From Concept to Completion: How Many Hands Touch a Picture Book on the Publishing Journey?

When publishing traditionally, just what goes on getting your picture book out there?

You-Publisher-Consumer

Right?

Not quite.

During a talk with an editor recently, I asked just how many hands are on a picture book from concept and writing to completion and in the hands of the reader.  Here’s what I found out.

·         Author – This is the easy part. The creator of the manuscript. Sometimes this person is also the illustrator, but for this series we are looking at text only manuscripts.

**Hand count: 1**

 

·         Critique Partners/Beta Readers – Seriously-this should be a step. Find a critique group online or through groups like SCBWI. They can help you find what is working and what is not. They will push you to be a better writer. They will help you know when it is finally time to submit.

**Hand count: approx. 5-10 **

 

·         Agent – Not always necessary but I feel this is important to open doors and help you get your work extra polished before presenting it too publishers. Plus many publishers are closed to unsolicited submissions so you almost always need an agent to get into these houses.

**Hand count: 6-11**

 

·         Editor – Your agent, or yourself, will submit to an editor. If they love your story and see promise they will present it to their boss (or acquisitions team).

o   Inside the publishing house now: the Editor’s boss (or acquisitions team) will need to give the thumbs up to acquire the piece.

**Hand count: 7-12**

 

·         You and Editor – There will be back and forth during the editorial process. This may be a few simple changes and corrections or there may be a number of big changes. Each book is different.

 

·         Copy Editing –focuses on accuracy, formatting, and proofreading. Line edits people.

**Hand count: 8-13**

 

·         Design/Art Director – The art director does exactly that. They find and guide the artist in the direction to achieve the right ‘feeling’ for a book. They work with the editor and discuss what illustrators they think are right for the project. They are not just a stop on this chain of hands on you book, but more of a cog that is moving along with many other. They work with the editor, illustrator. Sometimes this is a team and not just an individual.

**Hand count: 9-16**

 

·         Illustrator – The partner that you may never even meet or talk to. This person will create concept drawings, work with the Design Dept/Art Director. After weeks, months, or occasionally years they will create the art that brings the text to life.

**Hand count: 10-17**

 

·         Production Editor- Production editors manage the publication. They deal with writers, editors, and vendors to ensure your picture book meet the house’s standards and that everyone meets deadlines. Sometimes these editors also proofread and edit the manuscript and offer feedback to writers and the other editors. (Notice ALL the editing to make sure your picture book is as perfect as can be?)

**Hand count: 11-18**

 

·         Sales – These are the people actively selling your finished book to vendors. Again not just an individual, but a team.

**Hand count: 12-21**

 

·         Publicity – These are the folks who create awareness for your book, gaining attention and interest.

**Hand count: 13-24**

 

·         Marketing – These folks, like with Publicity, create awareness and help sell the book. In some houses the Publicity and Marketing are one in the same.

**Hand count: 14-27**

 

·         Sub-rights- These are "sub-license" your picture book for various formats and adaptations in addition to the primary format. Additional sales could be film or television rights or translation to another language.

**Hand count: 15-28**

 

·         Book Sellers and Libraries – Such as Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Indy Bookstores. The places we know and love.

**Hand count: 20-way too high of a number for me to even guess.**

 

·         Reader – Finally. This quick and simple process can take around 2 years on average and, depending on the size of the publishing house you are working with, you can easily have up to 20-30 people who have their hands on your precious manuscript to get it out into the world.

Traditional publishing takes a real team to get a book from concept to completion.  Over the next weeks I’m tracking down people in these fields to get interviews so we can see what goes on behind the scenes when making a picture book.

 

People in the publishing field, let me know if I skipped any jobs.

Please note all of my counts are approximations. These numbers can vary greatly depending on the size of the publishing houses.

 

Invest in Yourself

Wow this year is flying by already. Why? Because many of the classes I wanted to take this year piled up here at the beginning.

If you are a writer, who's endgame is being traditionally published, you need to invest in yourself and your craft. I don't mean you need to get a PhD in writing (although, hey that would be pretty awesome). I do mean you need to invest time, energy, and if you have some to spare money. I've touched on this before but lets look deeper.

Ways to invest in yourself:

Online Blogs (FREE)

Google is your friend. I found Query Shark while googling about queries. There aren't many picture book examples, which is what I was looking for when I found it, but WHO CARES. The information there can be applied to anything query related.

This is just one example. There are sites for rhyme, rhythm, word counts, agent research, pacing, plotting, structure, illustration. Put in the time but be focused. The internet is full of white rabbits that can lead you astray from your original goal. We've all been there. Looking for a dinner recipe and then ending up looking at cat videos.

Some that I have found:

12 x 12

Manuscript Wish List

Nathan Bransford

Writing for Kids While Raising Them - Tara Lazar

Writers Digest

There are MANY MANY more but those are a few go to's for me.

Conferences (Not Free)

It goes almost without saying that conferences are a great resource for writers and illustrators. You can learn about craft, publishing as a whole, what agents and editors are looking for and in many cases you can sign up for critiques from industry pros and even intensives.

We can't all afford to go to the big ones but check your local SCBWI or whichever group you are a part of.... which is a great Segway too...

Writing/Illustrating Organizations (Usually an Annual Fee)

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators aka SCBWI is outstanding. They have conferences, regional groups-which can help find you local critique partners, online discussion boards, awards and grants, and more.

This is the only one I am a part of but find one for your genre. SCBWI helped me find critique partners who are AMAZING! My work only gets stronger as others help me see the weak spots in my WIPs. I have attended conferences where I've schmoozed with writers, illustrators, agents, editors. And by schmoozed I mean bonded over long bathroom lines and shared love of the amazing dessert brownies. At a meet and greet I even ended up on a trivia team with THREE editors and another author. It was great fun and no pressure to pitch.

Books on Craft (Free at Library or Purchase at Your Local Bookstore)

Many people have favorites. Agents and Editors will post their recommendations. Seriously, hop on Twitter or Facebook and ask and I'm sure other writerly folks will be happy to suggest books. Look in your genre or for the specific area you need. There are books galore.

Classes ($$)

There are classes online, intensives at conferences, webinars, and at colleges. I've attended four webinars so far this year. All were helpful, two were exactly what I personally needed for my manuscripts. Sometimes these are free, or low cost. More often than not you will need to invest money. I used gift cards from the holiday to splurge on two that I wouldn't have otherwise taken. Instead of shoes for your birthday, ask for a class.

This is another area where writing organizations can be helpful. I found a chapter book webinar for $10.00 on the SCBWI discussion boards, know as the blue boards. Another writer was kind enough to post about it and seriously, $10.00 is an easy investment.

Larger investments need to be worked into your budget but that doesn't make them a pipe dream. Just a goal you may need to save up for. But really, if you want to be something, then you need to DO something. So grab a book, hop onto a craft technique blog, or finally look into that class you are always telling yourself you'll take. Invest in your writing.

A word to the wise though. Don't let all the research and learning get in the way of the actual writing.

Week One of PIBOIDMO 2015

So one week has passed in PiBoIdMo. I have seven shiny new picture book ideas, right?

No, actually. And that is weird for me. Most of the time I am an idea machine. Usually it is the sitting down with a hammer and smashing my idea to bits so that I can reconfigure it into a masterpiece that is the hard part.

I have three ideas so I'm not to far behind. That doesn't mean I'm not working.  Critiques are happening, both for me and by me, classes, and editing current works for picture books and my chapter book WIP.

So hang in there other PiBoIdMo writers. If the idea's aren't flowing today then write or edit something else. Maybe even try a different style. If you normally write on the computer try picking up a pencil and paper. Stay busy and just maybe an idea will .... holy crap I just had an idea while writing this.  OFF TO THE IDEA NOTEBOOK...

What? Were you expecting something fancy? Go get to writing! The notebook paper awaits.

The Agent Search

So you've honed your craft. You've attended classes, webinars, SCBWI conferences, and you consider your critique group meeting the highlight of your month. Now you are on the search for a home for the stories you've poured over and written, and rewritten, and REWRITTEN AGAIN.

But how to sell your stories? Most people want and agent, right? It will be like having a Fairy Godmother who will make all your writerly dreams come true.

So the process begins. Query Tracker, spreadsheets, lists of every agent you've met at all those conferences and classes, checking #MSWL often. You polish you queries until you've realized you've spent nearly as much time on them as you did on writing the book. (Feels odd when your picture book is 300 words and you query is 250.)

Then it happens... No, not the automatic yes we all dream for.  The rejection. Big at first; No responses, form letters. Then you get a personal response. Oh, the joy you feel when someone not only writes your name but a specific factoid about your story. Personal rejections become a little more frequent and some agents ask for more work. You dance and spin because this could mean something. Or maybe not...

Sometimes those rejection feel like tripping at the finish line. So close but not close enough. Maybe you even want to...

Writers. Don't despair. If you are getting feedback, then you are on the write track. (yes, I did that on purpose.)

Maybe writers get caught up in the query and searching process. So caught up that we forget the most important thing.  We must keep writing. Always. We can't get better if we don't practice. Even if you are practicing, you may still be caught up in the whole MUST FIND AGENT thing.

So first and foremost, list what you want in an agent. You and your agent will be together for a long time.

Sticking to the Disney theme I think my dream agent is more Mushu than Fairy Godmother.
I believe you need to find an agent...

Who gets your creativity

 

 



Who will be honest with you about your writing.

 

 

Who will get your stories seen by the right people.

 

 

They lend a hand when needed.

 

 

Who supports you when you feel down.

 



 

But most importantly they push you so you can reach your goals.

 

 

 

So just for fun, who in the Disney world would you want as an agent? Think about it...



 

 

 

It's Been A While

Wow, this summer flew by.  Like many writers I know, I have a day job and the summer is the busiest time of year. Also, sports. Seriously time consuming!

I had to prioritize and sadly RWRC was neglected. Now that schools back in session and the day job is marginally less crazy I've got about an ounce of extra time.  The one thing I never neglect: My Manuscript Writing Time!

This summer I've completed some new picture book rough drafts, shined up 2 of them until they sparkled and completed a 6k chapter book. I did little else. All of my free time went into writing, and critiquing, and rewriting, and research and then more writing. Holiday weekend? That means an extra day or writing!

Writing well also take research.  If you are new to children's literature look into the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators aka SCBWI. If you are starting the query process check out #MSWL (website and on twitter). But before hitting send maybe check out Query Shark. If you are writing picture books be sure you have three that are agent ready before you start to submit.

All newbies make mistakes and that okay. Google is your friend and will help you.

I hope to get back to posting writing prompts and I'll leave you with a photo prompt today.

What's going on here?

What Gardening is Teaching Me About Writing

I've only had a yard for a few years now.  This year I’ve successfully grown grass (it is much harder than you think) and some of my flowers survived the winter and bloomed in vibrant violets, pouty pinks, sunny yellows, and stripes.  Some plants, including my favorite, died, unable to handle the clay and slate soil and the bitter winter that lingered longer than usual.

                So what has this taught me about my writing?

1.       You will screw up, and it’s okay.

Some plants need direct sunlight, some need stupid amounts of water, some need proper drainage. You will forget something and a plant may shrivel into crunchy, brown, unrecognizable crap.

You will learn from these screw ups. You wouldn’t have learned the lesson without trying

 

How to apply that to writing? WRITE!

It won’t always work out as you imagined and occasionally you end up with crap. But you’ve learned from it.

2.       Weeds are everywhere

No matter how many times I pluck dandelions from in between the tomatoes they keep showing up each week

 

How to apply this to writing? EDIT!

You will always have some errors or things that need to be tweaked or completely overhauled.  Sometimes a backhoe is the only answer… metaphorically of course.

3.       My yard will not win any awards, it will not show up in a magazine, things are not perfect, but I love it.  It is mine and I made it. There are birds and color and life. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in.

How to apply this to writing? WRITE WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!

Don’t write for the current trends. If you love picture books and chapter books don’t try to write a romance thinking that is where the money is.  Write what you love and it will show in your product and you can be proud of it.

4.       My daughter has seen my work and decided to have a garden of her own on the side of the house. She has grapes and tomatoes and strawberries.  There is no fruit yet, but she is putting in the work.

 

How to apply this to your writing? INSPIRE OTHERS!

You want to inspire your readers and that’s great but you may not be published yet. You can still inspire others and be inspired in return. Join a critique group. Volunteer at your local library or school. Start a blog and push positivity out into the world.

So I’m still learning. I can’t even remember the names of all of the flowers I’ve bought. But I’ve researched what will work in my location, just like I research what works in the children’s market.  I talk to neighbors about their yards, just like I talk to other writers about the market. 

There is a cycle to the publishing industry just as there is a cycle to the seasons. Timing is very important to make things work.  Sometimes luck comes into play.  But keep at it.  There are very few instant fixes. Bad weather and bugs can frustrate you but if you keep at it your work will pay off. Whether the goal is a ripe tomato or a book on the shelf, you can see the fruits of your labors if you are willing to work and work for a long time without giving up.

  

This is Not a Hobby

I am a writer.  Not someone who writes. Not someone who thinks of cute little stories. Not someone to be pat on the head and sent on my way while the grownups talk.

Yes, I have a ‘real’ job (meaning the one that keeps the lights on and food in the fridge) but so do many many other writers. Just because I am not JK Rowling does not mean I am not a writer.

 

If you write as a hobby, that is wonderful.  Journals and stories that stimulate your mind and give you a creative outlet are their own version of fun/therapy/yoga/awesomeness. I am not taking away anything from those who write solely for fun.

That is not me. I want to make this a career.  I want to travel to schools and libraries and see kid’s faces light up or make them squeal with laughter.  I want to be the reason they can’t stop talking for the rest of the day and maybe open their minds to more. Maybe it is science, maybe it is cupcakes, maybe the more is just that another book may be entertaining too.

I invest time.  Scheduled time. Equal to or greater than doctor appointments, the gym, and sometimes my child’s practices. (Thank God for a husband who will take over the taxi service to and from practice.)

I invest money. College classes on basic refresher courses and writing classes. SCBWI conferences and Critiques. Travel.

I invest in myself. I love writing, even when I hate it (you know what I mean evil plot bunnies). I want to write. I have to write. I love to write so it must be done.  I allow myself to skip the laundry today because I need to critique a friends work. I cut myself slack when I rewrite the same paragraph seven different ways and still can’t get it just right.  I surround myself with people who support my (maybe they don’t get my writing but they get me so they care).

If this is more than a hobby, don’t call it a hobby.  If you write picture books, don’t say they are just picture books. If you have a goal, go for it, work towards it Invest in yourself and be patient with yourself.

Write on my friends.