my good news and suggesting MAY B. as a read for their 2011-2012 list (that lady plans ahead!). I could stop by via Skype to answer questions. A classmate from middle/high school (isn't Facebook great?) said her book club would have no choice but to read MAY in 2011. My former principal informed me my book will be required reading in the upper grades! Still so hard to fully comprehend.
I know many of you follow Jody Hedlund. One of the things I love about her blog is the way she's walked us through her publishing experience. I'd like to do much of the same.
Today I have my first phone meeting with my editor, Nicole Geiger. I am not sure all we'll discuss, but those things that will be of benefit I'll be sure to pass on.
26 Comments on Thank you!, last added: 3/25/2010
Display Comments
Add a Comment
By: Caroline Starr Rose,
on 3/22/2010
Blog: Caroline by line (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Tricycle Press, book deal, Nicole Geiger, Michelle, Add a tag
Yesterday Megan asked:
I definitely want to hear more about the details of what happened, how it felt, and how you've since celebrated :)
Three weeks ago, Agent Michelle sent me an email saying, Good news! Best discussed over the phone. Which number should I call? As you can imagine, I went a bit crazy!
As soon as she called, she told me two, possibly three editors were interested in my book. This floored me. My work is nothing big and flashy, and I never expected to draw this sort of attention. I talked to editors over the course of the next two weeks, starting with pep talk phone calls from Michelle and ending with follow up conversations with her (while I talked with the editors, she took notes and later emailed them to me -- so helpful!).
It was amazing to talk with three people who loved my work, had shared it with others in their office, had thought through ways to strengthen the storyline, etc. The work editors are willing to put into a book before even knowing its theirs is amazing.
Michelle gave the three editors a deadline to turn in offers (last Friday at noon). Every hour or so, she'd call to update me on who'd turned in what. I thought I could do something productive between phone calls, but I was unable to focus on anything other than brainless TV.
I had three amazing editors to choose from and three different and exciting publishing houses. In the end, I went with the editor I felt understood May was well as I did. I'd had the strongest personal connection with this person. The thing that sealed the deal for me was a fabulous marketing plan.
Michelle called Nicole Geiger of Tricycle Press to tell her I'd accepted her offer. I few hours later I got a lovely email from Nicole, telling me how as a child she'd loved books about a lone character struggling against the world and how thrilled she was to get to work on such a story.
My husband was out of town Friday, and between phone calls from Michelle and trashy TV, I talked with Dan and my parents, often cutting them off to take a call. I'd been holding onto a bottle of champagne for months, longing for this day, and I couldn't wait any longer. The thought of opening it alone was the lonliest thing I could imagine, so I invited a few friends over. It was wonderful to finally be able to talk about everything that had happened and all that was to come.
34 Comments on How It All Happened, last added: 3/24/2010
Display Comments
Add a Comment
Oh my goodness, Caroline! Talk about publishing ups and downs. You must feel so frustrated. I have my fingers crossed that your book will find a new home.
Wow! I am so sorry to hear this and I can't imagine how disappointed you must be. I will be thinking of you and sending good wishes your way!
Oh Caroline, I am so sorry to hear this. It must be so hard when you're gearing up for the publication date. I hope things go well for you. Enjoy the holidays.
Caroline, What a bummer. There are so many odd things that can happen in this business. It's voilatile and unpredictable and just downright difficult at times. But you have already garnered interest and hopefully will find a new home for May B.
So sorry to hear this! Hang in there, May B found a home once so you have to know she'll find another one. Don't give up hope!
Oh Carolyn, I'm sorry. But I agree with the poster above; if your book already found a home, there is certainly an editor eager to give it another.
Have a nice holiday.
Caroline, I am so very sorry. This is shocking. It has been a really hard couple of weeks for you, I know. I do think the other commenters are right on. You have a great agent, and I have confidence that your book is wonderful. A veteran friend of mine told me recently: "Projects get dropped by some houses and picked up by other houses all the time." I will be praying for you and that MAY B will find a good home.
May B is an excellent work and it will be published. I knew that the first time I read it and that's not going to change.
Yes, I thought of you when I heard the news and wondered what would be the fate of May B. I'm sad about Tricycle, but I have a feeling it's a door opening for your book... here's to bright and happy endings! Keep us posted. xo
Good gravy, that stinks!
But you have an agent, and a book that was wonderful enough to get picked up by a lovely imprint.
They aren't the only smart ones in publishing ;)
Caroline, I'm so sorry this has happened. Sending positive thoughts and vibes that May B. will make it through to readers hands some way.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this! I hope May B. finds a new home soon.
Keep us posted. In the meantime, let's hope this turns out well for you.
Oh, no! I'm so sorry you are caught up in this. Fingers crossed for May B. :(
I did think about you when I heard the news about TriCycle. I have faith that MAY B. will find the perfect publishing home.
In the meantime, stay in the moment, enjoy your family and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. :)
Oh, how scary! But I think you are doing the right thing, by easing up and taking time with family. Things will work out, I truly believe. I'll keep you and May in my thoughts.
So sorry, Caroline. I thought of you as soon as I read PW's Children's Bookshelf yesterday. What a shame!
Sending good thoughts and wishes your way. Couldn't Random House keep your book for one of their other imprints? If not, shame on them! I'm sure another house will pick it up.
Hope you have a relaxing holiday.
Ack! And yet...God is not surprised or wringing his hands in consternation.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. The harder fought the battle, the sweeter the victory.
I was so sad to hear that Tricyle was shutting down, and I'm so sorry that means your book is in limbo! Sending good vibes your way. It will all work out.
I'm so, so sorry to hear this, Caroline! Praying that your book finds its way out of limbo soon.
Oh, I'm so, so sorry. I didn't realize you were one of the affected authors. I'll be praying May finds a new home quickly.
Caroline,
I am so sorry. I know how devastated you must be because the same thing happened to me. My debut book was killed shortly before my publishing house announced they were going under in 2008.
Friends, family, and everyone I'd ever met was anticipating the arrival of my book, was planning to buy it for Christmas. I was beyond excited, elated to have finally become what I'd always wanted to be, an author. To have this taken away from me was devastating.
So I understand, and want to tell you that you can get through it. You are obviously very tenacious, and this will serve you well. Your book will find it's way. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. Trust that your book will be published, it will just take a little longer. Remember, tales of tenacity are never short stories, and someday you are going to have a good story, a bittersweet tale you'll be able to share because the ending is happy one.
Best,
Jennifer Paisley ([email protected])
Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that:( But I have faith--I know you wrote an amazing book and it's going to have a happy ending one way or another! Have a wonderful holiday and keep thinking positively!
I heard the doors closing. Sorry. I have a manuscript with an editor at Tricycle too. Don't know where it will end up, probably recycled. Good luck. Sure hope May B finds a home. Cheers, to doors closing and another one opening.
Followed you here from your comment on my blog...and you must be the friend Weronika Janczuk posted about on her blog. I'm so sorry to hear about this, it's truely a tragedy when publishing industry crashes happen with children's books. There is no other magic like that of watching children fall in love with books. I used to own a bookstore, and my daughter lived in the children's section. It was amazing. I hope your book lands safely in the arms of another editor that will love it as much as you do.
Thank you, all. This really means a lot.
So sorry to hear this, Caroline! Fingers crossed for you and MAY B.
Wow. Definitely a roller coaster. Praying May B finds a home very soon!
Wow Caroline!! I'm SO sorry to hear this!! What a blow! It must feel like such a setback after all the hard work was finally finding it's triumph.
BUT I'm sure there are GREAT things in store for you and May B. I've known other authors that got their books pushed back, lost agents, had their publisher close down, and almost every one to a T has come out better for it. You will too.
Try not to let this dampen the holidays. Praying you and your family will find much joy in the break!
Oh that's terrible! But if May B had found a publisher before, surely it can find a new one.
I have lots of hope it will find a new home!
I'm sorry to hear this. Thinking of you and hoping that your book finds a new home soon
Oh Caroline! I read Weronika's post yesterday and hoped, hoped, hoped May B. wouldn't be effected. I'm so sorry! I'll be thinking of you over the next few weeks as you wait to find out what will happen.
Love to you,
Amy xoxo
So sorry you are stuck in limbo.
Caroline, I'm really sorry this is happening to you. I've lost an editor I adored, and I know how hard it is. I can't imagine having the status of your book be up in the air too. I'm thinking good thoughts for you and hoping for the best!!!
Caroline, that's a huge blow. I'm working hard just to find an editor to take me on, I can't imagine having finally found one, only to have something like this happen.
I hope you can put it behind you for a while over the holidays and really enjoy your family and so many other things you have to be thankful for.
I pray for you and your book, that this story will still have a happy ending.
Caroline, We believe in you and your book and we are crossing our fingers that you both will find a good home very very soon. Our acquiring editor left too and it is heartbreaking. But we try to remind ourselves that these things happen for a reason...what else can you do?
XOXO,
Your Fellow Orphans
Wow! I'm so sorry. I'll be praying that your book will find a home/editor soon.
Its the plight of being a writer things happen in the publishing business that we don't have control over.
You have an amazing agent and you WILL get a publishing house that will fall in love with MAY B and I always believe when one door sort of closes the other door opens with many opportunities that will be beyond what you expected.
You are a lovely person and a awesome writer don't let this get you down which is easier said than done but you will raise up like a phoenix stronger because of this unexpected circumstance.
Sending best wishes your way =)
I'm so sorry to hear MAY B is on hold... I know someone else will pick it up. Such a great unique voice cannot be lost. All best to you as always, Caroline! Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs. :)
Ugh, I am so sorry to hear this. My condolences. Along with everyone else who's commented, I'm hoping this disappointment will turn into an even bigger opportunity. Allow yourself to feel sad for a while, and in the new year things will hopefully look and feel much brighter. Hang in there and keep us updated.
Oh, what a heartbreak! I am so sorry. It seems like you are moving forward with faith though, and I hope for the best. There were other editors interested in MAY B. right? So maybe some other doors will open again?
I hope you find some comforts!
Oh, no! What a loss for children's lit, as well as for you. I'm sorry your book got caught in the middle, but maintaining hope that it'll find a new home.
Sending good karma your way. Eat some turkey, enjoy your family, but then get back to the pages. Don't give up! This is just a bump in the road (okay, a lousy, rotten bump, but still...). No one can take away everything you've learned from writing your book and working with a great editor. Heart is with you and MAY B.
As soon as I read that Tricycle Press was closing I thought of you and May B. I hope your book finds a home. Best wishes for you!
That's heartbreaking news. I can't imagine your level of frustration at the situation.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that May B get picked up soon by another publisher.
Best wishes!
Oh, man! Caroline, I'm so sorry--both for May B. and for Nicole. When I saw Tricycle was closing its doors I'd forgotten that's where your book was housed.
Here's to a bright though uncertain future indeed!
*prayers*
~ Jackee
Oh, sadness! I'm so sorry you've been touched by the Tricycle wake. :(
My best wishes for the future - for you, your novel-in-verse, and your many talents. Hang in there, sweets!