These are notes shared by my friend Rebecca
Allison Moore – Social Media Usage
-Instead of posting “buy me” links, make yourself a part of the #kidlit community.
Follow favorite authors – like and share their posts
Share where you are in the writing process
Share what you’re reading, what library or bookstore you’re at, etc.
don’t do it if you hate it or won’t update it
don’t make it about followers
if I google you, I should be able to find you
Janni Lee Simner – When sending query letters
start with an enticing description of the book, give a hook – should want the agent/publisher to want to read the rest of the letter and manuscript
compare your book to other books/authors
then talk about you but keep it short
is it a simultaneous submission? (are you sending the same manuscript to other agents/publishers?)
you can send to multiple agencies but only one agent at that agency at a time – not multiple agents in the same agency.
only send to agents you really want to work with – don’t compromise just to get published
if rejected, revise, and send to a DIFFERENT agency
Sarah Jane Abbott – Communicating Heart in PB
Who needs representation?
Who needs empowerment?
Representation in non-issue books
How to make a well-worn topic fresh
-make it specific – it’s in the details
-find a new angle
-make it work on multiple levels
-avoid being didactic
-let the art do the talking
-book that will inspire
-remember your audience
-don’t condescend to the child reader
-open-ended enough to spark discussion
-make sure the pivotal moment says the right thing
-try cutting the “moral of the story” line
-make sure your manuscript doesn’t have too many hearts
-don’t let form get in the way – don’t force rhyme- it should come out naturally and easily to the reader
Sarah Jane Abbott – What to do when a story isn’t working
give it a rest
-several weeks – months
read lots of picture books – RECENT ONES
-know your market
-has it been done before?
have a strong foundation
-is the character moving the plot or is the plot being moved by the character?
character development
-reveal qualities about your character through:
-dialogue
-illustrations
-actions
-character arc
intense revisions
-full re-write without looking at the original manuscript (after a break)
-read the manuscript out loud
-have someone else read out loud
-if rhyming, why am I using rhyme?
-is it natural, effortless? is there good rhythm and meter?
-overhaul language – does it fit the mood of the book? is there repetition without progression?
-use a paper dummy for pacing, page-turners, pagination
-write your story in a completely different way
-illustrator notes – are they absolutely necessary?
-dialogue – is it absolutely necessary? does it progress the book?
Other notes:
show, don’t tell
-don’t give them 4, give them 2+2; trust your reader that they will put 2+2 together
-don’t be afraid to torture your character and ask, can I take it up a notch?
cause and effect – not: this, then this, then this
-this, then because of this, this, then because of this, this
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