April 2005

What Should I Expect When I Meet With An Editor?

I am about to go to my first writing conference. I submitted my picture book manuscript to the conference director and will have a 10-minute critique session with an editor. Have you ever done this before? Could you give me an idea of what to expect? How can I get the most out of that time? Thanks!

Yes, I have attended critique sessions with editors at conferences. My best advice is to be a good listener and be prepared to jot down a few notes. But don't get so wrapped up in making notes that you appear to ignore the editor. She will probably do one of two things: she will write comments in the margins of your manuscript, or she will provide you with a written critique (usually one-page or less). Remember that the editor is providing a general critique of your manuscript, it is not meant to be an edit, so don't get bogged down with discussing the manuscript. In her article, "No More Piranhas!: Editors' Thoughts on Conferences" Marilyn Singer writes: "Stephanie Lurie of Dutton, says one of her pet peeves is when 'people expect to have an in-depth discussion of a manuscript they brought along or submitted recently'." Singer's article provides a unique look at writers' conferences from the editor's point-of-view.

Think of the experience as an audition or job interview. Some editors use these sessions to get to know writers. Do you take criticism well? If the editor is interested in your manuscript, are you willing to make any changes she suggests? Editors are also looking for writers who are prepared to market and promote their books once they are published. Be personable, but not overbearing. If the editor isn't interested in the manuscript you submitted, take the opportunity to briefly pitch another project and ask if you can submit it.

Also, be sure to read Debbie Ridpath-Ohi's Press Kit column, "Networking and Promotion Through Writers' Conferences". You'll find some excellent suggestions to help you make the most of your conference experience.

Is It Normal For An Agent To Ask For A Deposit?

I received an acceptance from a literary agency to represent my children's book. Part of the terms is that I put forth a $200 deposit to cover marketing expenses. The deposit will be deducted from the commission upon signing with a publisher. Everything I read indicates that respectable agents don't charge a reading fee, but I cannot find any information about deposits such as this. Can you tell me whether it's normal for an agent to ask for a deposit? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Whether the agent calls it a deposit or a reading fee, the agent is charging you to submit your work. Writers should not pay agents to submit their work. Agents who charge upfront fees often defend the practice by saying they have copying and mailing costs to cover. Yes that's true. However if you submit your own work, you have those same costs. By taking on your manuscript the agent is saying he will do this for you. When the agent sells your work, he will be paid a percentage of the sale. Think of it like selling a house. You wouldn't pay the realtor a fee to list your house. It's the realtor's job to sell your house, only then will he be paid. It works the same way with your manuscript. The agent is like the realtor and shouldn't be paid unless he sells your manuscript.

For an in-depth look at finding an agent, read "Agents for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators" by Harold Underdown. He answers the question, "Should I pay a reading fee?" in this way: "Authors should no more have to buy access to publishers than they should to agents. Agents make money from commissions, and publishers make profits on their books, and the cost of finding new clients by reading manuscripts comes out of that."

In her article "How to Protect Yourself From Questionable Agents", Marg Gilks provides a list of references on the Internet to help you find out whether an agent is legitimate.

What Is Magical Realism?

I have a question about fantasy stories. What is magical realism exactly? Can you tell me where to find more information about this genre? Can you give me any examples of children's books that are considered magical realism? Thanks for any help.

Although there are many different definitions, generally in magical realism fiction, elements of the supernatural are interjected into a normal, modern world setting. In his article, "What is Magical Realism, Really?", Bruce Holland Rogers writes: "Magical realism is not speculative and does not conduct thought experiments. Instead, it tells its stories from the perspective of people who live in our world and experience a different reality from the one we call objective. If there is a ghost in a story of magical realism, the ghost is not a fantasy element but a manifestation of the reality of people who believe in and have 'real' experiences of ghosts." For a fascinating analysis of the many different aspects of magical realism, be sure to read the entire article.

"Margin" is an online magical realism magazine. At the web site you will find an alphabetical list of children's magical realism fiction, including such popular favorites as: Holes by Louis Sachar, James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, and Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.

For more information:

No More Piranhas! Editors' Thoughts on Conferences

http://www.marilynsinger.net/piranhas.htm

Networking and Promotion Through Writers' Conferences

http://www.writing-world.com/columns/promotion/press06.shtml

Agents for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

http://www.underdown.org/agents.htm

How to Protect Yourself From Questionable Agents

http://www.writing-world.com/publish/agents.shtml

What is Magical Realism, Really?

http://www.writing-world.com/sf/realism.shtml

Children's Reading for Lovers of Magical Realism

http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/margin/kidlit.html

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