Can't wait to watch! I am glad you said that pitching an agent isn't scary and that they are actively seeking authors, too. I queried several agents last week, and I'm not going to lie, it was scary pressing send on the emails. I feel like I'm such a little fish in a big pond, that it's laughable thinking I have the right to suggest I write a book.
Great video! Interesting how different the industry can be. In shorter-form kid lit (or even in longer form if it's fiction), you sub the full manuscript, so I've never written a proposal. Very cool that you're almost done with this current project, and have more in the works. Congrats!
Nonfic and fiction really are so different - everything from the way the books are pitched/written to other industry norms, I'm sure. I've always wondered at what point the illustrations get done if you're writing a children's book...
It’s interesting—an illustrator usually isn’t chosen until the manuscript is finalized, which takes, oh, anywhere from a month to two years. The publisher chooses the illustrator, with zero to minimal input from the author. And during the illustration process, the author and illustrator are not allowed to be in contact. (There are exceptions, but this is the industry norm.) It’s wacky!
Mmm, sometimes it’s just tough luck. You have to be okay with it. Or you could make a fuss and see if they’ll change (and they want you to be happy, so they might give). In other cases they will let you have some input--they’ll give you a list of illustrators and ask if you have ay opinions. I’m very non-confrontational so I usually just go with the flow. And I’ve been very lucky and loved every one of my illustrators.
Usually the illustrators are great because there is a professional, the art director, who knows what they’re doing, choosing them.
I usually feel fine putting my words in someone else’s hands, but I know it can be hard for some authors to let go of all control.
So, here's an embarrassing admission: I have no idea what book idea I'm talking about in that video, lol. I remember that I had a few but I don't know which one I was intending to move forward with and, suffice it to say, whichever one it was it's gone nowhere in a year :D I guess it was hard enough getting that one out the door!
Can't wait to watch! I am glad you said that pitching an agent isn't scary and that they are actively seeking authors, too. I queried several agents last week, and I'm not going to lie, it was scary pressing send on the emails. I feel like I'm such a little fish in a big pond, that it's laughable thinking I have the right to suggest I write a book.
You absolutely have the right! It may take a while to find the right fit - but they are looking for YOU just as much as you are looking for THEM.
Great video! Interesting how different the industry can be. In shorter-form kid lit (or even in longer form if it's fiction), you sub the full manuscript, so I've never written a proposal. Very cool that you're almost done with this current project, and have more in the works. Congrats!
Nonfic and fiction really are so different - everything from the way the books are pitched/written to other industry norms, I'm sure. I've always wondered at what point the illustrations get done if you're writing a children's book...
It’s interesting—an illustrator usually isn’t chosen until the manuscript is finalized, which takes, oh, anywhere from a month to two years. The publisher chooses the illustrator, with zero to minimal input from the author. And during the illustration process, the author and illustrator are not allowed to be in contact. (There are exceptions, but this is the industry norm.) It’s wacky!
whoa, that feels like a potential field of landmines!!! what if the author hated that illustrator’s work?
Mmm, sometimes it’s just tough luck. You have to be okay with it. Or you could make a fuss and see if they’ll change (and they want you to be happy, so they might give). In other cases they will let you have some input--they’ll give you a list of illustrators and ask if you have ay opinions. I’m very non-confrontational so I usually just go with the flow. And I’ve been very lucky and loved every one of my illustrators.
Usually the illustrators are great because there is a professional, the art director, who knows what they’re doing, choosing them.
I usually feel fine putting my words in someone else’s hands, but I know it can be hard for some authors to let go of all control.
Great video! And super exciting you have another book idea in the works!
So, here's an embarrassing admission: I have no idea what book idea I'm talking about in that video, lol. I remember that I had a few but I don't know which one I was intending to move forward with and, suffice it to say, whichever one it was it's gone nowhere in a year :D I guess it was hard enough getting that one out the door!
😆😆😆