October 2005

May I Resubmit My Picture Book To The Same Publishers?

I am a teacher and aspiring picture book author. Last year I sent out my manuscript to a number of publishers. Some had positive comments, but all ultimately rejected the proposal. Since this time I've revised and rewritten the cover letter and book in question. May I resubmit it to the same publishers or isn't that advisable?

A similar question about resubmitting to agents is covered in my August 2005 column: How do I handle resubmitting my novel? Since then I have encountered some disagreement among writers about whether or not to resubmit a manuscript. While many writers still feel it is not a good idea to resubmit to agents, it is probably okay to resubmit to an editor. However judging from my own experience, it's perfectly okay to resubmit to agents or publishers. First of all, timing is everything. And while your manuscript might not fit in an editor's plan one year, maybe after a second look she will find a place for it. Of course that's if the editor who reads it is the same editor who looked at it the first time around. Editors move around from one publisher to another -- as a matter of fact that's been happening a lot lately. Harold Underdown helps writers keep track of editors on his "Who's Moving Where" page at his web site, The Purple Crayon. Many publishers employ editorial assistants or manuscript readers to sort through submissions. In those cases your manuscript is bound to get a second look, and perhaps move higher up the chain of command, so it's definitely worth the effort.

There is also some disagreement among writers as to whether or not you should mention in your cover letter that the editor has seen the manuscript before, or that you have revised it. My position on this, again based on my experience, is that you don't need to say anything -- let the manuscript speak for itself.

Do You Know Anything About PublishAmerica?

I have been reading your column for some time and always learned something. Now I have a question. PublishAmerica is interested in publishing my manuscript. Do you know anything about them? I've heard mixed reviews. I would appreciate any advice.

Commenting on the reputation of specific publishers is something I stay away from in this column. I have been a professional writer for nearly 30 and have my own publisher horror stories to tell, but I prefer not to dwell on the negative. Likewise plenty of writers have related their horror stories to me. Since I don't have any experience with PublishAmerica, I can't advise you one way or another. I have heard bad things and good things about them. Preditors and Editors publishes the most comprehensive collection of information about PublishAmerica in the alphabetized publishers and agents list at their web site, including links to writers' personal experiences. They DO NOT recommend them. If you are considering a contract with PublishAmerica, you should take the time to read the information and understand what you are getting yourself into. When a publisher has such a laundry list of allegations against it, the chances are pretty high that you will have problems if you sign a contract. Each writer has his own reasons for publishing. Along with researching the publisher, you must also examine your own reasons for writing and publishing. Then and only then can you make the decision that is best for you.

[Editor's Note: You can find some links to information on the controversy about PublishAmerica on our self-publishing page at http://www.writing-world.com/selfpub/index.shtml]

How Do I Contact Agents From China?

I am a teacher of English in China. I recently wrote a children's storybook in English with the Chinese background. I want to have it published in America, but I found most of the publishers require submission through literary agents. They always say that in most libraries there's the book Literary Market Place where you can find literary agents. But I live in China. And it is extremely hard to find this book. How can I find the names of some of the literary agents and how to contact them? Thank you!

The Internet is another good resource for finding children's book agents but it's not as easy as looking in a reference book. The best information is not free. For as little as $19.95, you can access the online agent database at Literary Marketplace.com for one week, and they do accept international subscribers. The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) also welcomes international members. You will find their web site, discussion boards, and PDF publications very valuable and easily accessible online. The SCBWI Agents Directory is updated annually and free to members. All SCBWI publications are available in PDF for downloading and printing from their web site. You can find an alphabetical list of agents at Writers Services and Preditor & Editors web sites, and in some instances, links to the agents' web sites. However you will have to research the agents further to find out whether they represent children's writers. Once you have the name of an agent, do a Google search to find more information. Viking Children's Books Senior Editor Sharyn November publishes a list of children's book agents at her web site, including links to their web sites. While you're searching online be sure to stop by the Purple Crayon web site and read Harold Underdown's primer on "Agents for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators" for more worthwhile information and advice.

For more information:

Advice from a Caterpillar - August 2005

http://www.writing-world.com/caterpillar/cat55.shtml

Who's Moving Where

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

SCBWI

http:www.scbwi.org

Preditors & Editors: Book Publisher Listings

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pebp.htm

Literary Marketplace.com

http://www.literarymarketplace.com/lmp/us/index_us.asp

Preditors & Editors: Literary Agents

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm

Writers Services US Literary Agents

http://www.writersservices.com/agent/us/agent_us.htm

Sharyn November's Children's and Teen Books

http://www.sharyn.org/children.html

Agents for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

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

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