Oh, You Make Children’s Books?: How to Answer Those Questions About Kid Lit from the Fam

As a children's author, I hear this all the time, but more frequently around the holidays and especially from family members. Writers and artists get asked this question and more and we aren’t sure how to respond. So, here are some of the scenarios we kid lit artists get and the potential responses you can use.

• Don’t you want to write “real” books?

I get this more from self-proclaimed non-readers, which is odd in itself. But my typical responses are:

SHOCK FACTOR

“Gosh no! Why would I want to do that?” – this is followed by a look of horror, as though they’ve asked me to skydive into an active volcano while blindfolded.

SWEET AND HONEST

“I love kid’s books and nothing else could make me happier.” – Big smile, even when they obviously don’t get it.

SORRY MY MOUTH IS FULL, SO I CAN’T SPEAK

“Mrph mble flrp…” - Pumpkin pie or hors d’oeuvres are great tools.

• Oh, I’ve always wanted to write a picture book. Do you think we could collaborate/you could be my illustrator?

Obviously, I’m only an author, but I bet illustrators get this even more than authors. Possible responses:

SHOCK FACTOR

“Here are my fees (Illustor’s) and did you know a picture book can take two years MINIMUM to produce? Also, I have about five WIPs right now and have no time.”

SWEET AND HONEST

“I started out with just an idea too. You should write your story and if you are serious about traditional publishing, look into the SCBWI. I have too much going on currently to collaborate but I’m happy to point you to some great blogs/conferences/craft books you may like.”

*Here is where you see if they are truly interested in a long game or just ‘always thought it would be fun/easy.’*

SORRY MY MOUTH IS FULL, SO I CAN’T SPEAK

“Hmrph bing mblp…” - That extra roll was just calling my name…

• Why don’t you just self-publish? You could have your book out in a few hours.

I don’t think people realize that it isn’t quite as easy as they believe to self-publish picture books. Possible responses:

SHOCK FACTOR

“You know when you self-publish, and do it well, you have to hire and pay an illustrator (if you are the author only), be the final editor or hire an editor, be your own sales person, marketer, art director, warehouse, distributor and it will be exponentially harder to get your books into chain stores and even indie stores still have to know you exist in order to buy your book. This takes a ton of time away from my creative time.”
-        At this point most people have stopped listening. But self-publishing, especially for picture books that need quality art, is WORK and it isn’t for everyone.

SWEET AND HONEST

“I never wanted the sole responsibility of wearing all the hats a self-published author must wear. Plus, I was always scared that maybe my writing wasn’t as good as I thought it was. By getting through the many, many obstacles in traditional publishing, and working with professionals along the way, I know my work will be the best it can be.”
-        Again, sometimes they stop listening. Not everyone gets my passion for kid lit. And that is OKAY. I don’t always get their passion for cross stitch, hockey, that popular tv show they keep talking about.

SORRY MY MOUTH IS FULL, SO I CAN’T SPEAK

“Worlm rmbl brmpth…” - This method may lead to a shocking belly ache. But those cookies were worth it…

• So, you sold a picture book. When are you going to quit your day job?

The only response:

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA….*BIG BREATH* AHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA! Oh, oh wait. You were serious?”

It is okay to be awkward and not sure how to answer. Some people are easy to talk to while others make you feel like you are under a spotlight.

Many of us artists are introverts and don’t want to talk about ourselves and our art. Others wave their nerd flag proudly.

Even if you don’t have a book out yet, if you want to talk about your art, your path, and your struggles, then go for it. If you want to avoid it, then play with the dog/cat/baby so you have an excuse for being distracted while others bombard each other with questions.

You can always offer to wash the dishes when you need to run away. Most relatives won’t follow.

Any other great responses to common questions?  Please keep if PG. We write for kids, you know.

So You Have a Book Coming Out: Part Three: Author/Illustrator Photos

Some people are naturally photogenic. No matter what they are doing or what they are wearing, every photo comes out like something in a magazine. I am not one of those people. I'm usually caught while talking with one eye half shut.

As a published author or illustrator, you are now a business. Your photo needs to convey a sense of professionalism as well as showing who you are. Writing thrillers? Maybe a dark and broody shot would work. Goofy humor? Colorful and full of light and laughter may portray you best.

If you can, hire a professional photographer. It is a business expense that you can write off at the end of the year. Or tell a loved one, all you want for your birthday is a 30 minute photo shoot.

Amateur Example: I took this photo with my really nice camera I bought on a Black Friday Deal a couple of years ago. We took like 30 shots and this is the only one I didn't hate.

Professional Example:

I paid for a 30 minute session. We met at an old library. She took a bunch of shots, sent me about 15, and I seriously like all of them. With her lighting, superior equipment and artistic eye, she made me look younger and like I'd lost 15 pounds. She gave simple instruction like, "chin out a little more," or, "lean forward slightly," or, "That yellow background is washing you out. Lets move over here."

This looks professional, flattering, and the high resolution means it will maintain its quality even when resized. This is important since you'll be sending this file to interviews and author/illustrator visits.


A few tips: Tiny print on your clothes doesn't always translate well on camera.

Some poses feel awkward but look great on camera.

Stop to relax you face after holding the smile for so long.

Call around to photographers. I don't believe the one I worked with advertised a 30 minute session, but when I explained what I needed she said a full hour session was unnecessary. Although, she started having fun with some shots and we did go a little over our time, but she didn't charge me extra.

Also, HAVE FUN! For that photo session, you are the star.

Steal TIme

As 2018 comes to a close and people are talking about their 2019 resolutions, I'm seeing many people who talk about making time for their writing, or lamenting that things got too busy in 2018. I'm going to let you in on a secret. Your time is yours, and if you can't make time - you should steal it.

Little bits add up like drops of water to fill a glass.

Grab notebooks. One for your purse or backpack, one for your kitchen, one for your car. Don't forget that your phone is a handy tool.

When an idea for that perfect character name pops into your head, text it to yourself. Only takes 1 minute.

When you are sitting in your car at your kids practice waiting for them to find their other shoe - grab that notebook and jot down some plot points. Another 5 minutes stolen back for your writing.

Oh, are you trapped at the car place getting your oil changed? Where are the pens? Here is 20 minutes to work on dialogue between your two main characters.

Lunch break? 30 minutes to use your smart phone to research owls and jot down all of that gross stuff about pellets while eating at your favorite spot. (For the squeamish maybe swap pellet research with that oil change dialogue writing.)

Don't feel guilty when the family is fed and you say, "I'm going to go write for 20 or 30 minutes. Entertain yourselves." (This may be harder for those with super young kids, but do what you can)

There is also a 5 am writers club I see on Twitter. I won't lie - I'm not a morning person and probably won't ever do this one. But it may work for you! If 5 am doesn't work, what about waking up just 20 minutes early?

If your goal this year is to write more then go for it. Even if it is only 5 minutes or 10 minutes here or there. You don't have to write every single day if it doesn't work for you, but you do need to write. Writing is writing whether it is using a pencil, typing on a computer, or using your smart phone.

Don't forget to make time/steal time to read as well. It is market research that is vital to your trade.

Best of luck for a healthy, happy, and productive new year!

Concept to Completion: Editor

Since this is a holiday weekend we are posting a little early. Have a great Labor Day!

This series of Concept to Completion started during a Skype session with Editor Kelly Delaney. I took a class with her and invested in the one-on-one session. (SO WORTH IT.) I asked just how many hands are on a picture book from writing to reader.  You know what I found out? WAY MORE THAN I IMAGINED.

 

Today I’m happy to introduce Kelly Delaney, Associate Editor at Alfred A. Knopf Booksfor Young Readers.

 

Thank you for coming out today, Kelly. So we all want to know, what exactly does an editor do for picture book manuscripts?

 

Editors work with authors to make the text as clear, concise, and engaging as possible. We also work with the design department to select an illustrator and, with the book’s designer, act as the go-between with the illustrator and author as the sketches and final art are developed.

 

After the text and illustrations are on their way, we present the book to the rest of the company—sales, marketing, publicity, subrights, etc.—and work with them to make sure the book finds its way into the hands of readers who will treasure it. There are a million little details in between, but that’s the gist of it!

 

That’s a lot of people you have to deal with! What happens when you fall in love with a picture book manuscript?

 

Usually I take the manuscript to an editorial meeting to solicit feedback from colleagues about its quality and, more importantly, its marketability (just because I love something doesn’t mean it will sell). If we’re in agreement that it’s worth acquiring, I fill out a form and a spreadsheet detailing how much I think it will sell and why, based on its sales hooks and comparative titles. I use those details to craft an offer, and present it to the book’s agent.

 

Do you ever have to fight for a story you love?

 

Yes. Sadly, not everything with great writing is marketable, and publishing is a business. I’ve often gone back to an author and asked them if they’d be willing to revise based on my editorial feedback in an attempt to bring it to where it needs to be. Sometimes this leads to an acquisition, but often I do just need to let a book go. That’s never easy, but in that situation I’ll usually tell the author (or agent, more likely) that I’d love to see more work from them in the future.

 

How long do you edit a picture book or, a better question may be, what were the shortest and longest periods of time you spent editing a picture book?

 

I’m working on a book now that is ready for copyediting a week after I signed it up! The edits were very spare and didn’t require any major restructuring. Other books can take much longer, depending on what needs to be addressed or on the author’s schedule—they may have other projects that take priority, which we’ll factor into the book’s schedule. And of course, more edits may come with the art. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, but I’ve never worked on a book that didn’t need any editing at all.

 

I’ve never worked on a book that didn’t need any editing at all.

 

That is a great thing to keep in mind. There is always room for improvement. Is there a separate copy editor in your house or do you do the copy editing after the big picture changes are made?

 

We have a copyediting team that looks at every book several times.

 

A team?! Wow. Is editing a 9-5 gig or do you find yourself doing editorial work at home?

 

I read at home a lot. It’s easier to get it done away from email, a busy office, etc. I don’t think I’ve ever brought a picture book home with me, though—just novels.

 

How much caffeine/sugar/health food of choice is needed to fuel you through your workday?

 I don’t really track my diet in this way, but I usually have an iced coffee in the morning and eat as balanced as I can (though an abundance of treats and snacks in the office seems to be an occupational hazard of working in children’s publishing). My energy is more impacted by how active I am, so I try to work out daily and/or walk to and from work. 

 

Something we should all try to work into our day. My hair looks like Wally's when I'm done a work out. And you can feel free to share the chocolate in your office. Just sayin'.

So is there anything else you think authors should know?

 

Remember that revision is a part of the process that doesn’t end when your manuscript is acquired—and that an editor wouldn’t work to revise something with you if they didn’t love it. It’s not an attack on your work, but an attempt to make it as strong as possible so that it will appeal to as many readers as possible. We all have the same goal, which is to get your book into the hands of as many readers as we can!

Also, I’ve talked to a lot of writers who worry about details like how to format a manuscript submission, how art notes should look, and things like that. That should not be a source of stress for you. Be organized and clear, and follow any submission guidelines that exist. The more important part is to focus on your writing and hone your craft. If I love a manuscript, an unnecessary art note is not going to change that.

 

You heard it here authors and illustrators: Editors are on our team and want the same things for our books as we do.

 

Thank you so much Kelly for taking time to share your job with us. It’s great to peek behind the curtain and see just how much work, and how many people work, to get a picture book out into the world.

Next time...Art Director

Concept to Completion: Agent

Agents are busy people who only make money once a book is sold. I had many kind and generous agents who have agreed to interviews for this blog. Unfortunately none were available in time for this series. (We'll be seeing them in the fall.)

Since I wanted to keep this in order for when future readers go through the entire series, this is going to be a placeholder for an interview.

I will say that having an agent opens doors that you may not be able to get through on your own.

Some publishing houses are closed to unsolicited manuscripts and without an agent you can only sub to them if you've met them at a class or conference.

Also, a good agent is going to be honest with you about if your manuscript is ready. They may even be editorial and assist you in getting your manuscript to the next level before sending it on submission.

An agent will also be more likely to get you better terms if/when you get an offer. They are familiar with contracts and clauses, advances, royalties, rights, publishing houses of every size, plus they become a supporter of your work in many ways.

When subbing to agents be mindful that this is a professional situation. Letters should be organized, proofread, and polite. If an agent gives you any feedback, even if they don't offer representation, please appreciate it. They don't get paid unless they are selling books, so if they take the time to give you a personal rejection, then you should take it as a compliment to your work. And I do believe it is a compliment.

If you are querying agents, I wish you the best of luck.

Coming Soon: An actual Agent Interview


Up Next:  Concept to Completion: Editor

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.

  

Author Interview with Carrie Charley Brown Founder of ReFoReMo

Today on Reading, Writing, and Reaching for Chocolate I'd like to welcome Carrie Charley Brown.

Carrie Charley Brown juggles ideas every day as a children’s writer, teacher, blogger, and mom.  She is the founder of the 2015 ReFoReMo Challenge, or Reading for Research Month. You can learn more about Carrie’s writing journey, her KidLit Services, ReFoReMo, and many other amazing authors and resources, at her blogsite Carrie On… Together!

 

 I’ve never heard of ReFoReMo. Is it new?

Thanks for asking, June.  You know how an idea starts small and bats at your brain for a while?  Then, finally when it reaches that a-ha moment, it comes out fast and furious?  That’s what happened with ReFoReMo!  The first annual event will take place this March.





Some of our best ideas flit around our brains for a while before they take off. So what is ReFoReMo?

The ReFoReMo Challenge, or Reading for Research Month Challenge, was founded to help picture book writers reform their writing by reading and researching mentor texts.  You just can’t be a good picture book writer if you don’t read other great picture books.  Well, I guess you could…but it would be extremely rare.

I agree, it would be like a cake decorator who's never eaten sugar. Hard to imagine. How did you come about creating it?

I constantly grow as a writer when I study stellar models.  At the same time, I am motivated by participating in writing challenges.  My first was PiBoIdMo, which led to the 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, NaPiBoWriWee, and ReviMo, among others. I’d been featuring the Carrie On…Book Clubs on my blog for two years, but had geared it mostly to children.  That’s when the gears started turning.  I wanted to offer some sort of reading challenge for writers.  This past fall, I served as a 2014 Fiction Picture Book panelist for the CYBILS awards.  In my dash to reserve all the nominated titles (more than 200) I flooded not only my library card, but my kids’ cards, too.  It was a challenge to read and research so many books in a one and a half month period!  I recognized how motivated I felt after reading a great model and how discouraged I felt after reading the not-so-greats. At its conclusion, I reflected on the event and realized I had found my challenge.

I participate in PiBoIdMo and 12x12 as well. The kidlit community is wonderful and supportive to our creative growth. Tell my why you feel reading and mentor texts are so important.

Books take us on adventures, even when we are studying them!  Mentor texts offer endless possibilities to explore.  If I want to amp up my humorous voice, I read tons of funny picture books.  I might break it down and analyze what made me laugh, how the humor was infused, how the illustration played a role, how kids would relate, etc.  But, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!  You could analyze plot, structure, dialogue, characters, point of view, the “It-Factor,” voice, hooks, and on and on and on.

Oh the "It-Factor" that thing we all know and recognize but can't describe. I'm curious, who are the authors that inspire you?

 

Do you understand how hard that question is?  J I am inspired by many, and all for different reasons.  Many of the authors that inspire me are prepublished.  They work super hard in the kidlit world and utilize tons of resources.  Their work is fabulous, just undiscovered by the right person.  They offer tons of support and inspiration to others.

 

My writing partner, Kirsti Call, and my critique group inspire me.  Just look at their collection of books here!  

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk Coming Sept 2015

 

  

 

 

Seriously, my list is long, and many times it is one piece of an author’s work that inspires me most, rather than the entire body.  Imagine that, the mentor text itself inspires me most! Yes, it’s true, the author had to write it, but don’t forget:  there is an illustrator, too.  A picture book is a work of art all around.

 

I love the way Adam Rubin’s BIG BAD BUBBLE makes me laugh. 

I admire how Lois Brandt’s MADDI’S FRIDGE brought tears of joy to my eyes. Picture books make us feel things and it inspires me to know that kidlit authors have the ability to touch the lives of children.

 

  

 

There are so many wonderful writers, it's hard to choose just one! Is there anything else you think we should know about the event?

 

ReFoReMo is open to all picture book writers: newbies, prepublished, published.  A picture book writer’s learning never ends.  Those interested may sign up for updates now by  visiting the ReFoReMo blog here. 

 

Official registration is open from February 15-March 1, and allows the writer a chance to enter a private Facebook group and prize drawings at the conclusion of ReFoReMo.  While our ultimate goal is to read 105 books, the main effort is to read and research consistently.  A little every day will show you the way! I hope to share the experience with all of you.

 

Just for Fun a Fast Five Favorites

Favorite picture book when you were little?

Pickle Chiffon Pie by Jolly Roger Bradfield

Dogs or cats?

Neither.  While I like both, I have enough to manage with three kids. J  But, if we are talking books… then CATS- I love HERE COMES THE EASTER CAT by Deborah Underwood and BAD KITTY by Nick Bruel. 

 

Coffee or Hot Chocolate?

Coffee!!  With flavored creamer.

Spicy or Sweet?

It all depends on my mood.  Today I’ll say sweet. Now if you had asked salty or sweet, I could say that I love a combo of the two. Like if I have scrambled eggs with cheese, then I also have to have the pancakes to balance it out.

Mmmm now I'm hungry. Favorite picture book now?

Impossible to pick just one!  I’m addicted to picture books, June! J  But since you are forcing me, I will say FOUND by Salina Yoon. It exhibits tons of clever, creative humor, a compassionate, thoughtful character, and a super sweet perfect story arc! 

 

This was fun!  Thanks for inviting me, June!       

 

It was wonderful having you Carrie.  I hope all our readers will head on over to the  2015 ReFoReMo Challenge. I'm off to the Library to study some mentor texts. (Which sounds so much more professional than "I'm going to read until my eyes cross."

 

 

 

 

 http://www.kirsticall.comhttp://paulczajak.comhttp://carolordonekster.comhttp:www.benclanton.comhttp://www.loisbrandt.comhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmNpBfbaTul http://paulczajak.com/ http://carolgordonekster.com/http://www.kirsticall.com/ http://www.benclanton.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmNpBfbaTuIhttp://www.loisbrandt.com/ http://paulczajak.com/ http://carolgordonekster.com/http://carolgordonekster.com/http://www.benclanton.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmNpBfbaTuIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmNpBfbaTuIhttp://www.loisbrandt.com/ http://www.loisbrandt.com/ http://carolgordonekster.com/ http://carolgordonekster.com/

2014 Success / Anti-Resolution

Children's author Julie Hedlund, challenged participants of her 12 Days of Christmas for Writers series to post SUCCESSES (rather than resolutions) on our blogs this year. She believes the way New Year's resolutions are traditionally made come from a place of negativity - what DIDN'T get done or achieved in the previous year.  Instead, she suggests we set goals for the New Year that BUILD on our achievements from the previous one. I decided to participate in this Anti-Resolution Revolution! Here is my list for 2014.
My Writing Successes of 2014

• 12x12 challenge
• 23 manuscripts completed. (and 6 of them are great! IMHO)
• I had multiple agents ask for more work and tons of personal feedback from agents and editors.
• I joined a local Critique Group and they ROCK!
• I became more disciplined about my craft.
• Attended 5 webinars.
• Took 2 college courses.
• Attended 2 conferences.
• Did my first two author visits (those kids were so welcoming and eager).
• Created my own writing space that is just for me.
• And a partridge in a pear tree.... no wait that one didn't happen
• PiBoIdMo Winner.
• Received a 4 on Rate My Story.
• Adopted a stray puppy from the shelter who inspired 3 stories.

So as Julie Hedlund suggested, my writing resolution is to build on my successes and not focus on what I didn't do.  So I challenge you writers: Make a list of every success for 2014. Really think about it because I had a lot more than I thought.  Look at it.  Be proud of yourself. Enter 2015 on a positive note of light and optimism.

May 2015 be even greater.

Listen this Holiday

You may have Holiday traditions that revolve around the actual holiday; baking cookies, decorating, religious gathering. My favorite tradition comes after all the food, after all the gifts, when everyone sits around, drunk on pumpkin pie and cookies, and they tell stories. Not all the stories are holiday based.




Most in fact are the various ways we injured ourselves as kids.

Writers, listen to these stories. There are gems among them. Ask your older relatives how they met the love of their lives. Ask that crazy aunt the craziest thing she's ever done. Ask Uncle Bob how he ended up marrying a girl who punched him in the nose when they first met. Ask the twins how they saved 3 bunnies last spring.

Listen to the stories. Listen for the feelings. Joy, love, sorrow, regret, and hopefully hope and humor throughout. You never know when you will be inspired by those you love or even your own memories.

Next time someone says, "Remember when..." listen.