The Big Picture Part 3—Navigating the Picture Book Publishing Maze: Tips, Resources & Encouragement
02/11/24 • 29 min
This week we dived deep into the picture book publishing process. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey, stuck in the middle, or just looking for that extra nudge, we've covered everything you need to know to navigate this challenging yet rewarding path.
Our Picture Book Journey: We share the latest on Cat's Rule and the unagented submission process. Despite the silence from publishers, we're just at the beginning!
Dealing with Submissions: We talked about the frustration of unresponsive publishers. Yet, there's hope in platforms like Entangled Publishing's Little Lark, which allows authors to track their submission's progress. It's a game-changer in maintaining sanity during the waiting game.
Joining SCBWI: If you haven't already, joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a must. It's been a beacon of support, resources, and community for both of us. From critique partners to craft agents, SCBWI offers everything you need to grow in the kid lit world.
Craft Development Resources: We also highlighted invaluable resources for honing your craft, such as the Highlights Foundation, the Writing Barn, and the Children's Book Academy. These platforms offer workshops, classes, and webinars that are accessible virtually, making them perfect for any schedule and budget.
Feedback is Gold: Embrace feedback on your work. It's the cornerstone of growth. Sharing your work, even when it's scary, opens the door to invaluable insights that can transform your writing.
Contests and Pitch Parties: Don't overlook contests and Twitter pitch parties like #PBPitch. They're fantastic opportunities to gain visibility, feedback, and even catch the eye of agents and publishers. Plus, winning or being shortlisted in contests can be a significant boost to your author bio.
Querying Resources: When you're ready to query, resources like Sylvia Liu's Advanced Tips for Querying Agents and the monster list of picture book agents by Heather Ayris Burnell are indispensable.
Final Thoughts: Putting yourself out there is essential. Whether it's joining SCBWI, submitting to contests, or querying agents, each step you take brings you closer to your dream of publishing a picture book.
Remember, we're in this together, cheering each other on every step of the way. So, dive into the resources we've shared, embrace the journey, and keep writing. Your story deserves to be told, and the world is waiting to hear it.
Blog version
Video summary
Visit the Website
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!
This week we dived deep into the picture book publishing process. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey, stuck in the middle, or just looking for that extra nudge, we've covered everything you need to know to navigate this challenging yet rewarding path.
Our Picture Book Journey: We share the latest on Cat's Rule and the unagented submission process. Despite the silence from publishers, we're just at the beginning!
Dealing with Submissions: We talked about the frustration of unresponsive publishers. Yet, there's hope in platforms like Entangled Publishing's Little Lark, which allows authors to track their submission's progress. It's a game-changer in maintaining sanity during the waiting game.
Joining SCBWI: If you haven't already, joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a must. It's been a beacon of support, resources, and community for both of us. From critique partners to craft agents, SCBWI offers everything you need to grow in the kid lit world.
Craft Development Resources: We also highlighted invaluable resources for honing your craft, such as the Highlights Foundation, the Writing Barn, and the Children's Book Academy. These platforms offer workshops, classes, and webinars that are accessible virtually, making them perfect for any schedule and budget.
Feedback is Gold: Embrace feedback on your work. It's the cornerstone of growth. Sharing your work, even when it's scary, opens the door to invaluable insights that can transform your writing.
Contests and Pitch Parties: Don't overlook contests and Twitter pitch parties like #PBPitch. They're fantastic opportunities to gain visibility, feedback, and even catch the eye of agents and publishers. Plus, winning or being shortlisted in contests can be a significant boost to your author bio.
Querying Resources: When you're ready to query, resources like Sylvia Liu's Advanced Tips for Querying Agents and the monster list of picture book agents by Heather Ayris Burnell are indispensable.
Final Thoughts: Putting yourself out there is essential. Whether it's joining SCBWI, submitting to contests, or querying agents, each step you take brings you closer to your dream of publishing a picture book.
Remember, we're in this together, cheering each other on every step of the way. So, dive into the resources we've shared, embrace the journey, and keep writing. Your story deserves to be told, and the world is waiting to hear it.
Blog version
Video summary
Visit the Website
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!
Previous Episode
Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez Tells You What You Need to Know
In the latest episode of Writers With Wrinkles, join hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid as they talk with Kaitlyn Sanchez, a figure who has rapidly become a beacon in the world of children's literature. Kaitlyn, a literary agent at Bradford Literary, shares her unique story that transitions from a passion for mathematics to a growing influence in children's book publishing.
Listeners will be treated to an in-depth conversation that delves into the competitive landscape of picture book publishing, highlighting key trends and the increasing demand for stories that reflect our diverse society. Kaitlyn's insights into what makes a manuscript stand out in a crowded market are invaluable for aspiring authors.
Moreover, this episode sheds light on the importance of resilience in the face of industry rejection. Kaitlyn's approach to viewing rejections as mere "passes" and her emphasis on the significance of the right fit between an author and an agent provides a fresh perspective on the publishing journey.
Additionally, Kaitlyn discusses her eclectic taste in literature and its advantage in the dynamic world of book publishing, challenging the conventional wisdom of sticking to a specific writing "brand."
This episode is not just a narrative of success; it's a treasure trove of advice, inspiration, and a testament to the power of perseverance and personal growth in the literary world. Whether you're an established author, an aspiring writer, or a book lover, this episode promises to offer a unique blend of inspiration and practical guidance.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most dynamic figures in children's literature today. Tune in to this episode of Writers With Wrinkles for a journey through the literary landscape with Kaitlyn Sanchez.
Find Kaitlyn
Website: https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/
Twitter: @KaitlynLeann17
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaitlynLeann17
To follow her clients on social media: https://kaitlynleannsanchez.com/literary-clients/
Visit the Website
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!
Next Episode
Level Up with Author and Video Game Creator Andrew Auseon
Join Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid as they welcome Andrew Auseon, a talented author and video game writer. Dive into Andrew's journey across the realms of video games and kids books, exploring the creative synergy between these two worlds.
Spellbinders Series: Discover the magic behind Andrew Auseon's middle-grade series, starting with Spellbinders: The Not So Chosen One and the upcoming sequel Spellbinders: Break the Game. Follow Ben's adventures as he navigates personal challenges and a fantastical world where he's seen as a prophesied hero.
Video Games & Books: Examine the role video games play in storytelling and socialization, particularly for middle-grade audiences. Learn about the evolution of video game narratives and their impact on kinds of storytelling.
Creative Process: Andrew shares insights into the differences and similarities of writing for video games vs. novels, emphasizing the importance of pacing, thematic exploration, and character development.
Career Journey: From debut author and a respected name in video game narrative design, Andrew offers advice for aspiring creators, highlighting the importance of storytelling skills across media and the value of collaboration.
Getting Involved in Game Writing: Tips for aspiring game writers on immersing themselves in the gaming industry, developing a strong portfolio, and understanding the technicalities of game development. Whether you're interested in narrative design in video games or crafting stories for books, Andrew's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling across different mediums. Dive deep into the worlds you wish to create and continuously refine your craft.
Listen Now: Don't miss this episode's insights into video game storytelling and creating compelling narratives.
Remember: Visit the podcast website at writerswithwrinkles.net for more about Andrew Auseon and to support and share about the show.
Visit the Website
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!
Writers With Wrinkles - The Big Picture Part 3—Navigating the Picture Book Publishing Maze: Tips, Resources & Encouragement
Transcript
Hi friends , I'm Beth McMullen and I'm Lisa Schmid , and we're the co-hosts of Writers with Wrinkles . This is season three , episode seven , and this is a big picture episode . We're gonna give you an update on our picture book process and also focus on some resources that are picture book related . For those of you who are in the middle of this process , at the beginning of
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