VPL Panel: Writing and Illustrating for Children – Question #3

QUESTION #3 (asked by Jen)

Great idea on answering the many questions I am sure people still had
after the panel discussion was over. Thank you for taking the time to
do this. I was wondering – from your separate perspectives as both a
writer and as a publisher – what unique tips you might have for how to
be quickly upgraded from the slush pile?

ANSWER #3: (answered by Crystal)

Quickly?  I’m not sure about how to make it a speedy process, but I’ll give you a few pointers on how to make it a rewarding one ; )

#1 – ALWAYS visit the website of the company or publication you’re submitting to WITHIN 7 DAYS OF SENDING IN YOUR SUBMISSION.  Staff, procedures, what we’re looking for etc. changes quickly around a publishing house, and if you’re addressing your query to the wrong person, or sending something we’re not accepting at the present time because you are working from old information, then you’re more likely to end up on that nasty slush pile (or even worse, your submission will just get recycled without being opened)

#2 – Once you’ve read those guidelines, follow them to the absolute letter. The way you want to stand out is NOT by using a coloured envelope if we ask for a white one, or putting your submission in a pretty folder if we’ve asked for a simple staple.  That will just mark you as someone who can’t follow directions.  You want to stand out by the quality of your submission.

#3 – Make sure your manuscript is polished to perfection – AND SO ARE YOUR QUERY LETTER AND SYNOPSIS. Too often it’s easy to tell that the person just “threw together” their query letter as they were about to send off the package.  Keep in mind, the editor may never read past the query if it doesn’t grab their attention and hold it.If you’re not sure about how to do these two things, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI West) actually has a very affordable workshop series that anyone can register for on preparing your query letter and synopsis and get personalized feedback on your submission package. (blatant self promotion there as Jared and I are actually the workshop facilitators).

#4 – Did I mention follow the submission guidelines to the letter?  Yes, this is actually the most important part.  It’s worth saying again, and again, and again…

***SPECIAL THANKS to Laura Hana, wedding photographer who was on hand to take pictures at the event.  She has generously given her permission for us to use her photos in our VPL blogging adventure to help keep the spirit of the event alive!

*****

A bit more blatant self promotion here ; )

Hopefully that helps.  Jared and I are actually just finishing up a book we’ve written on the topic – that will come out in mid August.  Here’s a sneak peek at the cover. It goes with a workshop series we’re putting on and traveling across Canada with over the next 12 months. If you’re curious about that adventure, you can check out the Live Your Dream workshop series website: www.liveyourdreamworkshops.com

There are four workshops & books in total to be released in the next 5 months:

Self Publishing For Profit, Book Marketing Mixology, Writing for Children, Staying Out of the Slush Pile