June 2005

What Are The Guidelines For Nonfiction?

I have an idea for a children's nonfiction picture book about an archaeological discovery. Would that type of book be considered creative nonfiction or historical nonfiction? What are the legal guidelines for crafting a nonfiction work? Can I use real names, such as names of the scientists who were involved? If I do use real names, what kind of permission do I need?

Creative nonfiction is generally considered to be personal essays, memoirs, and autobiographies. However that definition is not set in stone. In her article "What is Creative Nonfiction Writing?" Barrie Jean Borich says, "Creative nonfiction writing can embody both personal and public history. It is a form that utilizes memory, experience, observation, opinion, and all kinds of research. Sometimes the form can do all of the above at the same time. Other times it is more selective." Aaron Pope provides an even broader description of creative nonfiction that could include historical nonfiction in his article, "Lines in the Mud: Exploring Creative Non-Fiction."

As a nonfiction writer, you are the same as a journalist. The only legal guidelines that apply are copyright. You cannot publish in whole, or in part, text from any existing publications about the discovery without permission. The text you write must be written by you. A nonfiction story is really no different than an article. You are writing about the facts.

Just like a journalist/reporter, you don't really need "permission" from the people involved. They were involved in an historical incident and you are writing about it. However, it's always a good idea to make contact with family, co-workers, or friends connected to the people in your story, or the actual people (the scientists) themselves -- anyone who is still alive to talk about it. Seeking family members' or the actual characters' cooperation and input in your research will enhance your story. You might find out information that will make your story more interesting and colorful. If they don't wish to cooperate for whatever reason, you can still write the story. But I have to say I've never had that problem when writing an article. People involved in the story are always happy to comment and/or add details.

Should I Submit A Proposal For A Series?

I have just completed a 16 chapter book that is number one of a ten book series. Should I send the first three chapters of the first two books or just the one I've completed? Am I supposed to write a proposal? Does a proposal say what I'm going to do with the whole series or just focus on the first book? Any advice and direction will be greatly appreciated

In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books, Harold Underdown recommends marketing the first book in a series. Then mention in your cover letter that this is the first book in a series. And, he warns, you should be sure to send your query only to publishers that publish books in a series. In my article "The Elephant in the Room: Marketing Your Children's Manuscript", I recommend visiting your local library and/or bookstore to find books similar to yours and make a note of the publishers. Usually you write a proposal for a nonfiction book. For fiction you write a synopsis, therefore for a series you would write a synopsis of each book.

Can I Query Another Agent At The Same Agency?

An agent from a large literary agency requested my children's book manuscript. The agent I sent it to thoughtfully rejected it with the words, "your work is delightful" but "my present workload, I have decided, prevents me from taking on another book." Then he said: "I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding an agent." I have, however, had trouble. Is it acceptable to query another agent at that agency?

It's probably not a good idea to query another agent at the same agency that rejected your manuscript. But if you feel that the agent you corresponded with is approachable, you might consider contacting him and asking him if he can recommend another agent or agency.

The world of agents and the process of finding an agent is probably the most frustrating conundrum we writers face. The first question you must ask yourself is: do I really need an agent? In his article, "Agents for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators", Harold Underdown provides an excellent analysis of the agent question for children's writers. He says, "If you will only be happy if your first book is published by a famous publisher such as HarperCollins or Random House or Simon & Schuster, then you need an agent or the ability to network and find ways to meet or contact editors at those houses. Otherwise, you need to look to smaller publishers and plan to get an agent later, if ever." He also lists several resources for finding an agent. The Children's Writers and Illustrator's Market contains a list of agents. Also the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) publishes an Agents Directory, which is free to members.

In the past, I have usually advised beginning children's writers that if they are members of SCBWI, they don't really need an agent. There was a time when most children's book publishers would accept unsolicited manuscripts from SCBWI members. However over the past 2 years, I have seen that situation change dramatically. It's true that SCBWI still has the best and most useful market information, and any publisher who will look at unsolicited manuscripts does put out a call through the organization. But I've noticed fewer publishers doing so. And I see from the latest SCBWI Market Survey, many publishers that used to consider unsolicited manuscripts have tightened up their guidelines and will no longer look at unagented manuscripts. I have also noticed that it's taking longer and longer for publishers to respond to unsolicited manuscripts. For example in my case, one editor took 11 months to respond, another took 18 months, and another 27 months! So it's getting more and more difficult to get our work in the hands of editors. I still believe that SCBWI members have a better chance of getting their manuscripts read, than non-members. We just have to be prepared to do simultaneous submissions and wait a long time for a response.

For more information:

What is Creative Nonfiction Writing?

http://www.barriejeanborich.net/creativeNonfiction.html

Lines in the Mud: Exploring Creative Non-Fiction

http://www.mala.bc.ca/~soules/eng315/textbook/pope.htm

The Elephant in the Room: Marketing Your Children's Manuscript

http://www.writing-world.com/children/elephant.shtml

Agents for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

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

SCBWI

http://www.scbwi.org

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