Kite Tales Home Spring 2010 Volume 21 Number 2 www.scbwisocal.org

In This Issue Regional News Saturday, April 10, 2010 Los Angeles...... 2 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Orange County/ Clairbourn School, speakers Inland Empire...... 3 San Gabriel, CA Ventura/Santa Barbara...... 6 Rachel Abrams Tri-Region Calendar...... 10 Editor, HarperCollins (www.harpercollinschildrens.com) Features Skype Speeds by David Boeshaar...... 7 Freelance Concept Work by J.H. Everett Printz Award-winning author, & JR Johnson...... 8 Libba Bray, (http://libbabray.com) Illustrator’s Perspective by Mark Fearing...... 11 Poet’s Perspective by Stephanie Hemphill...... 13 Writer’s Perspective by Sherry Shahan...... 15 Middle grade series author, Editor’s Perspective: Kathleen O’Dell, Miniview with Ruta Rimas (www.kathleenodell.com) by Terry Pierce...... 17 WD Faculty Feature by Nancy I. Sanders...... 19 Q&A with Michelle Zink by Bonnie Ferron...... 26 ALA Awards...... 33 Prolific picture book author, Columns Lisa Wheeler, A Penchant for Poetry (www.lisawheelerbooks.com) Stephanie Hemphill...... 13 To Market, To Market by Vicki Arkoff...... 20 Illustrator’s Gallery Katie McDee...... 25 Agent Jill Corcoran, A Hint of Humor Professional Forum: Herman Agency will show us how to by Debbie Ridpath Ohi...... 28 Nancy I. Sanders write a winning query and synopsis News from the Internet (www.nancyisanders.com) (www.hermanagencyinc.com) by Jenn Bailey...... 29 on how to set up Volunteers in the Spotlight...... 30 virtual book tours Bulletin Board...... 32 Lunch included c Toot Your Horn...... 36 ome join us! Member $85 ~ Non-Member $95 Join SCBWI today $160 Definitions for the Perplexed Look for registration form and ($75 membership plus $85 Writer’s Day) by Editorial Anonymous.....37 details at www.scbwisocal.org SCBWI-L.A. Regional News Who’s Who in SCBWI-Los Angeles Ah, Spring! Regional Advisors: Claudia Harrington, Edie Pagliasotti, We love this time of year because it reminds us to do as Sarah Laurenson (Assistant RA) Nature and open ourselves up to the world. It’s time for those creative You can reach us at: 310-573-7318 or mail us at: SCBWI-L.A., P.O. Box 1728, buds to bloom, for us to soak up the sun and the nutrients around us, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 and to become the best we can be. E-mail Claudia at [email protected], Edie at [email protected], Whether you find your creative juice by digging into a writer’s Sarah at [email protected] schmooze and finally nabbing that elusive beginning, an illustrator’s Conference Coordinators: schmooze and stumbling on an idea that gives your work that Illustrator’s Day: Ken Min & Milla Zeltzer dimension you’ve been hoping for, or something bigger, like what Writer’s Day: Claudia Harrington & Edie Pagliasotti you’ll find at Writer’s Day, we are here for you! Working Writer’s Retreat: Judy Enderle & Speaking of Writer’s Day, come and soak up what makes a can’t-say- Stephanie Jacob Gordon Down The Rabbit Hole Sunday Field Trip: no query letter, or how to make your picture book/middle grade/ Dawne Knobbe teen novel stand out. No matter what stage of the game you’re in, & Svetlana Strickland you will always take home what you need to hear. Our speakers are Writer’s Toolbox: Sally Jones Rogan Small Events: Dawne Knobbe & Sue Wellfringer OUTSTANDING this year — writers Libba Bray (winner of the Contest Coordinator: Susan Ruch Roush 2010 Printz Award), Lisa Wheeler, and Kathleen O’Dell; agent Jill Corcoran; and Professional Forum speaker Nancy Sanders who will Schmooze Organizers: Gay Toltl Kinman (Schmooze Advocate) talk about virtual school visits. Manuscripts will bloom when you get Rita Crayon Huang & Lee Wind (Westside) home! Suzy Block (Westside Illustrators) Jennifer Swain (San Fernando Valley Illustrators) Dorothy Raymond (West San Gabriel Valley) Once they’ve bloomed, it’s time to weed — and just in time, Suzanne Gibson (South Bay) along comes Critiquenic, June 12th. What better way to take your manuscript or portfolio to the next level than to do it among peers Advisory Board: Joan Charles, Stephanie Jacob Gordon, while sitting under the sky and devouring scrumptious dessert? We Marcelle Greene, Claudia Harrington, Rilla know that chocolate spurs creativity, so we come armed for you! Jaggia, Dawne Knobbe, Sarah Laurenson, Although it’s informal and free, you do need to register in advance so Marilyn Morton, Edie Pagliasotti, Sally Jones Rogan, Susan Ruch Roush we can gather the perfect facilitators. Emeritus: Judy Enderle, Julie Williams Be sure to check upcoming events and contests for the tri-regions at www.scbwisocal.org, www.scbwisocal.org! Webmistress Sarah Laurenson

SCBWI International We truly are blessed to play in the garden of SCBWI-L.A. along with so Executive (International) Office: many wonderful gardeners — we mean volunteers! We would not grow Steve Mooser, Lin Oliver For general info, membership & other national without you, so a huge round of thanks to each and every one. SCBWI business: 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048 Here’s hoping your spring and 323-782-1010, [email protected] summer are full of the seeds of great www.scbwi.org manuscripts, great portfolios, and Regional Advisor Chairperson: Cheryl Zach even greater friendships. Now dig in! RA Chair Assistant: Pat Wolfe Int’l Regional Advisor Chair: Erzsi Deak Illustrator Coordinator: Claudia and Edie Priscilla Burris E-mail: [email protected]

Kite Tales 2 Spring 2010

contents Orange County/Inland Empire News Who’s Who at Kite Tales Greetings from Francesca and Q, KITE TALES is a newsletter published by the L.A. Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for the SCBWI Tri- We recently had the joyous opportunity to pick the brains of two Regions of Southern California. Information talented SCBWI-Orange County members: Marlene Perez, author of published in KITE TALES does not constitute an the successful Dead is The New Black series, and award-winning picture endorsement by SCBWI and/or SCBWI-L.A. book author Roseanne Thong, author of Fly Free, Tummy Girl, and Wish. KITE TALES Editors Rilla Jaggia, [email protected] Here is the inside scoop on: How do they do it? Vicki Arkoff & Bonnie Ferron, SCBWI-L.A. Editors Alexis O’Neill, V/SB Editor, 805-581-1906 or [email protected] Q: Marlene, do Francesca Rusackas & Q.L. Pearce, you keep a writing Orange/Long Beach/Riverside/ San Bernardino Editors, schedule? [email protected] or Yes, I write each morning [email protected] for 2½ hours, squeezing KITE TALES Layout & Production Marcelle Greene, in an hour at night after [email protected] the kids are in bed. I keep KITE TALES Proofreader to this schedule 7 days a Jill Linden, Author Marlene Perez [email protected] week. My husband is a KITE TALES Subscriptions huge help, which allows Mary Peterson, me to write at least 20 hours a week. I’ve also discovered that in order [email protected] KITE TALES Ads to stay on task, I’ve had to learn to say no to situations that would take Bonnie Ferron, me away from my writing. [email protected] Q: How do you pick your projects? KITE TALES is free at http://www.scbwisocal. I have tons of ideas and it’s important that I’m passionate about what org/htmls/kitetales.htm. Join the I’m working on. At the same time, it’s also important that I have online mailing list to receive Kite Tales announcements via e-mail at enough of an idea to make a book. So even though I hate to do it, I will http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KiteTales/. start with a 1-page synopsis. A synopsis will tell me if I have enough of Snail mail subscriptions cost $18/year (4 issues). a plot for a complete book. And since I like my books to be current, I’ll www.scbwisocal.org/htmls/ktform.htm run my synopsis by my agent to get his feedback. But nothing is written Submission Deadlines: in stone. Some authors will write a 50-page outline to help them pick a Spring - Jan. 15 for March 1 issue project. There are no rules. Summer - April 15 for June 1 issue Fall - July 15 for Sept. 1 issue Winter - Oct. 15 for Dec. 1 issue Q: What is the hardest element about a project? I often find that the hard work begins 100 pages into a project. It’s no Send comments, articles, great news, questions, etc. to Rilla Jaggia at longer the glittery, beautiful, and shiny new idea. That’s when I have to [email protected]. be careful not to be drawn away and seduced by a new idea. Columns - 500 words max Features - 800 words max Interviews - 1400 words max Q: Any advice for YA authors? Poetry - 150 words max If you are new to the YA field, you can’t shop on an idea. Because of the economy, editors and agents are more cautious. You really need Critique Connections: Contact Sheryl Scarborough at to have a nearly completed manuscript. I also don’t like to talk about [email protected]. my project until it is done. You run the risk of tricking yourself into thinking that you’ve finished it, when you haven’t. Ads: Follow instructions on page 8 of this issue. Q: How do you keep your series-writing fresh? While I’m waiting for my first draft to be critiqued, I give myself (continued next page)

Kite Tales 3 Spring 2010

contents … Orange county/inland empire news

a little vacation from my series. I’ll work on a Q: What makes a project market savvy? completely different project. Currently I’m 75 In order to fit into a larger global marketplace, a pages into a new novel (that has not yet been story needs to have universal appeal. For example, contracted). I like to take these little breaks. I think the basic story may be about making a great birthday it’s important and good to write about different gift for Dad and it may be set in a foreign country, characters in-between series. It exercises my but the elements of hope, love, and even the fear of creative muscles and helps to keep my writing fresh. getting hurt give the story a broad range to which all cultures can relate. Q: Are there any books that have helped you write for the YA market? Thank you, Roseanne! For a peek at Roseanne’s Yes, I highly recommend: Save the Cat! The Last Book website visit www.greenfield-thong.com. on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Snyder. The principles shared in Blake’s book for screenwriters Please note, my dear Kite Tales friends, that each of can help the young adult author, too. these successful authors writes EVERY DAY! And, they also stick to and finish each project. It doesn’t Thank you, Marlene! To take a peek at Marlene’s take an agent to do this — just good planning and website visit www.marleneperez.com. determination. If they can, you can too!

Fun Facts — our Orange County and Inland Empire Chapter is home to some amazing sites and events. Last year, we noted a few places in Orange County for writers and artists to find inspiration and do some hands-on research. This time we are taking a peek at a few spots in Riverside County. So grab your notebook, sketch pad, and a few creative friends and visit the following inspirational sites/ events.

Author Roseanne Thong Mission Inn Will Rogers called the Mission Inn the most unique hotel in America. From its humble beginnings as Q: Roseanne, what does your writing a simple adobe in 1876, the inn has become an schedule look like? incredible historical landmark. It includes beautiful In the morning, if I’m in a fog, I’ll jog 3-4 miles to gardens, stunning architectural features, a priceless wake up my brain. Then I’ll come home, unplug the collection of art and antiques, the St. Francis of phones, and shut out the world. I work insanely for Assisi Chapel with an 18-karat gold-leafed altar, and the next 4 hours. It’s like my sacred time. Tiffany stained-glass panels. There is also a museum that offers the “Hands on History” program. Q: How do you pick your projects? www.missioninn.com It used to be that I would allow the project to pick me. But I discovered that even though I might love Museum of Photography an idea, it didn’t always make good business sense. The California Museum of Photography at UC My earlier projects had too narrow of an interest. Riverside is devoted to the understanding of Now I have a file with 40 titles along with a rough photography and related arts. They have many description of what each story is about. From that special events, workshops, and exhibitions including list, I pick my top 5 ideas and run my ideas by my an upcoming look at the work of Ansel Adams. agent. Sometimes my top 5 ideas get reshuffled www.cmp.ucr.edu and pushed back. After brainstorming together, we decide on the project that is the most market savvy. You can find more information about these great spots and plenty of others at www.inlandarts.com. (continued next page)

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contents … Orange county/inland empire news

Save the Dates! Picture MARCH 26-28 2010 Yourself Spring Writer’s Retreat

Picture yourself strolling along a serene path through a tranquil vineyard. Our retreat location is tucked in the heart of Temecula’s Wine Country—The South Coast Winery Resort & Spa. Give your career the attention it deserves.

Our inspirational speakers include: Eve Adler - Associate editor, Henry Holt Michele Burke - Associate editor, Alfred A. Knopf & Crown Books Katherine Jacobs - Associate editor, Roaring Brook Press Abigail Samoun - Project editor, Tricycle Press Gayle Brandeis - Award-winning YA author of My Life with the Lincolns Marilyn Scott-Waters - Middle grade author of Haunted Histories Roseanne Thong – Award-winning PB author of Wish, The Wishing Tree.

Daytrippers are welcome.

Visit www.scbwisocal.org for additional details and registration.

maY 15 2010

Agent’s Day

at the beautiful Newport Seabase in Newport Beach

Our inspiring speakers include agents: Brenda Bowen, Greenburger Agency Mary Kole, Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC Rebecca Sherman, Writer’s House

Registration open from February 28, 2010. Visit www.scbwisocal.org for additional details.

Make this a year to remember. Be inspired, come on out and be a part of an event, schmooze, or critique connection.

Cheers, Francesca Rusackas Q. L. Pearce SCBWI Regional Advisor SCBWI Assistant Regional Advisor

Kite Tales 5 Spring 2010

contents Ventura/Santa Barbara Regional News

compiled by Alexis O’Neill – [email protected]

Cyber-Tools Retreat for Published Authors & Illustrators 2010

Lisa Yee’s Peepy made sure everyone at our Cyber-Retreat was on the same page — HERS! First task — the Puzzle Project, expressing our relationship with Social Media.

Skype session with two screens. Cyber-Café at Mission Santa Barbara.

Our fabulous faculty

Greg Pincus Harold Underdown Lisa Yee (center) David Boeshaar and Anastasia Suen

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contents … ventura/santa barbara news

Skype video and sound, upload Skype Speeds speed is the most important. The speed is measured in KBPS - kilo Do not be suckered into (or 1000) bits per second. buying too much speed. by David Boeshaar 6. Note the numbers: Try before you buy! Note: At our recent Cyber-Tools • An upload speed of greater retreat, we experimented with Skype than 700 kbps is good for as a way to do virtual school visits. Skype. the service level agreement you The speed of the connection was a • An upload speed of 500 to have with your DSL or cable big issue (ours was a bit slow). Here’s 700 kpbs is OK. company. If your performance advice from our technical expert, • An upload speed of less than is below the agreed upon levels, David Boeshaar. 500kbps is marginal. they will be obligated to try to improve your connection speed. Virtual visits involve sending Question: What can I do if the This may involve new equipment, camera video, audio, text, upload speed is too slow? new wire to the house, or a graphics, PowerPoint, and different connection at their end. possibly other video between two Slow speeds result from the computers: one at your house service you are paying for, and 3. Almost always, cable is faster and one at the school or site you the distance to your than DSL for the same price. are visiting. “Central Office.” In the old There are various arguments in days, a central office (CO) the case of cable vs. DSL, so if Skype uses lots of bandwidth to was really just that — an office you have similar performance and send and receive video and sound building where electrical stuff price, do not change services. If (a fancy way of saying lots of bits existed. Today, a CO is as small you see a big price/performance going through your connection). as a suitcase, usually buried ratio, talk to your provider. underground. You should check to see the 4. Sometimes, you are just too speed of your connection. 1. Check your service level darn far away to get fast service. agreement. You may be paying for Paying for more will not get you To check the speed of your a basic or entry-level agreement. more in this case. My brother in connection: These are usually less than $20 Simi Valley paid a lot more but 1. Go to www.speakeasy.net. per month, and promise upload his connection speed did not get speeds around 385 kbps. You can any faster. 2. Click on “Speed Test” (the request a faster speed and pay a speedometer in the middle of the slightly higher monthly charge. Try before you buy! Find a friend page). Call your DSL or cable provider with a fast connection (most and talk to sales. You should call schools have fast connections) 3. Choose a location close to both of them, and get a price war and set up a trial Skype session. your house — not critical, but going! Tell them what you are Spend about a half hour with do not pick Florida if you are in interested in doing, and see what your presentation and see how California. they say. Do not be suckered into it goes. If you can live with the buying too much speed. 500 kbps speed, you are done. 4. The test will start upload is OK. “automagically.” The two tests David Boeshaar is a systems analyst are: “download speed” and 2. After you test your connection and statistician who provides tech “upload speed.” Download speed speed (see above) a few times at support to all kinds of creative people. is almost always much faster. For various times of the day, check www.threebrothersmoney.com

Kite Tales 7 Spring 2010

contents … ventura/santa barbara news

Diving Into the Deep End with Freelance Concept Work BOOK TALK ONLINE by J.H. Everett & JR Johnson Book Talk is a monthly book discussion group taking place As career author/illustrators, we Once you get a break, on the Ventura/Santa Barbara/ look for supplemental income be prompt and San Luis Obispo/Kern SCBWI projects that will keep us in listserv. Discussions begin on the the game of creating children’s professional. first of each month, facilitated by books. One of the more interest- Lynn Becker ([email protected]). ing of these, for members of our For those who can work quickly Readers may join anytime during studio group, has been to take and are flexible enough, it can be a the month with comments or on “concept work” for publish- fun way to get paid for continuing questions about the featured ers. Editorial teams around the your growth in the field. book. Book Talk is open to all world may be able to choose the members of Southern California next New York Times bestseller, but Here are some helpful tips for SCBWI who are signed up for the they still like to see real artwork making concept art work for you. regional listserv. to make decisions about how to visually represent their product. 1. Develop a consistent style. The To become a member of Concept artwork is the tool they style of your work is what makes the listserv, go to: use. Illustrators are hired to pro- you an identifiable illustrator, http://groups.yahoo.com/ duce work-for-hire artwork for and it tells art directors what to group/SCBWI-CCal/ cover concepts, interior story expect in your work. The clients illustrations, and presentation who are buying the concept work APRIL: images. for books are looking at many Jellicoe Road different styles at one time; your by Melina Marchetta As an illustrator hired to create style will represent one of those concept work, it is understood that they are considering for a MAY: that your work may never be seen final product. The Graveyard Book in public, but contracts are simple by Neil Gaiman, with and you are paid quickly. If you are 2. Market the fact that you do con- illustrations by Dave McKean interested in a career in children’s cept work to agents and editors, as books, there are advantages be- well as art directors. Create promo JUNE: yond money to taking such work. lists. Advertise through your web- Masterpiece It sharpens your skills by keeping site, phone apps, social sites, and by Elise Broach, you well rehearsed on issues en- any other Internet venue that you illustrated by Kelly Murphy countered in illustrating children’s can find. If you send materials to books. Furthermore, you work artist management agencies and with editors and art directors who publishers, let them know that you are directly involved in hiring il- are interested in concept work. lustrators for new projects and Network with other industry pro- book deals. Because of the frenetic fessionals. Attend SCBWI work- environment in which concept shops and functions. Always have art is created, the job may not printed samples with you. be compatible with every artist’s process or temperament. It can be 3. Once you get a break, be stressful. Illustrations and revisions prompt and professional. Be on in content and direction may be time. Don’t make promises that requested in short periods of time. (continued next page)

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contents … ventura/santa barbara news

(CONCEPT WORK continued)

Save the Dates! you can’t deliver on: our motto is “under-promise For registration details, go to and over-deliver.” Give your best effort to every www.scbwisocal.org project. 4. Vet your work. Develop a network of fellow illustra- april 17 2010 tors whom you trust to critique your work. Ask them to review it before you send it off to a client. Illustrators’ Day: “ARTBeats: Creating Art with Heart” 5. Communicate clearly with the client. Make phone calls. Keep up with e-mails. Stay in contact. This is a Speakers: Martha Rago, Associate Art Director, fast-paced job and miscommunication can be disas- HarperCollins and Dave Tabler of trous. Make sure that you clearly understand your www.theispot.com assignment.

Westlake Village 6. Use tracking systems for contracts, work, and 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. work-process. Strong business organization, as well as systematized work-processes based on breaking down projects into their component may 1 2010 parts and then calendaring them in order to keep track of your progress on an assignment, are key Illustrator Workshop: to finishing illustrations with great speed and ac- Portfolio “Black is the New White: curacy. It also helps with billing. & Dummy Marketing Your Work” Critiquenic 7. Do your story research and be accurate. Take Instructor: Carol Heyer notes. Double-check the details of the assign- Santa Barbara ment. Don’t introduce elements into a drawing 1:30 p.m. – Santa Barbara that are outside of the text. If you don’t com- 3:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. pletely understand something — ask questions! 8. Draw every day. Keep a sketchbook with you at all maY 22 2010 times. The quality of your work will benefit, as will your peace of mind when an assignment comes in. Critiquenic 9. Remember that you are part of a team. You are Bakersfield carrying out one task of many. It will take all of 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m. your business acumen and creative talent to bring the project to life artistically. It’s not about you; it is about the product that the team is creating together. Conference Grants for Summer 2010 10. Maintain a thick skin. Your work may not make The Ventura/Santa Barbara Region of the SCBWI it into the final product. Or parts of it will, but they will be offering a tuition grant in the amount still may use another artist for the finish. Either way, of $1,000 to the 2010 Summer Conference in you did the job, you did it well, you were paid for it, Los Angeles. This grant will cover tuition, a and you made a great impression. Portfolio all the manuscript or portfolio consultation, and hotel successful jobs to gain new clients. costs. Applicants must be members of SCBWI residing in any of the following counties: Ventura, J.H. Everett & JR Johnson are members of Studio Five, an Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, or Kern. For entry Orange County-based artist’s studio group. details, go to www.scbwisocal.org. www.studiofiveart.org

Kite Tales 9 Spring 2010

contents Go to www.scbwisocal.org/calendar.htm for information on regional events. SCBWI Tri-Region Calendar of Events & Contests MONTH DATE DAY TYPE REGION DESCRIPTION MARCH 6 Sat CONTEST L.A. Writer’s Day MS Contest Deadline DEADLINE 6 Sat EVENT L.A. Writer’s Toolbox - Unleashing the Power of Social Media for Writers & Illustrators 13 Sat EVENT V/SB Workshop - GO! Beyond First chapters

26-28 Sat EVENT OC/IE Spring Retreat

APRIL 5 Mon CONTEST L.A. Sue Alexander Scholarship DEADLINE for Picture Book Writers 10 Sat EVENT L.A. Writer’s Day 17 Sat EVENT V/SB Workshop - ARTbeats: Creating Art with Heart

MAY 1 Sat EVENT V/SB Workshop - Black is the New White

1 Sat EVENT V/SB Illustrator Critiquenic

22 Sat EVENT V/SB Writer Critiquenic

JUNE 12 Sat EVENT L.A. Critiquenic

JULY-AUG 30-2 Fri-Mon EVENT INT’L SCBWI Annual Summer Conference

SEPT 24-26 Sat-Sun EVENT L.A. Working Writer’s Retreat

Writing Connections Writer’s Ink Judith Ross Enderle & Stephanie Jacob Gordon CRITIQUE BY MAIL www.writersinkville.com $5.00 per page, minimum charge $60.00 Second critique of same manuscript half price [email protected] “We can’t guarantee a sale, we can guarantee a tighter manuscript.”

Writing Connections Disclaimer: KITE TALES accepts members’ ads for writing and illustrating businesses and activities. An ad in Kite Tales does not imply endorsement by SCBWI, and members are reminded to request additional information from advertisers. We retain the right to refuse and to suspend ads.

Kite Tales 10 Spring 2010

contents ILLUSTRATOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Watercolors are Best When Made with Real Water

I started by scanning in supply stores. And I spend a lot traditionally inked, cartoon- of time and money upgrading style illustrations and painting my computer and printer, color them digitally. Soon, I scanned calibration devices, and Wacom in rougher pencils and digitally tablets etc. inked them. I learned to make digital brushes with unique A few days ago, someone asked qualities that let me create me if I thought I do “as good” lines that I liked. I loved being watercolors on the computer as I able to mix things up and try do using traditional methods. My different solutions without answer surprised them. “No.” losing something I had already put down. Not long after, I was For one, I am not a very working in animation and doing good watercolorist! I can get background paintings on the watercolor effects when I want computer. them using Photoshop or Corel by Mark Fearing Painter. But the computer hasn’t Finally, a friend of mine pointed allowed me to become a brilliant I began using the computer for out that I should just embrace watercolorist. And if I did love illustration around 1998. At the the computer for my illustration. doing traditional watercolors, time, I had no plans to become Wouldn’t it offer me more why switch to doing them a “digital artist.” I was working options and ability to try new digitally? I mean, if you want fulltime in graphic design so I treatments “on the fly”? to try it for fun, do something was already spending way too different, or incorporate collage much time in front of computer It did. And I have never looked elements, it’s a great idea. But monitors. But I decided I could back. Well, I have some regrets: if you love watercolors, stick save time if I used the computer like no longer needing to buy with watercolors made with real to color my work. cool new art materials in art water. (continued next page)

All digital Traditional

Kite Tales 11 Spring 2010

contents … ILLUSTRATOR’S PERSPECTIVE

I’d give the same advice to artists who love using oil paints or pastels. Use the materials you love, the materials that bring out A good watercolor the best in your work. doesn’t need $3,500 The computer is a tool that lets in computer you expand beyond traditional techniques. I enjoy applying equipment … . It pastel techniques alongside pen- needs a good and-ink dry-brush elements and acrylic paint-atop-paint looks, water-colorist. and mixing it all with scanned collage materials. I don’t worry about what to call the texture of a paper — it can computer rules the day. And by it. Or that I stay orthodox to do all of that. saving new files you never have an idea of what a technique is to worry about losing a favorite or isn’t. The computer lets you But you won’t get your fingers “happy mistake” under new, not- expand outside of traditional wet or have any happy mistakes so-happy mistakes. boundaries. because of too much water on your brush. A good watercolor The Book That Eats People, which Of course, if you want to do doesn’t need $3,500 in computer Mark illustrated, is scaring people digital watercolors, you can. equipment to be made. It needs a in bookstores around the world, and Software like Corel Painter good watercolorist. he is currently writing and drawing is very clever at replicating a graphic novel for Chronicle Books. the generic “looks” of various However, if you want to Mark lives outside Portland, Oregon, materials — wet on wet mix techniques, invent new with two messy dogs, an angry cat, techniques, being able to methods, and try different and a no-longer-napping 3-year-old. “scrape-off” color, expressing color combinations rapidly, the www.markfearing.com

Kite Tales 12 Spring 2010

contents poet’S PERSPECTIVE

A Penchant for Poetry DIY Poetry Workshop

featuring Stephanie Hemphill by Stephanie Hemphill Happy spring! ‘Tis the season of renewal, refreshment, recharge. So what better time to spruce up your writing skills than with a little poetry workshop? Even prose writers can benefit from the Pilates of poetry to stretch their language skills. All that is required is paper, a writing utensil, and enthusiasm.

Prepare Yourself: A. Find a quiet place because poetry needs the potential to be read aloud. Salem B. Use paper and pen. The brain seems to translate January 1692 poetry best manually as full words, not mechanically as letters individually typed. Use computers later Silent, not even the twitter for editing. of insects. The wind stills C. Be ready to be fearless. against a distant sky of clouds. D. Let go of your critic. The cold is grey and fierce, E. Let go of your need to rhyme (please). bitter as a widow at the grave. The trees’ bare bony fingers Use Any or All of These Writing Prompts: point crookedly Mix the senses. Use synesthesia in your writing. For toward Heaven or Hell examples: a staccato aroma, fingers whispering at a or worse than that, toward nowhere. funeral.

Winter days Write a haiku. A seventeen syllable poem: five wear long as the ocean shore, syllables in the first line, seven in the second, five in governed by a god the last. harsher than windstorm hail and more punishing than the waves Swan curls back into that break ships in two. her feathers gliding alone on the silent lake. There are rules to follow here, one righteous path Write a poem in terms of what something is or is thrashed down through the woods. not. Stephanie Hemphill’s first novel in poems is Things A good friend is not a loaded gun. Left Unsaid, Hyperion 2005. Her second novel, a A loaded gun is not respect. verse portrait of Sylvia Plath, Your Own, Sylvia, Respect is not a kick in the grits. Knopf 2007, received a 2008 Printz Honor. She was A kick in the grits is not silent. the recipient of the Myra Cohn Livingston Award Silence is not the kick of a loaded gun. for both books. Her third novel in verse for teens, A gun is no silence, no grits, no kicks. Wicked Girls, a story of the Salem witch trials, has A gun is no good friend. a release date of June 2010, from HarperCollins. She currently lives in Chicago, but cannot wait to return (continued next page) to Los Angeles.

Kite Tales 13 Spring 2010

contents …poet’S PERSPECTIVE

Phone a friend. Have your friend give you a Stephanie’s Seven Not-So-Secret Poetry Tips: prompt or even just a word. Set your timer for five Have fun. Poetry gives you freedom to play with minutes. Begin with the prompt you were given words, images, and language. and write for five minutes without stopping. If you cannot think of what to write, repeat the last word Push your images a little farther than you feel you wrote down. I promise this will not continue comfortable, into “dangerous.” That is where you the whole five minutes. “All work and no play might find something truly original. After all, does not make writers dull and repetitious for five the grand goal in poetry is to speak of the world minutes.” better or clearer or more beautifully than anyone else has ever done before, to make people say “yes Revising and Editing: exactly” and understand with precision what you are Read your poem aloud. describing. When you feel like you have a good first draft try working with a computer so you can see your lines Write outside the margins. This is not like think typed out. Move back and forth between writing on outside the box — that is a cliché. Be messy; write the page and the computer. Use whatever feels best faster than your pen. Try not to overanalyze. Find for you. the child inside you who thought everything he/she did was great. Be confident. Don’t worry if it is not There is a difference between revision and editing. good. Just tell the truth. Revision is re-envisioning your work, whereas editing is tweaking and getting rid of typos, Be honest and observant. Really take time to look examining line breaks, etc. It is important to know at things, to delve deeply into yourself. There are what stage you are at. For example, for every poem no bad poems, but there are weak, dishonest ones, that ends up in a book of mine, I throw away 3 or 4 thinner than the paper that contains them. Even if perfectly good poems entirely — that is revision. you are creating a fantasy poem, be consistent and honest inside whatever world you create. Do not be afraid to lose your favorite line in a poem. Often you have to let go of “your babies” to make Learn new language. Increase your vocabulary and poems work. then use it appropriately.

Begin strong, but more importantly, end a poem Avoid clichés. If you use a loaded concept word well. Leave an impression, a thought-provoking like love or happiness, bring it to earth with images image, a resonant emotion. and reality and specifics so it becomes meaningful.

Examine how you end your lines, especially in Read. Read books and poetry, read non-fiction, formal poetry. A reader should almost be able to read anything that interests you that increases your understand your poem just by reading the words knowledge and understanding of yourself and the that end your lines. In the instance of many formal world and others. Think about what you know and poems that would mean that all of the rhyming feel and observe, and then, if you are so inclined, words tell the story of your poem. They are not just write it down and share it. there because they serve the rhyme pattern. The French poet and critic Paul Valery is famous for If possible, have a writing group, because we all saying, “A poem is never finished, only abandoned.” I need sounding boards and feedback. I have never prefer to think of poems as released, not abandoned, believed that poetry is meant to be confusing. It can a musical tapestry anyone can play in joy or comfort have special meanings depending on the reader, but or pain or just because — words we write down to if you are writing a romantic love poem and your give away. And because the garden of the mind is reader believes it is about your dead hamster you eternally spring, as you release one poem, fear not, probably need to do some revision. One way or the for you have already begun to grow something new. other.

Kite Tales 14 Spring 2010

contents WRITER’S PERSPECTIVE

TEDDY Quack-tique Group Besides, talking animals send editors into a frenzy.

by Sherry Shahan DOROTHY Please confine your comments to the manuscript A sneak peek at a children’s-book writer’s critique itself. group proves the old cliché that characters really do write their own stories. Under attack, um, TOTO discussion here: a certain tale about three porcine The tedious repetition of huff and puff kills the siblings … . story’s momentum. WILBUR DAFFY It’s misleading to represent pigs as inept when May I double-dip? I’m confused about the choice of everyone knows we’re more intelligent than dogs straw and sticks as construction material for the two and three-year-old children. houses. As an objective correlative, the emotion tie- in is — and I hate to say it — a bit slight. DAFFY Perhaps they could be three little bears? LASSIE Since we’re discussing symbolism, is the wolf TEDDY supposed to represent corporate America? An animal I resent that! that devours weaker creatures without responsibility or consequence? CHARLOTTE Publishers aren’t buying stories with rhyme, so you CHARLOTTE should rework chinny-chinchin or cut it altogether. I have a different take on the wolf. To me, he’s such a stereotype he’s an archetype suffering from borderline-cliché disorder. (continued next page) Illustration by J.H. Everett J.H. by Illustration

Kite Tales 15 Spring 2010

contents … WRITER’S PERSPECTIVE

TEDDY TOTO Perhaps a series of free writes will give you access As it is now, an old sow solves the problem. Daffy, to the emotional heart of your characters? do you realize you just ended a sentence with a preposition? WILBUR I know we’re not supposed to mention marketing DOROTHY here, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that We’re out of time, so please write down any there are more than 100,000 vegetarians in this additional comments. Charlotte? Are you ready to country who won’t buy a book that promotes the read your next chapter? I believe we left off the consumption of pork. Eaten raw, no less. night before the County Fair? LASSIE First published in the March/April 2008 issue of Horn Nor would I purchase a book for young children Book Magazine, www.hbook.com. that murders its protagonists. According to Variety, however, Miramax is seeking scripts with Sherry Shahan’s adventure/survival novel for young cannibalistic themes. adult readers, Death Mountain (Peachtree), was written in collaboration with her gritty main character. www. GOOFY sherryshahan.com In the beginning the mother says, “Whatever you do, do it the best that you can because that’s the way J.H. Everett is an author/illustrator whose non-fiction to get along in the world.” In the end she adds, “You middle-grade series Haunted Histories is forthcoming see it is just as I told you.” Isn’t that overtly didactic? from Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt Publishing. He is currently illustrating a picture book called, The Candy DAFFY Palace for the Janavs Foundation, and has created concept I agree. No one likes to be preached to. The ending art for book projects at both Scholastic and the Jim Henson would be much more satisfying if the lesson grew Company. www.jheverett.com organically from the plot.

Illustration by J.H. Everett

Kite Tales 16 Spring 2010

contents Editor’s perspective

Mini-View with Ruta Rimas

by Terry Pierce our seasonal launch meetings, I Reprinted from the blog post dated advocate, advocate, advocate. And January 27, 2009, then, I advocate some more. at http://terrypierce.blogspot.com I also assist Donna Bray — RUTA RIMAS has been at editorially and administratively. HarperCollins since 2007, and What this means to you: If you Balzer & Bray with Balzer & Bray since the have sent a manuscript to Donna, Assistant Editor imprint’s inception. She has I’ve seen it! Ruta Rimas done the following: taught math to Brooklyn teenagers; valet- Q: We know that all editors parked cars in Chicago; waited are looking for well-written tables with marinara sauce on her stories, but could you forehead (for a whole shift! And summarize your specific Middle Grade: no one told her … .); taste in books and which Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. worked at a Hallmark store, kinds of stories usually Love the voice. Love the story. doing nothing but answering catch your attention (or From a master of the middle questions about collectible possibly send you fleeing grade novel. figures; travelled to Lithuania; down the hallway ;-)? and fallen out of a tree in Central Diary of a Wimpy Kid Park. She lives in Brooklyn, with My taste in books … . Well, it by Jeff Kinney. her ever-patient boyfriend, and a has to be something that moves Groundbreaking. So clever. pride of cats. me — in a humorous way, in a touching way, in a thought The Pain Merchants Q: How do you define your provoking way … . I’m not a by Janice Hardy. role as a children’s book known crier (with the exception A Balzer & Bray launch book (Fall editor at Balzer & Bray? of watching a high-profile couple 2009). Incredibly new, fantastic dancing to AT LAST on January idea: the main character can heal I am an acquiring editor, looking 20, 2009) but if I read a book and it people, take the pain, and then for picture books, middle-grade, moves me to tears, it’s a winner! shift the pain to another. Zowie! and YA. While my bosses have edited fantastic chapter book Perhaps a list of “Books-that- YA: series, I tend to shy away from have-moved-me” will help to The Disreputable History of Frankie- that age range. Can’t really tell define my specific taste. Landau Banks by E. Lockhart. This you why, other than, those books book just rules, in so many ways. are just not up my alley — which Picture Books: It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s is a tad bizarre, as the 1980s Ruta I Will Surprise My Friend! thought provoking. One of my enjoyed reading chapter books, by Mo Willems absolute all-time favorites. very much so. Go figure. Seriously hilarious. I laugh each time I read this. The After by Amy Huntley. My role is to be the champion Another Balzer & Bray debut of my authors/illustrators, Harry and Horsie by Katie Van (Fall 2009). This one made through every step of the Camp; pictures by Lincoln me cry. Like a baby. Plus, I process. From our Balzer & Bray Agnew. A Balzer & Bray launch loooooved that the author used team meetings, to the oft-scary book (Fall 2009). The art, oh a non-linear structure. That is acquisitions meetings with sales, the art! Just amazing. So new, so fresh. to cover-strategy meetings, and fresh, so great! (continued next page)

Kite Tales 17 Spring 2010

contents … editor’s perspective

The Astonishing Life of Octavian The bartender looks at him and Nothing by M. T. Anderson. No says, “I’m not serving a piece of words, really, can describe this “I’d like to point out string! Get outta here!” masterpiece. It is flawless. that three out of the So the piece of string leaves.

I’d like to point out that three six books on the He spots a guy on the street and out of the six books on the Balzer says, “Psst. Hey buddy! I need & Bray launch list are debut Balzer & Bray launch you to tie me in a knot!” The authors. That’s right: HALF! How list [Fall 2009] are guy looks around, and, though exciting! confused, ties the piece of string debut authors. into a knot. I will send an almost 100% guaranteed NO to the following: That’s right: HALF!” Another guy walks by and the piece of string whispers, “Psst. • Rhyming picture books Hey buddy! I need you to fray my • Overly cute picture books Not kidding … I love this one: ends a bit.” The guy looks around, • Picture books that shrugs his shoulders, and frays condescend to children Q: Why does Santa Claus have a the string’s ends. • Didactic books, all ages garden? • Preachy books, all ages A: So he can ho, ho, ho! So the piece of string walks back • Books with inconsistent into the bar, sits down and says, narrative, all ages (a sign, to And, for those with sustainable “Bartender! Gimme a beer!” me, of amateurish writing) reading skills, who can appreciate The bartender looks at him and • Books with wizards, all ages the following when told orally, and, says, “Hey. Aren’t you the SAME • Books with vampires, well, can deal with the fact that this piece of string I just told to werewolves, zombies, all is not *quite* for children, this one leave?” ages (would be willing to is a close second favorite. Bear with bend this rule for picture me … . The piece of string looks the books, but it has to be great!) bartender straight in the eyes and A piece of string walks into shakes his head. “No, man. I’m a Q: What is your favorite a bar. He sits down and says, frayed knot (afraid knot).” children’s joke? “Bartender. Gimme a beer.” Thank you so much, Ruta

Call for Nominations: the 2009 Sue Alexander Service & Encouragement Award

The SASE Award will be Previous winners are: Stephanie Gwyn Brown presented at the 2010 Sue Alexander Mary Peterson Mary Ann Dames Joan Charles SCBWI-L.A. Writer’s Day. Anita McLaughlin Sarah Laurenson Nominees must be Marilyn Morton Vicki Arkoff SCBWI-L.A. members. Joanne Rocklin Anyone may submit a name for Patsy Ann Taylor Send nominations by 3/13/10 to: Julie Williams consideration. Please explain SCBWI-L.A. how the member has given Mike Carter P.O. Box 1728 service and encouragement or Sandra Arnold Pacific Palisades CA 90272 Sherrill Kushner what contributions have been Lisze Bechtold Please write “SASE” on the made to children’s books. Caroline Hatton front of the envelope.

Kite Tales 18 Spring 2010

contents WD FACULTY FEATURE

Children’s Books, Get Them Published, You Can, Too! and Build a Successful Writing Career, is the quote I wrote that is featured by Nancy I. Sanders in the very front: www.yesyoucanlearn.wordpress. If one can, anyone can. com If two can, you can, too!

Writing for children is the most I have experienced amazing funtastic adventure on the planet. successes as a children’s writer. And children’s writers are some of I’ve seen my dreams come true the most creative and enthusiastic time and time again. I’ve enjoyed individuals I know. Yet so many unforgettable moments that even of us experience such high levels far exceeded my wildest dreams! of frustration each step we take on our journey. The world of But writing for children isn’t all children’s publishing is definitely about me. Once again, I believe one of the most challenging in us all as a community. If I environments to navigate through. can experience success, I truly believe that anyone can. But I started out at square one, I’m not the only one who has a knowing nothing about writing successful writing career. There for children. Countless people are other successful children’s helped me in innumerable ways to writers, too. So if two can build my career. My goal is to help experience success, I believe that others, too, as I have been helped. you can, too!

I truly believe that we are all in this By sharing my own personal journey together. I don’t see us strategies that I implement as individuals, competing against to land contracts and earn an each other for success. I see us all income, my goal in my book is as a community of friends — as to equip other writers with the a family — working together to tools they need to succeed. My lift each other up, encourage one passion is to help writers move another, and share our strategies forward toward realizing their with each other so that we can all own personal writing goals and experience success together. seeing their own writing dreams come true. By sharing my own I believe that each one of us is valuable and has important Nancy I. Sanders is the bestselling personal strategies … , merits, no matter which level and award-winning author of over 75 books, the leader of three my goal in my book is of our writing career we find ourselves at, now. We all have critique groups, and contributor to to equip other writers to start at a beginning place, a children’s writer’s column in The and if we can all help each other Writer’s Online Magazine, the with the tools they need through the various stages, I Institute of Children’s Literature e-news, and The Christian to succeed. believe we can all experience success as children’s writers. Communicator. Nancy will be presenting the professional forum One of the key principles of my at L.A.’s Writer’s Day, 2010. www. book, Yes!You Can Learn How to Write nancyisanders.com

Kite Tales 19 Spring 2010

contents should be “uplifting” and “edifying,” helping people To Market, To Market to better their lives. TIP: Editors suggest writers by Vicki Arkoff “choose a high profile topic for nonfiction, and bring something new and fresh for fiction.” Adolescent and teen titles are of current interest, including Books younger children. Mail complete manuscripts to the Acquisitions Department along with the ADASI PUBLISHING: Dover Point Road, “New Manuscript Submission Form” found under Suite B., Dover, NH 03820. www.adasi.com submission guidelines on the company website. Adasi (pronounced “odyssey”) is a small press Electronic submissions are allowed but will take that publishes science and history of science longer to be reviewed. Pays 10% royalty. (CW: books, “mostly pertaining to physics and math 12/09) or the soft sciences that apply physics and math to organizational problems,” says Operations CREATIVE EDITIONS: P.O. Box 227, Mankato, Manager Parvaneh Ghavami. Editors currently seek MN 56002. www.thecreativecompany.us Creative manuscripts that “result from researching a well- Editions publishes children’s nonfiction in series and defined problem with an original methodology, picture books, and is currently seeking nonfiction or the reduction of such research to a form that series proposals for readers in grades 6 and 7 on would be readable by educated laypersons or by such subjects as science, sports, music, history, exceptional students beginning with high school and zoology, architecture, and geography. Word count: up.” E-mail or mail a query describing the topic and approx. 6,000 including sidebar material. Do not reason for writing about it in 500 words or less. If submit picture books or illustration submissions. interested, ADASI will send an invitation to submit. Send proposals with a summary of the series idea No fiction, and no paranormal science subjects, and and an outline, along with sample pages from one no manuscripts that rely too much on other sources. manuscript. TIP: Senior Editor Aaron Frisch advises Payment varies. Royalties are negotiable. (CW: “Have a unique idea. Don’t just attempt to replicate 11/09) another successful book or series. Know the style and tendencies of the publisher you’re submitting to. CAPSTONE: 151 Good Counsel Drive, P.O. Box The idea is the big thing, but presentation matters, 669, Mankato, MN 56002-0669. www.capstonepub. too.” Pays flat fee on a work-for-hire basis. (CW: com Capstone is a leading publisher of children’s 11/09) books and digital products and services, offering everything from nonfiction, fiction, and picture HEYDAY BOOKS: P.O. Box 9145 Berkeley, CA books to interactive books, audio books, and literacy 94709. www.heydaybooks.com Niche California programs. Imprints and divisions include Capstone publisher of books for adults and children, including Press, Compass Point Books, Picture Window picture books. Acquisitions editor Gayle Wattawa Books, Stone Arch Books, Red Brick Learning, says the company’s mission is to publish books Capstone Digital, and Heinemann-Raintree. Writer that “foster an understanding of California history, and illustrators interested in submitting for our literature, art, environment, social issues, and fiction product line can send inquires as they have culture” and “promote the cultural and natural in the past, to our editorial director at author.sub@ landscape” of the state. “We emphasize voices of stonearchbooks.com. Our guidelines are also posted previously unheard authors and artists, as well on our website at: www.capstonepub.com/content/ as overlooked geographic regions, to more fully CONTACTUS_SUBMISSIONS (P: 1/10) present the state’s literary wealth.” Of current interest are books on “nature, natural history, CEDAR FORT: 2373 W. 700 S. Springville, UT picture books, nonfiction, educational, Yosemite, 84663. www.cedarfort.com Publisher of fiction Central Valley, Inland Empire, California Indians, and nonfiction and religious books. Affiliated with and other ethnic minorities.” Do not submit series the Church of Latter-Day Saints. Book submissions or middle grade or YA books. Accepts unsolicited (continued next page)

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manuscripts. Submit complete manuscripts by mail in 1778 impersonated a man in order to join the only along with cover letter and writer bio. For revolutionary army; and any of several other stories beginning readers, you may submit three sample featuring an adult or child during an interesting chapters with an overview, table of contents, and a historical event that occurred in or around Boston. chapter-by-chapter summary. TIP: Become familiar Word count: 3,000, divided into 15 pages of 200 with the Heyday list. “If authors can’t point to a words each. Target age: 4-8. Authors are free to book in our catalogue that is along the lines of what submit more than one manuscript, but a maximum they have in mind, chances are high that the query of one per subject will be optioned. Submission will be rejected.” (CW: 12/09) deadline: March 15, 2010. Pays $1,200 plus royalties of 25 cents per book after the first print LEAP BOOKS: www.leapbks.com New publisher run of 4,000 copies. Submit by mail to Jean Patey, of middle grade and young adult fiction seeks “fresh, Editor. (CBI: 1/10) new voices” for its first list. Leap’s teen fiction line, Surge, is geared to age 14-19. Frolic is geared to Magazines tweens ages 10-14. Unusual submissions process involves a panel of booksellers, librarians, and BECKETT MASSIVE ONLINE GAMER: teachers, who narrow selections, then submit to a 4635 McEwen Rd., Dallas, TX 75244. www. teen panel. Agented authors are invited to submit, MassiveOnlineGamer.com Massive multiplayer and attendees of conferences where Leap Books online games are the sole focus here: World of editors speak. Writers can check the publisher’s Warcraft, EverQuest, Wizard 101, and Free Realms website calendar for editor appearances. Writers can are examples. Editor Doug Kale is looking for also sign up for special submission calls via Twitter interviews, previews, reviews, game guides, and and Facebook. In those cases, writers will be asked fan interaction articles. Query by mail or e-mail to send a brief query and a one-page synopsis via to [email protected]. Include writing samples e-mail: [email protected] (CBI: 1/10) that exemplify your work in the field. Beckett Media’s other magazines cover sports cards and MITCHELL LANE PUBLISHERS: P.O. Box memorabilia, martial arts, automotive, the outdoors 196, Hockessin, DE 19707. www.mitchelllane. and homes. Pays $20-200 per article. (CW: 11/09) com Indie publisher of children’s and YA nonfiction. Publisher Barbara Mitchell needs writers with FAZE MAGAZINE: 4936 Yonge St., Suite 2400, science and social studies or history backgrounds Toronto, ON M2N 6S3 Canada. www.faze.ca. Teen for work-for-hire assignments. Send a cover letter girl magazine that provides “a positive message stating experience and background for writing to girls 13-24 through issues on entertainment, nonfiction and in what subject areas you specialize fashion, beauty, career, sports, and more,” says along with a resume. TIP: “You need to be in the managing editor Dana Marie Krook. “Our magazine right place at the right time,” says Mitchell. “I make is always looking for new writers … especially assignments several times a year, so if you don’t hear Canadian teens.” True-life stories especially desired. from me in three months, mail another cover letter E-mail queries to Krook at [email protected]. Do not and resume.” (CW: 11/09) submit completed manuscripts until queries have been accepted and discussed with editor. TIP: TWIN LIGHTS PUBLISHERS: 8 Hale Street. “A good query letter tells our editors what the Rockport, MA 01966. www.twinlightspub.com proposed article is about, why it is relevant to our Small press that publishes photographic journals, audience, why it is timely for the magazine, and why pictorial essays, and picture books for children that you should write it. It should also give us a good highlight American cities, regions, and national idea of your background in writing, include some parks. The publisher is currently seeking historical samples, and let us know the general idea of your picture books on Boston history. Authors are voice.” Payment varies. (CW: 12/09) invited to submit “colorful, intriguing” fictional manuscripts on the following subjects: the ship USS Constitution, AKA “Old Ironsides” which had a crew including 30 young boys; Deborah Sampson, who (continued next page)

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MYSTERIES MAGAZINE: P.O. Box 131, His EWA clients include Stephen Cosgrove, David Waynesville, NC 28786. www.mysteriesmagazine. Diaz, Richard Jesse Watson, the Lilla Rogers Studio, com Magazine focusing “on the unexplained or just John Sansevere, Michael J. Rosen, Sonja Lamut, about anything that sparks thought about what our Timothy J. Bradley, Lisa Green, Faith Pray, and Dr. universe has to offer,” says editor Jeremiah Greer. Robert Penczak. Pfeffer will also be continuing the The 80-page quarterly is open to article submissions consulting work he’s been doing for the children’s on ghosts, archaeology, UFOs, spiritualism, science, publishing companies kidthing.com and FableVision. technology, and “the weird and the strange.” New (PW: 1/10) writers are especially welcome due to low pay scale: 5 cents per word and $5 per image. E-mail MARIA CARVAINIS AGENCY: Chelsea Gilmore submissions to Greer directly at editor@mysteries- has joined the Maria Carvainis Agency. Most magazine.com. (CW: 12/09) recently, Gilmore was an editor at Avalon. She will focus on women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery- RELATE: 1601 Parkway Dr., Findlay, OH 45840 suspense, pop culture, and YA books. 1270 Avenue www.relatemag.com Magazine for girls 12-19 of the Americas, Suite 2320, New York, NY 10020. with “a focus on inspiring teens to fulfill their (PL: 1/10) dreams with confidence,” says editor-in-chief Mary Bowman. Regular features include fashion, beauty, N.S. BIENSTOCK: Literary agent Paul Fedorko and entertainment but with a morally conscious has left Trident Media Group to join N.S. Bienstock. and uplifting slant that tells “girls they are perfect (PL: 12/09) the way they are.” 80% of magazine is written by freelancers including new writers. Complete PROSPECT AGENCY: 551 Valley Rd. PMB 377, manuscripts and queries are accepted by e-mail Upper Montclair, NJ 07043. www.prospectagency. to [email protected]. Finished stories are com Teresa Kietlinski has joined as an agent after preferred, but queries are accepted in outline form 13 years as a book designer and art director. She with a sample opening paragraph. Quizzes are will specialize in picture books, chapter books, easy accepted in conjunction with an article. Pays flat fee readers, middle grade, and young adult novels. She based on article type and length. The editor keeps all is particularly interested in artists who also write. queries on file for assignments when they fit. (CW: Submit only using the electronic submissions form 11/09) at www.prospectagency.com/submissions.php. A new form will soon be posted there for illustration Agents submissions. (CBI: 1/10)

BOOKENDS LITERARY AGENCY: Co-founder SANDRA DIJKSTRA AGENCY: 1155 Jacky Sach will retire from publishing after 10 years Camino del Mar, PMB 515, Del Mar, CA 92014. as an agent. BookEnds will continue operating under Submissions manager Natalie M. Fischer is accepting the ownership of Jessica Faust. www.bookends-inc. picture book, middle grade, and YA submissions. The com (PL: 1/10) agency welcomes unsolicited, hardcopy submissions up to the first 50 pages. For nonfiction (except EAST/WEST: Former publishing executive nonfiction picture books, which can be sent in their Rubin Pfeffer, who was most recently senior VP entirety), send a proposal, bio, 1-2 sample chapters, and publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s and a brief analysis of readership and similar titles. Publishing, has become an agent and is opening an They will only reply if interested, so no SASE East Coast office for the Los Angeles outfit, East/ needed. Responds within 6-8 weeks. (CBI: 1/10) West Literary, that specializes in representing children’s authors and illustrators. Pfeffer has been (continued next page) brought on as an agent and partner, and will be based in Boston. Pfeffer will be “developing and Abbreviations — CBI: Children’s Book Insider. CW: creating content for the 21st-century incarnations Children’s Writer. DF: Daily Finance. P: Publisher. PL: of publishing, both electronic and traditional print.” Publishers Lunch. PW: Publishers Weekly.

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Changes HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT: In the trade division, Jeannette Larson has been CAPSTONE: Lori Benton has been named promoted to VP, editorial director of Harcourt general manager/publisher of fiction imprints at the Children’s. She has “enjoyed a long and monogamous children’s book publisher Capstone. The move puts career in children’s books at Harcourt, starting as an Benton in charge of Stone Arch Books and Picture editorial assistant in the San Diego office in 1987.” Window Books. Benton was most recently VP and Larson will relocate to New York. (PL: 12/09) publisher of Harcourt’s children’s book division; she has also worked for Henry Holt Books for Young HOLIDAY HOUSE: Grace Maccarone is Readers and the children’s division of William joining Holiday House as executive editor under Morrow. Capstone’s major market is schools and Mary Cash. “I love making good books for children,” libraries, and Benton will be working to develop says Grace. “And I love watching children read and more of a trade list for the company. Benton will enjoy books I’ve worked on. Even while I’m reading divide her time between her home in New York a manuscript or reviewing sketches, I love to think City and the company’s Minneapolis headquarters. about the child who will be reading the finished Writers and illustrators submitting fiction can send book.” Grace was a longtime editor at Scholastic. inquiries to [email protected]. HH is planning on increasing their list from 50 Guidelines at: www.capstonepub.com/content/ books a year to about 60. (Claudia Harrington: CONTACTUS_SUBMISSIONS (P/PW: 1/10) 1/10)

CLCD: The Children’s Literature Comprehensive KIRKUS REVIEWS: Late last year, Nielsen Database has added Worlds of Words Review to its Business Media announced it would shut down two collection of review sources, which already includes venerable trade magazines: newspaper industry- Booklist, VOYA, the Horn Book Guide, and Science centric Editor & Publisher and book industry Books & Films. WOW Review is an electronic journal publication Kirkus Reviews. Just a few days into of critical reviews on children’s and adolescent 2010, the news for both magazines became much literature that highlight intercultural understanding more positive. The staffers of E&P have launched and global perspectives. The Children’s Literature a blog (http://eandpinexile.blogspot.com/) Comprehensive Database (CLCD) currently while awaiting a possible sale, and Kirkus Reviews aggregates reviews from 38 review sources. www. will continue publication for the foreseeable childrenslit.com. (P: 1/10) future. According to an internal memo obtained by DailyFinance, Kirkus managing editor Eric DUBAI CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR: The first Liebetrau says “there is a buyer in the works” and Dubai International Children’s Book Fair, set until the deal closed, the magazine would “resume for February 3-10, 2010, has been postponed business as usual under the Nielsen umbrella.” (DF: indefinitely, according to a brief statement issued 1/10) by the organizer, the Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. No official reason was given LERNER: Lerner Publishing Group has acquired for the cancellation, although financial problems Darby Creek Publishing and will operate the there are believed to have played a role. (PW: company as an imprint. The purchase includes 58 12/09) titles aimed at the K-12 school library market as well as the trade market. It specializes in books for FSG: Margaret Ferguson, a 30-year veteran of reluctant readers. Lerner has distributed Darby Farrar, Straus, & Giroux who has served for the past Creek titles since 2003 and with the purchase all 16 years as publisher and editorial director at FSG editorial, manufacturing, sales, and marketing will Books for Young Readers, will launch an eponymous be done through Lerner’s Minneapolis office. Darby imprint with FSG, called Margaret Ferguson Books, Creek’s Columbus, Ohio, location will be closed. in 2011. The list will consist of 15 titles for all ages Lerner editor-in-chief Mary Rodgers will oversee and in all formats. FSG will be looking for a new the Darby Creek imprint. An editorial director will editorial director. (PW: 1/10) be appointed. (PW: 1/10) (continued next page)

Kite Tales 23 Spring 2010

contents …TO MARKET, TO MARKET

LITTLE, BROWN: Several new promotions Paterson — who is succeeding the first children’s have been announced at Little, Brown: Nancy ambassador, Jon Scieszka — to the two-year Conescu is now senior editor instead of editor; position. (PW: 1/10) Julie Scheina is now an associate editor instead of assistant editor; Julianna Lee and Tracy Shaw PENGUIN: Putnam Books for Young Readers move up to associate art director; Ploy Siripant president and publisher Nancy Paulsen is moves to associate art director; Liese Mayer, launching an eponymous imprint, Nancy Paulsen Vanessa Kehren, and Nathan Rostron are Books, with the first titles landing in 2011. Paulsen, now all assistant editors; and Amanda Brown is who has led the division for 15 years, plans to associate director, domestic rights. (PL: 12/09) publish 12 to 15 picture books, middle grade and young adult novels annually. She will continue at the MACMILLAN: The company has a new no- helm of Putnam Books for Young Readers until the unsolicited submissions policy for all its imprints. company finds a successor. (PW: 12/09) This means no manuscript or query letter submissions for Henry Holt, FSG, Roaring Brook, SCHOLASTIC: At Scholastic Press, Jody First Second, and Feiwel & Friends. The only Corbett has been promoted to associate editor and exceptions are if you are already working with an Erin Black has been promoted to assistant editor. editor there, and if you attend a conference where (PL: 12/09) an editor invites attendees to send submissions. Those submissions are considered solicited SIMON & SCHUSTER: Annette Pollert has manuscripts and will be read and handled as been promoted to associate editor at the Pulse usual. Unsolicited submissions will not be read or imprint; she was previously editorial assistant. Julie returned. (SCBWI member Tracy Barrett: 1/09) Doebler, currently senior production manager for Simon Spotlight and special sales, will now MARSHALL CAVENDISH: Melanie Kroupa also oversee Pulse production. Sara Saidlower has joined Marshall Cavendish Children’s Books as will now be production supervisor; she previously an editor-at-large, reporting to publisher Margery worked in backlist production. (PW: 1/01) Cuyler. Kroupa will acquire and edit approximately six books a year for Cavendish, plus a select number of titles elsewhere. Cuyler said she expects Kroupa’s We do our best to provide current market books to help enrich the publisher’s young adult information, but we do not guarantee its accuracy. and middle-grade fiction list, which it is looking Please verify needs, names, addresses, etc. before to expand. Marshall Cavendish, in its 12th year, submitting and follow the publisher’s guidelines. publishes about 90 books annually and is best known Never send original art. It has long been traditional for its nonfiction books for the institutional market. to include a SASE, however please note that many Its children’s division ended the 2008-09 fiscal year major publishers have changed their policy: most 27% above the prior year. Kroupa — who had had no longer return manuscripts or contact authors/ her own imprint at FSG Books for Young Readers illustrators unless interested in their submissions. since 2000, and was let go as part of Macmillan’s Abbreviations: CBI: Children’s Book Insider. CW: reorganization of its children’s division — will work Children’s Writer. DF: Daily Finance. P: Publisher. for the publisher, which is located in Tarrytown, PL: Publishers Lunch. PW: Publishers Weekly. N.Y., from her office in Dedham, M.A. Before FSG, Kroupa had her own imprint at DK Ink and Orchard Vicki Arkoff is a regular contributor to MAD Magazine, Books. (PW: 12/09) Girls Life, Nickelodeon, Midwest Book Review, and most recently, HolidayGoddess.com. She’s also NATIONAL AMBASSADOR: Newbery Medalist an authorized biographer and co-writer for such young Katherine Paterson added the title of National stars as the Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney, AnnaSophia Ambassador for Young People’s Literature to her Robb, Carrie Underwood, and various teen cast members long list of honors. In a moving but laugh-filled on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel. Twitter @ ceremony at the Library of Congress, Librarian HolidayGoddess. Sign up for a free subscription at www. of Congress James H. Billington officially named HolidayGoddess.com.

Kite Tales 24 Spring 2010

contents illustrator’s gallery

Katie McDee After graduating high school, two another helping every time they Epiphany: You Can years of community college, and look at it,” says McDee switching her major about three Draw for a Living times, Katie had an epiphany. You You can find her work in books, can draw pictures for a living! So games, puzzles, and activities for Katie McDee was raised in the sun- in 2004, she received her BFA in Lakeshore Learning Materials filled, salty-fresh air of Southern Illustration from CSU Long Beach and Pearson Education. She California and is lucky enough and has been following her passion has designed characters and to still live and work there. As a for art ever since. Everyday she’s backgrounds for Spyborgs, a Wii kid, if she wasn’t outside building reminded how blessed she is to be video game. Her most recent forts, playing sports, and wearing able to live a creative life. Not only illustrations can be found in Friend skorts, she was inside playing does she get to illustrate books, Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times piano tunes, watching cartoons, magazines, and board games, but “Kid’s Reading Room.” and drawing baboons. In fact, as a her commute is a mere 10 feet. 28-year-old freelance illustrator, www.katiemcdee.com, her life hasn’t changed all that Katie joined SCBWI about a katiemcdee.blogspot.com much. Except for the baboons. year ago and it was one of the She doesn’t get to draw as many best decisions she’s made for her monkeys as she’d like. career. The L.A. conference and monthly schmoozes have created opportunities to meet and befriend numerous children’s books writers and illustrators and opened her eyes to more possibilities than she could’ve imagined. As a traditional and digital illustrator, Katie creates colorful, humorous, and energy-filled images for all sorts of products in the children’s market. “My goal is to create art that is so delicious to the eye, that viewers will want

Kite Tales 25 Spring 2010

contents author’s perspective

Prophecy Gathers Stars: Q&A with Michelle Zink http://michellezinkbooks.wordpress.com/

by Bonnie Ferron I met Michelle on her national book tour. Originally from Michelle Zink’s debut Southern California, she found novel, a young adult Gothic herself unhappy with her life and Q: What were your thriller — Prophecy of the Sisters, uprooted her family to move to a challenges in writing a was released in August 2009 by small town in upstate New York. period gothic novel? Little, Brown and Company. It is the first in a three-book Q: What made you change I’d never written anything series about an ancient prophecy your life so drastically? remotely Gothic or Victorian that divides twin sisters — one before, so it took me a while good and one evil. VOYA said in I was 29 years old, and I realized to get into the more formal a starred review, “An intense that I wasn’t doing ANYTHING feel of that world. Once I did, and captivating story that gives I wanted to do. I wasn’t spending though, I reveled in it. It’s such a whole new meaning to sibling enough time with my children, I a sumptuous, sensuous era and a rivalry.” Booklist also gave Prophecy wasn’t feeding my creative soul, perfect fit for the darkness I was of the Sisters a starred review. and I wasn’t HAPPY. So I took looking for in telling Lia’s story. Guardian of the Gate, the second some time to really re-evaluate book in the trilogy, comes out where I was. Over the course of The biggest challenge was this summer. the next year, I sold my house, creating a book that was true quit my job, and put my meager to the period while also being savings and equity toward an old approachable to modern converted barn for myself and my teenagers. In order to do this, four young children. It was both I concentrated on the story terrifying and exhilarating! itself, adding only details that were material to the plot and/ It still took me a couple of years or necessary to establish the to find my way back to writing darker atmosphere I was working (I’d always wanted to be a writer toward. My editor and I also when I was a teenager). Once I made a conscious decision to rediscovered my love for writing, write the dialogue a bit more I wrote 6-8 hours every day for loosely than some would expect, two-and-a-half years, one book so, while you won’t find anyone after the other, until Prophecy sold saying, “Dude!” you will find a to Little, Brown. The take-away few contractions and some less from this isn’t that everyone formal language in the interest should leave California! It’s that of approachability. In the end, I there is no limit to the number of tried to think of Prophecy not as times you can re-invent yourself. historical fiction, but as a fantasy You are never too old or too that happens to be set in the poor or too bogged down with Victorian era. That helped keep it Michelle Zink’s debut novel is part of a responsibility. Everything is all in perspective. planned trilogy being published by Little, always possible. Everything. Brown and Company. (continued next page)

Kite Tales 26 Spring 2010

contents …AUTHOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Q: Were there any stake as the story progresses, and with the other agent. unexpected delights? that meant really digging into the Nine months later, that book relationship between the sisters hadn’t sold, and of course, once Prophecy and the period in which in the first book. you submit a book that doesn’t it’s set took me to some scary get sold, you really don’t get places, but I feel like I really a chance to edit it further and found my voice while writing resubmit (unless an editor has this book. It was actually my fifth asked you to), so that book was finished book (though the first to basically dead. In the meantime, be published), and I’d written a “I really had to ask though, I’d written Prophecy of the sort of hodge-podge while trying myself if I just wanted Sisters, and when I showed it to to find my writing legs. Prophecy my then-agent, she really liked it so totally immersed me in that the ego stroke of being and was ready to submit it as it Gothic world. It taught me that was. I just sort of KNEW that I I love channeling darkness and told my work was would be making a mistake, and I that creating a truly atmospheric perfect or if I wanted made the difficult decision to end read is high on my list of writing my contract and start querying priorities. All of that knowledge to be BETTER.” agents again. about myself as a writer is a gift. One of the first replies I received Q: You said Stephen King was again from Steven Malk. But was your favorite author. what surprised me even more Do you see any parallels I do tend to like writing in was that he said the same thing between your work and his? series, though, probably for the he’d said with my second book same reason teens say they like – that it was good but needed a While I could never compare to read them — I get attached! lot of work. I really had to ask myself to a master like Stephen To the story, the characters, myself then if I just wanted the King, I totally credit his work the setting — all of it! I think ego stroke of being told my work with giving me that love of that three books is the perfect was perfect or if I wanted to be darkness. Reading his work length for a series. Book one is BETTER. was and is a descent into all the always a pure, inspiration-fueled dangerous, mysterious things adrenaline rush, and I’m eager to It didn’t take me long to find the about the supernatural. I’d be tell the next part of the story in answer. I wanted to be better. So beyond thrilled if I could even book two. By book three, I can I began a laborious ten-months come CLOSE to being able to FEEL the story wanting to come with Steve making aggressive take the imagination where he to a close. It always seems like a revisions to the book that would, does. natural end to me. eventually, lead to the three-day pre-empt by Little, Brown for the Q: How did you come up Q: How did you end up with series. And I have to credit Steve with the idea of sequels? your agent, Steven Malk? with that, because he believed in my work enough to spend that I always intended for Lia’s story When I started looking for time guiding me to perfect the to be written in three books. an agent for my second book Prophecy book. It made all the difference, Once you see how the story plays ( was my fifth), I had two and most importantly, it made out, I think it becomes apparent quick replies. One was from an me a better writer. that this isn’t a story that could agent who loved the manuscript have been told in one book. The as it was and wanted to send it Not every agent is willing to psychological undertones of the out right away. The other, Steven put forth that kind of effort story had to be explored in order Malk of Writer’s House, liked the to get a firm grasp on what’s at book, but thought that it needed a lot of work. I ended up going (continued next page)

Kite Tales 27 Spring 2010

contents …AUTHOR’S PERSPECTIVE

(ZINK continued) A Hint of Humor revising with a client. If you ever come across someone that knowledgeable who IS willing to work with you on fine-tuning your work, you should jump at the chance. It’ll be worth it in the end.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add that would be specific to writers of children’s literature? All that matters is the writing. You have to tune out a lot of the noise — especially now that there is so much interaction with other writers online — because it isn’t always helpful. I was a member of several writing- related communities online while I was trying to get published, and every single day there was someone posting about the ridiculous odds of our ever being published, let alone actually making a living writing. I heard it all — one in 5,000 manuscripts gets represented by an agent, the average first time advance for a debut novel is $10,000, all this revising for an agent without a contract will leave you high and by Debbie Ridpath Ohi dry, etc., etc. None of which www.inkygirl.com proved true for me. If you want it, love it, and are willing to work for it, it IS possible. Just keep writing. Keep your head down. And keep writing.

Bonnie Ferron is the author of Angelfire, a California Reader Selection for 2009, that is available at Amazon.com. Check out her website at www.bonnieferron.com and take her Small Steps to Big Change Challenge at http://bonnieferron. livejournal.com/

Kite Tales 28 Spring 2010

contents News From The Internet

A Rose by Any Other Name … Won’t Show Up on Google

by Jenn Bailey was the rich kid with the short fuse who had the hots for the o ahead. Try it. Type This is your career. wrong girl. Think about it. We “chrysanthemum” into all know who Oprah is. And Google Images. I’ll wait. This is your passion. we’ve got a pretty good handle G on Madonna. And we all knew See. Not a single rose. You are the brand. The who Tiger Woods was until he ended up being another guy with Shakespeare could be as poetic book is the product. the same name. See what I mean as he liked. He didn’t live in the about brands? age of the Internet. But when we think about branding, when we Once you’ve decided on your think about the Internet, we have account for your characters? No. brand name, I want you to think to know what the name is. We can It does mean I want them to be about your brand. Branding is the look less at Shakespeare and learn linked to and findable from one process by which you become more from Gertrude Stein: A rose, brand. You. known. Ask yourself these three is a rose, is a rose, is a rose. key questions: “But, I want my website to be the If we authors and illustrators title of my book,” you say. What Do You Stand For? want to be found by editors, In other words, what are agents, and readers, we need to So I ask, “What happens when your passions? What are your be consistent in how we brand you write or illustrate a second attributes? You don’t have to get ourselves, starting with our book?” real heavy here. I’m a huge fan brand name. of relaxation. I enjoy humor and Most of us are in this job because wit. I like a nice bottle of wine I’ve been asked at workshops and we have many stories in our with dinner and I think everyone conferences: “When it comes to hearts. Why would you limit should eat more pie. These my website and my Facebook fan your Internet presence to just are passions I’m comfortable page and all the rest, should I use one of them? Don’t you want standing for. They may seem trite my real name or the name I write your fans from one book to find but I think of them as inclusive. under?” My reply is always the out about the others without And just because I’m not same. What is the name you’re having to search for them, title comfortable starting the rallying using for your book? That is the by title? J. K. Rowling’s website cry, it doesn’t mean I don’t go to name you are branding yourself is www.jkrowling.com. Not the rally. with. That is the name your www.harrypotter.com. This is readers will be looking for. your career. This is your passion. What Makes You Stand You are the brand. The book is Out? In other words, how When A Series of Unfortunate the product. are you different? What makes Events came out, kids wanted you unique? You know there’s to meet Lemony Snicket. They I realize I may have seemed something. Don’t be shy. You’re didn’t give a hang about Daniel a little hard on The Bard. It pretty amazing and there’s a Handler. When you know your was not my intention, because reason for it. Is it your illustrative brand name, use it, for your Shakespeare did get some things style? Could it be the subject entire Internet presence, from right. Brands are about more matter you’re willing to tackle in website to Twitter to Facebook to than just the name. It really your stories? Are you a brilliant YouTube. Does this mean I don’t didn’t matter if Romeo was researcher? Or are you the one want you to have a Facebook fan a Capulet, a Montague, or a page for your book? Or a Twitter Rothstein. Everybody knew he (continued next page)

Kite Tales 29 Spring 2010

contents volunteers in the spotlight

…News From Confessing Surprise The Internet

(NAME continued) You get so much who always brings cupcakes to critique group? You’re known for more out of an something. Find out what it is. experience when What Makes Your Fans Stand you’ve invested Up? In other words, what do you bring to the table? How are yourself into you marketable? Did you land a plane on the Hudson River? making it happen. Huang Rita Crayon Photo by Are you the only person who Lee Wind has really interviewed a vampire? Do you have a way with children by the co-coordinators of the L.A. Westside Writers’ an experience when you’ve and small dogs? If you’ve got a invested yourself into making it website and some social media Schmooze — Lee Wind and Rita Crayon Huang happen. I used to like going to the accounts that you’re using, you’re schmoozes … . Now I LOVE going already marketable. That and a to them — and I learn more, and private fortune to fund your own Lee True confession #1: I always get so much more out of them than book tour makes you (almost) I did as just an attendee. irresistible. Great prose, superior looked at SCBWI Volunteers and thought, man, they’re niiice voice, and compelling story will True Realization #2: Ohhh, also help. people for helping, but aren’t they missing out? After all, they The Power … . I wanted to add short writing exercises to the Don’t be nervous. A brand is no don’t get to participate as fully as I, an attendee. schmooze — and POOF! We longer a stigma. It’s a good thing. do them. I wanted us to all sit Start easy and give the above True confession #2: I loved in a circle rather than around questions some serious thought. tables — BAM! Rita and I moved I’m not asking you to be top of attending SCBWI events like the Schmoozes, but my mind the chairs. I wanted to not schlep Google when I search “Children’s the mugs, tea, and giant hot Book Writer.” (That’s Harold always spun with what I would do differently if I were in water carafe to every schmooze, Underdown and he’s not going and WHOOSH! I lost the power anywhere.) I just want you to charge — what questions I’d ask, what topics I’d choose to explore. cord. (Um … okay, maybe not have a presence, and for all the that last one.) right reasons. True confession #3: Especially as I’m not yet True Realization #3: Getting Jenn Bailey writes involved has made me feel like picture books and published, I always felt like a bit of an outsider. I’ve found my people … and I middle grade novels. belong. She had a great So when asked if I would co- time teaching social Bonus Realization: Co- media to the legions coordinate a schmooze, I was really excited … but nervous. Captaining the Schmooze has of SCBWI-ers who made me even closer friends attended the L.A. Summer Conference True Realization #1: The with Rita, and she continues last year and the NY conference in to astound and impress me. It January. www.jennbailey.com Volunteers are nice, and SMART. You get so much more out of (continued next page)

Kite Tales 30 Spring 2010

contents …volunteers in the spotlight

(SURPRISE continued)

We advertise open has been and continues to be volunteer positions in rewarding and fun, and I’m so glad I volunteer for SCBWI! KITE TALES. Keep your eyes open for your Lee Wind is the author of the how- opportunity to get to e-book guide, The Zen Of involved! Blogging: 7 Steps On The Virtual Path To Real Success, and his award-winning blog, “I’m Here. I’m Huang Rita Crayon Photo by Queer. What the Hell do I Read?” Rita Crayon Huang covers GLBTQ teen books, culture, To place an ad and politics. He is a member of entertaining friends, who keep in Kite Tales: SCBWI Team Blog, and is currently our discussions fun. Contact Bonnie Ferron at working on both a YA and a MG [email protected] novel. www.zenofblogging.com, www. Humbling Surprise #2: leewind.org Someone once told me that • Ads must be submitted in teaching is really listening, and pdf or jpg format. Rita talking is really learning. Since • 300 dpi preferred, black & When I first started attending coordinating this schmooze, I’ve white or color O.K. the Westside Schmooze, I wore done a lot of “learning.” And I am • Link to your website at unflattering colors and kept my the direct beneficiary. I feel it the no extra charge. eyes down, specifically so no one moment I sit down to write, after would ever ask me to volunteer. every meeting. I’d say 90% of the Ad costs are for Then I became friends with real change to my writing has one calendar year other “schmoozers,” and it grew happened this past year, in spite (4 issues) as follows: harder to stay silent. One day of how much I’d learned from • Business card size: I realized two of my best, new attending schmoozes, conferences, 3.5”w x 2”h = $30 friends — Greg Pincus and Sara and writing groups past. Wilson Etienne — had suddenly • 1/4 page: 3.5”w x 3.75”h = become coordinators, which So I am here to tell you — from a $60 made me a prime target for purely selfish perspective — the being asked next. When that best thing you can do for your • 1/2 page: 7”w x 3.75”h = $90 happened, I groaned. Then Lee writing is coordinate an SCBWI • Full page: 7”w x 8”h = $120 started telling me how fun this’d schmooze. be to do together, and I groaned Make checks payable to: louder. I felt … honored. I’d also And I’m not just saying that SCBWI-L.A. been dreading the possibility so because I want you to volunteer long, I might have felt slighted if next. Though I do. Are you Mail to: they hadn’t asked. I said yes. interested? Kite Tales c/o SCBWI, P.O. Box 4190, West Hills, Humbling Surprise #1: Since co-coordinating the SCBWI CA 91308 I was amazed how rusty I’d Westside Schmooze, Rita has won gotten at speaking in front the SCBWI-.LA.’s Writer’s Day 2009 of people, which is such an contest for middle grade fiction and important part of this career. garnered a Sue Alexander Award The Schmooze has given me an nomination at the 2009 SCBWI incredible opportunity to find International Summer Conference. my way back — and among such Things are definitely looking up.

Kite Tales 31 Spring 2010

contents Picture Book of 2009” by Tablet Magazine. www. Bulletin Board aprilwayland.com Great News Events

Thalia Chaltas’ novel Because I Am Furniture was Writer2Writer placed on YALSA’s Best Books for Young Adults list We are thrilled to announce our line-up for for 2010 as well as on the Amelia Bloomer list for Writer2Writer. Join us at the Flintridge Bookstore 2010 (Feminist Literature for 0-18 years). and Coffeehouse, 964 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada, for our monthly program about the craft of writing. Rhonda Fischer was invited to read her book, Programs are normally scheduled for the first Randy Kazandy, Where Are Your Glasses? at the Dallas Sunday of the month, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., in our Texas Library. Laura Bush was the guest speaker at coffeehouse area. the event, a Vision Festival, on January 19, 2010. Sunday, Mar. 7, 4 p.m. The Night Olympic Team by Caroline Hatton was Nancy Bo Flood, author of Warriors in the selected by California Readers for the California Crossfire,will talk about “Making Historical Collection (middle school) again in 2010, in Fiction Relevant to Young Readers.” addition to 2009. www.carolinehatton.com Sunday, Apr. 4. Happy Easter! Lon Levin is finishing the illustrations for six new Monster Boy books. The popular series is written by Sunday, May 2, 4 p.m. Carl Emerson and published by Magic Wagon. All Join field sales representatives Nicole White of 12 books in the series have been illustrated by Lon. Penguin, and Lise Friedman of Macmillan, as The publication of these books will be scattered we discuss “What’s Going on in the Children’s throughout 2010. www.levinland.com Publishing Industry that Affects New and Aspiring Authors.” “Mr. Moon Leaves Home: A Zambian Folktale,” by Vukani G. Nyirenda was published by Skipping No fee to attend, but seating is limited. Stones Magazine (www.skippingstones.org) in its RSVP to [email protected]. January/February 2010 issue, Vol. 22, No.1.

Nancy O’Connor recently won both first and Classes second place in the picture book category of a contest sponsored by the Tallahassee Writers’ UCLA Extension Writers’ Program www. Association. Her award-winning stories, “Tap Tap uclaextension.edu/writers Mishap” and “The Small Smudger,” will be published As the largest and most comprehensive university- this spring in the Seven Hills Review. related writing program in the nation, the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program equips new and “Good-Night Code” by Moni Scarpa was published practicing writers with the tools they need to in Highlights Magazine for Children, January 2010. tell their stories and to seek out publication and production. UCLA offers more than 500 annual Amy Scripps is now represented by Brianne onsite and online writing courses in writing for the Johnson & Michele Rubin at the Writer’s House youth market, as well as fiction, memoir, personal literary agency, NY. Her debut novel, Cinnamon essay, poetry, playwriting, publishing, feature film, Girls, is an unflinching YA novel based on a true and television writing. For more info: (310) 825- story. http://cinnamongirlbook.com/ 9415. To enroll: (310) 825-9971 or (818) 784-7006.

New Year at the Pier — A Rosh Hashanah Story by April Art Center College of Design Night Program Wayland, (Dial), illustrated by award-winning (626) 396-2319 or www.artcenter.edu/atnight illustrator Stéphane Jorisch, was named “Best Jewish

Kite Tales 32 Spring 2010

contents ALA Awards

And the Winner is… The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg, by Rodman Philbrick, Major Awards for Children’s Literature published by The Blue Sky Press, from the American Library Association an imprint of Scholastic Inc. Caldecott Medal: www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/2010medawardwin.cfm This medal honors the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

The Lion and the Mouse, illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney, published by Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers.

Caldecott Honor Books All the World, illustrated by Marla Frazee, written by Liz Garton Scanlon, published by Beach Lane Books. Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski, written by Joyce Sidman, puslished by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. (continued next page)

Caldecott Medal winner: The Lion and the Mouse, illustrated and written by Jerry Pinkney, published by Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers.

Newbery Medal: Newbery Honor Books The Newbery Medal honors the Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward author of the most distinguished Justice, by Phillip Hoose, contribution to American published by Melanie Kroupa literature for children. Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan When You Reach Me, by Children’s Publishing Group. Rebecca Stead, published by Wendy Lamb Books, an imprint The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by of Random House Children’s Jacqueline Kelly, published by Books. Henry Holt and Company. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin, published by Little Brown and Company Newbery Medal winner: When You Books for Young Readers. Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Kite Tales 33 Spring 2010

contents …ALA Awards

Batchelder Award : Belpré (Author) Award The Batchelder Award is given Return to Sender, by Julie to an American publisher for a Alvarez, published by Alfred A. children’s book considered to be Knopf. the most outstanding of those books originally published in a Belpré (Author) Honor Books language other than English in a country other than the Diego: Bigger Than Life, by Carmen United States, and subsequently T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated translated into English and by David Diaz, published by published in the United States. Marshall Cavendish Children. Federico García Lorca, written by A Faraway Island, by Annika Georgina Lázaro, illustrated by Thor, translated by Linda Enrique S. Moreiro, published by Schenck, published by Delacorte Lectorum Publications Inc. Press, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books. Carnegie Award:

Batchelder Honor Books The Carnegie Medal honors the Batchelder Award winner: A Faraway producer of the most outstanding Big Wolf and Little Wolf, by Nadine Island by Annika Thor. video production for children Brun-Cosme, illustrated by released during the preceding year. Olivier Tallee, translated by Claudia Bedrick, published by Enchanted Lion Books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Celebremos El día de los niños/ Bus! produced by Paul R. Gagne, El día de los libros, illustrated Eidi, by Bodil Bredsdorff, translated Weston Woods Studios, and Mo by Rafael López, written by Willems. by Kathryn Mahaffy, published by Pat Mora, published by Rayo, Farrar, Straus and Giroux. an imprint of HarperCollins Geisel Award: Publishers. Moribito II: Guardian of the The Theodor Seuss Geisel Darkness, written by Nahoko Belpré (Illustrator) Medal honors the author(s) Uehashi, illustrated by Yuko Honor Books and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished contribution to Shimizu, translated by Cathy Diego: Bigger Than Life, illustrated Hirano, published by Arthur the body of American children’s by David Diaz, written by literature known as beginning A. Levine Books, an imprint of Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, Scholastic Inc. reader books published in published by Marshall Cavendish the United States during the Children. Belpré Medal: preceding year. This medal honors a Latino/ My Abuelita, illustrated by Latina writer and illustrator Benny and Penny in the Yuyi Morales, written by Tony Big No-No! written and whose works best portray, affirm, Johnston, published by Harcourt and celebrate the Latino cultural illustrated by Geoffrey Children’s Books, Houghton Hayes, published by ToON experience in an outstanding Mifflin Harcourt. work of literature for children BOOKS, a division of RAW Junior, LLC. and youth. Gracias/Thanks, illustrated by John Parra, written Pat Mora, published Belpré (Illustrator) Award by Lee and Low Books Inc. (continued next page) Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day;

Kite Tales 34 Spring 2010

contents …ALA Awards

Sibert Medal: Going Bovine, by Libba Bray The Sibert Medal honors the published by Delacorte Press, author(s) and illustrator(s) of the an imprint of Random House most distinguished informational Children’s Books, a division of book published during the Random House. preceding year. Printz Honor Books Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Who Dared to Dream, by Leap of Faith by Deborah Tanya Lee Stone, published by Heiligman, published by Candlewick Press. Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan Sibert Honor Books Children’s Publishing Group.

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story The Monstrumologist, by Rick of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas Yancey, published by Simon and Brand-New Colors, written & Schuster Books for Young Sibert Medal winner: Almost by Chris Barton, illustrated by Readers, an imprint of Simon & Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared Tony Persiani, published by Schuster Children’s Publishing. to Dream, by Tanya Lee Stone Charlesbridge. Punkzilla, by Adam Rapp, Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11, published by Candlewick Press. written and illustrated by Brian Geisel Honor Books Floca, published by Richard Tales of the Madman Underground: I Spy Fly Guy! written and Jackson/Atheneum Books for An Historical Romance, 1973, by illustrated by Tedd Arnold, Young Readers. John Barnes, published by Viking published by Scholastic Inc. Children’s Books, a division of Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Penguin Young Reader’s Group. Little Mouse Gets Ready, written Justice, by Phillip Hoose, and illustrated by Jeff Smith, published by Melanie Kroupa published by published by ToON Books/Farrar, Straus and BOOKS, a division of RAW Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Junior, LLC. Children’s Publishing Group.

Mouse and Mole: Fine Feathered The Michael L. Printz Award: Friends, written and illustrated This award is sponsored by by Wong Herbert Yee, published Booklist, a publication of the by Houghton Mifflin Books for American Library Association Children, Houghton Mifflin www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ Harcourt. yalsa/booklistsawards/ printzaward/Printz.cfm Pearl and Wagner: One Funny Day, written by Kate McMullan, The Michael L. Printz Award illustrated by R.W. Alley, is an award for a book that published by Dial Books for exemplifies literary excellence Young Readers, a division of in young adult literature. It is Penguin Young Readers Group. named for a Topeka, Kansas, school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Michael L. Printz Award winner: Young Adult Library Services Going Bovine, by Libba Bray Association.

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contents Toot Your Horn

Rhonda Hayter, The Witchy Catherine L. Osornio, The Worries of Abbie Adams, middle- Declaration of Independence from grade comic fantasy for ages A to Z , illustrated by Layne Caroline Arnold, Global Johnson, picture book Warming and the Dinosaurs: Fossil 8 to 10, Dial Books for Young Readers. www.rhondahayter.com nonfiction for ages 6 to 12, Discoveries at the Poles, ages 8 Pelican Publishing Company. to adult, illustrated by Laurie www.catherineosornio.com Caple, Clarion Books. Book Mina Javaherbin, Goal, illustrated by AG Ford, Blog: www.catherinelosornio. trailer at: www.youtube.com/ blogspot.com watch?v=HinoWO5zQEY Candlewick Press. www. minajavaherbin.com Q. L. Pearce, Stonehenge, middle-grade nonfiction picture book, KidHaven Press, and La Llorona: The Crying Woman, middle- grade nonfiction picture book, KidHaven Press.

Toot Your Horn in Kite Tales! For the benefit of booksellers and librarians, Kite Tales, twice per year, lists new books written or illustrated by members. Send us: Title by author, illustrator Lon Levin, Treehouses, illustrator Ages ? and up Lisa Rojany Buccieri and Eva and photographer, edited by Alan Genre and publisher Mozes Kor, Surviving the Angel Jones, nonfiction, ages 8 and up, Author or book website of Death: The Story of a Mengele Globe Pequot Press. Is author SCBWI member? Twin in Auschwitz, young adult, Is illustrator SCBWI member? Tanglewood Press. Andrew Mitchell, illustrator, Sorry, no self-published, with Lee Ames, Draw 50 Magical print-on-demand or subsidy/ Mary Ann Fraser, Petshop Creatures, nonfiction ages 7 and vanity press books. Lullaby, picture book for ages 3 up, Doubleday/Broadway. to 6, Boyds Mills Press. www. E-mail to: [email protected] maryannfraser.com or mail to KITE Tales c/o SCBWI, P.O. Box 4190, West Hills, CA 92308 Deadline: July 15, 2010

Kite Tales 36 Spring 2010

contents From the Blog of a Children’s Book Editor

Definitions for the Perplexed

by Editorial Anonymous 1st galleys: Fixes to the spelling/punctuation? Lay it on! Let’s get Reprinted with permission from everything right. http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com. Stuff accidentally left out, etc.? Great, that’s what first galleys are for. Proofs Fiddling with word choice? Sure thing. Just not too So once the galleys have been around and around much of that, ok? enough to have worked out all the kinks, the designer will create a version of galleys that 2nd galleys: incorporates the guidelines the printer (which is Fixes to spelling/punctuation? Oops, we missed that. usually in China) will need in order to know where Thanks for noticing. to cut the pages (etc). This last set of galleys are Other issues? Try to minimize this, huh? That’s called mechs, short for mechanicals. These what 1sts were for. are sent to the printer, and the next thing the publisher will see is proofs. 3rd galleys/final corrections: See the term “final corrections”? Yeah, Proofs are an example of the book, this had better be the last little bits. printed on the big professional printing Ideally, this is not a chance to make presses (but not bound), and this is our changes, but simply to be sure the changes chance to make sure the alignment of the from 2nd galleys were made as intended. printing, the page trimming, and the color is correct. It is not the time to decide you like the Mechs word “harassed” better than “irritated” on page 42. Leave it alone! (Though text changes in mechs are Changes to the text will require your publisher to still better than text changes we have to make in send a whole new digital file to the printer, add proofs.) another round to the proofs, and the printer will charge the publisher more money. Like, hundreds of 1st proofs dollars, potentially. Color corrections? Great! That’s what proofs are for. Text changes? These had better just be correctness When To Suggest Changes in the changes (in the event we missed a typo in galleys), Bookmaking Process: not stylistic ones.

One sincerely hopes that you’ve made any big, plot- 2nd proofs type changes in the draft/revision process with your Color corrections? This had better be important. editor. Which comes before galleys. Text changes? No.

Once you’re in galleys, the important thing to 3rd proofs remember is that every change to entire blocks of Changes of any kind: What are you, —ing nuts? text has to be made, checked, and finessed by design and CE (copyedit) to be sure there are no widows (a Next time on Definitions for the Perplexed— PPB lonely line at the top of a page), orphans (a lonely line at the bottom of a page), lines that are too loose From Editorial Anonymous: “If you have questions, e-mail or tight (i.e., in the spacing between words), and no them to [email protected], and I’ll try to text accidentally left out or duplicated. It’s a lot of answer them. But seriously, don’t try to query me or submit work, and for people who already have a lot of work to me. I’m anonymous. If you submit to me or query me at to do. The designer and copyeditor will feel like this e-mail address, I will use your letter/submission on the killing someone, and since the author is not nearby, blog. Be warned.” they’ll focus on the editor.

Kite Tales 37 Spring 2010

contents Critique Connections Online Free! Longing for a critique group? Why not join Critique Connections Online to find a buddy or two? It’s easy, and open to SCBWI members who reside in the Tri-Regions of Southern California. Critique Connections Online is not an online critique group or a manuscript exchange; it is a way to link up with like-minded people to allow you the possibility of creating your own critique group. Best of all, it’s free! Below is a sample from the ever-changing list that you will find at Critique Connections Online. To access the contact information or to start your own group, join by e-mailing your request to [email protected]. Questions can be addressed to the same e-mail. Once you’ve joined the Yahoo! group, you will be asked to provide information about yourself for a database and for an introductory e-mail. Others in the group can then connect directly with you or you with them. Sheryl Scarborough, Critique Connections Online Coordinator, [email protected]

Name W/I Location Start/Join OL/F2F Genres Barbara W Westwood start F2F PB Avi W West Side (either) both PB, YA Dakota W Westside (either) both PB, MG Mike W Pasadena, CA (either) F2F PB Ellen W Long Beach has O/L F2F PB, YA Laura W Mira Loma, CA start F2F Open to all Barbara W Temecula has O/L F2F PB Julie W Santa Clarita (either) both MG Rhoda W Calabasas (either) both YA Carolyn W Santa Barbara (either) F2F YA Jay W+I Atascadero (either) both YA Michael W+I Chicago (formerly Ventura) (either) O/L PB Jeannine W Monrovia has O/L F2F PB, MG

W: writer; I: illustrator; OL: online; F2F: face-to-face PB: picture books; MG: middle grade; YA: young adult; GN: graphic novels;

Got a New Book Coming Out?

Tell your publisher’s publicity person which state awards it’s eligible for. Go to the Central Los Angeles Public Library downtown, to the Children’s Literature department. Ask the librarian to help you pull up “Awards & Prizes from the Children’s Book Council.” The Library will maintain the subscription only if it’s used. It’s the only resource of its kind! To look up each State award individually, you would have to know the name of the award or sponsoring agency.

Kite Tales 38 Spring 2010

contents Writing Connections

Kite Tales 39 Spring 2010

contents contents