It's March! Time for Q&A!
But first - the Madness!
It's totally awesome madness in the form of incredible news.
I just signed on for two more Nightshade books with Jill Santopolo and Michael Green at Philomel! *shrieking* *dancing* *glee* *fainting*
I'm beyond thrilled that I'll continue to work with such a wonderful editor and publisher and the brilliant team at Penguin. Thanks so much to Penguin and I'm throwing roses to my amazing agents Richard Pine and Charlie Olsen at InkWell.
Okay, deep breaths. Restoring calm. (Yeah right).
Now onto Q&A - post your questions in the comments and I'll sling out the answers in Monday's blog.
Happy Weekend! I'll celebrating the new book deal with something like this:
Showing posts with label agents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label agents. Show all posts
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Bon Voyage (Conference Thoughts)
Many of my writer-type friends are packing their bags and making a pilgrimage to NYC this weekend. Why? It's the annual Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Winter Conference!
Sadly, I'm not attending since I was just in New York, but I am envious of the people that will be there and especially of the Tenners who get to meet up at the conference.
I thought I'd take this opportunity to share my two cents on writers' conferences. I'm an SCBWI member, but I haven't yet attended one of their meetings (LA 2010, baby!).
When writers are starting out on the road to finding an agent, publisher, building a career it can be overwhelming. The climb to the top is less daunting if you have helpers to show you the best route. The internet is an invaluable resource (if used responsibly), but reading web page after web page just isn't the same as chatting with a flesh and blood fellow writer who understands the passion and pain involved in this process.
Conferences are a great place to meet other writers, agents, and editors. I'd vehemently argue that the first of that group are the most important at conferences. Many conferences have agent and/or editor pitch sessions. It is these sessions, and the dream of possibly landing an agent or editor at a conference, that lures many writers in.
That's more than understandable, and it's a big part of why I attended my first conference (San Francisco Writers) last year.
What I learned, however, is that while the pitch session was a great experience (and did get me a partial manuscript request) - the most valuable parts of the conference were these:
1) Great sessions on revision. I learned so much about moving the draft of a manuscript from good to exceptional. The panels by authors/editors/agents on what makes a great manuscript really had an impact on my writing.
2) Meeting other writers. My amazing crit partner Lisa (Three-Book Deal) Desrochers and I met at SF Writers, and that relationship is definitely the best thing that happened in the three-day weekend. Finding the right crit group is such an important step in the writing life.
My take-away:
Conferences are worth your while because they will A) make you a better writer B)tap you into a network of writer friends that will help you with A.
Do not attend conferences only for the sake of pitching agents because you'll be too nervous to really absorb the other great things that are happening in the sessions. Pitches are great practice at condensing your work into its essential hook (i.e. they can help you query better), but don't head to a conference thinking you're guaranteed to land an agent/editor if you do so.
Caveat: I do consider myself indebted to SF in gaining an agent, but again it's because of reason A. Agent Charlie pulled my query out of the slush pile and requested a full ms. That full ms I'd just revised after I'd learned so much at the conference, and my book was much, much better because of the revisions I'd made.
So to everyone in NYC this weekend, have a great time and I'll be thinking of you! Hope to be at another conference with you soon!
Sadly, I'm not attending since I was just in New York, but I am envious of the people that will be there and especially of the Tenners who get to meet up at the conference.
I thought I'd take this opportunity to share my two cents on writers' conferences. I'm an SCBWI member, but I haven't yet attended one of their meetings (LA 2010, baby!).
When writers are starting out on the road to finding an agent, publisher, building a career it can be overwhelming. The climb to the top is less daunting if you have helpers to show you the best route. The internet is an invaluable resource (if used responsibly), but reading web page after web page just isn't the same as chatting with a flesh and blood fellow writer who understands the passion and pain involved in this process.
Conferences are a great place to meet other writers, agents, and editors. I'd vehemently argue that the first of that group are the most important at conferences. Many conferences have agent and/or editor pitch sessions. It is these sessions, and the dream of possibly landing an agent or editor at a conference, that lures many writers in.
That's more than understandable, and it's a big part of why I attended my first conference (San Francisco Writers) last year.
What I learned, however, is that while the pitch session was a great experience (and did get me a partial manuscript request) - the most valuable parts of the conference were these:
1) Great sessions on revision. I learned so much about moving the draft of a manuscript from good to exceptional. The panels by authors/editors/agents on what makes a great manuscript really had an impact on my writing.
2) Meeting other writers. My amazing crit partner Lisa (Three-Book Deal) Desrochers and I met at SF Writers, and that relationship is definitely the best thing that happened in the three-day weekend. Finding the right crit group is such an important step in the writing life.
My take-away:
Conferences are worth your while because they will A) make you a better writer B)tap you into a network of writer friends that will help you with A.
Do not attend conferences only for the sake of pitching agents because you'll be too nervous to really absorb the other great things that are happening in the sessions. Pitches are great practice at condensing your work into its essential hook (i.e. they can help you query better), but don't head to a conference thinking you're guaranteed to land an agent/editor if you do so.
Caveat: I do consider myself indebted to SF in gaining an agent, but again it's because of reason A. Agent Charlie pulled my query out of the slush pile and requested a full ms. That full ms I'd just revised after I'd learned so much at the conference, and my book was much, much better because of the revisions I'd made.
So to everyone in NYC this weekend, have a great time and I'll be thinking of you! Hope to be at another conference with you soon!
Friday, December 11, 2009
My Very Own Mad Men (and Women)
It's Unofficially Official Agent Day! (Thanks to Kody Keplinger for this great concept.)
Today we celebrate all the wonderful work agents do to make writers' dreams jump from author's mind to readers' hands in the form of beautiful books.
I'm thrilled to be represented by the phenomenon that is InkWell Management. My agents Richard Pine and Charlie Olsen are more than superheroes. They are my Mad Men.
Charlie Olsen
Dear, dear Charlie. I am not a morning person, but THE CALL from Charlie came at 6 a.m. when I was in Seattle at a history conference and it was instantly the BEST MORNING EVER! He drew my little ms out of slushy peril and polished it to a shiny glow. Plus, he loves comics. Epic win.
Richard Pine
When Richard first called to introduce himself I was in Salt Lake City at a history conference (wow, good things happen when I'm out of town. Note to self: must travel more), having just lugged my suitcase in the pouring rain across the University of Utah campus to my uh...spartan little dorm room (it really felt more like a cell and I was wondering whether saving money by staying in the dorms rather than the conference hotel was really worth it).
My phone rang and Richard proceeded to turn my world upside down with compliments and his ever-present, sincere-but-hypnotizing charisma. It no longer mattered that I was stuck in a tiny room, with a scratchy wool blanket, and shower over toilet combo bathroom - everything had new sparkle.
Lyndsey Blessing
I haven't had the chance to talk with Lyndsey on the phone yet, but she is my favorite email buddy. Lyndsey works miracles with foreign rights in addition to being an all around lovely person. (*Update: Just this morning Lyndsey sent another great email announcing my book deals in Czech and Slovak!)
Patricia Burke
Patricia and I also haven't spoken yet, but we have a constant second hand "I've heard great things about you, I love your work" back and forth via Charlie and Richard. I can't wait to meet Patricia and I already know she's doing amazing things for my books.
The Team
One of my favorite things about being represented by InkWell is that all my interactions with my agents make it clear that this agency works as a team. I know my manuscripts get multiple reads and that enthusiasm for my work comes not from a single person, but runs throughout the whole group. And an incredible group of talented folk it is! I am the luckiest girl ever :)
Thanks so much to my Mad Men (and Women)! You've got the talent, the style, and the spirit to rock the literary world and you do so every day. I'm so thankful to be a part of it.
I'm counting the days until I come to New York to meet my InkWell family!!
Want to see more agent appreciation and learn about Unofficially Official Agent Appreciation Day? Get thee to Lisa and Laura's blog for a list of all the participating authors.
Today we celebrate all the wonderful work agents do to make writers' dreams jump from author's mind to readers' hands in the form of beautiful books.
I'm thrilled to be represented by the phenomenon that is InkWell Management. My agents Richard Pine and Charlie Olsen are more than superheroes. They are my Mad Men.
Charlie Olsen
Dear, dear Charlie. I am not a morning person, but THE CALL from Charlie came at 6 a.m. when I was in Seattle at a history conference and it was instantly the BEST MORNING EVER! He drew my little ms out of slushy peril and polished it to a shiny glow. Plus, he loves comics. Epic win.Richard Pine
When Richard first called to introduce himself I was in Salt Lake City at a history conference (wow, good things happen when I'm out of town. Note to self: must travel more), having just lugged my suitcase in the pouring rain across the University of Utah campus to my uh...spartan little dorm room (it really felt more like a cell and I was wondering whether saving money by staying in the dorms rather than the conference hotel was really worth it).My phone rang and Richard proceeded to turn my world upside down with compliments and his ever-present, sincere-but-hypnotizing charisma. It no longer mattered that I was stuck in a tiny room, with a scratchy wool blanket, and shower over toilet combo bathroom - everything had new sparkle.
Lyndsey Blessing
I haven't had the chance to talk with Lyndsey on the phone yet, but she is my favorite email buddy. Lyndsey works miracles with foreign rights in addition to being an all around lovely person. (*Update: Just this morning Lyndsey sent another great email announcing my book deals in Czech and Slovak!)Patricia Burke
Patricia and I also haven't spoken yet, but we have a constant second hand "I've heard great things about you, I love your work" back and forth via Charlie and Richard. I can't wait to meet Patricia and I already know she's doing amazing things for my books.The Team
One of my favorite things about being represented by InkWell is that all my interactions with my agents make it clear that this agency works as a team. I know my manuscripts get multiple reads and that enthusiasm for my work comes not from a single person, but runs throughout the whole group. And an incredible group of talented folk it is! I am the luckiest girl ever :)Thanks so much to my Mad Men (and Women)! You've got the talent, the style, and the spirit to rock the literary world and you do so every day. I'm so thankful to be a part of it.
I'm counting the days until I come to New York to meet my InkWell family!!
Want to see more agent appreciation and learn about Unofficially Official Agent Appreciation Day? Get thee to Lisa and Laura's blog for a list of all the participating authors.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
London Calling
The weather outside is frightful - we'll have a foot of snow by morning, but I can't be bothered to care because...
NIGHTSHADE and WOLFSBANE sold in the UK!!!
I am ecstatic to share the news that my novels' British home will be with the fabulous team at Atom (Little Brown). Atom is the publisher of both the Twilight and House of Night series *happy dancing now ensues* and I am thrilled to be working with such a fantastic house.
Those of you who've followed this blog for a while know that Great Britain is something of a second home to me, so this sale makes my heart sparkle. And to all my friends across the pond, I'm so pleased that NIGHTSHADE will be in your local bookstores!!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Platforms are Not Just Shoes
If you attend a writers' conference, and I highly recommend that you do, you're bound to hear this word repeated more times than you can count:
PLATFORM
What is a platform? You ask. I certainly did. It turns out that a platform is the base audience a writer creates even before a book is published and, get this, sometimes even before you sign with an agent.
Once upon a time an author only really needed a platform for non-fiction (i.e. in my case the fact that I'm a college professor creates a ready-made platform for my academic writing), but today fiction writers are also in need of their own buzz, a presence beyond that on the pages they write.
Don't panic! I know that for we writerly folk this idea is daunting at best, but in today's digital friendly age creating a platform is much, much easier than you'd imagine.
Facebook, Twitter, and blogs I think are the best ways to dip your toes in the platform pool. More intrepid folk might consider starting vlogs (Jackson Pearce is the queen of vlogs). I'm toying with this idea, but have not yet made that plunge. If I do, you'll be the first to know!
You can start small. Believe me, the early days of tweet and blogs can feel pretty lonely.
But readerships and followers grow over time, and soon they become a big part of your life...one that needs to be managed so that it doesn't interfere with all that writing that started this platform business in the first place!
I'm sure some of you are thinking - does this platform stuff really matter?
YES.
More than I would have guessed. I've been incredibly fortunate of late to sign with some amazing foreign publishers *waves, blows kisses, Hi Lyndsey!!* and in the offers there have been many mentions of my online presence.
When I first read their comments I had a "whaaaaa???" moment, because unbeknownst to me my blogs and tweets had been followed by some truly fabulous editors and publishers. And it's my impression that my growing platform has had a significant impact on the response of publishing houses to NIGHTSHADE. EPIC WIN!
So don't be shy. The benefit of online platformdom is that it's a great venue for writers - it's all about writing!! Each author has to find the way to the world that best suits them, so test the waters, see what format is the right fit for you. But don't stay hidden in the shadows, let the world see you shine.
PLATFORM
What is a platform? You ask. I certainly did. It turns out that a platform is the base audience a writer creates even before a book is published and, get this, sometimes even before you sign with an agent.
Once upon a time an author only really needed a platform for non-fiction (i.e. in my case the fact that I'm a college professor creates a ready-made platform for my academic writing), but today fiction writers are also in need of their own buzz, a presence beyond that on the pages they write.
Don't panic! I know that for we writerly folk this idea is daunting at best, but in today's digital friendly age creating a platform is much, much easier than you'd imagine.
Facebook, Twitter, and blogs I think are the best ways to dip your toes in the platform pool. More intrepid folk might consider starting vlogs (Jackson Pearce is the queen of vlogs). I'm toying with this idea, but have not yet made that plunge. If I do, you'll be the first to know!
You can start small. Believe me, the early days of tweet and blogs can feel pretty lonely.
But readerships and followers grow over time, and soon they become a big part of your life...one that needs to be managed so that it doesn't interfere with all that writing that started this platform business in the first place!I'm sure some of you are thinking - does this platform stuff really matter?
YES.
More than I would have guessed. I've been incredibly fortunate of late to sign with some amazing foreign publishers *waves, blows kisses, Hi Lyndsey!!* and in the offers there have been many mentions of my online presence.
When I first read their comments I had a "whaaaaa???" moment, because unbeknownst to me my blogs and tweets had been followed by some truly fabulous editors and publishers. And it's my impression that my growing platform has had a significant impact on the response of publishing houses to NIGHTSHADE. EPIC WIN!
So don't be shy. The benefit of online platformdom is that it's a great venue for writers - it's all about writing!! Each author has to find the way to the world that best suits them, so test the waters, see what format is the right fit for you. But don't stay hidden in the shadows, let the world see you shine.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Coming Soon
I'm giddy.
There has been such amazing news in the twitosphere (is that a term yet? If not, I call it) about oh-so-exciting film rights deals for fabulous YA authors.
Even though the making of said movies lies well in the future, I still am proud to present my own series of previews for movies I will be waiting in line to see on their some-day-hopefully-not-too-far-away release dates.
Wicked Lovely
Melissa Marr's fey on the silver screen. I get chills just imagining the possibilities.
The Mortal Instruments
Cassandra Clare's series kept me up all night turning pages. And the thought of Jace in the flesh? Swoon.
Shiver
Speaking of chills. Go werewolves! Maggie Stiefvater's lyrical prose and bittersweet tales of love will make for tear-jerking and spine-tingling goodness.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
I am already terrified...but in a really, really good way.
The Duff
(so hot off the presses there isn't even a cover yet!)
Yay for fellow Tenner Kody Keplinger. The film talk compares her story to Juno (which I loved), and hello McG! Woo-hoo Kody! I can't wait for this film!
Beautiful Creatures
Finally, but hopefully only the continuation of more good news to come for the page to screen of YA, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's southern gothic is the buzz around town. This movie is certain to make waves and I think it will be wonderful.
Three cheers for YA domination of Hollywood!!! And a Happy December to you all!
There has been such amazing news in the twitosphere (is that a term yet? If not, I call it) about oh-so-exciting film rights deals for fabulous YA authors.
Even though the making of said movies lies well in the future, I still am proud to present my own series of previews for movies I will be waiting in line to see on their some-day-hopefully-not-too-far-away release dates.
Wicked Lovely
Melissa Marr's fey on the silver screen. I get chills just imagining the possibilities.
The Mortal Instruments
Cassandra Clare's series kept me up all night turning pages. And the thought of Jace in the flesh? Swoon.Shiver
Speaking of chills. Go werewolves! Maggie Stiefvater's lyrical prose and bittersweet tales of love will make for tear-jerking and spine-tingling goodness.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
I am already terrified...but in a really, really good way.
The Duff
(so hot off the presses there isn't even a cover yet!)
Yay for fellow Tenner Kody Keplinger. The film talk compares her story to Juno (which I loved), and hello McG! Woo-hoo Kody! I can't wait for this film!
Beautiful Creatures
Finally, but hopefully only the continuation of more good news to come for the page to screen of YA, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's southern gothic is the buzz around town. This movie is certain to make waves and I think it will be wonderful.
Three cheers for YA domination of Hollywood!!! And a Happy December to you all!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Diagnosis: Delusion
Dreams are great - they're more than great, they're vital. However, sometimes we can let dreams morph into delusions that lull us into irresponsible procrastination (a little procastination is healthy) or steer us off a cliff into the chasm of unreasonable expectations.
My little post derives from a much bigger, and excellent, post by agent Holly Root. Holly describes a problem she sees among new writers that she calls "cart-before-the-horse-itis." First of all, big points for awesome virus name. Second, let's all take a big dose of reality check as Holly suggests.
I'm not a patient person (that's an understatement), but I'm experiencing necessary patience growing pains because writing and publishing require lots of time and patience. Without allowing for one's craft to develop, your readership to grow, your ideas to evolve and make even better books, a writer's delusions can end up a career train wreck. Writing is a way of life, not a manuscript, not a sale, not a signing. Dreaming is good, delusions get us nowhere.
My little post derives from a much bigger, and excellent, post by agent Holly Root. Holly describes a problem she sees among new writers that she calls "cart-before-the-horse-itis." First of all, big points for awesome virus name. Second, let's all take a big dose of reality check as Holly suggests.
I'm not a patient person (that's an understatement), but I'm experiencing necessary patience growing pains because writing and publishing require lots of time and patience. Without allowing for one's craft to develop, your readership to grow, your ideas to evolve and make even better books, a writer's delusions can end up a career train wreck. Writing is a way of life, not a manuscript, not a sale, not a signing. Dreaming is good, delusions get us nowhere.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Vote!
The time has arrived to select my official author photo and guess what?
My family is split on the opinion, so are my agents. I have yet to run the pics by my editor, but will be doing so very soon.
In the mean time I'd love to hear what you have to say. What photograph should become my author photo? I'd also like to thank the amazing Gina Monroe for her spectacular photography skills - I wonder where she gets that from (ahem...Ed?). Gina, you rock!
If you don't already know who Kiersten White is and that's she's awesome, go read her blog. Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I'm snatching Kiersten's idea of having blog readers vote for her jacket photo.
Thanks for helping me with this decision!!
Photo 1:
Photo 2:
Photo 3:
Photo 4:
Photo 5:
My family is split on the opinion, so are my agents. I have yet to run the pics by my editor, but will be doing so very soon.
In the mean time I'd love to hear what you have to say. What photograph should become my author photo? I'd also like to thank the amazing Gina Monroe for her spectacular photography skills - I wonder where she gets that from (ahem...Ed?). Gina, you rock!
If you don't already know who Kiersten White is and that's she's awesome, go read her blog. Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I'm snatching Kiersten's idea of having blog readers vote for her jacket photo.
Thanks for helping me with this decision!!
Photo 1:
Photo 2:
Photo 3:
Photo 4:
Photo 5:
Thursday, August 6, 2009
SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!!
I'm floating, floating, floating to the moon!
My wonderful and fabulous agents, Richard Pine and Charlie Olsen of Inkwell, have landed me a two-book deal with Penguin.
Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy!!!! And thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you to family, friends, and wonderful writer folk who helped me get here.
Keep dreaming big dreams!!
My wonderful and fabulous agents, Richard Pine and Charlie Olsen of Inkwell, have landed me a two-book deal with Penguin.
Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy!!!! And thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you to family, friends, and wonderful writer folk who helped me get here.
Keep dreaming big dreams!!
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