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I will immediately grab your rss feed as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
I love history. This looks like a book about an important topic — inspiring American women. Best wishes!
This book is sure to stimulate a good conversation. Wishing you success.
This book has such an important message. I hope you sell many copies!
Carol, thank you for writing this book. I wish you much success.
Lincoln is the kind of hero kids need to learn about. Keep up the good work,Mary!
AmericanHistoryTales.com
Wishing you much success with this important book. I love American history and want to see more books about our country’s past. AmericanHistoryTales.com.
Your title intrigued me. This book is about such an important subject. I wish you much success.
I love anything about the Amazon rain forest. Best of luck with this excellent book!
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Meg Rosoff, beloved children’s author and active SCBWI member, has won the 2016 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Presented by the Swedish Arts Council, this award is named in honor of Astrid Lindgren, creator of the Pippi Longstocking series, and comes with a grant of 5 million Swedish kroner—the equivalent of $613,000. It is the largest cash prize for children’s writers in the world.
Rosoff was chosen for her contributions to the children’s literature field, with popular young adult books like “How I Live Now”, “There is No Dog”, and most recently, “Picture Me Gone”. The prize jury made a statement describing Rosoff’s acheivements, noting that her books “speak to the emotions as well as the intellect. In sparkling prose, she writes about the search for meaning and identity in a peculiar and bizarre world." Rosoff, who will accept her award at a ceremony on May 30th, told the Guardian that when she got the call from Sweden she “immediately thought it was telemarketers.” She said, “There have been so many times that I may have fantasised about winning whatever award, but I never imagined I would win this one.”
She also had some advice for aspiring writers: “I do genuinely believe, and I tell my students, that your job as a writer is not to read reviews or to be on Twitter drumming up business, but to write books. The goal of writing is to write, not to pay attention to accolades. But on the other hand, it does make a difference."
After a dozen years working in publishing in New York City, Kate moved to Colorado and formed kt literary in early 2008, where she concentrates on middle grade and young adult fiction. Bringing to bear the experience of being part of a large agency, she enjoys all aspects of working with her authors, offering hands-on experience, personal service, and a surfeit of optimism. Her clients include Maureen Johnson, Ellen Booraem, Stephanie Perkins, Carrie Harris, Trish Doller, and Matthew Cody, among other exciting and acclaimed authors. Kate is a graduate of the University of Delaware’s Honors Program, a former cast member of the New York Renaissance Faire, and an avid collector of shoes, bags, children, and dogs. Her interests cover a broad range including contemporary drama, urban fantasy and magical realism, adventure stories, and romantic comedies. She is an active member of the SCBWI and AAR.
There’s so much talk about the best way to query an agent. What gets your attention when a query pops up in your inbox? What makes one query stand out more than another? In that vein, what does it take for you to request a partial or full manuscript?
For the most part, I'm looking for something ineffable. I want a strong hook, or a story that I haven't seen before, or a character concept that catches my attention, or a voice that screams "read me!" And despite the fact that there is so much information about how to hook an agent, you'd be surprised the number of queries that reach me that get it wrong—wrong genre, wrong pitch, wrong material—at least for me. So when you get that right, when an author has done their research and can show me that they're querying me for a reason, that stands out. As my awesome stepdaughter's math teacher would say, "Show your work." You can get points for it.
When a query has that special something, and the pages included show a strong writing ability, then I'll ask for a partial—the first five chapters, usually—and a full synopsis. I know that many of my agent colleagues are switching over to asking for a full manuscript right away, but I like keeping that second step in there. I like checking in with an author five chapters in to a manuscript to say "I love this, can you send me the whole thing?" It also keeps it fresh for me—if I don't feel like I'm waiting on pins and needles to get that full manuscript after requesting it, if I can't wait to dive back into it, maybe it's not for me after all, no matter how good the first five chapters are.
Do you share queries if something isn’t quite right for you but might be right for the agency?
Not exactly, but we do share and discuss material at the partial or full stage. Sometimes it's to ask for a second opinion on something we're not sure is right, sometimes it's to seek corroboration of a gut feeling that yes, it really is that special. Though we all represent YA and MG, manuscripts may speak to us all differently, and I feel like handing over a query to Renee or Sara with a "This isn't for me, but maybe you would like it?" doesn't start an author off on the best footing. We advise authors to research the three of us, pick the agent you think would be best for your project, and if we say no, please feel free to resubmit to another, one at a time.
When you take on an author, what is your process? (Do you give editorial notes? Work with them on a submission list?)
I consider myself a sort of "big picture" editorial agent. I'm more concerned with the story beats and characters—does this work as written, could it be better if you cut this or moved that—than I am with themes and line edits. So the notes that I may give are things that I can cover in a couple of pages of an editorial letter, or a long phone conversation riffing with the author on ideas. Once we have a revised manuscript that we're happy with, I'll put together a submission list and share it with the author for their feedback—is there someone they met at a conference that asked about it, an author they love whose editor they'd like to send it to— and we'll revise accordingly. Then I call the editors, pitch the manuscript and follow up with an email with the submission and a covering letter. As we get responses, I can either share them with the author entirely, or just pass on a "yes" or "no", as they prefer.
Can you describe the auction process? What are the pros and cons of submitting to publishers in this manner?
I don't consider an auction part of the submission process. Not exactly. 90% of the time, I submit material multiply, as we advise authors to do when they're querying. An auction happens when multiple editors from that submission pool come back to me with interest in making an offer. Then we may set a date for opening bids, or notify the other interested publishers once the first bid comes in, and continue until we have an offer that the author and I are happy to accept, from the partner we feel would be the best one to guide the book to publication. It's not always about money. I've cut off auctions when I had publishers still interested in going higher, because we knew we'd already received the offer we liked from the editor we wanted to work with.
With multiple editors reading, we might also accept a pre-empt, if that first offer comes in and it's a strong enough combination of money, marketing, package, and editorial connection to tell the other editors, "No thanks, we already got what we were looking for."
And then there's that other 10% (maybe less), when I might feel like a certain editor would just be the perfect one for the project, and I send it to only them. In which case, I'll ask for a response within a certain time frame (usually two or three weeks), after which, if we don't come to terms, I'd go out wide. The thing is, you never know if the editor you might not think of in the first blush of a submission list wouldn't be the perfect partner unless you try.
What are the most important "gets" for you during the negotiation process? Are there deal killers?
The most important "get", I think, is that the editor "gets" the project. That they understand the story the author is trying to tell, and wants to help them polish the manuscript into the jewel they both know it can be. World rights, World English, North American—I can make an argument for or against all of them. I'm always going to reserve dramatic and commercial rights for the author in an initial negotiation, but if a publisher can make a strong argument why they should get them, they might change my mind. Maybe. For the most part though, since I came to agenting from foreign rights, I want to hold onto translation, and I want my partners in Hollywood to shop the material for film and tv.
Nowadays, the trickiest part of a contract negotiation may be the competing works clause, especially as many authors are becoming hybrids, publishing both traditionally and on their own. It's also very important to clarify when you're dealing with an author with multiple traditional publishers, maybe in different age ranges or genres. While a conversation about these clauses may not kill a deal, they can certainly delay it.
Ideally, what hooks you in when you’re reading a manuscript and makes you say, “I have to represent this author”?
It changes, but right now, I'm looking in my query pile for a diverse voice telling the story only they can tell. I never knew I wanted a lyrical middle grade novel in verse about a Chinese girl born with a deformity, hiding with her adoptive mother (Red Butterfly by A.L. Sonnichsen) until I read it. Same with a multicultural, kick-ass, feminist sci-fi space adventure novel like Salvage or Sound by Alexandra Duncan. I want something that's so good, I have to stop reading it to tell others about the awesome thing I'm reading. Send me that!
By Bonnie Bader
Ah, summer vacation is almost upon us. For some that means sweltering subway rides, baking in the hot sun, and pumping up the AC. For others summer it is a time to travel. And for those with children, summer is time to take the kids to beaches, parks, and pools, where they can zip down the slides with nary a care—no more school, no more homework for a few months!
But wait—there is another slide that parents and caregivers have to be wary of—the summer slide in reading achievement. It is estimated that the average student will lose up to one month of reading instruction over summer break. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, learning gaps of two-thirds of 9th grade students studied in Baltimore can be traced back to those days in elementary school when summer vacation meant all play and never cracking open a book.
Enter the summer reading list. Summer reading programs actually date back to the 1890s, and began as a way to encourage school children (especially those who lived in urban areas and not needed to work on the farm) to visit the library and read during their summer breaks. Today, over 95% of libraries have summer reading programs to help prevent the summer reading slide.
Teachers, too, give students summer reading lists, however, much of this “required” reading is dreaded by students. Why? Because this reading is forced—the student does not get much choice on what to read. These books are assigned. These books are homework. And after all, it is summer!
On the other hand, many librarians cull lists that have more book choices. Kids are more drawn to the libraries’ lists, because the kids are in control—they can pick what they want to read. And research has shown that kids who enrolled in library-run summer reading programs return to school not only having not lost any reading skills, but as more interested and engaged readers.
Taking a cue from librarians, SCBWI is developing the first ever Summer Reading lists. These lists will be assembled by region (the same regions as used for the Crystal Kites), and organized by grade level – K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12 and genre. Only books by PAL members (books whose publishers are on SCBWI’s list of approved publishers) will be included on the lists. Not only will these lists offer lots of choice, but the kids will be reading books by local authors – all books will denote the author and/or illustrator’s place of residence. The lists will be marketed to national associations, such as ALA and ILA, local libraries and independent bookstores, teachers, parents, and more!
The SCBWI reading lists will include diverse choices from diverse authors, giving the idea of summer reading a whole new look and feel. The ultimate goal of this program is not only to give our PAL members more exposure, but to instill the love of books and reading in children, so they become life-long readers.
You may have wondered how school librarians go about selecting the books that end up on their shelves. With the thousands of books being released each month, how do they pick and choose? And more importantly, why would they opt for yours? I can only speak from my own experience as a high school librarian of course, but here's a few tips that might get your book noticed.
1) Awards
Has your book won a major award? Congratulations! You're bound to generate much interest. Librarians love award winners since they're such safe bets. If not, don't despair. Winners can show up in the most ordinary places, even without that much-coveted, shiny seal of approval. So read on!
2) Publishers' Catalogues
I really enjoy pouring through publishers' catalogues. Surprisingly, I don't receive that many. If a publisher goes to the trouble of sending me their catalogues, I'm more likely to pick from these first. If your book appears in one, it might be worthwhile to make sure the schools in your area receive a copy. Which leads me to the next point.
3) Regional Authors
I believe in supporting our regional authors. This is why I'm always amazed when I hear from acquaintances that so-and-so down the road wrote a book and never approached me. Since It's impossible for me to know all that's being published, why risk falling through the cracks when you can easily send the librarians in your area a note?
4) Visiting Authors
When authors come to our school, I often receive requests from students and staff to acquire these authors' books, especially if the presentations are a hit. When doing school visits, make sure to give a list of your published titles to the librarian before you leave.
5) Student Requests
I always save part of my funds to purchase books requested by students. These may be spurred by the latest bestseller, the release of a book-based film, or simply happen to be a personal favorite. I love these last requests the most as they help me discover titles or series that I might not have heard about otherwise. Since kids are famous for sharing their likes, it makes sense to get them on your side.
6) Covers
I'm as susceptible to great covers as anyone else. Most young people, particularly those who don't like to read, are not likely to pick up a book that "looks boring". Fortunately, publishers are aware of this and are making our job of spreading the joy of reading a lot easier by designing fabulous covers.
7) Titles
A catchy title always attracts my interest. How about Steve Spangler's "Fire Bubbles and Exploding Toothpaste" or "The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science" by Sean Connolly?
8) Topics
Subject matter can be important when choosing books. When I first started working at my school library, I was blown away by how outdated the nonfiction collection was. And judging by the amount of dust that covered each book, they hadn't been used in a very long time. Slightly overwhelmed by the amount of work and money that would be required to replace these hundreds of tomes, I took a deep breath, sneezed, then settled down to make lists. Each year, I replace a few sections. By the time I reach the last shelf, I will need to update my first acquisitions. So, if you write non-fiction, chances are that most libraries will be happy to hear from you as it is an area that needs constant renewing to keep kids interested.
Subject matter concerns fiction as well. For example, we had very few novels with LGBT themes even though there is a gay-straight alliance at school. This means I'm immediately drawn to stories dealing with this topic. If your novels cover a specific theme, let librarians know. It might be just what they're looking for.
9) Fun Factor
Finally, I always make sure to get plenty of books that are just plain old fun. Who could resist the quirky "A Loo With a View" by Luke Barclay, the side-splitting "I Could Pee on This: and Other Poems by Cats" by Francesco Marciuliano, or the dizzying "Ultimate Book of Optical Illusions" by Al Seckel?
I hope these points have convinced you that having your books adorn school library shelves is possible. Simply start locally and work your way from there. Oh, and what do librarians do when they get together? Talk books of course! So if your book made it into just one library, it could very well end up in another if it catches the fancy of your local librarian.
Pascale Duguay is a high school librarian, writer, and translator (French/English). She lives in the Quebec Eastern Townships where she happily compiles lists of books for her library and her own pleasure.
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