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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Perseverence, Most Recent at Top [Help]

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1. Avery Aames on Perseverence

By: BookEnds, LLC, on 7/14/2010
Blog: BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: perseverence, Add a tag

Avery Aames
The Long Quiche Goodbye
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Pub date: June 2010
Agent: Kim Lionetti

(Click to Buy)

A Writer’s Journey: Say Cheese!

Getting published is hard work. It takes tenacity. It takes passion. It takes friends who won’t let you give up. J. A. Konrath says: "What do you call a writer with perseverance? PUBLISHED!"

Are you just about to give up? Don’t!

Over the course of fifteen years, I wrote a number of books, both traditional mystery and suspense thrillers. I submitted these books to agent after agent and received a number of comments, like “This is so close, but it’s just not for me.” [Sound familiar?]

Two years ago, when I was ready to give up, my critique partner, Krista Davis (who writes The Domestic Diva Mystery series), suggested I write to the market. "Cozies are selling," she said. With nothing to lose, I decided to give it a whirl.

But before I wrote another full book, I wanted to make sure that the cozy hook that I’d chosen was a good hook. I approached agent Jessica Faust at Bookends, whom I had met at a writers’ conference. She had given me encouragement on previous work. I asked if I could submit cozy ideas to her to see if they would fly with a publisher. She agreed. I submitted professionally crafted bibles [my bibles included sample chapters, an overview of the series, character sketches, and a basic outline], but none captured her fancy. After a few tries, we agreed that maybe we weren’t of like mind, so I asked if she’d be upset if I approached her fellow agent, Jacky Sach, whom I had also met at a conference. Jessica gave her blessing.

I approached Jacky with the same request. Jacky agreed. I tried three, but she didn’t think any would appeal to a publisher, so I tried three more. Mind you, each of these took me a while to write, and mind you, Jacky was such a good sport! Again, I received encouragement from Jacky, but none of the ideas were “just right.” Because I knew of people who had been “hired” to write books based on a bible created by the publisher, I asked Jacky if she would keep me in mind if she heard of an opportunity. [Note: I used to write in Hollywood. I created the format for a series on TV called Out of This World. I had no qualms about writing somebody else’s idea.] Jacky said she would.

I didn’t waste another moment thinking about the possibility, and I returned to what I had been writing before I changed track – a suspense thriller. Note: I was still considering giving up writing, but I hadn’t decided what I would do next with my life, and sitting on the couch day in, day out was out of the question (for me). I polished my new novel and started the quest again to find an agent who would think it was the most brilliant piece of writing ever. I received requests for full manuscripts and was feeling pretty sure that something was going to break for me this time . . . soon. [Perseverance requires that you see the rainbow behind the clouds!] At the same time, I took a cozy writing class and a suspense writing class. I polished new chapters and ideas through my critique group. And, yes, I had the occasional mini-pity party. [Note: Don’t let pity parties last longer than twenty-four hours. It takes grit to stop a pity party, but you can do it.]

28 Comments on Avery Aames on Perseverence, last added: 7/16/2010

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Kate Douglas said, on 7/14/2010 5:38:00 AM

What a great story of the road to publication--and you're right about the perseverance part! (20 years for me) The thing that stands out is that you didn't quit writing or learning your craft, which is really one of the most exciting things about this business--the fact we're never through learning how to do it better.

Best of luck to you with your new series!

Heidiopia said, on 7/14/2010 5:44:00 AM

I love the stubborn persistence and the fact you continued learning and honing your skills along the way. Inspiring. All the best!

Avery Aames said, on 7/14/2010 6:05:00 AM

Yes, Kate and Heidi, the learning is a huge part of it. Luckily, I love to learn. I've never been one to think I know it all (though my son might tell you differently...and even my husband...but that's another story). There are so many wonderful teachers out there, and supportive groups like Sisters in Crime Guppies (an online group) that help guide and instruct. Also, lest I forget, Chris Roerden writes a great book called Don't Murder Your Mystery--a terrific reference book prior to submission.

AveryAames.com

Avery Aames said, on 7/14/2010 6:06:00 AM

Kristan said, on 7/14/2010 6:16:00 AM

Wait wait wait! Out of This World, like, the sitcom about half-alien Evie and her high school hijinks?!?!??!! If so, I LOVED that show!!

(And if not, oops, haha. I'm sure your Out of This World was fabulous too!)

Anyway, great post about perseverance. You obviously have it in spades!

Erika Marks said, on 7/14/2010 6:24:00 AM

Avery, a wonderful story--thank you for sharing it. It's always so valuable to be reminded of the long road and the importance of sticking with it--no matter the goal!

Kate, 20 years is my magic number too--if someone had told me that when I submitted my first query 20 years ago, I would have said: It's going to take HOW long to sell my first book? That's a lifetime! But then again, most of us would say there's no question we will keep at it as long as it takes. I think the key is to keep working at your craft and staying focused on the growth, day to day, book to book.

Congratulations, Avery--I look forward to following the series!

Nancy said, on 7/14/2010 6:34:00 AM

I'm waiting to hear from my agent about my first romance novel--she's shopping it now as she reads my second one and I work on the third one. I've been with her since November and I find myself wanting to get whiny about how long this seems to take. Well, no more whining for me! I'm learning patience and all of your stories, you Avery and Kate and everyone who posts here are helping me--thank you! I think the key is keep writing...no matter what...keep writing and keep learning...

Kathy said, on 7/14/2010 6:57:00 AM

You are amazing. With your many talents, you could easily have stopped writing at any point and pursued something else with much success. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm printing it out and keeping it where I can re-read it each time I think of surrendering.

Pauline Alldred said, on 7/14/2010 7:12:00 AM

Avery, that's an amazing journey. I know it takes persistence to get published but it's good to have proof. Congratulations and I'm sure the future is going to be a whole lot brighter for you.

Sandra Parshall said, on 7/14/2010 7:18:00 AM

Avery, I don't know anyone who deserves success more than you do or has worked harder to achieve it. As your friend, I've always been impressed by your productivity and total dedication to writing. You're with a great agency and a great publisher, and you're off to a flying start on what I hope will be a long, long career!

wry wryter said, on 7/14/2010 7:39:00 AM

I quit.

I was working on a short story about a woman who wanders around our town, she’s not homeless but she walks everywhere. No one knows where she is from or where she is going. Before I left for work I checked my email, rejected novel query, again.

That was it, I quit.

On the way to work I asked God for a sign, should I continue my journey or park my wagon and plant crops.

A few hours later at work a voice behind me made a humorous comment about the stock I was putting out. Turning to focus on the voice, God slapped me upside the head, there stood the wandering woman.
I remember little of what she said but I sure as hell have not quit.

Perseverance is my crop. We all know what fertilizes it.

Congrats Avery

Avery Aames said, on 7/14/2010 7:52:00 AM

Yes, Kristan, that show! With Evie and stopping time and all that! :) So glad you enjoyed it.

Kate and Erika, 20 years is a long time and that would be enough to scare even the most stalwart writer off trying to get published! Good for you for sticking with it.

Nancy, Wry, Pauline and Sandra, thank you for your great thoughts and support. Love "perseverance is my crop." Love my pals.

~Avery

Kim Lionetti said, on 7/14/2010 9:54:00 AM

Congrats to Avery for hitting #7 on the Barnes & Noble mass market mystery bestseller list!!

Jen J. Danna said, on 7/14/2010 10:09:00 AM

Congratulations on your newly released book and thank you for sharing your story with us. I'd heard bits and pieces of it from your colleague, Janet Bolin, but it was fascinating to hear a more fleshed out version of your journey. Your perseverance, and how that perseverance paid off, is quite inspiring. I think that same perseverance will serve you well in the future as you strive to publish your own stories. Best of luck!

June Shaw said, on 7/14/2010 10:39:00 AM

Girl, I never read your story before but loved it! I also persevered -- don't even want to stop to think of how long -- but it's finally worth it after you sell. I am so proud of you!

Avery Aames said, on 7/14/2010 12:36:00 PM

Thanks, Kim, for the shout out. I'm not sure what all of that means, but it sure sounds good to this debut author.

And Jen and June, thanks for your good wishes, as well. June, we've been "Guppies" for a long time. We have witnessed so many success stories, haven't we? I can't say enough for having a good support team around you at all times...and yes, that may include your family.

~Avery

Norma Huss said, on 7/14/2010 12:51:00 PM

Avary, you have perseverance in spades, but I knew that. Did you win the Queen of Rejection contest once, or did you just come close? Last time I was at the bookstore your book wasn't there yet. I must go more often!

Patg said, on 7/14/2010 1:00:00 PM

I remember every word of your story, and remembered when you thought about quiting. So glad you didn't.
Very good luck with your series, and may you get a contract for one of your own stories.
Patg

Anonymous said, on 7/14/2010 2:32:00 PM

What a wonderful and encouraging story, Avery/Daryl. Sometimes I feel like I'll never get published, either, but reading your story, I know I CAN. YES, I CAN! Grin. Gloria Alden

Sheila Cull said, on 7/14/2010 2:49:00 PM

OMG! That was exactly what I needed to hear today, right now. I get (present tense) SO many rejections that reading your Post was a miracle for me. Thank you.

Avery Aames said, on 7/14/2010 3:08:00 PM

Sheila, I'm so glad I could inspire you. Stick with it. This is a tough business, but you CAN do it and you will.

Gloria, Pat and Norma, you are all my sisters in crime. :)

~Avery

Debra Lee said, on 7/14/2010 4:33:00 PM

Thanks for sharing your story, Avery. All of your fellow guppies knew this day would come for you. Congratulations!

Alli said, on 7/14/2010 5:53:00 PM

I love this story and will bookmark to read every time I feel like throwing in the towe. Congrats Avery and thank you for inspiring many!

Florence said, on 7/14/2010 6:46:00 PM

Avery: Once a day I visit Jessica and a half dozen writer's sights.

Today I was so down, feeling discouraged about the work. It happens ... I know. I love to read Joe Konrath.

I've already been rejected by Jessica and still love to read her and listen to her advise.

You came into my day and lifted the gloom. I started with mystery series featuring a tough photographer who uses her camera "Third Eye" to solve murders.

I moved on to a nebish, older invisivle sister and a romantic comedy and then since I always need to write new stories ... I wrote about LIzzie Brogan and the Moon Goddess. I love romantic comedies about New York City urbans ... Maybe like Keyes but not in Dublin.

Now I am once again in a mystery series, Tessie, a tiny, tough gal who owns a hauling and strip salvage business. Each of my women are New Yorker ... Brooklyn, or crazy Washington Heights.

I have written one book query twenty times.

There is no point in giving up. I can't help it. I had a career and it was great ... have children and grandchildren ... I think I'll keep them ...

this is my time and thanks for reminding me ... there is no giving up.

I'll visit you often as well.

http://ramblingsfromtheleft.wordpress.com/ ...

why not visit me?

Avery Aames said, on 7/14/2010 7:53:00 PM

Florence and Alli,

I'm glad you could find hope in this blog. That's why I wrote it. To inspire...

Remember to turn to critique groups, writers' groups, and other means of support when you're feeling low. Writers can be the best friends in the world when you're feeling like you want to give up.

And again, I can't recommend the Sisters in Crime Guppies enough. Support beyond belief.
sinc-guppies.org

~Avery

Martha Ramirez said, on 7/15/2010 8:39:00 AM

THis was an awesome story! Yes, getting pubbed is a hard task and only perseverance will get you through it.
CONGRATS!

Redleg said, on 7/15/2010 11:45:00 AM

Out of This World was a pretty incredible show. Couldn't she blink and pause time?

Anonymous said, on 7/15/2010 11:40:00 PM

OMG if it's this hard for someone of your caliber and pro background, what hope is there for the rest of us? LOL I don't do trendy "hooks"--I just want to write an intriguing mystery that people want to read and editors want to buy. Congrats!

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2. Paige Shelton on Getting Published

By: BookEnds, LLC, on 4/6/2010
Blog: BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: perseverence, agent-author relationship, Add a tag

Paige Shelton
Farm Fresh Murder
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Pub date: April 2010
Agent: Jessica Faust

(Click to Buy)

How to Do Almost Everything Wrong and Still Get Published . . . Someday

I think I still have the notebook with the psychedelic design on its cover. I pasted comical cigarette stickers all over the back of it. It was 1971 after all, and I was only seven years old. Inside, on the first page, I wrote a poem titled "My Kite." As I finished the four-line masterpiece, I realized that I was destined to be a writer. Surely, the magnificent feeling that creating the poem gave me meant destiny was speaking – determining my future.

If only it had spoken a little more clearly.

I continued to write for my own enjoyment, but between 1971 and 1997 lots of other great stuff happened, like friendships, school, marriage, motherhood, jobs that weren’t always soul-sucking. In 1997 I decided it was time to turn this writing dream into a reality. I decreed I would be published by 1999, just in case all that Y2K stuff came true.

Though I was an avid mystery reader, the only local writing group I could find was the Utah Chapter of Romance Writers of America. I should point out that I looked the number up in the phonebook – the Internet wasn’t as grown-up as it is now. Anyway, they were (and still are, by the way) a great group of women (and some men) who taught me so much, but it was a huge mistake for me to think that I could write romance when, at the time, I hadn’t read even one. I started reading and writing, but I reached December 31, 1999, with only a bunch of poorly written love scenes and way too many euphemisms for sex.

I’ll summarize the next number of years by saying they were full of rejection – some constructive, some downright vicious. Honestly, when I hear about writers who dream (while sleeping) something that they turn into an immediate bestseller, I want to beat my head against my desk. I don’t begrudge anyone their success; I just wish it was that easy for the rest of us. I still dream about missing the all-important Psychology 101 final. I never dream bestselling stories.

Then somewhere along the way, the Internet did grow up. Suddenly, information became so . . . available. There are some amazing editors and agents out there who were kind enough to start these things called “Blogs.” Suddenly, I learned so much. So, that’s what a query letter is supposed to sound like! I’m not supposed to call editors? I need an agent? Really? Well, okay then, let me work on that.

With a few more manuscripts under my belt, more rejection followed until one day an agent said she actually wanted to represent me. Of course, I was stunned and excited beyond belief – and believe it or not, this was another huge mistake. The entire time I talked to her during our first phone call, something in my gut told me that she and I wouldn’t be a good fit. Something told me that I should politely tell her that I didn’t think it would work, but I didn’t. Instead, I spent the next two years trying to reach her – by email, phone or snail mail. The only time she responded was when she was in a hurry to something else and didn’t have much time to talk. I have no idea if she submitted my manuscript to the people she said she submi

38 Comments on Paige Shelton on Getting Published, last added: 4/8/2010

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Emily said, on 4/6/2010 5:33:00 AM

Congratulations to Paige! Thanks for sharing your journey to today's excitement.

Sherri Cornelius said, on 4/6/2010 5:34:00 AM

Paige, congratulations on your debut! I have a question about that uncommunicative agent: When you fired her, did you get a list of her submissions? And if not, did that affect how you went about looking for a new agent? I may find myself at a similar crossroads soon, and I've heard that it's hard to find representation for a project that's already made the rounds.

Anonymous said, on 4/6/2010 5:36:00 AM

First kiss, car, job, degree, first tumble in the hay, and wedding day. (hey that rhymed)The birth of a child and then watching that child lovingly walk away to the future, all of it as momentous as the day your first book comes out.
My first by-line...wow what a day it was.
Paige...enjoy ! Your life guided you to this moment, it's great is'nt it...congrats!
nn

KHC said, on 4/6/2010 5:38:00 AM

Congratulations, Paige and Jessica!And thank you for sharing how it happened. Best of luck with the series, too!

Tara said, on 4/6/2010 5:58:00 AM

Congrtulations, Paige. I loved reading this post. The book sounds fresh (who can resist a bad pun?) and fun.

Paige said, on 4/6/2010 6:15:00 AM

Thanks so much everyone. It is very exciting.

Sherri -- when I fired my first agent, I didn't get a list of her submissions. I asked for one, but never did get a straight answer. I didn't continue to submit that manuscript so I wasn't too concerned. If your current agent won't give you a list of submissions and you want to continue to work with that manuscript, I suppose I would just be as honest as possible with further submissions. I've heard the same you've heard -- that's it's difficult to find representation for a project that's made the rounds. Just do what you can to make sure you know for certain it has made the rounds.

I wish you much good luck. Never give up.

Paige

Sherri said, on 4/6/2010 6:27:00 AM

Thank you for your quick and honest answer, Paige. I'm terrified of starting over, but I'm also dreading handing over this new manuscript. Lots of soul-searching going on here. Thanks again!

Debra L Martin said, on 4/6/2010 6:31:00 AM

Congratulations Paige! Thanks for sharing. I love hearing how authors make the journey to their first sale.

Deb
http://twoendsofthepen.blogspot.com/

Rick Daley said, on 4/6/2010 6:31:00 AM

Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your history with us.

creepyquerygirl said, on 4/6/2010 7:33:00 AM

Congratulations! These kinds of success stories are really what keeps most of us going so thank you so much for sharing this!

ria said, on 4/6/2010 7:36:00 AM

Well done, Paige :)

This is great to hear. You read so many stories about how authors lucked out and got published first time 'round. It's good to hear that you stuck with it and made your childhood dream come true.

Stephanie Faris said, on 4/6/2010 7:54:00 AM

Congrats on your success, Paige! I feel like your story is sort of similar to mine. I spent the 90s writing really bad romances. I was targeting Harlequin/Silhouette, so I didn't even try to get an agent until I started writing young adult a couple of years ago. Now I have one...and it's a completely different experience. A lot of waiting...and that's excruciating! But I've found a really good agent and we have great brainstorming sessions...I'm so glad I found her! When I think of all of the agents I queried blindly, not researching to find out if they were actually compatible with me, I cringe a little. I lucked out, for sure!

Anonymous said, on 4/6/2010 8:00:00 AM

Congratulations, Paige! Thanks for sharing this. I, too, fired my agent due to the same type of issues and also refused to give this agent more of my work. I did receive a list of submissions, but suspect some additions to the list were bogus entries. The warnings signs were there, subtle signs, but enough to cause a pause in me, and I should've listened. Now I look at it as a life lesson and am in search, as you were, for the agent that will be a good match for me. That said, it's encouraging to see that it worked out for you! Love mysteries and look forward to your books!

When you queried new agents, did you tell them about having been agented before (even though nothing was sold)?

And Jessica, does it matter to you if a writer has been agented before when there are no sales from said agent? Even if the work they are submitting to you never fell into the hands of previous agent?

Z.A.

Anonymous said, on 4/6/2010 8:17:00 AM

Congratulations!

It must be a wonderful felling.
How do you feel about coming back to romance? Do agents accept an author that write in multiples genres, or will they only work with you in the mystery line?

Donna Lea Simpson said, on 4/6/2010 9:35:00 AM

Congrats, Paige!

I always say that the difference between failure and success as a writer is one more query letter or one more submission.

Cynthia Schuerr said, on 4/6/2010 9:38:00 AM

Great story of your journey to publication. Congratulations!

Paige said, on 4/6/2010 9:51:00 AM

Again – thanks, everyone.

Sherri -- hang in there. One step at a time.

Way to go, Stephanie!

Z.A. -- When I queried for a new agent, I did not tell them I had been agented before. Since I'd put that manuscript away I just acted like I was starting over. Your situation is a little trickier. I know that agents and editors definitely want to know if your manuscript has been shopped (and where it has been shopped), but I'm not sure of the exact moment to tell them that information. Jessica?

Anon 2 –Some writers have different agents for different genres, some have one for everything. It all depends on the writer, the agent and the genre. But don’t be afraid to have this sort of discussion with your agent.

Good luck!

Paige

Stephen Parrish said, on 4/6/2010 10:06:00 AM

Wonderful story, thanks for sharing it.

Anonymous said, on 4/6/2010 10:40:00 AM

Thanks for your feedback, Paige. I'm not shopping the same manuscript either. As you did, I put that mss away figuring some day I'll go over it again and see what I can fine tune, or else I'll have a good laugh. I've also taken the road of starting fresh and have started introducing my newest story to the agenting world. BTW, like your web site and your blog.
Z.A.

Serenissima said, on 4/6/2010 10:52:00 AM

Thanks for sharing your path to success. I find these perseverance stories soooo much more inspirational than the overnight success ones. Best of luck with your debut!

Lesli Muir Lytle said, on 4/6/2010 12:05:00 PM

Way to go!

I'll let the Utah Romance Writers know your book's out today.

You should come sign your baby away at the Park City conference in October!

Lesli

Alice Trego said, on 4/6/2010 12:27:00 PM

Congratulations, Paige!

What a thrill to learn, via Lesli's post on the URWA listserv, about your debut mystery!

Sharing your publishing journey here was a wonderful read. So I can only presume your mystery will be an even finer read :) I just put your book as Number One on my TBR list!

Alice

stanalei said, on 4/6/2010 12:40:00 PM

Congratulations Paige! Great to see your story. From one of your URWA chapter mates.

Stanalei

Laura K. Curtis said, on 4/6/2010 12:44:00 PM

Congratulations, Paige! What a great story of perseverance.

Mary Martinez said, on 4/6/2010 12:46:00 PM

Congratulations Paige. This is so great to hear. And you are so right about 'you know' when you meet the right agent.

Your book sounds fabulous!
Mary

The Writers Canvas said, on 4/6/2010 12:55:00 PM

I really needed this post today. Thanks and congrats to you, Paige :)

Elaine

Steph said, on 4/6/2010 1:32:00 PM

Congratulations Paige and thank you for sharing your very inspiring story. Wishing you and your book the very best. Enjoy your big moment!

Nicole L Rivera said, on 4/6/2010 1:37:00 PM

Congratulations! I'm so glad you shared your story. It is so uplifting to hear about authors journeys.

Debra L. Schubert said, on 4/6/2010 2:18:00 PM

Congrats, Paige - what an exciting day this must be for you! I started writing "seriously" in 1995. This past November, I found my "perfect" agent and we're readying my YA novel for submission now.

Thanks for sharing your story. I wish you much success as you move forward in your career.

Bethany said, on 4/6/2010 2:40:00 PM

Sincere congratulations! What a great post.

Paige said, on 4/6/2010 4:21:00 PM

Everyone's comments are so appreciated. Congrats on the success stories. Keep at it -- as Donna said: the difference between failure and success as a writer is one more query letter or one more submission.

Yep, I agree.

Good luck!

Paige

_*rachel*_ said, on 4/6/2010 6:00:00 PM

Congrats!

If you need some inspiration, come hang out at my booth this summer! It'll be my first year selling, and some company would be nice.

Adventures in Children's Publishing said, on 4/6/2010 6:58:00 PM

Congratulations! What an inspiring success story. All the best for the future.

Paige said, on 4/6/2010 7:16:00 PM

Rachel -- what do you sell, and where's your booth?

Paige

Samantha Clark said, on 4/6/2010 8:04:00 PM

Awesome post, Paige. Very inspirational. A good reminder to never give up, no matter what.

Best wishes for your debut and the rest of the series. I know it will be a smashing success.

Raquel Byrnes said, on 4/6/2010 10:56:00 PM

That is one story I needed to hear today. All this waiting drives me crazy but its nice to know that perseverance pays off. Congratulations on your debut! Way to go!

Kate Douglas said, on 4/7/2010 11:22:00 PM

Congratulations, Paige, for sticking with it and for finding such a terrific agent! I wish you all good things with your debut novel. Believe me, from one who took that long road to publication, this is the beginning of an entirely new phase in your life. It's a very special time--savor the moment and then get back to work!

BOOK'em said, on 4/8/2010 7:11:00 AM

We at BOOK'em Mysteries in South Pasadena CA take great pleasure in selling your book! The cover is an absolute knock out and a joy to see on the shelf.
If you visit California please come by to sign your books, it would be an honor to meet you.

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3. Never Give Up

By: BookEnds, LLC, on 9/30/2009
Blog: BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: perseverence, persistence, Add a tag

The statement, "A bad agent is worse than none" is true. It happened to me. I didn't sell a book until after we parted company. Now, I have 4 published books and I'm writing for two small but good quality publishers, YA fantasy for one, adult suspense for the other. I've been trying, in vain, to sign with a good agent. Nobody is interested. Shall I give up?

Never, ever give up. Remember that when it comes to publishing persistence is part of the game, and if you want to build a publishing career then you need to keep at it. You need to continue querying agents and writing books, and this isn’t just advice for the unpublished: staying published can be more difficult than finding that agent. You need just as much persistence to stay in the game as you do to get into the game.

It sounds like you’re starting off right. You’ve found a home for your work that you’re happy with and are now querying agents for new and fresh work. The smart thing is that you know when it comes to finding an agent you’ll have more success with a new project than you will with something that’s already been published. In your case, the case of the published author, the agent hopes to bring you to the next level in your career and wants to see what you have that will do that.

What I think most unpublished authors will find shocking about this is the fact that you are published and yet still struggling to find an agent. There’s a misconception that agents will snap up anyone with a publishing background or deal, and that’s just not true. I know that at BookEnds we have turned down a number of authors with careers or deals in hand. The truth is that we can’t take on every author that comes our way, and frankly, that works to your advantage. It means that when we do offer a contract we are really excited to be working with you and not just doing it because we see dollar signs.

Keep plugging away and writing books, continue to hone your craft and improve, and remind yourself that if you really want a career as a published author then giving up isn’t an option.

Jessica

25 Comments on Never Give Up, last added: 10/2/2009

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Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 8:35:00 AM

Had an agent. Didn't work out. Will it be harder for me to get an agent now that I'm of the FA (formerly-agented)?

I do have four pubbed books under my belt, two of which I sold without the help of my agent.

I'm happy with my current publisher. My career plan, however, includes eventually selling to houses that require submission through agents. Ergo, I need an agent.

And something else -- being pubbed can actually be a strike AGAINST you.

When you're a debut author, an agent can succumb to the fantasy that you will be The One to launch them to Binky Urban heights.

The bloom is off the rose a bit once you have data from Bookscan and royalty statements trailing you.

Still, I'm taking Jessica's advice: I'm going to complete the fresh, new MS I'm working on, revise it to an inch of its life, and then query, query, query.

Christina Adams said, on 9/30/2009 9:19:00 AM

It's probably a good thing that most writers have never thought about being published and still having a hard time finding agents/editors. If we knew it was a never ending mountain range, instead of the one hill we're climbing, we might've decided to stay home. It's nice to imagine a time when a query letter is no longer needed and a quick pitch over the phone is all it would take. Alas, the mists fades and the light from my computer screen brings me back to reality.

Rosemary said, on 9/30/2009 9:31:00 AM

The point about how hard it is to stay pubbed was driven home for me very recently.

An author I love, whose work crosses over nicely from literary to commercial and who has worked with some pretty big editors, actually entered her WIP in Amazon's Breakthrough contest. On her website, she asks "interested agents and editors" to contact her regarding her new novel.

I was floored by this. And humbled. And yes, terrified.

It's tough out there.

Robena Grant said, on 9/30/2009 9:38:00 AM

Kimber, I think she's looking at the big picture. How to grow her career, how to get her work seen by the big NY pubs, etc. Without an agent that would be hard to do.
So, she has to write something new, awesome, and get it to an agent just like a beginner. These are tough times for everyone.

DebraLSchubert said, on 9/30/2009 9:42:00 AM

(Hate typos!!)

I'm a true believer in the "never say die" mentality. This past year I've completed two novels and am in the middle of two more. I'll keep writing until the end of (my) time. Hopefully, I'll be published (long) before then. ;-)

Andrew said, on 9/30/2009 9:42:00 AM

This post would've been sooo much much better if Jessica had answered like this.

Questioner: I'm struggling along not quite achieving what I hoped to and my meteoric rise aboard a literary starship turned out to be nothing more than a cross country chugg on a rickety 1930's steam train. My confidence is shot and I'm blistered by dispair; in my vanity and wretchedness I'm asking you this question in the foreknowledge you will tell me exactly what I want to hear! Jessica! Should I give up?

Jessica: Yep!

Could've been beautifu, *sniff*. Of course the liklihood of that answer is about the same as me inventing non-carcenogenic, odourless, fat-dissolving cigarettes.

Word Verification - Sputt: an arse that looks like a potato

Vivi Anna said, on 9/30/2009 10:20:00 AM

It's true I had a harder time getting an agent the second time around, with 8 books under my belt, and an open option with one of my publishers, then I did when I first started and had nothing.

Never give up is right.

If this is what you want to do, what you're meant to do, then keep on keeping on. It will happen.

Lily D said, on 9/30/2009 10:27:00 AM

I'm in a similar situation to the writer of the letter--formerly agented and with eight published books to my name, one sold by the agent and the others myself. The book that the agent sold, a popular reference title for which I was the wordsmith and my co-author the expert, bombed for reasons beyond our control (mostly bad timing), but the result was that the agent wouldn't handle anything else by my co-author and me. Three fiction titles later (2 YA, one adult) from a respected but struggling small press, I'm trying to get an agent again to get a better contract and more recognition. I'm finding that there's a glass ceiling when one is published by a small press--glowing reviews but no starred reviews and less serious consideration for awards. I don't want to feel like I'm throwing away my best work.

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 10:32:00 AM

I'd like to volunteer as the poster child for today's topic. After 3 published books and a prestigious award, my line closed and I was orphaned. I wrote several more books, none of which my agent could sell, and the last book I wrote while with her, she didn't like at all. I loved it, and realized we just weren't on the same page. I decided it was time to move on, thinking I'd have no problem finding a new agent.

Wrong.

I'm coming up on 2 years, have written 2 more manuscripts, rewritten the one my old agent hated, and have been searching for new representation off and on with zero luck. Lots of requests - no cigar.

I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to give up the search, crawl in my cave and call myself a has-been, an also-ran, a talentless hack who got lucky. My ego is now nonexistent. But after licking my wounds, revising and tweaking my work, starting a new project, I get back out there for another round. I've lost count, but I think I'm up to at least 50 queries. I have full mss. with 6 agents from back in the spring - no word, no R - nothing. I have 8 fulls and partials with a new batch, going on 2 months now. I've decided never responding after requesting a manuscript is the new black.

But you know what? I'm never giving up. If the current project doesn't land an agent and sell, the next one will. Or the one after that. I'm way too hard-headed to give up now. I have way too much time and effort invested to let it go at this point.

Someone once told me, if you CAN quit, then you should. I've tried to quit, and failed. In between the frustration and hurt of rejection after rejection, and that killer silence, I write, and will always write. It's what I do, where I can find my center, what makes every day exciting. I love the process and it brings me joy. I'm not going to let my failures color what made me start writing to begin with. I know there's an agent out there who'll like my work, who'll see potential and share my excitement. She/He will also be fun, and funny, and have no problem telling me something sucks, but then back it up with editorial guidance. I discovered that's crucial for me. If you're looking for an agent, think about what you need, what someone can bring to the table that will make you the best you can be. Don't settle, or be blinded by a name.

Remember, it's ALL about the work - your past successes might get your foot in the door - though for sure that's not a guarantee - but it's what you've got to offer right NOW that counts.

And listen to Jessica and Winston Churchill - Never, never, never give up.

ETA: Apologies for posting this as Anonymous. Since I'm still looking, I hate to tag myself as One Who's Been Rejected A Lot. May as well tattoo a ginormous 'L' on my forehead.

Robena Grant said, on 9/30/2009 12:14:00 PM

Anon 11:32
I loved what you had to say. There is no "L" on your forehead, and good for you for not giving up. Wishing you every possible success.

Buffy Andrews said, on 9/30/2009 12:29:00 PM

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Keep the faith fellow writers.

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 12:36:00 PM

Anon 11:32:
I SOOO know how you feel, and I always write anonymously. In fact, let me take this opportunity to thank you, Jessica, for allowing us to do that. There are other blogs that don't allow it. I so often say something that I fear would prevent me from interesting a publisher or agent, e.g. my age or how long it's been since I've been published, the fact that I've had writers' block, the fact that I am also tempted so often to just give up. But like you, 11:32, I can't seem to help myself. I love to write and am miserable when I'm not doing it, so happy when I am (and have managed to convince myself that there's a good chance I'll be published again).
I wish you the best of luck.

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 1:27:00 PM

@ Anonymous 11:32

I know what you mean. I so know. But anyone who got an award for his or her writing ... well, you don't have an L anywhere in sight. Good luck!

Anonymous 9:35.

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 3:32:00 PM

Thanks to the Anonymi posters for sharing their stories. I feel a little depressed but definitely inspired.

I can't help but wonder if a writer's end goal is to be published by a large house if they're better off staying away from smaller publishers. (Meaning, a small press may not be the best stepping stone.) Jessica, what are your thoughts?

Mira said, on 9/30/2009 3:35:00 PM

I love this post, Jessica! And I found alot of the posts very touching, especially Anon 11:32 - thank you.

However, I do want to add that I'm okay if someone takes me on basically out of an interest to make money. They don't have to be excited to be working with me - I just need them to be excited about working with my book.

In fact, I'd prefer it not be so personal. This is business, right? Let's go make books together.

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 4:09:00 PM

@ Mira

No, no, no, Mira. You want an agent who LOVES you, who BELIEVES in you, who wonders why those dang, stupid, nitwit editors don't see in you what she sees in you.

Trust me. I'm like Anon 9:35 and Anon 11:32. Only, I sold the book first, then sent out ONE (kickmekickmekickme) have-offer-need-agent e-mail to my so-called dream agent.

She just took me for the money, not because she saw something in me.

I won't say yes to any agent who isn't absolutely jumping for joy at my work BEFORE I wave money in his or her face. I'm in it for the love.

So I'm impressed very much by Jessica saying that they turn down in-hand offers if they don't love the writing.

Kristin Laughtin said, on 9/30/2009 4:19:00 PM

I don't know if I'm "shocked", but I was pretty surprised at this writer's lack of luck in getting an agent, only because she has FOUR published books as opposed to one or two. I've read multiple agents say they don't take on every published writer, but you'd think somebody would snap this one up somewhere! In fact, I'm sure it'll happen--just keep trying, as everyone else says. This writer is obviously producing work someone sees as publishable!

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 5:33:00 PM

Just goes to show ya, it doesn't matter what you've done before (although it might if what you did before sold poorly), it only matters what you've got RIGHT NOW!

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 5:42:00 PM

It's just words on paper/screen, people! It's not that difficult!

AstonWest said, on 9/30/2009 6:15:00 PM

I was going to say something pithy about being honest with your opinions and the publishers who went around the internet finding comments to use against the writer later not being the publishers I'd want to deal with anyway...

But then I realized I'm sort-of anonymous myself, and my credibility just went right out the window.

Anonymous said, on 9/30/2009 7:04:00 PM

As an Anon poster myself (for good reason, i.e. my ms. is out on sub), I prefer the Anon comments cuz they seem to be the most truthful and honest. Nothing against using names, of course, but we Anons feel more free to speak the truth. Enjoyed the Anon comments but I'm so confident (cocky?) that I only want my future agent/s to submit to the big houses for the prestige and publicity and yes, the advance.

If only we could all be agents for each other...Why not? Who better to rep a writer than another writer? lol

Jemi Fraser said, on 9/30/2009 7:38:00 PM

Awesome post and responses. It's always interesting to hear the stories of more veteran writers. Thanks to you all for taking the time to share your experiences.

Marilee Brothers said, on 9/30/2009 9:38:00 PM

Hi,
Decided to chime in since I asked the question. Yes, I'm published. No, I can't get an agent interested. Very frustrating. Sound like there's lots of people in the same boat. Part of the problem is I have 4 more books to write in the YA urban fantasy series for a small publisher. I know the series has "legs" and could attract a bigger publisher but I don't have the chops to do it and I don't have a lot of time to work up another series. I do have a proposal written for another book in the romantic suspense series I'm writing for another mid-sized publishing company. My question is this: if they want it, would this be a good time to query agents?

Anonymous said, on 10/1/2009 2:17:00 AM

Maybe a Bookends agent will be interested? After all, like J said, it's not all about the money.

Mira said, on 10/1/2009 9:46:00 AM

Anon 5:09

Okay. You're more experienced...I'll think about what you're saying.....

Good luck, btw. I'm rooting for you! :)

Add a Comment

4. Working Seven Days a Week

By: BookEnds, LLC, on 9/11/2009
Blog: BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: perseverence, schedule, Add a tag

Agents often discuss how much we need to work just to keep up on the emails we’re getting. You’ve heard it before, so I won’t go too far into it, but frequently our job takes us into the wee hours of the night or the early hours of morning (depends on whether the agent is a night or morning person) and rarely do we have time during office hours to catch up on proposals, queries, or even the reading we’re required to do for our own clients. I’m not complaining, because honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else. My work is also my hobby, which is why I have things like this blog. I could blog about other things, like my life outside of my job, my cooking, or even my dog, but my biggest passion is this job and so that’s what I blog about.

What I’m looking for today is perspective. I know many of you have a very clear understanding, from your regular reading of agent blogs, about the types of hours we work. I know many of you can vouch for the fact that a three or four a.m. email from me is not as uncommon as it should be, but what I’ve been wondering lately is how common is this? I know that as writers most of you have day jobs and writing is done in your off hours, so I’m not really thinking of those of you who are writers as a second career (hopefully first, one day), but those of you who have so-called day jobs. We live in a world of constant communication where emails from work are frequently sent and received well past dinnertime, and I’m wondering if your day jobs also require you to work weekends and nights, because in my experience in publishing, as an editor and agent, it’s not an option.

And if you are required to work nights and weekends in addition to 9 to 5, how do you possibly find time to write on top of that?

Jessica

43 Comments on Working Seven Days a Week, last added: 9/14/2009

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Marsha Sigman said, on 9/11/2009 9:47:00 AM

I'm an accountant but I now have a job that is strictly 9-5 and I leave it at the door when the day ends. It was not always so in the past.

At least its a job that does not tap into my creative flow at ALL so I save it all for my writing.

I also do not understand this word 'sleep'? What is that? I black out for a few hours each night.

Anonymous said, on 9/11/2009 9:56:00 AM

I'm a commerical litigation attorney and fraud examiner. My hours are whenever. (I got phone calls on my honeymoon and once argued a Motion via telephone conference while on a train on my one and only European vacation.) On top of that, I have 3 year old son and a husband who commutes into New York City (we live in northern New Jersey) and gets home late every night.
How do I write? Basically, it is my brain break. My husband and I write together. We brainstorm the stories together creating detailed outlines (usually late at night after little man is down). One of us does the first draft, the second takes the second draft with brackets and underlines to show changes, after around two or three rounds of that...which usually takes about year...we get a babysitter and go somewhere quiet to go through the manuscript line by line together. Its' a slow process. We do what we can, when we can. But, writing is a cornerstone of my marriage and I would not want it any other way. Someday our dreams of having a published novel will come true (we have publish short stories and things...but a novel is the dream). I want to believe that. And, if it does not, when we are old grandparents, we'll breakdown and self-publish for our grandchildren.

ella144 said, on 9/11/2009 9:58:00 AM

I've been lucky in my jobs over the years as I've managed to land 8-5 office jobs. I did work once in a restaurant (never again!) but even then my hours were regular because I managed the night shift and was off on weekends.

Writing is far more enjoyable, and frustrating, to me than any job I've held. I have given up many things in order to have time to write, but I don't regret them at all. Writing is too much fun and far more rewarding.

Dave Andrews said, on 9/11/2009 10:01:00 AM

From reading other people's comments it strikes me that I'm actually pretty lucky. I've fallen into a job where I work from 7am to 3pm, no overtime or weekends. However, all is not peaches and rainbows!

Once I get home, I have about a half hour to wind down from work, then my wife leaves for her nursing program, and I have to tend to my 2 year old boy. I've attempted to write and watch him at the same time, but for me, its just not feasible. Once he goes to bed I have about a half hour window to write, then my wife comes home and its quality time - part deux with her.

Finally around 10pm I can sit down and write, by which time I'm usually exhausted and brain dead, but I still do it until I reach my word count goal for the day.

All in all not the worse life, but not as conducive to writing as one might think.

Natasha Fondren said, on 9/11/2009 10:15:00 AM

When I had a day job, I often slept only 3 or 4 hours a night (until I crashed). I worked non-stop, like, I was either teaching or writing. I didn't get to read much, which didn't help the writing. When my husband was in town, he'd take over all the silly "miscellaneous" things that must be done, for both us and the piano studio, and then I could get both sleep and some decent writing time in.

I was forced to close the day job, and I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have time to cook dinner, to have time to hang out with my niece, to have time to--I don't know--brush my cats. Go out with my best friend on her birthday.

I still spend 10 or 12 or 14 hours a day writing and reading, even though I get a part-time wage, LOL. Old habits die hard, and honestly, 10-14 hours a day doing something I love doesn't feel like a hardship at all.

ryan field said, on 9/11/2009 10:20:00 AM

It's not easy. You just do what you have to do and try to have fun. I'm usually working until at least ten or eleven every night, in addition to working all day.

There is no such thing as a social life. That's what suffers.

And don't forget about all the time it takes to promote. While writing and keeping day jobs a lot of writers are promoting, too.

Debra L Martin said, on 9/11/2009 10:37:00 AM

I have an 8-5 day job with a commute of 1.5 hours each way. By the time I get home at night, I'm pretty fried. My writing is done mostly on the weekend where at least I can have a few uninterrupted hours.

One good thing is that I write with a co-writer and it always perks me up with he sends me chapters and then I will do some writing at night. We just finished our second book and are plotting out our third.

DebraLSchubert said, on 9/11/2009 10:45:00 AM

I just read all the comments and am officially exhausted. All of these folks deserve medals. I've worked f/t most of my life until the past few years. I'm lucky to be writing f/t now, and am infinitely grateful for the opportunity. When I worked, I wrote when I could, but it was nothing like I do now. Writing is my whole world. Okay, that's a slight exaggeration. I do have a husband and kids and six cats, but for the most part, I'm fully immersed in my writing. And I couldn't be happier.

Malia Sutton said, on 9/11/2009 10:49:00 AM

I just try to budget my time as best I can. It's not impossible to do. But there are sacrifices you have to make if you work full time and you want a writing career.

Charlotte said, on 9/11/2009 11:00:00 AM

Coming at it from a slightly different angle - I've always had fairly demanding jobs (lots of late nights and travels), and writing was never a problem (I had no TV, no kids, and am content to not live in a spotless house)... until the blackberry and remote connections, that is. Now it's not even that my workload has increased, but it's been diluted into every single moment, and it's very difficult to give writing the energy and focus it demands. I'm also higher on the ladder, and my job is assumed by every one to be my priority.
I am seriously considering switching career, because I honestly do not manage to manage it :)

Anonymous said, on 9/11/2009 11:17:00 AM

I find that it's about being able to say, "That's important. I'll do that." And, "That can be skipped."

I have published 8 commercial novels in the past 4 years while working full time (and during one of those years I was planning my wedding.) For most of that time, I was an assistant editor at Random House. Now I have an equally time-consuming day-job that I adore and put in very long hours at.

How do I fit it in? Well, I trim the fat of life. I cook a meal on Sunday night and eat it all week for dinner. I never allow my house to get dirty because there's no time to straighten it. I eat lunch at my desk and work through it. I don't have children and I'm not sure how they fit into this crazy picture.

I have only one hobby: writing. And I love it. I find time for it because to me it is what makes life worth living.

Gosh, does this sound grim? I don't mean it to. I love my life and wouldn't change a thing. But yes, it's hard to fit it in. However, I do believe you can--even if you love your day job.

Whenever I get down about how much time I put in at both of my jobs (which is how I think of them), I remember the stint when I worked at a local bakery. All of the bakers were immigrants who worked two jobs. In the morning, they baked, and in the evening they worked in other factories.

And then I remember exactly how blessed I am.

SomedayAuthor said, on 9/11/2009 11:19:00 AM

I squeeze in an hour or two on weekday mornings before I go in. Hopefully 4-6 hours on Sat. and Sunday. All day on days off.

It works for me because I really only have 2 friends that live nearby, in addition to my husband and dogs. Sadly, it's my workout routine (and waistline!) that suffers.

Brigid said, on 9/11/2009 11:24:00 AM

I have a full time job with an hour commute (each eay). I also have a two-year old toddler and a husband I love. I usually write after the baby goes to bed. Some nights I will stay up until 3am writing. When the baby was still nursing, it was great, because I'd get up for a 2am feeding, stay up and write, and then go to work. (Something about new-mom hormones allows you to function on very little sleep.) I usually get my best writing done on Friday or Saturday nights, when I can stay up until 2 or 3am, sleep until 7, and be reasonably functional all day.

If you love it, you do it. That's it.

S R Wood said, on 9/11/2009 11:29:00 AM

I work full-time. I also run (for sanity) and am building a sailboat (sanity and fun). But I write to live, so I make time. For me that means early morning, for an hour before work:

Coffee, dawn, and the story. There's nothing better when it's going well.

Renee Pinner said, on 9/11/2009 11:34:00 AM

As a Human Resource Manager for a municipality my office hours are generally 8 AM to 5 PM, but work often extends beyond those hours.
There are various projects, reports, presentations, etc. that require that "extra" effort to ge the job done right. But as they say, I guess that is why I get paid the "big" bucks...if only!
Add to my career, that I'm a wife and full-time mother to 3, part-time mother to 3 others and you have a very full life in which writing can't realistically be a priority (not until it buys groceries).
So, I write when I can. But I beg, borrow and steal those 2 to 120 minute increments every chance I get.

Amy said, on 9/11/2009 11:38:00 AM

I used to be a tax accountant. Definitely nights & weekends, and it was pretty much my whole life from Jan 15 - Apr 15.

Now, I'm a stay-at-home mom, but my kids are getting older, and I'm finding time to write. I loved my old job, but I couldn't go back to it and write at the same time, at least not regularly. I'm hoping that I can generate enough income with my writing that I won't have to go back. I don't need a bestseller or anything, just "enough"!

Whidget said, on 9/11/2009 11:40:00 AM

The biggest problem with trying to write and work to pay the bills is that writing well (for me) requires that I be in the mood to write. I have two kids under 3 years old, so being able to write when I want to is difficult. When you add to that my job (I am a lawyer) and my social activities, I will sometimes go months without writing.

But then, an idea hits. I can't sleep. I write all night long sometimes, even though I know I can't just sleep in. You're right--if writing (or doing what you do) isn't your passion, you will never find time for it.

Bridget

Anonymous said, on 9/11/2009 11:41:00 AM

Someone mentioned a writing buddy or a critique partner, and that's a critical thing for me. If I "owe" a CP a chapter ... if she's waiting on the next turn or twist of the story, then I find it easier to drag my sorry bones to my computer and write. Once I'm there, it's usually okay.

My writing block of time is from 10 p.m. to midnight (although lately I'm feeling every one of my 40 years and finding it hard to stay focused past 11 p.m.), the only time that I can be uninterrupted.

But after a full day's work (that sometimes run late and sometimes calls for attending after-hours work functions)and then doing the dinner-homework-bath-bedtime samba with my elementary school-aged child, it's tempting to not even LOOK at the computer.

So my CP is invaluable. Accountability is EVERYTHING.

Madison L. Edgar said, on 9/11/2009 11:43:00 AM

I call myself "Accountant by day, Writer by night." Along with my job, I am a full-time graduate student. For me, it's not about finding the time to write. It's not an option, it's a necessity. When I sit down to write, I enter the world inside my story. Writing is my escape. Yes, there are times when I feel I have zero time to write, but that's when I end up awake at 3 and 4 a.m.

Erin M. Blakemore said, on 9/11/2009 11:46:00 AM

Oh, don't you wish you knew. :) Actually (ironically? wonderfully?) I am a writer and run my busy marketing firm by day, so it's doubly difficult to switch modes. I sneak some work into lulls in my day job, but find I really tend to catch a second wind at night. The phone's off, my partner's ensconced in computer work or video games, and I'm far more focused than when my workaday cares are pressing in on me.

That said, I balance the two because I can't not write. Simple as that.

Anonymous said, on 9/11/2009 11:52:00 AM

I used to manage a 24 hour gas station. I would generally work between 60 and 80 hours a week.

Thankfully, for my sanity's sake, that was before I started seriously pursuing a writing career. I would never have been able to find time to write. At least not and be able to keep up a normal social life.

Anonymous said, on 9/11/2009 12:05:00 PM

As a full-time freelance jounalist/writer, I admire the folks who can hold down two or more jobs. But I think the structure of a paying job is so important--and you value your free time to write that much more.
Plus you're stimulated by the outside world. (Never mind cruel or unreasonable bosses, however.)

If it weren't for deadlines (actual and self-imposed), I doubt I'd get much done. So enjoy the roller coaster!

Rick Daley said, on 9/11/2009 1:04:00 PM

I have to be very diligent with my time management. Fortunately, I work form home so I don't have cummuting time to deal with. I wake up early (most of the time) and write for 1-2 hours, then start working. All I need to do is turn my chair 90 degrees counter-clockwise. Or 270 degrees clockwise, if I'm feeling frisky.

Anonymous said, on 9/11/2009 1:33:00 PM

I'm a criminal defense attorney, so yes, I work long hours, and often get woken in the middle of the night and on weekends.

I write when I can. I actually get a lot of writing done long hand in court, while waiting for my clients to be brought in. There's no reason for me to pay attention to what's going on with other attorneys' clients, so I write.

Similarly, I write at jails a lot, while waiting for clients.

So, while my job is very time intensive and stressful, there are moments of down time. I can't really do legal research while at court or jail, but I can definitely sketch out a scene or two.

Vacuum Queen said, on 9/11/2009 2:14:00 PM

I used to teach, and the hours are good...and the 2 months off in summer was great. BUT, I really really enjoyed my job and so my mind was always spinning and thinking of new things and reading new research and trying new things. Emailing thoughts at 3am wasn't uncommon for me either. And I LOVED it.

Then I stopped to have children.

Then I KNEW I couldn't go back to teach, because I only wanted to do it if I could be "always on" like you are with agenting. I could've had shorter hours for sure, but it was a passion. I knew I couldn't do it until I had more time to devote to it.

So that's basically it...you CAN'T do the world's greatest job at your day job AND write AND have a family. Something's gotta give. For me, it was the greatest day job, which I hope to return to when I can give it my full attention. I don't want to do a so-so job at it.

Jess Haines said, on 9/11/2009 2:52:00 PM

I have two jobs (one 40 hours/week, one 30+ hours/week) on top of my writing career.

It's quite a balancing act. I do whatever I have to do in order to find time to write.

I do it because I like to, and because it's important enough to me to find the time.

Fawn Neun said, on 9/11/2009 3:00:00 PM

I know I've gotten emails from Kim at ridiculous hours. :)

I've made sure that I've only taken on work that will allow me my outside interests. Between the lit journal, the Little Episodes charity and my own writing, I make sure that my day jobs stays within the 8-5 parameters. I would change my mind if 1) there were a great deal more money in it, or 2) had any real great passion for it. Neither are true. It's a nice job with nice folks that pays just fine. But it's the epitome of the "day job". And I'm good with that.

Robena Grant said, on 9/11/2009 3:23:00 PM

Back when I still had kids in high school and college, and a day job, I managed to produce two manuscripts a year while volunteering at the boy's high school and playing chauffeur. Yikes!
Then I quit the job, and both kids wandered off on their own, and I had all the time in the world to concentrate on writing. Funny thing is, I still don't get any more done than I did back then. Go figure.
I'm assuming with the freedom from all of the other constaints on my time I've become too relaxed. Back then I had no blogs to play around on, or other writing related fun stuff, I just wrote. Now I can spend half the morning playing. I know I work best when working to a deadline so maybe that's what I need, a contract. Ha ha.

Genella deGrey said, on 9/11/2009 5:22:00 PM

I know what my puny email looks like on Mondays (a dumpsite for advertisements, so many loops it creates an afghan and party and live music invites that I totally missed because I just didn't bloody get online) - But I can't imagine what YOURS is like!
:)
G.

Lesli w/a Ainsley Macqueen said, on 9/11/2009 5:57:00 PM

Roses, anyone?

I was a floral designer for 20 years.

I didn't get holidays off, worked through the nights so kids could have fresh flowers for prom, and all the lovely wedding weekends left me a zombie on the following Monday.

If I enjoyed that work as much as the written word, I would have never stopped.

But then I finally rented Phantom of the Opera and realized I'd sold writer's soul for some shiney design awards.

I closed my shop less than 2 months later and started reading and writing romance. A couple of months after that, I was pitching to Berkley!

Would I trade "eventually I'll publish" for assured floral industry fame? Not on your life.

Jemi Fraser said, on 9/11/2009 7:25:00 PM

As a teacher, I generally work 10 - 11 hours a day at school. I sometimes bring marking home and I generally go into school for 4 or 5 hours on Sunday afternoons. Plus the usual taking care of home and family. Like many of you, I'm sleep deprived and lose the ability to think intelligently after 11 pm. But I'm happy :) I love my job, my family and my writing time!

Chris said, on 9/11/2009 7:29:00 PM

The day job is just two 10-hour days for me, but other days, I'm practically tied to my laptop to write, blog, and market. I've become wiser about how to use my time. For example, I do less mentally taxing work like commenting at night and keep the bigger tasks for the days I'm free.

I listen to myself too. When I've had enough computer time, it's enough. The laptop is closed.

Jami said, on 9/11/2009 8:00:00 PM

I work a phone based customer service job... And actually have a LOT of time for writing. I get there early in the morning, read some blogs while eating breakfast, sometimes squeeze some writing in there... two 15 minute breaks, a 30 minute lunch, and only a 10-15 minute commute (depending on how I hit the lights and if I get that idiot in front of me going 30 in a 45). Though I do love my cooking dinner, usually worst case scenario, I'm free by 8pm every day... And that's not counting the alternate Saturdays I work to have those Fridays off. Saturdays are dead, because most people don't even realize we're open (thank gods!), so I routinely end up with 10+ minutes between calls, in which really, all I have to do is either write, or read. :)

Stephanie said, on 9/11/2009 8:59:00 PM

I work for a non-profit organization, so there are often evening and weekend hours. I also sit on a couple boards of directors, do a bit of dog rescue and run my own private dog training business.

I don't write every day, sometimes not even every week, but I find the time. My weekly writing group helps keep me on task. I occasionally use vacation days to write. Sometimes I give up sleep for a few days or weeks to keep momentum going or get through revisions. I do what I have to do because I want it badly enough.

Tara said, on 9/11/2009 10:01:00 PM

I have a full-time job, I'm a mother and a wife. Add it up, I work three full-time jobs. I have scratched out sentences while waiting at red lights, scrawled notes on toilet paper, and filled in the blank space on the church bulletin.

Robena Grant said, on 9/11/2009 10:19:00 PM

Jessica, congratulations on the fabulous interview for Ask the Pro in the October Writer's Digest. And that is also a lovely photo.

rachel.capps said, on 9/12/2009 6:54:00 AM

I'm a lawyer by profession, although with 3 kids (born 3 under 3, my eldest now 5, and not at school yet), I chose to give up work last Christmas to be "mum" for a year. My job always leached well beyond 8.30-6pm - another reason to leave.

I also have a hobby making cards. I run classes and get involved in fundraisers. I find my cardmaking balances my writing. When my writing is at a low, my cardmaking brings the writing alive again.

Yet, law pays the bills, so I'm considering starting up my own practice. The one red light to moving onward? My writing. Writing is my passion, how writers "write" always excites me, and this great blogging community of agents, editors and writers is a lifeline.

So many people say to me "I couldn't find the time" ... I say, "if you love it, you make the time". And that may be at 3am.

Now, hubby is out, kids asleep, back to my MS :)

A J Hunter said, on 9/12/2009 11:48:00 AM

I once said to my husband "I wish I could play golf like Tiger Woods."
His reply to me as we sat there watching the replay of the PGA golf tournment after our work shift at 8:00 p.m. was "Do you know what Tiger Woods is doing right now?"
"No." I said, I mean unless I was stalking the guy, and I'm not by way, I couldn't possibly know that.
His answer was simple, "Playing golf."
And that really got me thinking. I mean here I was watching T.V. when I should be working on my novel. Granted I work over fifty hours a week as the finance manager of a car dealership, but unless I want to spend the rest of my life buried in a windowless office looking forward to my one day of freedom every week I have to do something drastic. So I write and I write and I write. I write by hand in a notebook, I take my laptop on every vacation, I write at my computer at work (don't tell my boss) and I never stop. I ignore the dishes, the house cleaning, the laundry (until my husband informs me he's out of socks and underware) all for the sake of my writing. If there is one thing I've learned in this life it's that if you want something you have to work for it. Even after a whole day of working on the same chapter and thinking to myself this is absolute crap, this is never going to work, I should just give up this dream once and for all, I don't. I get up early the next day and keep going, because I know that I can do it. But don't get me wrong, it's not in anyway a sacrifice. The hours I spend writing and laboring over the perfect novel are an absolute joy to me and I know that with enough hard work, that some day I'll see my dream come to fruition and looking back it will all be worth it.

beth said, on 9/12/2009 1:11:00 PM

My day job is a teacher...an English teacher, and that requires me to work much more beyond the school day. How do I balance? I prioritize. There may be times when I don't get to write. But I have to do it.

Samantha Cummings said, on 9/12/2009 8:44:00 PM

I'm a freelance writer during the day, and I own a unique content company, Priceless Writers. My daytime hours are spent writing non-fiction for clients.

I also have 2 children and a fiance that keep me pretty busy - factor in cooking, cleaning, baths, etc...and there's little time for anything else.

Most of the time, my writing happens at night between 10pm and 2am. Yeah, I don't get a lot of sleep. Also, when an idea is particularly persistent, I get it out...or at least a lot of it and then I find myself rushing to finish the other things that have to be done.

It's a labor of love...

joycemocha said, on 9/13/2009 9:01:00 AM

I'm a teacher. Sometimes the creativity that I need for writing needs to be channeled into my teaching, especially the early weeks when I'm adjusting to what my classes are doing.

Teachers always work long hours, and we take work home. I have a big paper bag full of Day Job work waiting for me, because that has to come before writing this weekend. Sigh.

What happens is that I just don't watch TV or movies.

dianaflori said, on 9/13/2009 2:33:00 PM

Oh, is this a job? No way. writing is my life. Maybe it's a make believe life but, gosh, do I really care?

Deidra said, on 9/14/2009 4:50:00 AM

To MeganRebekah: You are not the only one who needs her sleep! The norm for me is about 6 hours and when I get tired, I sleep. I don't have the ability to fight it so that I can keep on doing something else. Luckily, my day job is a pretty straight 8-5 gig. My customers do tend to work non-traditional hours so it's not uncommon for me to hear from them out side my workday. I have the blackberry for that, though. Most of my writing is done on the weekends when I can commit large blocks of time to it. I use my spare time during the week for brainstorming and outlining.

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5. Reach For the Stars: Bad News for Outlaws (The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal)

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 9/9/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Non-Fiction, Thinking/Attitude, Review of the Week, Intriguing, Review, Podcast, Picture book, Making a difference, Resilience, History, Life and death, Harmony, Perseverence, Man, Add a tag

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal Author: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (on JOMB)
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie (on JOMB)
Published: 2009 CarolRhoda Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 9780822567646

This true tale of swindlers, slayers, smarts and skill will lasso listeners of all stripes.

Other biographies on JOMB:

More of the wild west on JOMB:

More middle eastern reading on JOMB:

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11. Globe-Trotting Gastronomy: The King’s Taster

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 6/17/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Kenneth Oppel, Lou Fancher, Steve John son, The King's Taster, Review, Podcast, Interviews, travel, Ages 4-8, Creativity, Picture book, Friendship, Fun, Animal, Life Skills, Travel/Geography, Perseverence, dog, pet, Man, Manners, Careers, Collage, Arts, nutrition, Canadian, Contributing/Industry, Culture/Traditions, childrens-book, Add a tag

Author: Kenneth Oppel (on JOMB)
Illustrators: Steve Johnson (on JOMB) &
Lou Fancher (on JOMB)
Published: 2009 Harper Collins (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0060753722

Dexterous textile, text and recipe clipping collage are the pièce de résistance of this delectable adventure in talent, teamwork, travel — and sneaked treats!

More gallivanting animals on JOMB:

More food on JOMB:

More kings on JOMB:

More dogs on JOMB here.

HOTLINE VOICES: Eden Spodek — who will be at PAB09 — has fabulous childhood and parenthood memories of Where the Wild Things Are (by Maurice Sendak)

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487, so we can include your audio in our show.

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12. Left Reeling: You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?!

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 6/10/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Review, Podcast, Respect, Picture book, Fun, History, Ages 9-12, Diversity/Multi-culturalism, Patience, Perseverence, Man, Sports, baseball, Biography, Non-Fiction, Careers, Thinking/Attitude, Fairness / Justice, Personalities, Culture/Traditions, Jonah Winter, childrens-book, Ages 4-8, Intriguing, André Carrilho, pitcher, You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?!, Add a tag

You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?! Author: Jonah Winter (on JOMB)
Illustrator: André Carrilho (on JOMB)
Published: 2009 Schwartz & Wade (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0375837388

Gilded, stylized illustrations, scads of stats and lilting, laid back narration present an inspiring tale of persistence, power, poise and prevalent potential in this intimate look at the short but striking career of one of baseball’s greats.

More sports on JOMB:

HOTLINE VOICES: Radio Producer and Sound Artist Paolo Pietropaolo explains why he loves Fantastic Mr. Fox (by Roald Dahl).

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487, so we can include your audio in our show

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13. Rules, Rudeness & Rivalry: Little Sister and the Month Brothers

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 5/27/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Review, Magic, Podcast, Ages 4-8, Courage, Generosity, Gratitude, Picture book, Resilience, Hope, Life Skills, Freedom, Questionable words, Patience, Perseverence, Seasons, Manners, Thinking/Attitude, Ecology/Nature, Contributing/Industry, Bullying/Abuse, Fairness / Justice, Personalities, childrens-book, Fairy tales, folk tales and legends, step-family, Beatrice Schenk de Regniers, Little Sister and the Month Brothers, Margot Tomes, Add a tag

Little Sister and the Month Brothers Author: Beatrice Schenk de Regniers (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Margot Tomes (on JOMB)
Published: 1976 Marshall Cavendish (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0761455469

With its chatty narrative, droll dialogue and playfully illustrated play-by-play, this plucky retelling of the traditional Slavic tale is practically bound theatre.

Other books mentioned:

More shady step-families on JOMB:

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14. Noticing and Nurturing Each Other: How to Heal a Broken Wing

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 5/21/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Bob-Graham, Review, Podcast, Community, Ages 4-8, Formal, Compassion, Courage, Generosity, Respect, Picture book, Making a difference, Friendship, Resilience, Appreciation, Fun, Hope, Life Skills, Spirituality, Life and death, Cartoony, Cute, Patience, Perseverence, Large and simple, mourning, Thinking/Attitude, Understanding/Tolerance, Wordless, Contributing/Industry, Co-operation/Collaboration, Poetic Prose, childrens-book, nurturing, Review of the Week, How to Heal a Broken Wing, Health and Safety, Add a tag

How to Heal a Broken Wing Author: Bob Graham (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Bob Graham
Published: 2008 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763639036

Airy illustrations and sparse poetic prose paint a poignant picture of hope, help and healing in this unspoken invitation to dare to care.

Other books mentioned:

Dreams of flying on JOMB:

Six weeks ago yesterday, in Woodstock, Ontario, eight year old Victoria Stafford finished her school day … then disappeared. As the days turned to weeks, Canadians coast to coast came to know Victoria and her family as we watched mother Tara McDonald’s daily efforts to keep the search for her daughter fresh in our minds. This despite mounting public criticism and suspicion of Tara herself.

Yesterday, we learned of Tori’s tragic fate … and of her mother’s innocence.

This episode of Just One More Book! is dedicated to little Tori Stafford, with heartfelt hopes for the healing of those she left behind.

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15. The Importance of Follow-Up

By: BookEnds, LLC, on 5/18/2009
Blog: BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: perseverence, follow-up, Add a tag

Recently BookEnds had some major trouble with our server. Apparently another domain also using our server (through the web hosting company we use) was hacked into and blocked for spam. That meant a fair number of emails leaving our server were blocked by the email hosts receiving the emails (namely yahoo, msn, hotmail, etc). Which means that a fair number of emails we sent over a two-day period were rejected by servers. Strangely for me, all of the emails that were rejected were responses to queries. Once our hosting company was alerted and corrected the mistake I attempted to go through and resend some of the emails. Unfortunately, many still bounced and I’m sure I didn’t catch them all.

Sadly, I barely have the time to read and answer queries, let alone figure out which got through and which didn’t. The point? Check in! If you haven’t received a response from a BookEnds agent in the “respond by” time posted on our Web site (and I do suggest you give us a week or two beyond that for things like emergencies, vacations, responses that haven’t been written yet, or just a backlog) then don’t hesitate to send a quick email checking on status. If we no longer have the query in our inbox we’ll ask you to resend, or you can preempt that by checking in and including the query a second time. Email is not perfect and I get rejected/returned emails all the time.

While BookEnds agents can, at times, be slow, we do respond to everything, so if you haven’t heard, there’s a reason.

Jessica

10 Comments on The Importance of Follow-Up, last added: 5/25/2009

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Richard Mabry said, on 5/18/2009 7:18:00 AM

Jessica,
Although I'm not affected by this particular computer glitch, I'm sympathetic to your agency and the writers still waiting for responses that got hung up on a bramble bush at the side of the information highway.
We all appreciate the convenience of the internet, but sometimes technology is less than perfect. Thanks for giving fair warning to those who might be waiting for a message that never reached them.

Kimber An said, on 5/18/2009 7:29:00 AM

That's a toughie. A lot of us are used to getting no responses from agents or editors at all. So, why should we follow up? Although I try to only query agents and editors who state and have a reputation for responding to all queries regardless, I still 'Submit and Forget,' because there's no way of knowing if I'll get any response at all.

I queried an agent last September who states she responds to all queries and even provides a timeline. No response. I re-queried. No response. I gave up. Clearly, her website is not up to date. Sigh. Move on.

Kimber An said, on 5/18/2009 7:30:00 AM

Oh, and cross her off my Agents-to-Query list.

Anonymous said, on 5/18/2009 7:49:00 AM

Just checked my accounts from my gmail address and everything seems to be working...today. I've had agents say that they responded to my manuscript, but sometimes I'm not sure whether to believe them. One agent said he'd resend his response, but when he did, the title of his "original" email was different from the former title I'd been using, plus the date of it (that he must have inserted) was prior to an important event that happened with the book, which he mentioned in his letter. How could he know about this event if the date of the letter was before the event happened? I thanked him for such a nice letter, but it was obviously written later, not when he claimed to have sent it. So sometimes agents use "I responded to you already" as an excuse.

Anonymous said, on 5/18/2009 8:32:00 AM

Jessica,

It's so nice that you respond. I'm with Kimber Ann; had I queried you and not got any response I would have thought you were like a lot of other agencies with the no response means no. I think that's why an automatic response system should be set up for agencies, so we know our stuff actually made it there, and it's not LOST IN SPACE.

Anonymous said, on 5/18/2009 11:09:00 AM

I think that's why an automatic response system should be set up for agencies, so we know our stuff actually made it there, and it's not LOST IN SPACE.I agree! I do understand that agents are flooded with queries these days, and I respect their no response/no interest policy if it's stated up front. But mail servers and ISPs are not perfect.

I submitted a short story over the weekend to a tiny ezine, and got an immediate auto response confirming receipt. I was impressed.

Anonymous said, on 5/18/2009 1:26:00 PM

I believe it is important to follow up not just queries, but even if a rejection does not make sense. Recently, I had an agent reject our manuscript AFTER requesting a partial and later a full saying that the agency did not represent the genre. If the agency does not represent the genre, why did you ask to see a partial and than a full from a query? I was polite and professional...and, as along as you are...most people responded in kind. Anyway, it turned out that a new person in the office had requested these things without realizing they did not represent the genre anymore. Mistakes happen...but I'm glad I asked. And, the agent professionally apologized and stated steps where taken in the agency to make sure nothing like this happens to another author, including updating their website which stated they did represent the genre.

gringo said, on 5/18/2009 3:38:00 PM

The great thing is that you actually respond to all queries!

I hope you never change that aspect of how you do business.

Anonymous said, on 5/18/2009 5:24:00 PM

After waiting over two months on a short partial, I gave your agency a nudge--that resulted in an immediate (but nice) rejection. Glad I kept sending out those queries or the waiting would drive me nuts!

Steven Jay Cohen said, on 5/22/2009 1:34:00 PM

Ask your company's IT department to purchase a unique IP address from your hoster. The reason this problem happened is because you shared an IP with someone else on the same machine. Adding a unique IP can be as little as $10 a month extra and will save you from having to track down emails again in the future.

I really enjoy your blog. Thank you for taking the time to write.

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16. Swamps, Chainsaws & Solipsism: Fiendish Deeds (The Joy of Spooking)

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 5/13/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Formal, Review, Podcast, Family, Courage, Girl, Envy/Competition, Life Skills, Diversity/Multi-culturalism, Humour, Siblings, Scary, Harmony, Perseverence, Writing, Understanding/Tolerance, Love/Romance, Fiendish Deeds, Contributing/Industry, Fairness / Justice, Personalities, Language/Reading/Books, childrens-book, Curiosity, Joy of Spooking, P. J. Bracegirdle, Community, Chapter book, Appreciation, Adventure, Ages 9-12, Assertiveness, Careers, Canadian, Co-operation/Collaboration, Bullying/Abuse, Life and death, Review of the Week, Ecology/Nature, Add a tag

Fiendish Deeds (The Joy of Spooking) Author: P.J. Bracegirdle (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 McElderry Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1416934162

Hard-core horror meets sumptuous simile in this gripping exploration of siblinghood, self-destruction and sanitized sameness.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

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17. Cultivating Hope: Mr. Hiroshi’s Garden

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 4/22/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: evacuation and relocation, Hiroshi's Garden, Maxine Trottier, Mr., Paul Morin, Review, Podcast, Community, Ages 4-8, Formal, Compassion, Respect, Picture book, Girl, Making a difference, Hardship, Friendship, Resilience, Beautiful, Appreciation, History, Hope, Life Skills, Freedom, Diversity/Multi-culturalism, Realistic, Visual, Patience, Harmony, Perseverence, Man, Japanese, Grandparent, Ecology/Nature, Canadian, Contributing/Industry, Co-operation/Collaboration, Bullying/Abuse, Fairness / Justice, Culture/Traditions, internment, childrens-book, War, peace, conflict, Add a tag

Mr. Hiroshi's Garden Author: Maxine Trottier (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Paul Morin (on JOMB)
Published: 1999 Fitzhenry and Whiteside (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1550051520

Dazzling light glows against darkening shadow as this warmly told memory of friendship and fortitude peeks into a dim chapter in Canadian history.

Other books mentioned:

For more information about the Japanese Internment of 1942-1945, visit Vanishing British Columbia, Canada: A People’s History, and Canadian Nikkei.

You can read about more of our favourite Canadian, Asian-themed children’s books in this essay by Andrea at Paper Tigers.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

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18. Inventions, Adventure & Conservation: The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau

By: [email protected] (Mark Blevis and Andrea , on 4/15/2009
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Intriguing, Jacques Cousteau, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, Review, Podcast, Ages 4-8, Formal, Courage, Creativity, Picture book, Making a difference, Resilience, Beautiful, Appreciation, Fun, Boy, History, Adventure, Ages 9-12, Travel/Geography, Perseverence, Man, Biography, Non-Fiction, Thinking/Attitude, Passion, Ecology/Nature, Contributing/Industry, Science, Medicine, Math, childrens-book, Curiosity, Dan Yaccarino, Add a tag

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau Author: Dan Yaccarino (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Published: 2009 Knopf Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0375855734

Colour drenched, stylized illustrations, carefully selected quotes and simple, informative text open our eyes and imaginations to the creativity, curiosity and commitment of this explorer, inventor, filmmaker extraordinaire.

More eye-opening biographies on JOMB:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

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19. Just Do It

By: BookEnds, LLC, on 3/24/2009
Blog: BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: perseverence, Add a tag

I was talking recently with a new author, someone who had just completed her first book and was cautiously trying to figure out what to do next. One of the things she said was that she had decided that in order to get published she was going to have to know editors, and since she didn’t know anyone she figured there was no way she would get published. I was really surprised by this because while it’s probably a common thought among new authors, I had never heard this line of thinking before and frankly, I think it's a cop-out.

When I was 22 years old I had a dream of living in New York City. I had no idea what I wanted to do there and I had never been farther than Memphis, Tennessee. I was a small-town Midwestern girl from Minnesota. And I was determined to chase my dreams. So after college graduation I packed my little Honda Civic (red, very cute) and made my way to the big City (via an internship in Newport, Rhode Island).

I remember walking out of Grand Central Station for the first time. It was Spring in New York and I was wearing a very ill-fitting, awful, '80s-looking interview suit. I was going to a headhunter's office to meet with someone about possible jobs in publishing and advertising (I’d already ruled out newspapers and magazines after a variety of hated jobs). I wandered out of Grand Central and down Park Avenue. I walked to 40th Street and asked a stranger how to get to Lexington Avenue (one short block to my left for those who don’t know the City). He looked at me like I was a little crazy, or maybe that was the suit, and pointed me in the right direction. Telling this story now gives me heart palpitations. I was so out of my element, so scared, so overwhelmed and so blown away. This was me, small-town girl in the big city, and I was doing it. Step by step through those city streets I was going to meet people who were going to make those dreams happen. Or so I thought.

After a series of fruitless interviews through the headhunter's office, all in really cool advertising agencies, I struck out on my own again and spent a day in the library poring over the LMP. I made a list of all the publishing houses that included the actual names of the Human Resources contact (because I didn’t like sending resumes “to whom it may concern”). I went home and I sent out five resumes. I once again made my way into NYC for two interviews and finally got the job of my dreams. Yes, wearing the ill-fitting suit.

It was scary, it was out of my comfort zone and yes, I probably looked ridiculous. But the truth is I had a dream and no one, nothing, not one heart palpitation was going to stop that dream from coming through.

Do you have a dream? Do you really want to get published? Then quit with the excuses, get off your butt, and make the dream happen.

Jessica

25 Comments on Just Do It, last added: 4/6/2009

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Liz said, on 3/24/2009 7:11:00 AM

Bless you for this.

Stephen Parrish said, on 3/24/2009 7:13:00 AM

Awww. I love this post. It's my new Jessica favorite.

Anonymous said, on 3/24/2009 7:16:00 AM

Ma'am, yes, ma'am.

pjm

Anonymous said, on 3/24/2009 7:17:00 AM

First I'd like to thank you for being so disciplined. I know you must have an outrageously busy schedule, yet, you always manage to have your daily blog out by 8:00am. It's the first thing I sit to read with my cup of coffee every morning. Thanks!

I particularly loved todays blog. It's a great reminder to all of us who are incurably shy or lack a tad of self-confidence that all of you big editors and agents out there are just as human as the rest of us...even if most of us are in awe of you. Now don't get me wrong - you're a far, far, far cry from Ugly Betty, but when you mentioned NY and the ill-fitted suit, I couldn't help but chuckle and think of Ugly Betty going after her dream of a career in publishing. Being out of her element didn't stop her either.

Thanks for always starting my day.

Danette said, on 3/24/2009 7:24:00 AM

I love this post. Stepping out of your comfort zone is all it takes. Anyone having trouble doing this should read, The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson.It's my favorite book!

While I'm at it Miss Jessica, I'd like to thank you for always posting such helpful information.

Danette

Loralee said, on 3/24/2009 7:29:00 AM

Amen, Jessica. It took me way too long to realize this, but as you know, I'm living proof it can be done.

B.E. Sanderson said, on 3/24/2009 7:43:00 AM

Thanks. I needed this right now. =o)

Anonymous said, on 3/24/2009 7:45:00 AM

Got to be in it to win it. You simply cannot be ruled by fear.

Anonymous said, on 3/24/2009 8:00:00 AM

Everybody has their own agenda. They're all busy going after their own dreams. No one is going to go after your dream but you. That's not to say that there won't be people who support you along the way...but there's usually something in it for them too. Business is business. Sometimes you have to stop worrying about what other people will think of you or your work and just get it out there. As Jessica says, just do it...or you'll always be left wondering. It's better to be wondering about how to tackle criticism and revision than to be wondering about an unfulfilled dream.

Jess Granger said, on 3/24/2009 8:00:00 AM

I've got a new dream. I want to be on Dancing With the Stars. I figure the only way that's going to happen, is if I become the next big name in publishing.

So I'm working on that. :)

Jess

Mark Terry said, on 3/24/2009 8:18:00 AM

And thank God for the guy who pointed you in the right direction.

Which is my segue to saying that a while back you read my nonfiction proposal, didn't think it was quite right for you but recommended another agent. As of yesterday, after rewriting along her suggestions, we have signed with her agency. So thank you for being a class act and being the person who pointed me in the right direction.

Sherry Dale Rogers said, on 3/24/2009 8:23:00 AM

Thank you, I needed that.

The First Carol said, on 3/24/2009 8:23:00 AM

Hey Jess, shoot for the moon and maybe you'll catch a star.

Life is all about the choices we make, or choose not to make. Biggest person in our way is usually ourselves, and the strongest person who is going to push us is usually ourselves.

Eva Gale said, on 3/24/2009 8:46:00 AM

That's a fantastic story.

I so often push my daughter like that. I was the same, drove across the country, would have moved to a different continent alltogether. The worst that can happen is someone says no but when you get a yes, it's all worth it.

AC said, on 3/24/2009 8:53:00 AM

I love this blog!

Carol said, on 3/24/2009 8:55:00 AM

Thanks for another great post.

DebraLSchubert said, on 3/24/2009 9:02:00 AM

"From this point forward, I promise to step away from my fears and trust myself more. I'm pulling those nasty eggshells out from between my perfectly manicured toes and walking forcefully in the direction of my dreams." From my current post re: Walking on Eggshells (No More) and not letting anyone or anything get in the way of living an honest and authentic life. For most of us, living life authentically means following our dreams, which we can only do if we don't let our fears and insecurities block the way. Love this post, Jessica.;-)

PurpleClover said, on 3/24/2009 9:07:00 AM

Thanks for the much needed kick in the hiney.

:)

Kim Kasch said, on 3/24/2009 9:07:00 AM

I love this advice. Mom used to always say, "Life is what YOU make it."

Heidi C. Vlach said, on 3/24/2009 9:23:00 AM

If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is!

Linda Banche said, on 3/24/2009 9:27:00 AM

Oh, how right you are. Try, try and try again.

Actually, I think writing a letter is the easiest way for a shy person to look for a job. I really hated the networking part. The many times I've looked for a job (not an agent or editor, I haven't tried yet), I always found letter writing much easier than cold calling to some name I found on a job ad.

I'm glad editors and agents are set up to respond to letters. Too many of those job letters I sent disappeared into a black hole.

writermomof5 said, on 3/24/2009 9:32:00 AM

Woo Hoo! Thank you Jessica.

terri said, on 3/24/2009 9:36:00 AM

Excellent post and thank you. In 1989 I was a senior in college with okay grades. I'd come through an abusive marriage and my self-esteem was somewhere in my socks.

However, a big 'dream job' company was on campus interviewing for sophomore interns. I gathered up my courage and my little resume, marched in and asked if they would consider an interview for a graduating senior, even if just for a summer job.

It turns out there was a cancellation on the schedule and they let me interview. I had the same bad 80s interview suit as you and gave it my all.

End of story. I was the first one in my class to land the permanent 'after-grad' job and at a salary higher than anyone else in my class, including the valedictorian. I stayed with mega-corp for 5 years, traveled the country and a few spots overseas and built a nest egg before quitting to go to law school.

Dreams are out there, you just have to be willing to chase them.

My favorite motto, "You miss 100% of the pitches you don't swing at."

Thanks for the smile on this dreary midwest morning.

ryan field said, on 3/24/2009 9:42:00 AM

I've always been from the NY area so I knew the city pretty well by the time I graduated. But my first interview with Conde Nast sounds like how you felt walking out of Grand Central Station. But I got the job, as terrified as I was. I didn't like magazine work, but I learned a lot. You do what you have to do.

Nancy Coffelt said, on 3/24/2009 9:47:00 AM

What a great post!
A couple of years ago I ventured alone to NYC for the first time. I'd never been east of Chicago before. Walking and (gasp!) taking the subway to editor meetings was the most terrifying and most thrilling thing I'd ever done.

The whole time the theme from The Mary Tyler Moore Show was playing in my head. It was all I could do to not throw my hat into the air. :)

And not only did I, at age 46, find out that I could navigate the big city, I ended up selling projects to two of the houses I visited.

Lady Glamis said, on 3/24/2009 9:49:00 AM

Love this post. How inspiring! Even with an ill-fitting suit. :)

Bella Andre said, on 3/24/2009 9:53:00 AM

Great blog, Jessica! Just the boost I needed to dig in again today.
;-) bella

Sooki Scott said, on 3/24/2009 9:54:00 AM

Here! Here!

May I borrow the 'lucky' ill-fitting suit?

Confucius says; be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.

lynnrush said, on 3/24/2009 10:24:00 AM

Right on!

Deborah said, on 3/24/2009 10:31:00 AM

Thanks. I needed the kick in the pants.

Anonymous said, on 3/24/2009 10:33:00 AM

Being fearful is natural and at some point along the way to a successful career, you will have to face your fear and overcome it.

It is scary to step away from your comfort zone. But just do it. No excuses.

The water is always coldest when you first dive in. Once you start swimming...it ain't so bad.

L.C. Gant said, on 3/24/2009 11:19:00 AM

What a wonderful story (side note: I grew up in Minnesota, too)! I'll keep it in mind the next time I'm wading through the quicksand of revisions :)

I'm a firm believer that if you aren't willing to live your dream, there are an untold number of brave souls who are more than willing to live it for you. As my dad always says, "If you don't try, you're certain to fail."

Juliana Stone said, on 3/24/2009 11:46:00 AM

It's sad to think that there are many, many amazing authors out there whose talent will never see the light of day, because they don't have that drive to get it done and out there.
I would never have landed an agent unless I had something to sub, and she on the other hand, can never sell anything for me, if I don't produce.
I'm from smallsville Canada and when I decided to go for it, I thought, why the hell not? Every big name author is just someones mom, dad, brother or sister. Why couldn't that be me?
Am I ever glad I listened to inner voice, because the payoff is so incredibly sweet!

~Jamie said, on 3/24/2009 11:56:00 AM

Thank you for this! I am sending out that query letter to-day! I needed this push!

Kidpoet said, on 3/24/2009 12:14:00 PM

Jessica, that was inspiring! I want to print out that last part, "Do you have a dream...?" and tape it over my computer. Sometimes we have to stop dreaming and start doing. Thanks!

Robena Grant said, on 3/24/2009 12:38:00 PM

This post made me smile. At age twenty-three I took off from my homeland and small country town of 12,000 and came to the US without knowing a soul. I had a white Honda Civic (back in the day when they looked like a box) in which I could pack my entire worldly goods. Her name was Mavis. : )

Kris Fletcher said, on 3/24/2009 12:45:00 PM

Are there pictures of the suit?

I think it probably took almost as much strength and determination to publish this post as it did to carry you to NYC. You've opened yourself up so much here, Jessica, and reminded us all that we - scared, shaking, but trying anyway - are the biggest key to our own success.

Thank you.

Jessica said, on 3/24/2009 12:57:00 PM

Awww, how fun to hear your story! And look at you now. :-) Great encouragement.

Leigh Anna said, on 3/24/2009 1:01:00 PM

I remember walking into Grand Central for the first time and gawking. I wasn't just staring up, I was staring at everything. There were more people there at one time than in the town I grew up in.

And now I pass by without looking around at all.

Thanks for this post. Brings back memories.

Kathleen MacIver said, on 3/24/2009 1:10:00 PM

You know, Jessica... I totally agree that it's NOT in who you know, but IS in where you go...just like your story. I was telling my writing group this the other day.

You don't HAVE to know editors and agents and successful authors to "make it." But since there are a number of these who have made themselves "available" online via blogs, twitter, etc... GO THERE! Why? Not so much because "knowing" these people means they'll give you a break, but rather, you'll LEARN from them. And what you learn from them is what CAN make or break your career.

I haven't yet "made it" but I've learned so much through the contacts I've made online, that I know I've increased my chances of making it. If nothing else, I won't make one of the common colossal blunders that seem to result in 75% of query rejections! :-)

camelama said, on 3/24/2009 1:27:00 PM

Good post! I always liked the saying that one of Arthur Ransome's characters, Ted Walker, has: "Grab a chance and you won't be sorry for a might-have-been"

Kristin Laughtin said, on 3/24/2009 1:32:00 PM

Clichés like "you'll never know until you try" often become clichés for a reason: they're demonstrably true.

Trying to get your first book published is scary. I still want to work on my craft a bit more so I haven't tried getting an agent yet, but even at this stage I'm fearful about it. There are so many "you should do ___" posts on blogs or in print manuals for writers that trying to break into the business can seem overwhelming or hopeless. But there's a lot of good advice out there, and networking through blogs and the like is a good step to getting to know agents, editors, etc. (I read all the time that such-and-such agent signed this client because the client read his/her blog, learned what the agent liked, and was able to tailor to that agent's taste.)

I think the biggest thing is that people forget the most important thing is to WRITE. Write even if half your output is crap--it'll help you learn what not to do later. Write even if that story isn't one you'll ever submit for publication--it's good practice for the ones you will submit. And then just send your stuff out until someone says yes. It's a competetive world, and statistics show that very little of what's submitted will make it to publication, but you can't beat the odds if you don't try. And I think (hope? maybe it's naive) if your writing is good enough, REALLY good enough, it won't matter if you've published X number of stories or know X number of people. (That stuff can't hurt, but if your book is really that pheonomenal, someone will be willing to take a chance on it.)

Horserider said, on 3/24/2009 3:01:00 PM

I definitely needed this right now as well. When my MS comes back from my beta reader I'll definitely have to reread it. I've been procrastinating for too long.

Wes said, on 3/24/2009 3:21:00 PM

Bravo!!! Great advice.

I've done the same thing more times than I want to remember, and now I have my MC going thru it too.

Kim Lionetti said, on 3/24/2009 3:54:00 PM

I think I was wearing that suit for my Berkley internship interview with Jacky. The two of you probably made fun of me after I left...

I still have a pre-interview photo to prove it.

AstonWest said, on 3/24/2009 5:07:00 PM

I was really surprised by this because while it’s probably a common thought among new authors, I had never heard this line of thinking before and frankly, I think it's a cop-out.

I think it's a combination of things, really. When authors rarely receive feedback from their submissions outside of a form rejection letter (in general), they have to find a reason in their mind.

When they see authors who discovered their agents through a conference, or through another author who has that agent, etc., they begin to rationalize those reasons (even if they aren't the most common situation) as THE reason they aren't getting published.

All in the psychology of it...

Elissa M said, on 3/24/2009 5:36:00 PM

When I was fourteen I did not audition for a spot in the band that was going to take a fantastic trip to the World's Fair. I felt sure I would fail the audition, so I didn't even try. I was humiliated to learn that a girl whose performance abilities were well below mine did audition, made the band, and went on the trip.

It was a tough lesson, but it sank in. Since then, I have never let fear stop me from trying to do something. It's true: you only fail if you don't try.

Anonymous said, on 3/24/2009 5:57:00 PM

Good for you, Jessica! Don't worry--no one looked great in the 80s, except for Don Johnson (sigh).

What about those of us who aren't shy, who put ourselves out there, submit the ms. but then have to wait endlessly for any kind of response from an agent...whether it's a query or a requested full. I'm a published writer, but this waiting game is driving me nuts!

Anonymous said, on 3/24/2009 5:58:00 PM

I don't doubt myself or my writing too often, but today I had one of those moments, and it lingered for most of the day. Your blog just gave me a timely kick in the ass. Thanks.

Jeff said, on 3/24/2009 6:09:00 PM

Marvelous advice. For this or any industry...

Carrie said, on 3/25/2009 7:15:00 AM

Yes! I'm running off to do some edits on my mystery. Thanks for the motivation.

Monda said, on 3/25/2009 8:09:00 AM

I preach this every single day in the university classroom, but rarely follow my own advice. Call it burnout, call it fear, call it anything you want - it's still inaction.

Thanks for the kick in the pants, gal.

Broadway Mouth Blog said, on 3/25/2009 6:35:00 PM

This is very inspiring, but having done just that sort of thing before (coming from Minnesota as well), it is also truthful that it is about more than just having guts, determination, the will, and the work ethic. There's another element out there, the networking, the socio-economic, the going-to-the-right-college-to-meet-the-right-people element.

I still choose to write, write, write away, still work on getting published and produced. But it's an immense amount of work, and it's about a lot more than just doing your time.

Okay, so that's my humble opinion.

MaLanie said, on 3/25/2009 6:53:00 PM

I love this post, thank you for sharing.

I am going way out of my comfort zone by writing my first book (60,000 words as of today, it is almost done!) as I have always been ashamed of my writing.

I never learned the basics in school due to whacked out drug addicted parents pulling me in and out of schools (sixteen schools before the eleventh grade). I quit school in the eleventh grade as I was emotionally at my limit. I opted for the GED.

I taught myself to read and write, and then managed to get in a few community college courses. I am a sponge and love to learn. Once I started reading I could not stop.

I learned later in life that I have dyslexia, which was actually a big relief to find out that I was not dumb after all. (You can read about it on my blog) My friends have told me for years I need to write a book about my insane childhood and how I escaped it, but I am not ready to take that one on, and it would hurt my mom.

After years of healing, and finding myself I have decided I am ready to put myself out there.

I am writing a book about a woman's spiritual journey out of organized religion. It is very close to my heart because it is about my own spiritual journey.

I am trying to learn all I can about the craft and the industry. Somedays it can be a little overwhelming as I have so much to learn. But I keep pressing on.

MaLanie said, on 3/25/2009 7:04:00 PM

And yes I completely realize I have everything against my success.

Many have felt the need to remind me of my odds. Some have even said some pretty unkind things. I know I don't meet the "writer" criteria but I am still going to finish this book, at least for myself. And the universe can do with it as it wishes.

Kate Levin said, on 3/25/2009 8:11:00 PM

THANK YOU!!

Santa said, on 3/29/2009 5:16:00 PM

I swear you must have some sort of radar or something. This post is spot on for me and I thank you for the kick in the butt.

I just wanted to say in that new author's defense that she may be coming off hearing rumors or 'call' stories that feature a new author getting excellent deals because they know someone or know someone who knows someone. It's hard to think your stuff is going to sell if all you need to do is 'know someone'. As you stated sooo well. The only way to get your dreams to come true is to do something about it yourself.

Thanks once again.

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20. A Captivating Chronicle: If I Die Before I Wake (The Flu Epidemic Diary of Fiona Macgregor)

By: Just One More Book!!, on 10/10/2008
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Hope, Understanding/Tolerance, Review of the Week, Review, Podcast, Community, Family, Formal, Compassion, Courage, Generosity, Chapter book, Girl, Hardship, Resilience, Appreciation, History, Ages 9-12, Life and death, Sickness, Siblings, Influenza, Perseverence, acceptance, Writing, Thinking/Attitude, Canadian, Contributing/Industry, Language/Reading/Books, Culture/Traditions, Science, Medicine, Math, Father/Daughter, childrens-book, War, peace, conflict, WWI, 1918), If I Die Before I Wake (The Flu Epidemic Diary of Fiona, Jean Little, Spanish Flu, Add a tag

If I Die Before I Wake (The Flu Epidemic Diary of Fiona Macgregor, 1918) Author: Jean Little
Published: 2007 Scholastic (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0439988373

Beautifully bound in a soft unevenly edged journal and told with humour, innocence, intimacy and affection, the daily entries of a fictional twelve year old disclose the spellbinding details of life during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-19.

Our daughter Lucy (9) also contributes to the discussion of the book, which she tells us is part of her current favourite series.

More war and peace on JOMB:

More illness on JOMB:

HOTLINE VOICES: Author Michelle Mulder from Victoria, British Columbia shares her thoughts on The Composition (by Antonio Skarmeta and Alfonso Ruano). Thanks, Michelle!

2 Comments on A Captivating Chronicle: If I Die Before I Wake (The Flu Epidemic Diary of Fiona Macgregor), last added: 10/10/2008

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21. Of Horror and Heroism: The Donkey of Gallipoli (A True Story of Courage in World War I)

By: Just One More Book!!, on 10/1/2008
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Review, Podcast, Ages 4-8, Detailed, Formal, Compassion, Courage, Generosity, Picture book, Making a difference, Hardship, Friendship, Resilience, Boy, Animal, History, Ages 9-12, Life Skills, Life and death, Realistic, Travel/Geography, Scary, Harmony, Perseverence, Man, Non-Fiction, Thinking/Attitude, Contributing/Industry, Co-operation/Collaboration, childrens-book, War, peace, conflict, WWI, Frané Lessac, Mark Greenwood, The Donkey of Gallipoli (A True Story of Courage in Wor, Add a tag

The Donkey of Gallipoli (A True Story of Courage in World War I) Author: Mark Greenwood (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Frané Lessac (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Candlewick Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 0763639133

Deceptively simple looking folk art illustrations, uncluttered narration and sparse, intimate utterings deliver some of the dark, disturbing details of war in this eye-opening, true tale of courage, carnage and camaraderie.

More war and peace on JOMB:

HOTLINE VOICES: Bobby (a grade two teacher in Phoenix, AZ) describes a difference of opinion between he and his fiancée (a grade one teacher) and asks the question, what is the best way to read books to a group of children?

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Just One More Book!! said, on 10/1/2008 1:43:00 PM

Put the question out to Twitter. Here is a taste of the response:

@terriebittner: Children need to see the book in hand to help them love books. Anything else is just tv in disguise.

@kaymathews: The teacher-librarian I was says: book in hand. You’re creating a common experience, you want to pull the kids into your circle, create a sense of intimacy and close connection with the book/with you as story teller. It’s also part of storytelling — you can use the book to pace yourself, to create tension, in a way you can’t otherwise. But it’s still putting another layer between teacher/storyteller and students/listeners. I’m sure it has place…

A Book in the Hand is Worth….? said, on 10/2/2008 6:00:00 AM

[…] the help of a document camera and projector, but we did put the question out to Twitter and the few responses we received were highly in favour of book-in-hand group reading and the tactile pleasures of the […]

Mark said, on 10/2/2008 12:40:00 PM

Is it okay for me to weigh in?

Technology becomes a “middle-man” and interrupts the flow and experience. I’d say to get down in the middle of all of the children, walk around with the book or pass it around. The reading activity is about the connection between the listener, the reader and the book, not about focusing on a televised version of the book.

Lee Wind said, on 10/3/2008 1:47:00 PM

I recently saw a class where every kid had a copy of the book (a small class of 15 kids, and they were paperback copies) but that was ideal - every kid got to follow along. Maybe the idea is that you read the same book a couple of ways to the same kids - they actually LIKE the repetition. So maybe read it first the old fashioned way, book in hand, casting that magic spell over reader and listener. Then, another time, read the book again, and do it on the big screen. Kids get to read along now, and see it HUGE. That might be worth a try…
Lee

A Captivating Chronicle: If I Die Before I Wake (T said, on 10/10/2008 12:08:00 AM

[…] The Donkey of Gallipoli (A True Story of Courage in World War I) […]

Saturday Review of Books: October 4, 2008 at Semic said, on 10/10/2008 11:01:00 PM

[…] (When Will There Be Good News?)71. Literarily (Immortal)72. Prairie Progressive (Dumbocracy)73. JustOneMoreBook! Podcast (The Donkey of Gallipoli: A Story of Courage in WWI)74. JustOneMoreBook! Podcast (Darkness Slipped In)75. Barbara H. (The Longing by Beverly Lewis)76. […]

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22. Dogged Determination: Night Running (How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog)

By: Just One More Book!!, on 9/20/2008
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Co-operation/Collaboration, Bullying/Abuse, Fairness / Justice, childrens-book, Earl B. Lewis, Elisa Carbone, Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His F, Review, Podcast, Ages 4-8, Formal, Courage, Picture book, Hardship, Resilience, Beautiful, Boy, Animal, History, Ages 9-12, Life Skills, Freedom, Realistic, Perseverence, Non-Fiction, Add a tag

Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog Author: Elisa Carbone
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis (on JOMB)
Published: 2008 Knopf Books (on JOMB)
ISBN: 037582247X

Haunting, heartbreaking and not for the faint of heart, this gorgeously illustrated true tale of trial and triumph opens our eyes to the horrors of slavery and the depths of devotion of one loyal dog.

More helpful dogs on JOMB:

For more information about The Cybils, The Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards, pop over to Cybils Central, check out the 2007 and 2006 winners and prepare to nominate your favourites of 2008.

HOTLINE VOICES: A listener shares her thoughts about The Land of Smeared.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on a favourite children’s book. Leave us a voice message on our JOMB listener hotline, +1-206-350-6487.

3 Comments on Dogged Determination: Night Running (How James Escaped with the Help of His Faithful Dog), last added: 10/14/2008

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23. Seasons, Silk & Separation: Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep

By: Just One More Book!!, on 8/29/2008
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Understanding/Tolerance, Father/Daughter, childrens-book, China trade, Ocean Deep, Ocean Wide, Raúl Allén, Susan Lendroth, Review, Podcast, Family, Ages 4-8, Compassion, Courage, Picture book, Girl, Hardship, Resilience, Beautiful, Appreciation, History, Ages 9-12, Life Skills, Life and death, Rhyming, Patience, Perseverence, Poetry Friday, Add a tag

Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep Author: Susan Lendroth
Illustrator: Raúl Allén
Published: 2008 Tricycle Press (on JOMB)
ISBN: 1582462321

Haunting illustrations and tranquil, heartfelt rhyme describe a young girl’s yearning, worry and unyielding love for her long-awaited father in this soothing story of family fortitude.

Other books mentioned:

More seafaring on JOMB:

Pop over to Charlotte’s Library for today’s full menu of poetry offerings. Poetry Fridays are brought to us by Kelly Herold of Big A, Little A.

0 Comments on Seasons, Silk & Separation: Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep as of 8/29/2008 1:10:00 AM

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24. Changes at BookEnds

By: BookEnds, LLC, on 7/28/2008
Blog: BookEnds, LLC - A Literary Agency (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: timing, perseverence, Add a tag

I’m gearing up to head out to RWA National on Wednesday, but before I go I wanted to tell you about all of the exciting changes that have been happening here at BookEnds. To really put it into perspective, though, I’m going to have to give you some backstory, so please bear with me.

In May we lost our assistant, which was disappointing because we really liked her and she did a great job (she completely reorganized us in so many incredible ways), but she was moving on to something different and we wished her well. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for us, though. Holly, our intern, was graduating and looking for a full-time job as an editor. Now obviously we couldn’t offer that, but we could offer a temporary assistant position (and resume builder) while she looked for a job and we looked for a permanent assistant. It worked out great. Holly transitioned smoothly into the job and kept us on track, giving us time to look for someone new at our leisure and giving her experience in the career she wanted while looking for a job.

Well, Friday was Holly’s last day and we wish her well and are thrilled for her. A few weeks ago I learned of an opening for an editorial assistant position at St. Martin’s Press, immediately sent Holly’s resume over, and she did the rest. Wowed them with her experience and love of publishing and got the job. This is, as far as I know, our first real BookEnds success story and we are all very excited. Someday I hope to report on Publisher’s Marketplace that I sold a book to Holly, a former BookEnds intern. How cool will that be?

So what are we doing in the meantime? Well, once again the stars aligned for us. Katelynn, our summer intern, was perusing the want ads when she coincidentally came across the one I had posted for an assistant. Figuring she might as well give it a shot, she sent me an email letting me know that while she still has a year left at college, she is looking for a part-time position (at this point we feel we only need a part-time assistant as well as interns) and wondered if we would consider her. Why not? Of course we would. So officially, Katelynn is no longer the BookEnds intern, but now the BookEnds assistant.

This entire experience has been so cool. Everything fell into place for everyone and we couldn’t be happier. What it’s reminded me is how much of life is timing, perseverance, and the willingness to give something a shot because, well, you never know. Hiring an assistant in publishing is not unlike getting a book published. You need to stick with it, write and take those chances. You need to jump at the opportunities whenever they arise, even if you aren’t sure it’s going to work out, and sometimes you just have to have the right timing.

So we wish Holly the very best of luck and can’t wait to hear from her in her new role as editor (I better be one of her first lunch appointments when she starts taking agents to lunch), and we re-welcome Katelynn, who is enthusiastic and organized, and what more do we need in an assistant?

Jessica

17 Comments on Changes at BookEnds, last added: 7/29/2008

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Chessie said, on 7/28/2008 7:11:00 AM

Congratulations everyone, on all your new beginnings!

Robena Grant said, on 7/28/2008 8:43:00 AM

Synchronisity, isn't it amazing? Deepak Chopra always says luck is preparedness meeting opportunity. None of these success stories would have eventuated if the people concerned hadn't done thier homework and been prepared to jump when the opportunity came knocking.

Chumplet said, on 7/28/2008 8:44:00 AM

It's so nice when everything falls into place like that. Your intern already knew the ins and outs of your business and the change should be seamless.

At our newspaper, we post available jobs internally as well as putting them up in our papers and websites. It gives many of us a lot of opportunities for lateral movement while searching for the perfect niche.

Maybe someday I'll slide laterally into the editorial department, who knows?

JES said, on 7/28/2008 9:01:00 AM

Don't you just love it when all the stars and constellations line up just right?

Congratulations all around!

Julie Weathers said, on 7/28/2008 9:02:00 AM

This was a fun story.

Congratulations to all involved. I truly do believe timing and taking opportunities where they arise is so important.

Several years ago I wrote some letters to editors of horse magazines about a horse situation. One of the editors published the letter not as a letter, but a three-part story. They then called me and asked me if I wanted to go to work for them. I told the editor I wasn't trained or educated. She said I had raw talent and she could teach me the rest. I wrote for them seventeen years.

So, yes, I firmly believe in this.

Finally, have fun at RWA.

Kate Douglas said, on 7/28/2008 9:06:00 AM

Congratulations to Holly and to Katelynn--and, to BookEnds. So much of the good stuff in life is based on timing and luck, but perseverance plays just as big a part. I love hearing stories where things work just right!

See you in San Francisco. And, for anyone in the Bay Area, remember that there will be a huge literacy book signing Wednesday, July 30 at the SF Marriott from 5:30-7:30. LOTS of your favorite authors!

Anonymous said, on 7/28/2008 11:13:00 AM

Wow, Julie "was not trained or educated"! I hope by now you are at least paper trained! That must have been messy. And looks like you got some schoolin' cuz ya sure rite so good;)

andi

Just_Me said, on 7/28/2008 12:16:00 PM

Congragulations to all of you, it sounds like life is flowing smoothly on your end of the world. :o)

Vicki said, on 7/28/2008 12:33:00 PM

Congrats to everyone. It's wonderful when everything falls into place and you know it's what was meant to be. :)

Bella Andre said, on 7/28/2008 2:12:00 PM

What a great story!!!! Thanks for sharing.
;-) Bella
www.BellaAndre.com
GAME FOR ANYTHING ~ in COSMO now!

Anonymous said, on 7/28/2008 3:01:00 PM

Life is all about attitude....and that's what I love about Bookends: honest and optimistic.

Travis Erwin said, on 7/28/2008 5:20:00 PM

Sometimes Karma does smile on those who deserve her favor. Congrats to all.

Jules Viernes said, on 7/28/2008 6:44:00 PM

Hi,

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Anonymous said, on 7/28/2008 7:52:00 PM

Routine Internal Office Workings (RIOW)?

Zzzzzzzzzzz...

Low comment count not surprising.

Julie Weathers said, on 7/28/2008 8:08:00 PM

"Routine Internal Office Workings (RIOW)?

Zzzzzzzzzzz...

Low comment count not surprising."

How novel. Someone anon being snippy.

Let's see, what did I learn from this post? BookEnds is going to RWA. I'm not a romance writer, but to those who are this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Their intern wasn't some bubblegum popping temp who spent most of her day painting her fingernails. She was a highly qualified educated young woman who is now an assistant editor at a publisher. Hmmmm. Tells me the quality of intern they had.

Summer intern is now assistant and is also pursuing a degree with one year left.

So, the new assistant is already familiar with the workings of BookEnds and so there shouldn't be any down time while she is being acclimated.

Yay! More queries get processed.

It also tells me they do have interns and assistants and that's a plus in my books. Always nice when agents have qualified help so they aren't quite so snowed.

Sorry this wasn't your perfect blog, Anonimouse, but some people found it interesting. And, as far as comment count being the criteria for validity. Yeah, I know I always go by that.

TerriRainer said, on 7/28/2008 8:53:00 PM

I am a constant lurker, but I came out of hiding to agree with Julie...well said!

I think ANY peek into an agents professional life is just one more clue to the elusive contract.

Now off I go back to the corner to lurk and take notes!

Thanks for taking the time to put "Anonimouse" (brilliant Julie, just brilliant) to sleep, and for sharing your wisdom with the rest of us.

:) Terri

Usman said, on 7/29/2008 1:01:00 AM

The fact the Bookends is so generous, in how they treat their interns and assistants, speaks highly of you guys.
I know many businesses clam up when someone is about to leave.
Bravo.

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25. Contagious Wordplaygious: The HICCUPotamus

By: Just One More Book!!, on 7/25/2008
Blog: Just One More Book Children's Book Podcast (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Aaron Zenz, The HICCUPotamus, Review, Podcast, Community, Ages 0-3, Ages 4-8, Creativity, Picture book, Friendship, Fun, Animal, Cartoony, Poetry, Humour, Rhyming, Cute, Patience, Harmony, Perseverence, Poetry Friday, Co-operation/Collaboration, childrens-book, Love of Reading Gallery, Add a tag

The HICCUPotamus Author: Aaron Zenz (on JOMB)
Illustrator: Aaron Zenz
Published: 2005 Dogs in Hats Publishing
ISBN: 1594450331

Frantic antics and logically nonsensical rhyme make this hiccup-halting tactic extravaganza an addictive pick for preschoolers and poets alike.

Be sure to enjoy all of the amazing artwork in our Love of Reading Gallery.

Pop over to A Year of Reading for today’s full menu of poetry offerings. Poetry Fridays are brought to us by Kelly Herold of Big A, Little A.

2 Comments on Contagious Wordplaygious: The HICCUPotamus, last added: 7/26/2008

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