Part three: Paying It Forward
Part 3 Next installation of information from the Rutgers Conference: Remember to check the editors or agents submission requirements… Margery Cuyler has been involved with children’s books as an author, editor, or publisher since graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in 1970. She was Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Holiday House for twenty-one years before assuming executive positions at Henry Holt and Company, Golden Books Family Entertainment, Winslow Press, and, for the past seven years, Marshall Cavendish, where she is Publisher of Children’s Books. She has written 45 books, including the That’s Good! That’s Bad! Books, the Jessica Worries books, The Biggest, Best Snowman, Hooray for Reading Day, Skeleton Hiccups, The Bumpy Little Pumpkin, and, most recently, The Little Dump Truck and Princess Bess Gets Dressed. Jocelyn Davies is an Editorial Assistant at HarperCollins Children’s Books. Jocelyn works with Tara Weikum and Sarah Sevier on a wide range of projects—from picture books to YA—with a particular emphasis on YA and girls tween fiction. Among the recent titles she has helped edit are Pretty Dead by Franceska Lia Block, Tangled by Carolyn Mackler, Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott, Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison, Viloa in Reel Life by Adrianna Trigiani, and the nationally bestselling Seekers series by Erin Hunter. Always on the lookout for the kind of book you just can’t put down, Jocelyn is particularly interested in girls tween fiction with a quirky and lovable heroine and a distinct, standout voice; a fresh, unexpected take on dark and edgy high concept paranormal YA; and unique, funny (extra points if you can make me laugh on the subway!) or beautifully written coming of age stories. In addition to being a member of HarperCollins Emerging Professionals and the Young to Publishing Group, she is the voice of the HarperTeen HipLit newsletter. Brooke Dworkin is an Editor at Grosset and Dunlap, a Division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Brooke works on everything from novelty and picture books through MG fiction. In her time at Grosset and Dunlap she has edited Periwinkle Smith and the Twirly Whirly Tutu, Everyone Says I Love You, and the upcoming A Vampire is Coming for Dinner and The Mysterious Mr. Spines: Song. She is particularly interested in novelty concepts with a seasonal angle for children aged 3-5 and MG series fiction. Brooke is unable to acquire stand-alone fiction. Kerry Evans is an Associate Agent at Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. Kerry is actively looking for YA fiction, MG fiction, and PBs, but is also interested in finding great non-fiction for a young audience. She enjoys working on stories that are often simple but have complex characters. She is particularly interested in PBs with a fresh voice, literary YA, narratives with a cinematic element, YA/Adult crossover and slightly edgy MG. She tends to shy away from paranormal, although if the story grabs her, she’s in! She worked closely with Jim Levine on Rosalind Wiseman’s YA novel Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials, which will publish in January of 2010 and David Pogue’s MG Abby Cornelia’s One and Only Magical Power which will come out in Spring 2010. Emily Fabre is an Editorial Assistant at Margaret K. McElderry Books, Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing. Emily, as part of the editorial team at McElderry Books, works on everything from PBs to YA. The McElderry list is known for character-driven literary fiction and fantasy. Emily works as part of the editorial team for The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, as well as books by Zilpha Keatley Snyder and Hilary McKay. Shauna Fay is an Assistant Editor at G. P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Shauna works on everything from PBs to YA novels. She has edited the upcoming PB book, Little Pink Pup by Johanna Kerby, and has worked on Jack Higgins’ YA action series written with Justin Richards, as well as Jan Bret’s Snowy Treasury, and Goodnight Goon and Runaway Mummy by Michael Rex. While open to books for all ages, she is particularly interested in MG fiction with a strong narrative voice, historical fiction, and character-driven PBs for young readers. She is a member of the Young to Publishing Group. T.S. Ferguson is an Assistant Editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. As assistant to Jennifer Hunt, T.S. has had the chance to work with authors such as Sherman Alexie, Sara Zarr and Pseudonymous Bosch. He has edited the upcoming Hate List by Jennifer Brown, a moving look at the aftermath of a school shooting from the perspective of the shooter’s girlfriend. He is currently working on a new trilogy in the Grey Griffins series with authors Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis. T.S. is looking to acquire boy-interest MG, preferably with an action-adventure or light fantasy twist (think Percy Jackson or The 39 Clues), as well as both literary and/or strong commercial YA fiction, especially including edgy/controversial topics, boy-interest, GLBT-interest and horror. He is also open to fantasy that is well-written and unique. He is not interested in non-fiction, historical fiction, or sports books. Beth Fleisher is an agent at Barry Goldblatt Literary LLC. Beth primarily represents MG reader and YA authors, but is always on the look-out for that particular adult client. She represents Printz Honor author Allan Stratton’s forthcoming MG reader fantasy series The Grave Robber’s Apprentice, as well as forthcoming projects from award-winning comics writer Louise Simonson, award-winning fantasy author Will Shetterly, and the debut novel from S. W. Godenir, contributor to Half Minute Horrors edited by Susan Rich. Previously Beth was an editor with The Berkley Publishing Group/Ace Science Fiction, and she has consulted on graphic novel projects both in the US and Europe. As the mother of two voracious boy readers, she is particularly looking for projects that capture a boy’s imagination, both in non-fiction and prose, MG reader or YA. She is searching for that rare thing, a great new voice in science fiction. Gothic ghost stories are another favorite. Hope this information is helpful. More tomorrow. Coll
Paying It Foward: Day 2
More info from Rutgers One on One. Remember to check editors submission requirements. Stacey Barney is an Editor at Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. Stacey primarily acquires MG and YA. She had edited The Best Bad Luck I Ever had by Kristin Levine, Surf Mules by G. Neri, Donut Days by Lara Zielin, and Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown, as well as the forthcoming Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosiland Wiseman, the New York Times bestselling author of Queen Bees and Wannabees, which is the book that inspired Mean Girls. She is particularly interested in high concept MG and YA fiction; projects with an exciting subject or hook that allow for a commercial foothold. Generally speaking, Stacey is probably not the best match for high fantasy. Courtney Bongiolatti is an Associate Editor at Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. Courtney edits everything from PBs to YA novels though her main interest lies in MG boy fiction. She has edited such books as the Erec Rex series by Kaza Kingsley, the New York Times best-selling The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey, What’s Under the Bed by Joe Fenton, Long Shot by Chris Paul, and the upcoming memoir of Kelle James, Smile for the Camera: Dirty Things Good Girls Hear. She is interested in acquiring MG boy fiction with series potential and YA. Jennifer Bonnell is a Senior Editor at Puffin Books, Penguin Young Readers Group. Jennifer works on MG and YA fiction and non-fiction and has edited Three Cups of Tea: Young Readers Edition; Cindy Ella and Geek Charming by Robin Palmer; Kieran Scott’s Geek Magnet; Let it Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle and Maureen Johnson; Puffin Graphics graphic novel adaptations of the classics. She’s looking for books that would be a good fit in original paperback—specifically books with great hooks and concepts and very strong voices, and would love to find a killer MG novel for guys. She loves humor, romance, witty voices, historical fiction with modern appeal, and does not work on high fantasy or sci-fi. Michele Burke is an Associate Editor of Knopf and Crown Books for Young Readers. Michele has worked at Knopf and Crown for the past six and a half years. She enjoys working on many different genres and is open to all kinds of stories with fully-realized characters and emotionally resonant voices. Among the many talented authors she has worked with at Knopf are Jeanne Birdsall, Wendelin Van Draanen, Juliet Marillier, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka. She is the editor of the YA novels Knights of the Hill Country and National Book Award finalist The Spectacular Now, both by Tim Tharp. She is also the editor of PB book Matilda’s Humdinger by Lynn Downey with illustrations by Tim Bowers, and MG novels Fortune’s Fool by Kathleen Karr, Leo and the Lesser Lion by Sandra Forrester, and Rocky Road by Rose Kent (Summer 2010). She is the U.S. editor for the Pure Dead series by Debi Gliori, Space Dogs by Justin Ball and Evan Croker, Runner by Robert Newton, and Will by Maria Boyd (Summer 2010). Stacey Cantor is an Editor at Walker Books for Young Readers. At Walker, Stacey has had the pleasure to work on fabulous books that span many genres, with a personal fondness for funny or strong read-aloud PBs, coming-of-age MG, and YA that’s both literary and commercial—as evidenced by some of her current projects: the hilarious read-aloud PB Desert Rose and her Highfalutin Hog, gorgeously written and heartfelt MG Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning, contemporary and literary Breathless, and tongue-in-cheek paranormal romance Demon Princes: Reign or Shine. She is also looking for edgy and hard-hitting YA, MG with a strong commercial hook, and anything with a romance at its heart. Mary Kate Castellani is an Associate Editor at Walker Books for Young Readers. Mary Kate acquires books for all age levels, and especially likes quirky, kooky PBs that celebrate personality, and MG fiction with a light-hearted, honest approach like her current MG project The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. She is also looking to find new YA voices for the Walker list, especially ones that have a more literary feel, but also likes issue-driven stories, such as her upcoming project Dirty Little Secrets, a story that explores the effects of compulsive hoarding on a family. Her acquisitions wish list includes historical fiction with a strong hook, coming of age stories handled with humor, and explorations of spiritual or cultural identity. Karen Chaplin is an Editor at Puffin/Speak Books, Penguin Young Readers Group. Karen acquires MG and YA fiction. Some of the projects she has worked on include Students Across the Seven Seas series, Zombie Queen of Newberry High by Amanda Ashby, Exclusively Chloe by J. A. Yang, and the Specialists series by Shannon Greenland. Karen is looking for fun, original series fiction as well as stand alone fiction for the MG and YA markets. While science fiction/fantasy is not her cup of tea, the genres she is looking for include chick lit, fun action/adventure series (boy and girl), mysteries, horror/paranormal, romance, stories with strong female characters (including topics such as sisters and friendships), anything boy-centric, and commercial literary and edgy fiction. Ariel Colletti is a Publishing Associate at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books. Ariel is currently part of the editorial team working on Cynthia Rylant’s new Brownie and Pearl series at Beach lane Books, and has assisted on projects such as Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s acclaimed Alice series and the upcoming Narco Boy by Evan Coleman. She is also the paperback coordinator for the Children’s Trade Division. Ariel is open to a wide variety of projects but is first and foremost interested in looking for strong MG voices and young, fun, interactive PBs. More tomorrow : )
I’m back. Time for “Paying it Forward”
This Saturday I attended the Rutgers One on One Conference in New Brunswick, NJ. The last time I went to this conference I posted a ton of information I received in a post called “Paying it Forward”. I’m prepared to do it again. It may take a few days, so let’s start: *The following is a list of editors and agents bio info and genre preferences. Not all accept unsolicited queries, so check their submission requirements. Caroline Abbey is an Associate Editor at Bloomsbury Children’s Books. Caroline acquires and edits at all age levels with a focus on middle grade and YA fiction. Her current projects include Jen Nadol’s paranormal debut, The Mark, the zany middle grade adventure, Pickle Impossible, by Eli Stitz, and the middle grade mythology-inspired Pandora series by Carolyn Hennesy. Her recent acquisitions include The Kid Table, a contemporary YA novel about teenage cousins still sitting at the infamous kid table, by Andrea Seigel and Melissa Walker’s Small Town Sinners, a YA novel about a teen girl’s experience starring in a Hell House and questioning her own faith. Caroline was previously with Simon Pulse before joining the Bloomsbury team. Jenne Abramowitz is an Editor at Scholastic Trade Paperback/Club Originals. Jenne Primarily works on commercial chapter books and middle grade series fiction, as well as a small selection of PB’s, easy readers, and nonfiction for the school market. She has worked with authors Natasha Wing, Seymour Simon, and True Kelley. Some of the upcoming books she edited include the My First Biography picture book series by Marion Dane Bauer, the chapter book Cornelia and the great Snake Escape by Pam Munoz Ryon, and Hiro’s Quest, a fast-paced ninja series by Tracey West. Jenne is most interested in clever, funny series fiction with unique premises and quirky characters, and is a sucker for a good mystery. She is probably not the right editor for historical or high concept novels, or anything too dark and edgy for the school market. Kaylan Adair is an Associate Editor for Candlewick Press. Kaylan is the editor of the Golden Kite Award-winning novel Down Sand Mountain by Steve Watkins, as well as the humorous YA novel Swim the Fly by Don Calame and the picture books The Missing Chick, written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev, and And Then Comes Halloween, written by Tom Brenner and illustrated by Holly Meade. She is also the American editor of the Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness, which includes The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer. While Kaylan works on all genres and age ranges, she is most interested in adding middle-grade and YA novels to her list. She is looking for fresh, compelling stories and powerful new voices. Eve Adler is an Associate Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers. Eve works on a variety of formats from baby to YA, and is looking for manuscripts for all ages: PBs, MG novels, and YA. She has worked with award-winning authors and illustrators such as Kimberly Willis Holt, Elise Broach, and Janet Tashjian. She enjoys manuscripts with a fresh voice and exceptional writing; for MG and YA projects, she likes historical, contemporary, edgy, coming-of-age, and humorous stories, and for PBs, she’s most interested in texts that have curriculum tie-in or educational hook. Heather Alexander is an Editorial Assistant for Dial Books for Young Readers. Heather is interested in acquiring books for all age ranges, from PBs to YA, especially character driven stories with a unique voice or hook. She loves raucous PBs (especially ones written in prose and that are without an obvious lesson), funny, unique MG, and smart contemplative YA. She is not mad for high fantasy, but can get down with contemporary or urban fantasy and almost anything post-apocalyptic with a literary bent. She is not necessarily the go-to gal for non-fiction or vampires. She co-edited the upcoming Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse by Rebecca Janni. Recently, Heather has been working on a hilarious PB of etiquette, and co-editing a NG novel for boys, doing research for the just-published The Omnivore’s Dilemma, and assisting on countless other titles. Kate Angelella is an Assistant Editor for Aladdin/Simon and Schuster. Kate works primarily MG and tween fiction. She has edited the Canterwood Crest series by Jessica Burkhart, Dani Noir by Nova Ren Suma, The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon and the upcoming Magic Repair Shop books by Amanda Marrone. Kate is particularly interested in commercial, high concept MG and tween fiction. She loves sassy, chick-lit-y tween novels; paranormal or magical realism; and novels with strong, angsty female protagonists. Generally speaking, Kate is not a great match for picture books. Jennifer Arena is and Executive Editor for Random House Children’s Books. Jennifer is the line manager of the Stepping Stones series of early chapter books, which include the Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House Series. She is looking specifically for early chapter books with strong plots and interesting characters of around 8,000 to 11,000 words, both stand-alones titles and series, as well as easy-to-reads. Recent titles she has edited for the Stepping Stones series include Marion Dane Bauer’s The Green Ghost, Ilene Cooper’s Look at Lucy, and Lynne Jonell’s upcoming Hamster Magic. More tomorrow… Coll
Hello August
I've been working hard, and I'm afraid I've ignored you--my little blog.Received an acceptance letter to the Rutgers One on One Mentoring Conference. Yay. It takes place in October. I'll be sure to post a slew of info afterwards. Read this interesting interview. Take a peek. DEAD GIRL WALKING: 20 YEARS TO PUBLICATION By Linda Joy Singleton (in celebration of the release of DEAD GIRL IN LOVE) Would you stick with a book if you knew it would take 20 years from idea to publication? In 1988 I wrote TURN LEFT AT THE MILKY WAY. Every few years I would rewrite and submit again. In 2007, I changed the title to DEAD GIRL WALKING. Here are author-editor emails that followed: June 22, 2007 (8:30AM): Emailing my Flux editor, Andrew Karre, on another project, I added:
June 22, 2007 (10:30AM): From my editor:
If you d like to send DEAD GIRL WALKING (email, please), I d have a look, of course.
July 3, 2007 (2PM): From my editor:
Are you going to around on Thursday or Friday? If you are, I’d like to chat with you about this project. Let me know when you’ll have some time.
July 3, 2007 (3:07PM) To my editor:
I'd love to talk with you on Thursday.
July 5, 2007 (1:47PM) From my editor:
It was good to talk, as always. I’m attaching my markup of the ms (notes in the right margin), but it’s mostly what I said on the phone. I m excited to see how this develops. I m sure you’ll surprise me.
July 5, 2007: (2:03PM) To my editor:
I've been thinking it over and see the arc of at least 3 books, following her as she tries to go back to her own body. I'll work on it more and send you a basic description of the three books.
I'm playing with titles and have these ideas so far:
DEAD GIRL DANCING and DEAD GIRL IN LOVE
I think the DANCING one could stem from her desire to be an entertainment agent. I'm seeing Amber as someone who can't figure out who she is and envies others, wishing she could have their life because it seems easier or more glamorous. Getting lost, finding herself...themes I'm working on.
July 9, 2007 (10:47AM): To my editor:
I expect to send you revised chapters and a new synopsis later this week. I am very excited about your idea of a possible short DEAD GIRL series.
July 11, 2007 (10:40AM) From my editor:
I read your new draft, and I think it is much improved. This is much closer to what I was picturing, and I feel like you’ve started out on the right foot with your protagonist. I like this Amber a lot more, and I want to know what happens to her. Of course, I have comments and I’ll pass them along in a bit, but in the main this is what I was hoping you d do. Bravo!
July 11, 2007 (11:05AM): To my editor:
I'll start plotting the additional books and get this to you within a few days. By the way, I love your ideas about other people being like Amber--very cool! My brain wheels are churning.
July 16, 2007 (3:38PM) From my editor:
I will be pitching the series to the committee on Thursday, so expect to hear from me on Thursday or more likely Friday.
July 16, 2007 (4:00PM) To my editor:
Great! Thursday I'll be home but Friday I'll be camping.
Thursday, July 19, 2007: From Linda Joy Singleton’s journal:
At 9AM the phone rang. Editor Andrew...
I sucked in deep breaths and kind of stammered something like "Hi...gasp." He chuckled and said he had good news. Then he offered me a 3-book contract with DEAD GIRL WALKING; DEAD GIRL DANCING
and DEAD GIRL IN LOVE. YAY!!!!!
DEAD GIRL IN LOVE is now available -- completing the trilogy about love, loss, best friends and body-swapping.
friday news
Literary agency news: Chris Richman, along with Danielle Chiotti have left Firebrand and joined Upstart Crow Literary founded by Michael Sterns Helpful research links: http://www.archetypewriting.com/index.html (this site will help you with understanding psychology. Deals with disorders, therapy techniques, jargon, and info about therapy sessions) http://www.hodrw.com/cop2.htm (this site discusses police body language and behavior. How the police enter a building, how they approach a possible criminal, etc) That all for today. Coll
