Tip of the Day: The YALSA Symposium is three months away! Who's going (besides me)?
I am rewriting the MG novel that got me my first agent in 2008. Two slightly different versions of that novel were subbed to -- and rejected by -- about eight editors over the course of 2008-2009.
This year I went back to that novel. I love that novel (unlike some drawer novels that I have no interest in working on again). I've been rewriting and revising it like crazy, with good feedback from my CPs, and think it is so much tighter and developed and the characters stand on their own.
The main plotline of the novel is the same, as is the setting, but the execution is just so much more on point because I am a much better writer now than I was in '08.
BUT, it is too late for an agent to look at that novel? Has the ship sailed? I know editors move around a lot from house to house, and some who read it are no longer at the same houses or even still in the pub business.
If this novel were polished and ready to go out four years after its first attempt, what do you suggest I do with it if I am unagented?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Showing posts with label Conferences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conferences. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Conference Specificity (or I'm Gonna Stay at the Y-AL-S-A*)
*with apologies to The Village People
Tip of the Day: It's SUMMER READING time at your local library! See what great games and events they have planned!
I love SCBWI conferences, but my favorite ones have been those with a focus on writing YA, my personal first love, where I get the most bang for my buck.
And I love Book Festivals, but again my favorites are those that focus on teen books -- like the Rochester Teen Book Fest.
Likewise, for my allotment of library related professional development conferences I can attend, there are many choices, but to get the most out of it, I prefer ones that focus on YA lit.
So how lucky was I that the same year I started my job as a YA Librarian (2008), the first YALSA Symposium on Young Adult Literature was held in Nashville, TN.
This symposium is held every two years, and this year's is in St. Louis, MO on Nov. 2-4. The time to apply to hold a session has passed, but it's a great place for YA authors to schmooze with librarians who are obsessed with their works. :)
So if you're a YA author, librarian, teacher, or other fan of the lit, I highly recommend attending this event. You'll often leave with free books, and always leave with energy and inspiration from being around people who love the same literature you do.
Who will I see in St. Louis this November?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Tip of the Day: It's SUMMER READING time at your local library! See what great games and events they have planned!
I love SCBWI conferences, but my favorite ones have been those with a focus on writing YA, my personal first love, where I get the most bang for my buck.
And I love Book Festivals, but again my favorites are those that focus on teen books -- like the Rochester Teen Book Fest.
Likewise, for my allotment of library related professional development conferences I can attend, there are many choices, but to get the most out of it, I prefer ones that focus on YA lit.
So how lucky was I that the same year I started my job as a YA Librarian (2008), the first YALSA Symposium on Young Adult Literature was held in Nashville, TN.
This symposium is held every two years, and this year's is in St. Louis, MO on Nov. 2-4. The time to apply to hold a session has passed, but it's a great place for YA authors to schmooze with librarians who are obsessed with their works. :)
So if you're a YA author, librarian, teacher, or other fan of the lit, I highly recommend attending this event. You'll often leave with free books, and always leave with energy and inspiration from being around people who love the same literature you do.
Who will I see in St. Louis this November?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
SCBWI MD Conference Recap (or In the Merry Land of Maryland)
Tip of the Day: It's National Library Week! Tell your librarians how much you appreciate their services -- and their books!
On Saturday, March 31, I attended the SCBWI MD/DE/WV chapter’s spring conference: “Rx for Children’s Book Creators: Getting Your Stories Right.”
Why did I drive all the way to Maryland for a one-day regional conference, you may ask? Because I needed to visit my friend and her new baby, and I figured with the conference only an hour away from her, I'd squeeze it in and write off my trip! Another interesting tidbit: the first SCBWI conference I ever went to was in MD while visiting this same friend in 2006.
Anyhoo, the morning started with PB/MG author and writing coach Esther Hershenhorn and her talk, “Getting Your Stories Right.” She focused on how not only should writers and illustrators focus on the plotlines of their characters’ stories, but that they should also view their own creation journeys as plotlines. Kind of a cool concept, one I hadn't considered before.
After lunch, HarperCollins Associate Editor Sarah Dotts Barley discussed “Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.” I was familiar with a number of the “mistakes” she saw in her submissions, like “show don’t tell,” and a reminder to not include every stage direction that your character makes to get from point A to B. But for beginners it was a good talk, and she was a gracious and patient speaker with cool credits like the DEAR BULLY anthology who clearly knows her stuff.
Rachel Orr, agent at Prospect Agency, was the final solo presenter of the day with her talk, “Voices Carry: Discovering and Developing Your Own Personal Style.” And oh em gee, her discussion and examples were the most clear I have heard on the subject of the elusive "voice!" Go Rachel! She took portions of published picture books and novels, stripped them of their “voice,” and put both versions on a PowerPoint slide for comparison. Voila! A great presentation.
The final session, “Fairy Tales and Cautionary Tales,” consisted of a panel of eight of the region’s members who are agented or published. They talked about the mistakes they made along their journeys and what they would do differently now, how they got their first published gigs, and what their best advice was for writers and illustrators struggling to make it today. It was a frank, humorous, and realistic chat on the publishing industry that I really appreciated.
After decompressing my brain at my friend's house where I hung with her baby and we dyed Easter eggs, I drove home excited to dive into my MG revisions again with a focus on voice and the knowledge that I am a character in my own writing life who will one day achieve my greatest writing desires. Woo hoo!
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
On Saturday, March 31, I attended the SCBWI MD/DE/WV chapter’s spring conference: “Rx for Children’s Book Creators: Getting Your Stories Right.”
Why did I drive all the way to Maryland for a one-day regional conference, you may ask? Because I needed to visit my friend and her new baby, and I figured with the conference only an hour away from her, I'd squeeze it in and write off my trip! Another interesting tidbit: the first SCBWI conference I ever went to was in MD while visiting this same friend in 2006.
Anyhoo, the morning started with PB/MG author and writing coach Esther Hershenhorn and her talk, “Getting Your Stories Right.” She focused on how not only should writers and illustrators focus on the plotlines of their characters’ stories, but that they should also view their own creation journeys as plotlines. Kind of a cool concept, one I hadn't considered before.
After lunch, HarperCollins Associate Editor Sarah Dotts Barley discussed “Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.” I was familiar with a number of the “mistakes” she saw in her submissions, like “show don’t tell,” and a reminder to not include every stage direction that your character makes to get from point A to B. But for beginners it was a good talk, and she was a gracious and patient speaker with cool credits like the DEAR BULLY anthology who clearly knows her stuff.
Rachel Orr, agent at Prospect Agency, was the final solo presenter of the day with her talk, “Voices Carry: Discovering and Developing Your Own Personal Style.” And oh em gee, her discussion and examples were the most clear I have heard on the subject of the elusive "voice!" Go Rachel! She took portions of published picture books and novels, stripped them of their “voice,” and put both versions on a PowerPoint slide for comparison. Voila! A great presentation.
The final session, “Fairy Tales and Cautionary Tales,” consisted of a panel of eight of the region’s members who are agented or published. They talked about the mistakes they made along their journeys and what they would do differently now, how they got their first published gigs, and what their best advice was for writers and illustrators struggling to make it today. It was a frank, humorous, and realistic chat on the publishing industry that I really appreciated.
After decompressing my brain at my friend's house where I hung with her baby and we dyed Easter eggs, I drove home excited to dive into my MG revisions again with a focus on voice and the knowledge that I am a character in my own writing life who will one day achieve my greatest writing desires. Woo hoo!
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Friday, March 2, 2012
In Praise of the Ugly First Draft
Tip of the Day: Treat writing as a business, but don't forget to have fun with it too.
As you read this, my five-year-old son is in the hospital getting his tonsils removed. The date has been looming over me for weeks now. He'll be off of school for a week while he recovers, probably spending the bulk of his time snuggling with me or playing video games. Our ancient PS2 and old-timer Wii reside in the basement - my iMac is in our second-floor loft. Needless to say, I won't get any quality writing time in while he's home. Even when he's playing video games, I'll want to be close by. I'm definitely a helicopter mom when it comes to my kids' health.
I've been working very hard since January to write the first draft of Afterlife. As his surgery date got closer and closer, my panic over finishing this draft grew and grew and grew. I had it in my mind that I could easily print out the draft, edit by hand, and still get plenty of work done while he recovered.
In the last two weeks, I've written over 25,000 words. I'm close to finishing, but not totally done. I know, you're thinking that's a lot of words in a short amount of time. Totally true - but that doesn't mean they're great words.
My writing life changed in 2000 when I saw Anne Lamott speak at a writing conference. She introduced me to the concept of the Sh!++y First Draft.
The concept? Get the words out. They don't have to be pretty, but without that first draft there's nothing to edit.
"The first draft is the child's draft, where you let it all pour out and then let it romp all over the place, knowing that no one is going to see it and that you can shape it later. You just let this childlike part of you channel whatever voices and visions come through and onto the page." -Anne Lamott
Finally, I was free to write. Instead of agonizing over word choice, I give myself fully to the story during the first draft. Not only do I enjoy writing more, but I feel like I'm able to let the muse speak rather than forcing my characters into situations just for the sake of following an outline. Now I consider my first draft a really long, ugly summary. A severe round of editing comes next.
Instead of fretting over taking an entire week off of work, I'll be cuddling on the couch with my little man. He'll have his game remote in his hands; I'll have my first rough draft, a highlighter, a pen, note cards, sticky notes, Sleepers (for cross-referencing), and a thesaurus in my hands. It's a good thing I have eight arms. ;)
So, thank you, Anne Lamott. You spoke so lovingly about your son all those years ago. I was an unmarried girl, unsure of my future, but absorbing every beautiful nugget I could glean from you. Who knew that one day your advice would enable me to write while being the best mom I can be to my son? <3
Megg, Miss Enchanted ePubber
 |
| Coming Summer 2012 |
I've been working very hard since January to write the first draft of Afterlife. As his surgery date got closer and closer, my panic over finishing this draft grew and grew and grew. I had it in my mind that I could easily print out the draft, edit by hand, and still get plenty of work done while he recovered.
In the last two weeks, I've written over 25,000 words. I'm close to finishing, but not totally done. I know, you're thinking that's a lot of words in a short amount of time. Totally true - but that doesn't mean they're great words.
 |
| My ratty, yellowed copy of Bird by Bird |
The concept? Get the words out. They don't have to be pretty, but without that first draft there's nothing to edit.
"The first draft is the child's draft, where you let it all pour out and then let it romp all over the place, knowing that no one is going to see it and that you can shape it later. You just let this childlike part of you channel whatever voices and visions come through and onto the page." -Anne Lamott
Finally, I was free to write. Instead of agonizing over word choice, I give myself fully to the story during the first draft. Not only do I enjoy writing more, but I feel like I'm able to let the muse speak rather than forcing my characters into situations just for the sake of following an outline. Now I consider my first draft a really long, ugly summary. A severe round of editing comes next.
Instead of fretting over taking an entire week off of work, I'll be cuddling on the couch with my little man. He'll have his game remote in his hands; I'll have my first rough draft, a highlighter, a pen, note cards, sticky notes, Sleepers (for cross-referencing), and a thesaurus in my hands. It's a good thing I have eight arms. ;)
So, thank you, Anne Lamott. You spoke so lovingly about your son all those years ago. I was an unmarried girl, unsure of my future, but absorbing every beautiful nugget I could glean from you. Who knew that one day your advice would enable me to write while being the best mom I can be to my son? <3
Megg, Miss Enchanted ePubber
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tip of the Day, Librarian Edition: Enjoy my blog posts? Think they mean I'm a good librarian? Think that means my Brighton Memorial Library is the best public library in Monroe County? Vote for BML!
On March 12th, I am presenting book talks on Hot Teen Titles to a bunch of librarians! Anyone who's met me in person knows I can booktalk for hours. I only get 20 minutes, so I better practice my speed-talking!
To prepare a well-rounded presentation and book list, I've been reading a lot of new teen graphic novels and non-fiction. I loved LILY RENEE, ESCAPE ARTIST (graphic novel) and am enjoying THE PREGNANCY PROJECT (non-fiction), but since I usually read teen fiction, I want to make sure I'm not forgetting anything HOT that was released between September 2011 and March 2012.
Does anyone have any recommendations of teen GNs or NF that I must read and include in my presentation?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
On March 12th, I am presenting book talks on Hot Teen Titles to a bunch of librarians! Anyone who's met me in person knows I can booktalk for hours. I only get 20 minutes, so I better practice my speed-talking!
To prepare a well-rounded presentation and book list, I've been reading a lot of new teen graphic novels and non-fiction. I loved LILY RENEE, ESCAPE ARTIST (graphic novel) and am enjoying THE PREGNANCY PROJECT (non-fiction), but since I usually read teen fiction, I want to make sure I'm not forgetting anything HOT that was released between September 2011 and March 2012.
Does anyone have any recommendations of teen GNs or NF that I must read and include in my presentation?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Anderson's 8th Annual Young Adult Literature Conference Recap
Tip of the Day: Kindle just announced their Kindle Fire tablet, priced at $199. Looks very iPad-ish. Check it out.
The Anderson's YA conference last weekend was absolutely awesome! I had such a great time. First thing I saw when I got there was that they had my new book for sale! Two weeks early. I was so excited to get to start signing it already.
My first panel didn't start until 10 am so following the breakfast I went to see "The Edge" panel. I knew I'd learn a lot since my work is as edgy as a soccer ball.
On the panel were Elizabeth Scott, Sarah Darer Littman, and Jeanine Cummins.
Their books were fascinating and wow, lots of heavy stuff. Kidnapping, murder, rape, internet predators, bulimia...yeah. I kinda wanted to go drink afterward. Just kidding. It really is so different than the light-hearted books I write though. Do you think I'll ever do an edgy book? Hmm. Well, I never
We watched a number of featured speakers. Favorites were Patrick Carmen and the picture of him in one of the priest collared shirts his very catholic mother used to make him (so funny!) and Sharon Draper and her reading the amazing letters she gets from children. I also really enjoyed Lisa McMann (pictured left). Her new book, The Unwanteds looks great!
I had a blast signing books and meeting librarians and teachers. And when it was over I stuck around and stock signed a ton of books (pictured below) for Anderson's. If you're looking for one of my signed books you can go to their web site and order it (or visit if you're local).
The Anderson's YA conference last weekend was absolutely awesome! I had such a great time. First thing I saw when I got there was that they had my new book for sale! Two weeks early. I was so excited to get to start signing it already.
My first panel didn't start until 10 am so following the breakfast I went to see "The Edge" panel. I knew I'd learn a lot since my work is as edgy as a soccer ball.
On the panel were Elizabeth Scott, Sarah Darer Littman, and Jeanine Cummins.
Their books were fascinating and wow, lots of heavy stuff. Kidnapping, murder, rape, internet predators, bulimia...yeah. I kinda wanted to go drink afterward. Just kidding. It really is so different than the light-hearted books I write though. Do you think I'll ever do an edgy book? Hmm. Well, I never
say never.
I also caught the Urban Voices authors talking about their work and reading from their books.
On the panel were Coe Booth, Paul Griffin, Torrey Maldonado, Paul Volponi, and Jacqueline Woodson. Great stuff!
I participated in two panels (sorry, no pics!) with Franny Billingsly and James Kennedy, called Write Down the Street. We represented the local YA authors in the Chicagoland area. They were a lot of fun and the audience asked great questions.
On the panel were Coe Booth, Paul Griffin, Torrey Maldonado, Paul Volponi, and Jacqueline Woodson. Great stuff!
I participated in two panels (sorry, no pics!) with Franny Billingsly and James Kennedy, called Write Down the Street. We represented the local YA authors in the Chicagoland area. They were a lot of fun and the audience asked great questions.
We watched a number of featured speakers. Favorites were Patrick Carmen and the picture of him in one of the priest collared shirts his very catholic mother used to make him (so funny!) and Sharon Draper and her reading the amazing letters she gets from children. I also really enjoyed Lisa McMann (pictured left). Her new book, The Unwanteds looks great!
I had a blast signing books and meeting librarians and teachers. And when it was over I stuck around and stock signed a ton of books (pictured below) for Anderson's. If you're looking for one of my signed books you can go to their web site and order it (or visit if you're local).
It was a wonderful event and I was thrilled to be a part of it!
Kristina, Miss Author in Action
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Emotional Truth (or Can You Handle the Truth?)
Tip of the Day: Take advantage of Wegmans $6 meals when you can.
Last week I talked about the Rochester Teen Book Fest and said I'd discuss my take aways from the event as a writer.
The overarching theme from the presenters I saw was to write to your emotions. Torrey Maldonado really brought this home with his invigorating speech. To all those sixth graders who have him for a teacher: you are so lucky!
Shari Maurer and Selene Castrovilla, who I spent most of my day with, kept reminding me and their audience to write "the emotional truth." If the story calls to be written in a certain way, write it. The plot of the novel doesn't need to mimic a real life experience the writer has had, but the EMOTIONS evoked from the manuscript should reflect a real emotion that has been experienced.
Some books are hard to write, but hard books need to be written. They will touch at least one reader. And that reader is important. That reader is who you are writing for. Selene's second book deals with cancer, and she had teens from the cancer center at one of her talks. Shari's book deals with heart transplants, and she had a 16-year-old who'd had 2 heart transplants at her talk. It gave me chills to hear these teens tell the authors what their books meant to them; that it made them realize they weren't alone. Chills.
TBF was not the first time I'd heard the expression about writing the emotional truth BUT it was the first time it really hit me about what that meant. In 2010 I rewrote the first novel I'd ever written and heavily revised my YA that is currently on sub. Both of those books were important for me to write because of the significant parts that pieces of them have played in my life. Not exact replicas of the situations or plots -- I made sure to NOT regurgitate my life in a novel -- but I realized in revising both works that in trying to avoid writing memoirs, I had skimmed over the emotional truths! Watered them down!
It took me a long time to figure out what emotion I intended to write, and that I needed to get there in whatever way felt natural, not by forcing the books to go in different directions to avoid autobiographical elements. And not by adding in autobiographical elements either.
Thank you, TBF authors, for giving me this reminder. I plan to use it in every writing session from now on.
*Another gem completely unrelated? When I asked Selene and Shari if they thought contemp realistic fiction like theirs would have a resurgence of popularity, they said they believe books like theirs will always have readers and followers -- it's just that the paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy readers are a lot more demonstrative (as was evidenced by manga author/illustrator Svetlana Chmakova's fans in their costumes at the Fest).
I think she's totally right. Trends will be trends, but those books that offer fun costumes and creatures will always have another avenue of marketing and drawing attention to the work.
Thoughts on any/all of this?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Last week I talked about the Rochester Teen Book Fest and said I'd discuss my take aways from the event as a writer.
The overarching theme from the presenters I saw was to write to your emotions. Torrey Maldonado really brought this home with his invigorating speech. To all those sixth graders who have him for a teacher: you are so lucky!
Shari Maurer and Selene Castrovilla, who I spent most of my day with, kept reminding me and their audience to write "the emotional truth." If the story calls to be written in a certain way, write it. The plot of the novel doesn't need to mimic a real life experience the writer has had, but the EMOTIONS evoked from the manuscript should reflect a real emotion that has been experienced.
Some books are hard to write, but hard books need to be written. They will touch at least one reader. And that reader is important. That reader is who you are writing for. Selene's second book deals with cancer, and she had teens from the cancer center at one of her talks. Shari's book deals with heart transplants, and she had a 16-year-old who'd had 2 heart transplants at her talk. It gave me chills to hear these teens tell the authors what their books meant to them; that it made them realize they weren't alone. Chills.
TBF was not the first time I'd heard the expression about writing the emotional truth BUT it was the first time it really hit me about what that meant. In 2010 I rewrote the first novel I'd ever written and heavily revised my YA that is currently on sub. Both of those books were important for me to write because of the significant parts that pieces of them have played in my life. Not exact replicas of the situations or plots -- I made sure to NOT regurgitate my life in a novel -- but I realized in revising both works that in trying to avoid writing memoirs, I had skimmed over the emotional truths! Watered them down!
It took me a long time to figure out what emotion I intended to write, and that I needed to get there in whatever way felt natural, not by forcing the books to go in different directions to avoid autobiographical elements. And not by adding in autobiographical elements either.
Thank you, TBF authors, for giving me this reminder. I plan to use it in every writing session from now on.
*Another gem completely unrelated? When I asked Selene and Shari if they thought contemp realistic fiction like theirs would have a resurgence of popularity, they said they believe books like theirs will always have readers and followers -- it's just that the paranormal/sci-fi/fantasy readers are a lot more demonstrative (as was evidenced by manga author/illustrator Svetlana Chmakova's fans in their costumes at the Fest).
I think she's totally right. Trends will be trends, but those books that offer fun costumes and creatures will always have another avenue of marketing and drawing attention to the work.
Thoughts on any/all of this?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Author as Librarian (or Teen Book Fest Take Aways)
Tip of the Day: See Kate's post from Monday for more great pics from Saturday's event!
Holy cow, what a great day Rochester area readers had on Saturday at the Teen Book Festival @ Nazareth College!
Here is Fairport Public Library's YA Librarian Stephanie Squicciarini, the founder of TBF and all around amazing person. Yes, author Terry Trueman crowned her TBF Queen.
The opening author panel allowed the audience to get a feel for all the authors at the Fest even though there isn't time to visit everyone's individual sessions.
I had a lovely time chatting with "my" authors, Selene Castrovilla and Shari Maurer. Here they are with my intern Kelley, me, and our two teen author volunteers.
Author Inara Scott was not an "official" part of the Fest, but we connected online and I learned she would be in town to help promote Writers and Books summer writing programs for kids and teens.
The day completed with the author signing session that lasted for over 1.5 hours. Holy moley! Rochester loves their authors!
As a librarian, my take away was that people love books. They love to read. And we need libraries to provide free access to the books they love. OK, that was all obvious and stuff.
As a writer, well, I'll talk about those take aways next week.
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Holy cow, what a great day Rochester area readers had on Saturday at the Teen Book Festival @ Nazareth College!
Here is Fairport Public Library's YA Librarian Stephanie Squicciarini, the founder of TBF and all around amazing person. Yes, author Terry Trueman crowned her TBF Queen.
The opening author panel allowed the audience to get a feel for all the authors at the Fest even though there isn't time to visit everyone's individual sessions.
I had a lovely time chatting with "my" authors, Selene Castrovilla and Shari Maurer. Here they are with my intern Kelley, me, and our two teen author volunteers.
Author Inara Scott was not an "official" part of the Fest, but we connected online and I learned she would be in town to help promote Writers and Books summer writing programs for kids and teens.
The day completed with the author signing session that lasted for over 1.5 hours. Holy moley! Rochester loves their authors!
As a librarian, my take away was that people love books. They love to read. And we need libraries to provide free access to the books they love. OK, that was all obvious and stuff.
As a writer, well, I'll talk about those take aways next week.
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Friday, May 13, 2011
Fun Friday: Teen Book Festival Organizers Dye Their Hair!
The teens did it! They raised over $6,666.00 for the sixth annual Rochester Teen Book Festival so the organizers of the event did what they promised: they dyed their hair crazy colors. Check out this fabulous news footage at the hair salon Tuesday morning and stay tuned for pics after the event for the gorgeous and bright results!
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Sixth Annual Rochester Teen Book Fest! (or Why I Love My Job Reason # 134)
In case you missed it last Friday, check out my interview with the hilarious YA author Allen Zadoff!
I am unable to focus on anything but The Rochester Teen Book Fest this Saturday (9AM to 5PM @ Naz College. FREE!). It's my Christmas!
I also get to have a fab author IN MY CAR as I drive her to the hotel from the airport and I plan to ask her to rub some of her talent and publishing luck into the fibers of my passenger seat.
OK, OK, I won't, I promise! I'll play the YA Librarian Fangirl instead of the Writer Asking for the Magic Pill to Publishingdom.
Will any of our blog readers be there on Saturday?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
I am unable to focus on anything but The Rochester Teen Book Fest this Saturday (9AM to 5PM @ Naz College. FREE!). It's my Christmas!
I also get to have a fab author IN MY CAR as I drive her to the hotel from the airport and I plan to ask her to rub some of her talent and publishing luck into the fibers of my passenger seat.
OK, OK, I won't, I promise! I'll play the YA Librarian Fangirl instead of the Writer Asking for the Magic Pill to Publishingdom.
Will any of our blog readers be there on Saturday?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
For YA Publishers: Bundling (or Librarians Love Read Alikes)
Tip of the Day: Want to know what books are already published that may be like your wip? Ask your local librarian! We're happy to provide read alikes and reader's advisory.
*A post inspired by the YALSA Symposium*
Guess what? Many YA librarians LOVE book lists. We make our own, steal from other libraries, compile from listservs, etc., all in the name of giving our teen readers more of what they like, and making readers advisory transactions quick and smooth -- and with more suggestions for their next library visit.
And we're not snobbish in how these book lists are organized or titled. We love to be "clever!" Zombie Books, Vamps Don't Die, Books with HEART (titles with the word "heart" in them), Make a Splash (water themed), Get A Job (MCs who work), Dead Parent Syndrome (MCs with dead parents), Jewish Themed, Asian Inspired, etc.
So what would be cool is if YA publishers "bundled" some books from their lists together for us. Not just in what is coming out by season, but maybe some backlist books that could be pushed with newer big releases ("Here's our BIG BOOK for the season! Fans of this may like THIS BACK TITLE!" (and the back title may be in paperback so it is affordable for us poor libraries)).
This would also be useful at conferences. If a big display of new releases has the BIG BOOK of the season front and center, they could provide a book list of read alikes from previous seasons to help with collection development which leads to readers advisory once the books are on the shelf.
So many times it seems that publishers jump ship from their "not as successful" books in favor of putting ALL their effort into the current BIG BOOK -- when in reality promoting the "smaller" books as read alikes to the BIG BOOK could help sales all around.
Is there a reason this isn't done?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
*A post inspired by the YALSA Symposium*
Guess what? Many YA librarians LOVE book lists. We make our own, steal from other libraries, compile from listservs, etc., all in the name of giving our teen readers more of what they like, and making readers advisory transactions quick and smooth -- and with more suggestions for their next library visit.
And we're not snobbish in how these book lists are organized or titled. We love to be "clever!" Zombie Books, Vamps Don't Die, Books with HEART (titles with the word "heart" in them), Make a Splash (water themed), Get A Job (MCs who work), Dead Parent Syndrome (MCs with dead parents), Jewish Themed, Asian Inspired, etc.
So what would be cool is if YA publishers "bundled" some books from their lists together for us. Not just in what is coming out by season, but maybe some backlist books that could be pushed with newer big releases ("Here's our BIG BOOK for the season! Fans of this may like THIS BACK TITLE!" (and the back title may be in paperback so it is affordable for us poor libraries)).
This would also be useful at conferences. If a big display of new releases has the BIG BOOK of the season front and center, they could provide a book list of read alikes from previous seasons to help with collection development which leads to readers advisory once the books are on the shelf.
So many times it seems that publishers jump ship from their "not as successful" books in favor of putting ALL their effort into the current BIG BOOK -- when in reality promoting the "smaller" books as read alikes to the BIG BOOK could help sales all around.
Is there a reason this isn't done?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Falling Leaves (or Down By the Bay)
Tip of the Day: Want to spend time on a crisp Adirondak mountain with a beautiful clear lake? Visit Silver Bay!
I am back from the Falling Leaves Eastern NY SCBWI Novel Revision Retreat and am overflowing with revision ideas and inspiration. Wow. What a fantastic weekend. Not only did I connect with some lovely writers (including a few from Verla Kay's Blueboard), but I enjoyed the sunny weather, peaceful lapping of the lake, and insightful workshops by five kidlit editors.
[We stayed in this cool inn]
I should be working on my revisions, so I'll just quickly post some of the take-aways I gleaned from this weekend:
--Not every book has the same kind of hook or purpose; decide if your book is driven by character, voice, plot, or setting (or a combo of two of these)...
--then ensure that your pitch and synopsis make it clear which part of your novel is the key or hook of your book. (Thanks to the wise Wendy Loggia, Julie Tibbott, and Mary Kate Castellani for approaching these elements in a different way, a way that spoke to me.)
--Aka, don't try to make your book something it's not; let the story and characters speak to you. (Thanks to Kendra Levin for reminding me to take the time to listen to my characters.)
--Also write the first page of the novel in a way that enhances what your book is driven by. (Thanks to Noa Wheeler for the opening session on beginnings.)
What was so cool was how each of these sessions related to the others despite their independent development. They also tied into the 20 page editor crit I received, and the AWESOME peer crit time. I seriously LOVE my chapter one now, thanks to the focus I was able to put on it this weekend.
And here's some more Silver Bay pics for good measure:
If you have a chance to attend a Falling Leaves retreat, I highly recommend it. My advice for attendees: Go in with an open mind, focus on one manuscript all weekend, listen and absorb without constantly taking notes, accept what is offered instead of getting hung up on what you *think* you want before you're there, connect with other writers and listen to their stories and advice. Oh, and remember to thank the organizer. Thank you, Nancy and company! :)
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
I am back from the Falling Leaves Eastern NY SCBWI Novel Revision Retreat and am overflowing with revision ideas and inspiration. Wow. What a fantastic weekend. Not only did I connect with some lovely writers (including a few from Verla Kay's Blueboard), but I enjoyed the sunny weather, peaceful lapping of the lake, and insightful workshops by five kidlit editors.
[We stayed in this cool inn]I should be working on my revisions, so I'll just quickly post some of the take-aways I gleaned from this weekend:
--Not every book has the same kind of hook or purpose; decide if your book is driven by character, voice, plot, or setting (or a combo of two of these)...
--then ensure that your pitch and synopsis make it clear which part of your novel is the key or hook of your book. (Thanks to the wise Wendy Loggia, Julie Tibbott, and Mary Kate Castellani for approaching these elements in a different way, a way that spoke to me.)
--Aka, don't try to make your book something it's not; let the story and characters speak to you. (Thanks to Kendra Levin for reminding me to take the time to listen to my characters.)
--Also write the first page of the novel in a way that enhances what your book is driven by. (Thanks to Noa Wheeler for the opening session on beginnings.)
What was so cool was how each of these sessions related to the others despite their independent development. They also tied into the 20 page editor crit I received, and the AWESOME peer crit time. I seriously LOVE my chapter one now, thanks to the focus I was able to put on it this weekend.
And here's some more Silver Bay pics for good measure:
If you have a chance to attend a Falling Leaves retreat, I highly recommend it. My advice for attendees: Go in with an open mind, focus on one manuscript all weekend, listen and absorb without constantly taking notes, accept what is offered instead of getting hung up on what you *think* you want before you're there, connect with other writers and listen to their stories and advice. Oh, and remember to thank the organizer. Thank you, Nancy and company! :)
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
New Mexico, New Friends (or YALSA Rocks!)
Tip of the Day: Be nice to your local librarian. Remember that her day does NOT comprise of sitting around reading. :-p
OK, as much as my return to the reality of my job has been a bit hectic after being away for 5 days, I can't really complain bc the YALSA Symposium in Albuquerque that I attended was FANTASTIC!
In the next few weeks, I'll be posting specific thoughts about the publishing industry that I gleaned while in NM, but today I just want to do a quick conference wrap-up with pics.
Three other lovely MCLS YA Librarians went to NM and our first night we of course had to hit up some Mexican food.
Friday was the pre-conference and the afternoon session on "Fat Lit" was especially entertaining for me bc a former Brighton High School student (the school down the block from my library) was there! If you haven't read Allen Zadoff's award-winning and hilarious YA novel, FOOD, GIRLS, AND OTHER THINGS I CAN'T HAVE, you must for laugh-out-loud goodness.
Megan Frazier was on this panel as well, and I really enjoyed her book THE SECRETS OF TRUTH AND BEAUTY.
Friday night was the "social" where I met Selene Castrovilla in person! We've been online friends since her novel SAVED BY THE MUSIC came out last year. And of course, Terry Trueman needed to butt into the pic so we let him. (Have you read his Printz Honor STUCK IN NEUTRAL yet? It is hauntingly brilliant.) If you have the chance to hear Terry speak, you must attend. Funny and real.
Both authors will be at the Rochester Teen Book Fest in May 2011!
Saturday was another full day of panels, including one that was highly relevant to my library, on diversity vs. commercial appeal of YA novels. Malinda Lo, Cynthea Liu, Neesha Meminger, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, and Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez did an excellent job of showing the difficulties in getting multicultural stories into the hands of YAs. It was great to see these authors in person!
Next I attended a panel of YA editors who discussed the process and challenges of publishing books in translation. My pic came out pretty bad, but the knowledgable speakers were Kaylan Adair, editor of Winter’s End (Candlewick); Francoise Bui, editor of A Faraway Island (Delacorte); Diane Landolf, editor of The Century: Ring of Fire (Random House); and Susan Van Metre, editor of Fell and Tiger Moon (Abrams).
The final panel of the day was on poetry and novels in verse. Five poets talked about their processes and read from their works. It was great to hear them recite their own work. Margarita Engle, Pat Mora, Jen Bryant, Ann Burg, and April Halprin Wayland did an excellent job talking about this format that is popular with teens (will novels-in-verse ever be popular with adults?).
That night was the author happy hour where I picked up some awesome books, including an ARC of the March 2011 historical novel, BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY by Ruta Sepetys, who was on the panel the next morning about Historical Fiction. Her book is about the mass murders of Lithuanians under Stalin in the 1940s. Wow. Powerful, scary stuff, and so well written. She presented with Christina Gonzalez, whose RED UMBRELLA was a fantastic novel as well.
The final keynote speakers talked about censorship and book banning: the funny Lauren Myracle, and the tear-inducing Ellen Hopkins. For as many times as EH has been to the Rochester TBF, I've never had the chance to hear her speak. Sunday afternoon was my time, and wow, when she read some of the emails she gets from teens after they read her books? Just wow. I'm so glad she's been able to take her difficult life (re: her daughter's drug addiction, which spawned CRANK) and turn it into something that can help these kids. I'm proud of both of these authors for standing up for their books in the face of fear and opposition.
Overall: WOW. Amazing weekend, amazing presenters, amazing organization by YALSA. If I had more time, I'd go into extra details and add pics of all the books I walked away with, but I have to get working on my materials for the Falling Leaves Conference that I leave for on Friday!
Were any of you readers at the Symposium?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
OK, as much as my return to the reality of my job has been a bit hectic after being away for 5 days, I can't really complain bc the YALSA Symposium in Albuquerque that I attended was FANTASTIC!
In the next few weeks, I'll be posting specific thoughts about the publishing industry that I gleaned while in NM, but today I just want to do a quick conference wrap-up with pics.
Three other lovely MCLS YA Librarians went to NM and our first night we of course had to hit up some Mexican food.
Friday was the pre-conference and the afternoon session on "Fat Lit" was especially entertaining for me bc a former Brighton High School student (the school down the block from my library) was there! If you haven't read Allen Zadoff's award-winning and hilarious YA novel, FOOD, GIRLS, AND OTHER THINGS I CAN'T HAVE, you must for laugh-out-loud goodness.
Megan Frazier was on this panel as well, and I really enjoyed her book THE SECRETS OF TRUTH AND BEAUTY.
Friday night was the "social" where I met Selene Castrovilla in person! We've been online friends since her novel SAVED BY THE MUSIC came out last year. And of course, Terry Trueman needed to butt into the pic so we let him. (Have you read his Printz Honor STUCK IN NEUTRAL yet? It is hauntingly brilliant.) If you have the chance to hear Terry speak, you must attend. Funny and real.
Both authors will be at the Rochester Teen Book Fest in May 2011!
Saturday was another full day of panels, including one that was highly relevant to my library, on diversity vs. commercial appeal of YA novels. Malinda Lo, Cynthea Liu, Neesha Meminger, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, and Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez did an excellent job of showing the difficulties in getting multicultural stories into the hands of YAs. It was great to see these authors in person!
Next I attended a panel of YA editors who discussed the process and challenges of publishing books in translation. My pic came out pretty bad, but the knowledgable speakers were Kaylan Adair, editor of Winter’s End (Candlewick); Francoise Bui, editor of A Faraway Island (Delacorte); Diane Landolf, editor of The Century: Ring of Fire (Random House); and Susan Van Metre, editor of Fell and Tiger Moon (Abrams).
The final panel of the day was on poetry and novels in verse. Five poets talked about their processes and read from their works. It was great to hear them recite their own work. Margarita Engle, Pat Mora, Jen Bryant, Ann Burg, and April Halprin Wayland did an excellent job talking about this format that is popular with teens (will novels-in-verse ever be popular with adults?).
That night was the author happy hour where I picked up some awesome books, including an ARC of the March 2011 historical novel, BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY by Ruta Sepetys, who was on the panel the next morning about Historical Fiction. Her book is about the mass murders of Lithuanians under Stalin in the 1940s. Wow. Powerful, scary stuff, and so well written. She presented with Christina Gonzalez, whose RED UMBRELLA was a fantastic novel as well.
The final keynote speakers talked about censorship and book banning: the funny Lauren Myracle, and the tear-inducing Ellen Hopkins. For as many times as EH has been to the Rochester TBF, I've never had the chance to hear her speak. Sunday afternoon was my time, and wow, when she read some of the emails she gets from teens after they read her books? Just wow. I'm so glad she's been able to take her difficult life (re: her daughter's drug addiction, which spawned CRANK) and turn it into something that can help these kids. I'm proud of both of these authors for standing up for their books in the face of fear and opposition.
Overall: WOW. Amazing weekend, amazing presenters, amazing organization by YALSA. If I had more time, I'd go into extra details and add pics of all the books I walked away with, but I have to get working on my materials for the Falling Leaves Conference that I leave for on Friday!
Were any of you readers at the Symposium?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I Sympose (or A First Class Ticket to Albuquerque*)
*With apologies to Weird Al Yankovic
Tip of the Day: Doing NaNoWriMo? Tether yourself to your keyboard by plugging a pair of headphones into your PC and clamping them to your head. Works for me when I need to stay BIC!
Tomorrow morning I am heading to the Second YALSA Symposium on Young Adult Literature and I am psyched for a number of reasons:
1) I've never been to New Mexico before and it looks lovely
2) While the temps here in Rochester will be near snowy, the Albuquerque forcast is in the mid-60s and sunny
3) A keynote speech by Lauren Myracle and Ellen Hopkins, amazing writers and speakers
4) Free books! I'm remembering my empty suitcase this time
5) A breakout session featuring the hilarious Michael Zadoff (FOOD, GIRLS, AND OTHER THINGS I CAN'T HAVE) who grew up in Rochester
6) A fascinating breakout session "Commercial Success and Diversity: Are Both Possible, or Are They a Contradiction in Terms?" that is highly relevant in my diverse library population
7) Time to work on my November goals in the evenings
Is that enough reasons? Will any of you be there?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Tip of the Day: Doing NaNoWriMo? Tether yourself to your keyboard by plugging a pair of headphones into your PC and clamping them to your head. Works for me when I need to stay BIC!
Tomorrow morning I am heading to the Second YALSA Symposium on Young Adult Literature and I am psyched for a number of reasons:
1) I've never been to New Mexico before and it looks lovely
2) While the temps here in Rochester will be near snowy, the Albuquerque forcast is in the mid-60s and sunny
3) A keynote speech by Lauren Myracle and Ellen Hopkins, amazing writers and speakers
4) Free books! I'm remembering my empty suitcase this time
5) A breakout session featuring the hilarious Michael Zadoff (FOOD, GIRLS, AND OTHER THINGS I CAN'T HAVE) who grew up in Rochester
6) A fascinating breakout session "Commercial Success and Diversity: Are Both Possible, or Are They a Contradiction in Terms?" that is highly relevant in my diverse library population
7) Time to work on my November goals in the evenings
Is that enough reasons? Will any of you be there?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
November Novel Revision Retreat! (or I'm a Sucker for SCBWI)
Tip of the Day: I've previously advertised my enjoyment of Red Cat, but White Cat -- yum for post-revisions! Delicious!
You may remember a few weeks ago when I was deciding whether or not to apply to the SCBWI Falling Leaves Weekend Novel Revision Retreat.
Well, after asking my manpanion if it was crazy to apply for that conference after attending the YALSA conference in Albuquerque the weekend before, he said, "Nah. Go for it." So I did -- and I got it! (Ok, it's possible that only 30 people applied to go so "getting in" wasn't that far of a stretch, but it feels nice to say "accepted" instead of "rejected" as much as possible in this business.)
Pubbed as well as unpubbed authors will be there in attendance -- and I can't wait to network with all of them plus the editors and lovely SCBWI advisors!
The novel that got me accepted is the YA that was my first ever novel that I started rewriting last summer before I went nuts-o writing the FASHION book. I'm excited to have a reason to go back to it and polish it up!
Is anyone else going to Falling Leaves in November?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
You may remember a few weeks ago when I was deciding whether or not to apply to the SCBWI Falling Leaves Weekend Novel Revision Retreat.
Well, after asking my manpanion if it was crazy to apply for that conference after attending the YALSA conference in Albuquerque the weekend before, he said, "Nah. Go for it." So I did -- and I got it! (Ok, it's possible that only 30 people applied to go so "getting in" wasn't that far of a stretch, but it feels nice to say "accepted" instead of "rejected" as much as possible in this business.)
Pubbed as well as unpubbed authors will be there in attendance -- and I can't wait to network with all of them plus the editors and lovely SCBWI advisors!
The novel that got me accepted is the YA that was my first ever novel that I started rewriting last summer before I went nuts-o writing the FASHION book. I'm excited to have a reason to go back to it and polish it up!
Is anyone else going to Falling Leaves in November?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
To Write or To Retreat? (or Enjoy the Silence*)
With apologies to Depeche Mode (XOXO)*
Tip of the day: There are four days left to register for this SCBWI novel-writing retreat in the Adirondaks!
The Falling Leaves Masterclass Retreat at the Silver Bay YMCA in the Adirondaks of New York looks lovely. (See link above.) Beautiful setting in fall, driveable location from home, five editors to chat with, one of whom will crit 20 pages of your novel....ahhhh! Bliss! I am SO CLOSE to just sending in my registration to hope I make it in. In fact, my fingers are twitching now as I resist printing out the registration form.
The reasons I'm hesitatnt to reply? Here's my thoughts:
1. The weekend before I will be in Albuquerque for the YALSA Symposium, so how many YA writerly/readerly/librariany indulgences do I need and/or want to travel to? Will things at work get crazy if I take off that much time when I know the end of the huge art contest is around then?
2. Will I be satisfied with just a 25-minute critique from an editor who may not even be interested in my type of writing (from the luck of the pairing draw)? Will it feel worth it when I have an agent who might be able to give me similar feedback?
3. Do I need to spend $350 or so to be surrounded by YA writerly folks and to actually get some writing done?
4. Would it be more useful to just block off that weekend at home for my own writing time, tell the manpanion to stay out of the Writer Room, or would I lose my drive and wish I was at the retreat?
OH MAN I WANT TO GO TO THE RETREAT!!!!
Readers, what helps you decide what events like this to attend?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Tip of the day: There are four days left to register for this SCBWI novel-writing retreat in the Adirondaks!
The Falling Leaves Masterclass Retreat at the Silver Bay YMCA in the Adirondaks of New York looks lovely. (See link above.) Beautiful setting in fall, driveable location from home, five editors to chat with, one of whom will crit 20 pages of your novel....ahhhh! Bliss! I am SO CLOSE to just sending in my registration to hope I make it in. In fact, my fingers are twitching now as I resist printing out the registration form.
The reasons I'm hesitatnt to reply? Here's my thoughts:
1. The weekend before I will be in Albuquerque for the YALSA Symposium, so how many YA writerly/readerly/librariany indulgences do I need and/or want to travel to? Will things at work get crazy if I take off that much time when I know the end of the huge art contest is around then?
2. Will I be satisfied with just a 25-minute critique from an editor who may not even be interested in my type of writing (from the luck of the pairing draw)? Will it feel worth it when I have an agent who might be able to give me similar feedback?
3. Do I need to spend $350 or so to be surrounded by YA writerly folks and to actually get some writing done?
4. Would it be more useful to just block off that weekend at home for my own writing time, tell the manpanion to stay out of the Writer Room, or would I lose my drive and wish I was at the retreat?
OH MAN I WANT TO GO TO THE RETREAT!!!!
Readers, what helps you decide what events like this to attend?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Feast of Festivals! (or What Makes Them Irresistable?)
Tip of the Day: Get ready for Spring Cleaning Giveaways on A2A all next week!
With Lisa's blog post from TLA, my growing excitement for the upcoming Rochester Teen Book Festival, and my jealousy of those traveling to DC for this year's ALA Conference, I'm thinking about kidlit festivals and conferences.
As a generally high strung person, I assume that other people are like me, so as a festival volunteer I try to do everything in my power to make the faculty authors comfortable (get more water for them when needed, point out the restrooms, give them time checks, lead them to where they need to be next, tell their adoring fans to chill til the autograph session when they need a minute to themselves, etc.).
On the business side for TBF, the festival organizers try to have as many copies of the authors' books for sale as possible -- and in some cases copies of books pre-release!
On the attendee side, the fest organizers try to provide as many opportunities to see the authors as possible, and want to make the schedule and directions in the location clear.
As a kidlit festival attendee or faculty guest, what makes a successful event for you? What are your must haves? What have you not liked at some fests?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
With Lisa's blog post from TLA, my growing excitement for the upcoming Rochester Teen Book Festival, and my jealousy of those traveling to DC for this year's ALA Conference, I'm thinking about kidlit festivals and conferences.
As a generally high strung person, I assume that other people are like me, so as a festival volunteer I try to do everything in my power to make the faculty authors comfortable (get more water for them when needed, point out the restrooms, give them time checks, lead them to where they need to be next, tell their adoring fans to chill til the autograph session when they need a minute to themselves, etc.).
On the business side for TBF, the festival organizers try to have as many copies of the authors' books for sale as possible -- and in some cases copies of books pre-release!
On the attendee side, the fest organizers try to provide as many opportunities to see the authors as possible, and want to make the schedule and directions in the location clear.
As a kidlit festival attendee or faculty guest, what makes a successful event for you? What are your must haves? What have you not liked at some fests?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Friday, April 16, 2010
Blogging from TLA!
Tip of the Day: Change your e-mail password regularly. I haven't changed it in a long time, and someone managed to hack into my account yesterday and sent spam to hundreds of my contacts. Not fun!!
This afternoon I'm spending a half hour chatting with teens, who are coming in today to spend the day meeting authors, getting ARCs, going to book talk sessions, etc. What an awesome opportunity for those kids - so cool!
Sorry I'm posting late today. I'm sure you'll understand when I say I had to hit the exhibit hall here at the Texas Library Association conference this morning, and snag a few more ARCs, which include LINGER by Maggie Stiefvater and TOUCH BLUE by Cynthia Lord. I got some yesterday too. Look - anyone know who wrote THIS book (which I got an ARC of!)
The conference has been fabulous. My panel with Sonya Sones and Ellen Hopkins went really well - we had a practically full room and it seats 550 people!! Texas librarians are so nice, and it's been great to spend time with fellow authors too. Last night I had a great time talking to Varian Johnson (SAVING MADDIE), Jay Asher (13 REASONS WHY), and Jandy Nelson (THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE) about writing, books, school visits, web sites, books, writing, readers, and lots more.
This afternoon I'm spending a half hour chatting with teens, who are coming in today to spend the day meeting authors, getting ARCs, going to book talk sessions, etc. What an awesome opportunity for those kids - so cool!
Okay, I must run - have to get these books shipped off to me back home. I may dash through the exhibit hall one last time and make sure I didn't miss any good ones. :)
~Lisa, Miss Crafting a Career
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Mish Mash (or Bake, Austin, Fest!)
Tip of the Day: Never underestimate the power of a notary. (Yes, I'm in the house buying paperwork trenches. Why do you ask?)
1. My BAKE revision is back to my agent and will be interwebbing its way to the requesting editor soon! I'm excited as it is better than ever and I hope MG girls looking for sports or bakery or friendship or family books will love it. Now I can go back to drafting PforF...once I return from...
2. My trip to Austin for my bro's wedding! I wish I had time to meet up with the awesome Austin writers I know live there, but time is tight. I will be reading Austin writer Jo Whittemore's FRONT PAGE FACE-OFF on the plane. Once I return to NY it will only be one month until...
3. The Fifth Annual Rochester Teen Book Festival with our very own Lisa!
Hope everyone else is having a productive month!
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
1. My BAKE revision is back to my agent and will be interwebbing its way to the requesting editor soon! I'm excited as it is better than ever and I hope MG girls looking for sports or bakery or friendship or family books will love it. Now I can go back to drafting PforF...once I return from...
2. My trip to Austin for my bro's wedding! I wish I had time to meet up with the awesome Austin writers I know live there, but time is tight. I will be reading Austin writer Jo Whittemore's FRONT PAGE FACE-OFF on the plane. Once I return to NY it will only be one month until...
3. The Fifth Annual Rochester Teen Book Festival with our very own Lisa!
Hope everyone else is having a productive month!
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
How I Spent Last Weekend (or In a New York Minute*)
*With apologies to The Eagles
Tip of the Day: For more notes on my whole SCBWI NYC weekend, check out my LiveJournal entry.
So much fabness was had in NYC with Miss Querylicious this weekend that I can't post it all here. What I will do is post the bits of information, the "A-ha!" moments that I gained from the weekend's fantastic lineup of speakers. Enjoy and feel free to ask questions!
1. Don't use the first idea that comes to you bc that will also be the first idea that comes to your reader and will therefore make your work less surprising/more predictable. (Libba Bray, author)
(Emily, Libba, me)
2. The chance of a book doing as well in the market as 13 REASONS WHY by Jay Asher is about 1 in 100,000. (Ben Schrank, Razorbill Publisher)
3. Fantasy is aspirational for readers. Instead of reading a contemporary realistic fiction story and thinking, "I wish I could also be a star basketball player," readers read fantasy and think, "I wish I could also have psychic powers." (Ari Lewin, Disney/Hyperion editor)
4. Publishers will package a book. (cover, title, blurb, etc) to make a novel more or less "literary." (Alvina Ling, Little Brown BFYR editor)
5. Kidlit sales increased 11% in 2009 over 2008. (Susan Raab, marketer)
6. Switch the age group you write for if you are prolific so your books don't compete with yourself. (Sheldon Fogelman, agent)
7. If you're writing a novel that takes place in any year except the present, is there a REAL REASON? Play around with other ideas to make it an easier sell. (George Nicholson, agent)
8. Consider subbing less-commercial works to smaller publishers. (Jane Yolen, author)
9. When writing on the sentence level, take the time to find the "right" word. (Jane Yolen)
10. Regarding how much self-promo to do, do as much as you comfortably have time for; that is the "right" amount. (Sheldon Fogelman)
If you can make it to this conferece, I highly recommend it. It was totally well-organized and well-attended. And if you can meet a writing friend there, even better! So, who's coming out my way next year? :)
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Tip of the Day: For more notes on my whole SCBWI NYC weekend, check out my LiveJournal entry.
So much fabness was had in NYC with Miss Querylicious this weekend that I can't post it all here. What I will do is post the bits of information, the "A-ha!" moments that I gained from the weekend's fantastic lineup of speakers. Enjoy and feel free to ask questions!
1. Don't use the first idea that comes to you bc that will also be the first idea that comes to your reader and will therefore make your work less surprising/more predictable. (Libba Bray, author)
(Emily, Libba, me)
2. The chance of a book doing as well in the market as 13 REASONS WHY by Jay Asher is about 1 in 100,000. (Ben Schrank, Razorbill Publisher)
3. Fantasy is aspirational for readers. Instead of reading a contemporary realistic fiction story and thinking, "I wish I could also be a star basketball player," readers read fantasy and think, "I wish I could also have psychic powers." (Ari Lewin, Disney/Hyperion editor)
4. Publishers will package a book. (cover, title, blurb, etc) to make a novel more or less "literary." (Alvina Ling, Little Brown BFYR editor)
5. Kidlit sales increased 11% in 2009 over 2008. (Susan Raab, marketer)
6. Switch the age group you write for if you are prolific so your books don't compete with yourself. (Sheldon Fogelman, agent)
7. If you're writing a novel that takes place in any year except the present, is there a REAL REASON? Play around with other ideas to make it an easier sell. (George Nicholson, agent)
8. Consider subbing less-commercial works to smaller publishers. (Jane Yolen, author)
9. When writing on the sentence level, take the time to find the "right" word. (Jane Yolen)
10. Regarding how much self-promo to do, do as much as you comfortably have time for; that is the "right" amount. (Sheldon Fogelman)
If you can make it to this conferece, I highly recommend it. It was totally well-organized and well-attended. And if you can meet a writing friend there, even better! So, who's coming out my way next year? :)
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
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