My New Agent Announcement

I am thrilled beyond belief to announce that I am now represented by Kathleen Rushall of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Honestly, I'm still pinching myself. I'm awake, right? If not, don't bother waking me.

At some point, I'll post the story of my query process. Until then, suffice it to say that I am honored to  have the opportunity to work with Kat and to be a part of the MLLA family.

In the meantime, you should totally follow Kathleen on twitter. She's a little slice of awesome. @KatRushall

Here's a picture of a fancy drink to celebrate! Seriously, anyone close enough to Massachusetts--I'd love to see you at the meet up on August 27 in Chelmsford. We can toast in person!

Intro to Children's Writing WORKSHOP

I'm excited to announce that I'll be delivering a noncredit workshop for Mt. Wachusett Community College at the Devens, Massachusetts campus on Tuesday, October 22, 2013.

Here's the course description.

INTRO TO CHILDREN’S WRITING | CRN 96369 Participants will learn the basic framework for writing children’s literature from a published author’s perspective. You will be given a comprehensive reading list, a hand-out of recommended websites and writers’ blogs, and an action plan for how to get started in the writing industry.

If you'd like to register, click here.

Let me know if you have any questions.

On Querying (with links)

Querying can mess with your mind. It can crush your confidence. It can halt your productivity. And when you get a request or a "I love this" it can make the world sunshine and roses and rainbows. Like I said, it messes with you mind.

First of all...try really hard not to let it. Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Query with confidence.

Rejection is going to be a part of this. Know it. Own it. Your query is going to get rejected--at least once. Or if it doesn't, your book is going to get rejected by an editor as some point. No one makes it through it unscathed. Even J.K. Rowling had rejection. Realize that it's not you. Be okay with it. Or don't query.

Getting an agent isn't the end of the journey. It's really just the beginning. It doesn't mean a sale, it doesn't mean you've made it. It means you're one step higher on the ladder, and you're learning. Remember to not stop learning.

Sub it Club link on how to handle outstanding queries when you get an offer.
Post from Dahlia Adler about being back in the trenches AFTER separating from an agent

Agents are people, too. Which sounds dumb, I know. I got a very nice pass yesterday from someone who said my book was right up her alley. BUT, she's swamped with work and she's getting married in a month. Who knows, in another time and space, she might have loved my book and offered representation. In this life, it's "no thank you." This has NOTHING to do with me, and I can't do anything about it. So, say congratulations and move on.

1. Be polite
2. Be professional

If you can't do either of those things, you have no business querying or really interacting with anyone. This is a BUSINESS. You must know that going into this. You may be passionate about  your work--and you should be--but don't let your passion made you blind to professionalism.

Seriously, if you can't be professional, no one will want to work with you. And that means twitter, goodreads, your blog, and in person. This is a small industry, really.

Good luck out there!

Wish List of Programs for NESCBWI14

As the Conference Co-Director for the SCBWI-New England 2014 conference, I have the awesome responsibility (along with my co-chairs Natasha Sass and Marilyn Salerno) of selecting the workshops for the conference this year.

The theme this year is CREATE BRAVELY: MAKE YOUR MARK

Taking risks with our writing or illustrating moves us forward. Sometimes it's a scary step, and it's hard to think outside our comfort zones. This year, proposals focusing on being brave, taking risks, and working outside our comfort zone will take center stage. New England SCBWI is one of the largest SCBWI conferences, and in past we have sold out within a few weeks. We welcome proposals from everyone involved in the world of children's writing and publishing.

If you're thinking of submitting--the submission form is here: http://www.nescbwi.org/2013/06/2014-cfp.php

As always, let us know if you have questions. nescbwi14@gmail or tweet me at @nescbwi or @kristineasselin

We have a wish list:

Wish List:

• Workshops that focus on taking risks
• The pros and cons of Self Publishing v. Traditional Publishing
• Writing outside your comfort zone--creating authentic characters from diverse backgrounds and alternate lifestyles
• Technical workshops focusing on new skills
• Pro level workshops for experienced (not necessarily published) writers and illustrators
• Hands-on writing workshops that spotlight elements of craft: outlining, story arc, tools, tips, character, dialogue, sketching, etc.
• Hands-on illustration workshops
• Beyond the Basics Publishing for intermediate authors or illustrators
• Developing an idea from conception to completion
• How to complete a Detailed Novel Outline
• Secrets of Story Arc
• How to lay out a picture book dummy
• How to start your own publishing company
• Gesture and emotion for illustrators
• School and library visits and promotion
• Grassroots marketing strategies to libraries and other overlooked venues
• Writing nonfiction articles and short stories
• Mystery writing, organizing your mystery
• How to write chapter books
• How to design an eBook
• Technical training such as Scrivener, Facebook, Creating a Website, etc.
• How to apply for SCBWI conference speaking slots: Tips and Tricks
• Balancing a social media platform
• Running a small-business in the 21st century
• How to Draw Children - Anatomy specifics
• Other markets open to Illustrators - Licensing, magazines, etc.
• Hand Lettering and how to include it properly in your illustrations
• Researching Historical Novels - online and at archives

And some we haven't thought of yet! Please feel free to add your "wish list" for conference workshops in my comments!