Hey everyone,
So sorry about the series article hiatus. I was swept up in a publicity frenzy over the weekend, and I’m pushing some serious deadlines to get some stuff done for the release!
Stay tuned to learn more about the parties happening TOMORROW for writers, friends and Snoop fans! (DID I HEAR FREE-TIQUES?!)
We’ll pick up where we left off on the article series when things die down a little.
Yours,
Cynthea (and Snoop!)
Yesterday, we talked about how to study writing style. The next thing you’re going to do is examine what happens in the first few chapters of other books in the series so you know what you should cover in your own sample chapters. How?
Read the first few chapters (or roughly 25 pages of books in the series). If you want, write a simple paragraph about each chapter you read.
Yesterday, we talked about cover letters, outlines, and synopses. Today we’re getting to one of the most important parts of a proposal. THE SAMPLE CHAPTERS. Here’s where you’re going to prove your worth. And for series writing, it’s not necessarily about flaunting your style of writing, it’s about showing that you know how to write in the style of the series.
Yesterday, we discussed what to look for when researching a children’s or teen book series. Now we’re going to talk about developing your idea for the next book into a pitchable concept. Let’s break down what you’ll be putting together.
The Proposal
Assuming, you’ve already inquired about the guidelines from the publisher or packager, you have now reached the stage where you have been invited to submit a proposal.
Yesterday, we covered how to find children’s and teen book series that you can write for. Now I’m going to assume that you have some good idea of whom you will try to approach. You’ve verified the publisher or packager accepts new ideas for stories, and maybe you even have some guidelines from them about the series.
For S.A.S.S. I received a series concept letter from my agent (which came from the publisher).
Are you curious about how authors get in on multi-author series books like S.A.S.S. Students Across the Seas?
Do you want to understand what skill set and experience is required to write for any established series?
Would you like to know how to approach a publisher to get your idea sold?
Then this is the article series for you. In the coming days, I’ll talk about how to get started writing for a series based upon my own experience with S.A.S.
My book S.A.S.S. The Great Call of China is coming out in 10 days … And recently, a fellow writer friend of mine decided to celebrate! Her name is Tara Lazar and she posted this on The Blue Boards.
I cried.
That post has led to many great things, including a wonderful free critique opportunity offered by Roxanne Werner.
Also to celebrate, I’m giving back again with a new article series called BEHIND THE BOOK: WRITING FOR AN ESTABLISHED SERIES …
Well, I debated if I should interview myself for my own column (I mean–have Snoop do it!! Woah, where did that come from?!) And I decided I probably do owe everyone a little bit more about myself here on Writing for Children and Teens. Plus, my book is coming out in a couple of weeks … So … without further ado, here it is. Snoop, ask me the tough questions!
( *Snoop clears his throat.* Ahem.)
Q: I’ve written a picture book and I’m perusing the CWIM. Many publishers have multiple editors or
people in charge of Acquisition. How do I know whom to contact?
A: Great question. Read my article on submitting to editors here. It details in length how to find which editor to pick. http://www.writingforchildrenandteens.com/for-writers/step-six-find-an-editor/.
Q: A book I’ve reads says so many times that it is inadvisable to email publishers as they simply won’t respond. But some publishers say they are open to email submissions. Is it still ok to do so?
A: If the publisher’s guidelines say it is okay to email them, then yes, follow the publisher’s guidelines. The book may simply be advising writers not to blindly email publishers as a way to break in.