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Above is Doppo the Arctic fox, one of my favorite characters to draw. I probably sketched it in under a minute.
Just got home from the city. I live right on the outskirts and need to travel downtown to get art supplies. I took the GoTrain which is part of Toronto's mass transit system. It goes from here (Etobicoke) to downtown Toronto in about 15 minutes. On the way it winds through all these industrial backlots and crumbling Victorian brick factories. I love that trip. After the train drops me off it keeps going west to Aldershot, which is known for it's military base. I am always tempted to stay on the train and keep going. I almost get overwhelmed with curiosity every time. I've never been that far west and I wonder what's out there.
I went in town to buy pencils. I bought a huge pile of 3Bs which is currently my hardness of choice. Just soft enough to give a rich dark line but not so soft that it disappears in one drawing session, eaten up by the electric pencil sharpener. I also bought jogging pants. This has been one unhealthy winter.
Also, today draws to a close what has become n annual search for an agent. I've had problems with this. It's funny but I have an easier time getting published than I do getting an agent. Whenever I've had a really good idea it never seems to take long to find a home for it. Agencies are different. I don't know why but I have some guesses. I think your relationship with a publisher is short term. You do a book and that's it, no real obligation after that. With agencies it's different, the relationship is meant to be a reciprocal one that ought to last for a long time, years. Another thing is marketing. An agent is as concerned with how well they can market you, maybe more so than how talented you are. And how well an agency can market you can depend on how well you fit into the overall style of artists they already represent. If you're too different than their other artists it can be hard to market you and if you're too close to their current artists it might create redundancy in their agency or even competitiveness.
In any case, this round of agent hunting is over. Now it's phase two. Which is a funny way of saying I'm putting together proposals to send to publishers. So far this has been the most effective thing I've done. I think my ideas are good and publishers like the idea of one person doing both the story and the art for picture books and comic books. I think the industry seems to be moving that way.
Anyway, that's enough rambling for today.
Here's a sketch for another small portfolio piece I'm working on. This week has been all about catching up. Looking for new projects and ways to get new projects, including getting a new agent. Even with pretty good contacts I feel like I'm spreading myself really thin looking for contracts as well as working in new art. Also, I really want to get more of the current work I'm doing out there.
By: Kathy Temean,
on 8/8/2010
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Last Tuesday we had dinner with Agent Mary Kole from Andrea Brown Literary, Agent Susan Hawk from the Bent Agency, Connie Hsu and Kate Sullivan from Little, Brown and Company. A week ago I reported that both Kate and Connie had been promoted to Associate Editors, but what I didn’t know is Kate has moved from the Poppy Imprint side to the Little, Brown side. Connie who only was editing middle grade and young adult is now editing picture books and chapter books in addition to MG/YA. Also, she is very interested in graphic novels and books where illustrations could be incorporated throughout the text. She was very excited about their new book , The Adventures of Nanny Piggins by R.A. Spratt.
When stingy Mr. Green planted a Nanny Wanted sign on his front lawn for his three children, he had no idea his ad would be answered by a pig. Yes, a pig. A fabulously sassy and impeccably dressed pig as a matter of fact! With her insatiable urge to eat chocolate (and feed chocolate to everyone she loves), her high-flying spirit, and her unending sense of fun, Nanny Piggins takes Derrick, Samantha, and Michael on a year of surprises, yummy treats, and adventures they’ll never forget.
Paired with Dan Santat’s charming illustrations, comedian and children’s TV writer R.A. Spratt’s wildly funny debut novel will have adults and kids alike laughing and rooting for the feisty porcine nanny and her three lovable human charges.
Then on Wednesday we had dinner with Agent Sean McCarthy from Sheldon Fogelman Agency, Assistant Editor, Heather Alexander from dial, Agent Scott Treimel and Executive Editor, Regina Griffin from Egmont USA. Regina brought three books from her new fall catalog, The Invisible Order by Paul Crilley to be released Spetember 28th, The Jaquar Stones – Book One- Middleworld by J&P Voelkel and Vordak the Incomprehensible: How to Grow Up and Rule the World by Scott Seegert . 
We had a lot of fun with the book, figuring out a dastardly name for each of us. So slip on your acid-free gloves, make sure you have a duplicate copy of How to Grow Up and Rule the World (just in case something should happen to this one) and try to follow along as the incomparable, superior-in-all-ways Vordak the Incomprehensible teaches you a thing or two about villainy. Now you, too, can try (and fail) to attain Vordak’s level of infamy. Coming out on Aug. 24th.
PLEASE NOTE: We have one spot available for the Writer’s Retreat. Here is the info, please contact me if you want the space.
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By: Kathy Temean,
on 8/4/2010
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Barbara Krasner launched a new blog on May 5, 2010 to provide writers of Jewish-themed children’s books with information on editors, agents, librarians, authors, research venues, and book reviews. To date, the blog has offered:
- Entries on the history of Jewish children’s literature, adapted from a talk given by Lisa Silverman, library director of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles and children’s book review editor of Jewish Book World
- Videos from the editor/agent panel of the May 2010 Highlights Foundation workshop, “Writing Jewish-themed Children’s Books,” which I led (including Devorah Leah Rosenfeld of Hachai Publishing, Francoise Bui of Delacorte, Rubin Pfeffer of East/West Literary, Mary Kole of Andrea Brown Literary, and Carolyn Yoder of Calkins Creek Books and Highlights)
- Interviews with authors Rich Michelson and Jacqueline Dembar Greene
- Reviews/experiences at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in NYC
Stop by and give it a look. Barbara is providing a service for our Jewish writers and illustrators, so make sure you take advantage of what is being provided.
Talk tomorrow,
Kathy
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By: Kathy Temean,
on 5/25/2010
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WEBINAR: CREATING REAL PEOPLE IN PROSE: CHARACTERS AND THE MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL
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Mark McVeigh
THE MCVEIGH AGENCY
Mark is doing the above webinars throughout the summer. If you haven’t met Mark, he has been in the children’s publishing industry for many years and is very knowledgeable. I plan to take one of his classes, since I feel he has a lot to offer.
If you think you are interested in taking one of his classes, please contact me and I will pass your info on to him, so he can send you all the info.
Please not that 10% of the profits will go to the Paula Danziger Fund.
Also, I thought you might be interested in knowing that Mark McVeigh just secured Terry Trueman Printz Honor Award winner of STUCK IN NEUTRAL his biggest contract ever. Congratulations Mark and Terry!
Sounds Interesting. Let me know if you take the webinar.
|
Talk tomorrow,
Kathy
PS: I added Lisa Yoskowitz from Dutton, Margery Cuyler, Publisher at Marshall Cavendish and Kate Sullivan, Assistant Editor at Little, Brown & Co. to the Networking Dinners, today.
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By: Kathy Temean,
on 5/17/2010
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The Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency is a New York City-based full-service literary agency, recently named one of the top 25 literary agencies in the country by Writers Digest.
The agency specializes in children’s literature of all ages — picture books, middle-grade, and young adult — but also represents high-quality adult fiction and non-fiction in traditional and non-traditional arenas.
We work with major publishers such as HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Carroll & Graf, etc., as well as audio, web, and electronic publishers where appropriate. The agency has affiliations with subagents throughout the world, including individual countries in Europe, Eastern Europe,the Far East, and South and Central America. We also have strong working relationships with several Hollywood agencies.
Stephen Fraser joined the Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency as an agent in January 2005. He worked most recently at HarperCollins Children’s Books, where he edited a couple of New Jersey’s talented writers, Ann Rinaldi and Dan Gutman.
They say, “Our doors are always open to new writers and illustrators. Currently we are looking for children’s books for every age – picture books, middle-grade, and young adult – and adult fiction and non-fiction in a wide range of genres. If in doubt, just query us.”
Remember, you can meet agents, Tracey Adams, Stephen Barbara, Scott Treimel, Sean McCarthy, Mary Kole, Jill Corocoran, and Marissa Walsh at the New Jersey SCBWI Conference June 4th and 5th.
Talk tomorrow,
Kathy
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2 Comments on The Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency, last added: 5/18/2010
By: Kathy Temean,
on 5/8/2010
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Now that it is official, I can let you know that Emily Van Beek has left Pippin Properties to join Folio Literary Management and help them build their children’s book division.
Pippin Properties is still alive and doing great with Holly McGhee at the helm, so this just gives all of us more opportunities in the industry.
Here is what Emily says she is looking for:
I am exclusively interested in acquiring projects for young and teen readers, from picture books by author / artists, to authentic and fresh middle-grade fiction, to lyrical and daring YA.
I am especially interested in representing young adult novelists. I’m looking for voices that won’t be ignored. I am open to considering all sorts of YA from dystopian fiction to paranormal, mysteries to well-written chick lit, coming-of-age, “I’m not dead, but I’m not alive either”, the lyrical, the literary, and the laughable.
I believe it was Ursula Nordstrom who once wrote (of the process of considering a manuscript) something along the lines of: “If you can resist it, do.” A tough love sort of approach to the process, but it’s a litmus test I often use to help me decide if I am the right agent to represent a particular project and to help an author achieve his or her publishing goals.
Emily officially starts on May 24th.
If you don’t know Emily, she is a highly respected agent in the children’s book industry. Anyone who lands her to represent them has done something very good for themselves.
Good luck,
Kathy
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This week we had a editor and an agent change. If you use your imagination, you might realize how upsetting that is a month before the conference. Anyway, Connie Hsu had some family problems going on and couldn’t put the time into doing a good job, but Connie did get Kate Sullivan from Little, Brown to take her spot. Kate is great, so it all worked out. I had wanted to ask Kate, but didn’t think I should ask two editors from Little, Brown. That same day, agent Michael Sterns sent me an e-mail saying he was closing his doors to new people and felt it was a waste of time for him to come. I of course freaked, but it is better that he was honest. We want authors who are seeking representation to have a chance to have that happen for them.
I immediately contacted Marissa Walsh, who I blogged about yesterday. She was not in, but after a sleepless night, she called me back and she is joining the faculty for the conference. I am very happy, because since Marissa just started and is really looking to build her list, so every good writer has a shot.
Right now you can get an author critique and get on the waiting list for an editor/agent one-on-one critique at the conference. I have my fingers crossed that I can announce an exciting addition on Tuesday’s post.
Now, I want to show you the two runner-ups for this years Logo Contest. The first is Mary Zisk – www.maryzisk.com . I am having her logo printed on the doorknob organizer below.
These will be on sale at the conference for $5.00, though again if you are sure you want one, please let me know so I order a few extra.
The second winner (in no particular order) is Beth Ann Bogert. I couldn’t find a website for Beth. Beth you need a website, not down the road, right now. You need to be showing off your work.
I am having Beth’s logo printed on a roll-up toiletry bag. I apologise, but I could not get a high res photo of this bag, so it is not going to look as good as the other I have put up. Here it is:
This bag will also, be on sales for $10 at the conference. It is 8″X6″X4″ 
Here is her logo in Black. I think I am leaning towards that. What do you think?
I did spell Beth Ann’s name right on the one I sent in to the printer, so don’t panic.
Since the other logos were so good, I am inviting the illustrators who are coming to the conference and submitted logos to the faculty after dinner party on Friday night in the Presidential Suite. They are Kathy Rupff and Susan Podgar. Donna Taylor and Lorraine Dey are also invited, but they are only signed up for Saturday. Donna and Lorraine, if you would like to join us on Friday evening at 9:00pm, please let me know.
This coming week I will put up all the other logos, because I think you will enjoy them. Remember, let me know if you prefer white or black on the bag. Talk tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend,
Kathy
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Marissa Walsh has joined FinePrint Literary Management as a literary agent, focusing on children’s picture books, middle-grade and YA, along with pop culture, humor, narrative non-fiction, and memoir.
Most recently she was an editor at Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books for seven years.
Marissa specializes in pop culture, humor, narrative non-fiction, memoir, and children’s books (picture books/middle grade/YA).
PICTURE BOOKS: She is looking for young, funny, character-driven books with very little text (700 words or less). No rhyming. Please include your manuscript in the body of your query email.
MIDDLE GRADE & YA: No paranormal/fantasy/science-fiction. She’s looking for funny and poignant contemporary stories featuring real kids. Please include the first chapter in the body of your query email.
Marissa accepts email queries only, at [email protected]
Please note:
QUERY LETTER FORMAT: Your query letter should be short—no more than one page. (Think resume cover letter.)
1. First paragraph: Introduce your project in one sentence: “I’m writing to you about my picture book, TITLE.” If there is a reason you have chosen Marissa for your project (and hopefully there is!), include that here.
2. Second paragraph: In 50 words or less (two-to-three sentences), tell her about the book. But not too much. Think 30-second elevator pitch: “It’s a cross between STUFF WHITE PEOPLE LIKE and THE LAST LECTURE.”
3. Third paragraph: Your bio. Be as specific as possible. You might not think it’s interesting, but she does. Why are you the only person in the world who can write this book?
4. Closing paragraph: (one-to-two lines) You look forward to hearing, etc.
Tomorrow, I am going to share some of the trials and tribulations of behind the scenes conference stuff and show you the other two winners of the logo contest.
Kathy
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1 Comments on New Agent Marissa Walsh, last added: 4/29/2010
Contract Basics
Presented by Edward Necarsulmer IV, McIntosh & Otis, Inc. on January 30th 2010.
Advance Against Royalties or SHOW ME THE MONEY - Upfront money publisher pays author for the right to buy a literary Property.
Track Record/Earning Out or HOW DID MY BABY DO? – Did previous books sell enough copies to cover their advances?
Grant of Rights/Territory/Work for Hire or MY WRITING SOUNDS BETTER IN KOREAN! – States where a publisher is allowed to sell your book and your relationship to the work.
Manuscript Delivery or DEADLINES - When is your manuscript due?
Payout Structure or WHERE IS MY MONEY? - The schedule in which the advance will be paid.
Royalty Rate (Hard, Soft, Mass, Board Books, etc.) or IT’S FLYING OFF THE SHELVES… - Royalties are how the advance is earned out. For each copy sold, the author earns a percentage of the price. The amount he earns changes depending on how many copies and edition of the book was sold.
Escalation/Slide or AND NOW I’M GOING TO BE RICH! - The percentage a publisher pays usually increases after a book has sold a certain amount of the copies.
Joint/Separate Accounting or MIGHTIER APART THAN TOGETHER - If there are two books in the contract, will they both have to earn back their advances before royalties can be paid? Are they counted together or apart?
Subsidiary Rights or ICING ON THE CAKE - Additional right such as audio rights and foreign rights that can either be granted to publisher or author. Publishers traditionally shares in any profits made from subsidiary rights.
Flow Through or THE EXPRESS LANE - A clause that ensures payment of subsidiary rights income is paid as it is received by the Publisher, instead of waiting for bi-annual royalty statements.
Royalty Statements/Unearned Statements or I’VE ARRIVED! - Issued twice annually these statements are your report card from the Publisher calculating your number of units sold at the each royalty rate.
Copyright or YOUR FRIEND, THE ‘C’ IN A CIRCLE - Your publisher will register the title, year of first publication and the name of the copyright owner with the U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE, although copyright protection actually begins the moment your pen touches the paper.
Jacket/Cover Consultation or PUT ON YOUR BERET! - A clause in an agreement stipulating a good will exchange between Author and Publisher when designing the dust jacket or cover art.
Out of Print or PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT - Enough said.
Option Clause or TO BE OR NOT TO BE A FREE AGENT? – no explanation from Edward.
Bonus Language or PROTECTING FOR SUCESS – My comment: This is where you really need an agent. Edward whipped though 32 things that he tries to get in the contract that you or I would never think of, but could make a big difference in the outcome of your book.
GENERAL: Avoid vague language, Reserved rights, Right to audit
WORDS THAT SHOULD RAISE A RED FLAG:
Forever
Perpetuity
Universe
Now and herei
We are very excited to announce that this year’s New Jersey Annual conference is going to be held at the Princeton Hyatt in Princeton, New Jersey.
This will give us more room, more air conditioning and easier parking and access.
I am, also, pleased to let you know that we have negotiated the great price of $89 a night to stay over. Registration is up on http://newjerseyscbwi.com/events/100604%20conference.shtml A direct link will be added so you can register for your rooms directly from the above link. (I have to get the code from the hotel. The snow may hold things up – hope not.)
You can find all the workshops that make up the conference on the second page of registration. I expect I will add more faculty as needed, but the reg. form is complete. Remember the early bird gets the worm with lower prices, entry into first pages, pitches and their top choices. Here is a list of the faculty as of today.
Margery Cuyler – Publisher, Marshall Cavendish
Steve Meltzer - Associate Publisher/ Executive Managing Editor, Dial, Dutton, & Celebra
Michelle Poploff – VP Editorial Director, Random House
Regina Griffin – Senior Editor Egmont USA
Carolyn Yoder – Editor, Calkins Creek Books – Senior Editor, History, HIGHLIGHTS
Kelly Smith – Senior Editor, Sterling Publishing
Caroline Meckler – Editor, Wendy Lamb Books
Connie Hsu – Associated Editor, Little, Brown & Company BFYR
Heather Alexander - Assitant Editor, Dial BFYR
Shauna Fay – Assistant Editor, Putnam
Michael Sterns – Upstart Crow Literary Agency
Scott Treimel – Agent, Scott Treimel Literary Agency
Tracey Adams – Owner and Agent, Adams Literary
Sean McCarthy – Agent, Sheldon Fogelman Agency
Jill Corcoran - Agent, Herman Agency
Mary Cole – Agent, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Simone Kaplan – Picture Book People
Susan O’Keefe - Editor, Paulist Press and award winning author
Kristin Clark Venuti – Author of Leaving the Bellweathers.
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4 Comments on BIG CONFERENCE NEWS!, last added: 2/12/2010
They think of themselves as matchmakers—connecting authors and artists with editors and publishers, and young readers with unforgettable books—our first priority is to ensure our clients have the peace of mind to concentrate on their characters, not their contracts.
I like the character Doppo you drew. I like 3B pencils too but they are not a readily available as 2B, at least at the local art supply store.
Thanks for sharing that bit on getting an agent. I have been debating seeking out an agent for myself. A writer I am illustrating for has been seeking out an agent for our book collaboration (I have heard it is necessary for book publishing). I have attempted to send examples of work to publishers but have had nothing come of it.