Last night I trudged out to visit Barnes & Noble. I ushered our littlest Littles into the children's area, snuck over to the reference section, and -- with a quick glance to make sure nobody saw me -- grabbed the newest copies of the Children's Writer & Illustrator Market and Guide to Literary Agents off the shelf. I zipped back to the children's area, feeling like I had a huge blinking neon sign that said "FRAUD" lighting up over my head the entire way back.
"Who does SHE think she is?" my inner monologue snickered. (Among other things, but I like to keep it as PG as possible, y'all)
Back in the safety of picture books and young readers, I found a bench that was definitely made for Goldilocks, plopped my books onto a smallish wooden table, and started flipping through the pages. When you decide to peruse the publication world for picture books, here is some of what you will find:
Not accepting unsolicited manuscripts.
Manuscripts by literary agents only.
Picture books must have strong lead character with problem resolution.
5% of yearly books published by new authors.
Not accepting unsolicited manuscripts.
Not accepting unsolicited manuscripts.
Not accepting unsolicited manuscripts.
Never one to let anyone else tell me what I can or can't do, I continued scanning the pages. I grabbed books that matched the publishers that actually do accept unsolicited manuscripts. I read through a mountain of picture books, scrutinized the words, the illustrations, the style.
I added to my list.
I found a little inspiration.
And we went home. I didn't buy the books, still not convinced I need them. But I did get some good information. I think joining the SCBWI will offer more resources in the long run. (No, I mean it. Joining them for real this time.)
I kissed the Littles goodnight.
I read Mem Fox's advice on picture book writing.
And I wrote a new picture book manuscript.
Then finally, happily, I went to sleep.
You can do this! Don't let anyone's negativity (including that little voice in your head) get in the way of your dreams! I think we women are our own toughest critics. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteDo it! Submit something. You write well. People like to read what you have written. You will never get published until you show them what you can do. Do it!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! That's a great first step. Keep writing. Keep investigating. You can do this
ReplyDeleteOne step at a time - as long as we are moving forward! :) Don't give up.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I dream about writing and publishing a book but am not ready quite yet. Do you listen to Katie Davis's podcast - Brain Burps About Books? She gives advice on publishing.
ReplyDeleteOh, I haven't heard of that one -- I'll definitely check it out now! Thanks!
DeleteThank you all for your great encouragement! I've definitely learned a lot already, and I love what I'm doing so that certainly helps me plod along. That, and the support I feel from you guys. Thanks for cheering me on!
ReplyDeleteKellylou,
ReplyDeleteYou can do this! There are lots of great people on Twitter to follow to help along the way. It sounds like you have a goal, a plan, and a book. ;o) Keep writing, keep dreaming, keep moving toward your goal.
Cathy
Thank you so much! It's funny, I've always thought about it, but now that I'm actually talking about it, I seem to be working towards it with a little more gusto. It's like working out -- always helps to have an accountability partner! :D
DeleteI could use a dose of your confidence! I keep telling myself... one of those days...
ReplyDeleteThis is much more about a insanely blind leap of faith than a huge amount of confidence! I wish I was striding boldly forward, but not so much! :D I'm scared to death to share my manuscript with a critique group, yet I want it published for all the world to read?? HA! What's wrong with this picture?? :)
DeleteGood for you! I can use you for inspiration. I keep thinking about that book I want to write...it's all very scary. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteWrite it! Block out all those ugly words that try to steal your story, and just type away 'til there's nothing left to say. It sure is scary, but we have this great group of encouragers cheering us on -- do you read Ruth's other writing site? Go check out http://ruthayreswrites.blogspot.com/ -- I found tons of inspiration through her posts last summer. Great ideas on moving a story along.
DeleteWhat about talking to some of your "BFFs" that have been published? Maybe they'd be willing to give you some advice or help you find a publisher.
ReplyDeleteMy inner monolguer keeps saying they're all going to laugh at me. She's really NOT a very nice lady to have to listen to all the time. I may just have to kick her out.
ReplyDelete