PASS IT ON ISSUE 68
PASS IT ON
knowledge is power
www.jackiehosking.com
Issue 68.
Hi everyone! Welcome to the new look PASS IT ON! A lot more professional
don't you think? I hope you have all had a fantastic week. Thanks to all who
have contributed and a special hello to all new subscribers. Thank you also
to everyone who has offered support and encouragement, I really do
appreciate it. Please enjoy this week's issue of PASS IT ON.
A Disclaimer of Liability
Please ensure that your submissions are ACCURATE and clear. I will accept no
responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in the information
submitted.
PLEASE be careful.
To unsubscribe send an email to jacket@smartchat.net.au with "unsubscribe"
in the subject heading.
WHAT IS PASS IT ON?
PASS IT ON is a weekly, on-line, interactive, networking newsletter for
those involved with or interested in the children's writing industry. It is
emailed to subscribers every Monday.
PASS IT ON will survive for as long as YOU the CONTRIBUTOR determine. I am
the collection point for YOUR submissions. I am one cog in a tool that has
the potential to be very powerful. (submission guidelines can be found at
the end of the newsletter)
If you wish to receive PASS IT ON - email me, Jackie Hosking at
jacket@smartchat.net.au and I will send you the most recent issue of the
newsletter and an invoice. If you like what you see, please return the
invoice along with your payment and I will add you to the subscriber's list.
If you join in July it will cost you $24.00 If you join in August, it will
cost you $22.00 If you join in September, it will cost you $20.00 etc...
(all subscriptions will then be due on
Please contribute as often as you can and be assured that I will treat your
contact details with the utmost confidentiality. I look forward to making
many more new friends.
Past issues may be viewed at my website www.jackiehosking.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
Congratulations to Margaret Clark and Fe, her daughter, who has just given
birth to Evie Margaret weighing in at 3.5kg. All are doing well!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Fellow writers, we don't have to be monetarily rich to help charities
worldwide, every day.
As a writer, you probably use the Internet daily. Would you like to give a
Christmas gift that can continue all year, help thousands of people and
costs just a few seconds of your time when you log on to the Internet each
day?
You can do this by making your home page the Hunger Site
(http://www.thehungersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites.woa/254/wa/gotoSite?destSite=HungerSite&origin=arstab&wosid=ju2000rk1007t100J4&revisionCode=ON_ARS_THS_TAB).
All you do it go into Tools on your Internet bar, down to Internet Options
and then it will be an option to insert this address.
This means that every time you log on to the Internet, this page comes up.
Click on it once a day and you will be helping a charity organisation
(through their advertisers). To maximise your help, you can then click on
the other charities at the top of the bar, which will help a breast cancer
charity, an organisation promoting literacy, another helping animals in
distress, a rainforest site and another child health. So, in about half a
minute, you can help six charities EVERY DAY you log on. Make it simply part
of your daily routine when you first log on. It's a great way to start the
working day!
Feel free to pass on this advice, and help use internet power for good.
Wendy Blaxland
I was following up on the Little Tiger Press story comp and found the
following results. Thought it might interest other PIO folk, especially if
they, like me, entered. They don't say what countries are represented in the
shortlist, so I don't know if any Aussies are in the list.
Kat
We are delighted to announce our shortlist of ten picture book stories for
the Search for a Story New Author Prize 2005. The winner will be announced
on this website on
celebratory dinner at a central
prize of £2,000 and will be offered a publication contract.
The shortlist will be judged by a panel of respected figures from across the
publishing spectrum: Monty Bhatia, MD & Publisher of Little Tiger Press,
Fiona Waters, Editorial Director of The Travelling Book Company, Julia
Donaldson, children's author, Michael Rosen, author and broadcaster, and
Dinah Hall, children's reviewer, The Sunday Telegraph.
SHORTLIST:
Julie Bentley - The Royal Mistake
Kumiko Brocklebank - Blue Bear Bop Goes to a Far Away Place
Peter Dunn - Bernard McLatch
Caroline Evans - The Tree of Life
Kate Horner - My Little Brother
Angela O'Brien - Dogs Don't Grow On Trees!
Amy Oriani - Kiss, Kiss, Jellyfish
Debbie Singleton - Prissy the Proud Piglet
Debbie Thomas - Arky Malarkey
Lucy Thwaite - Claire and the Big Clear Out
Please click here to find out more about the competition.
Most PIO readers may have made taken advantage of the Australian Writer's
Marketplace free fact sheet on How Best to Use AWM. For those who haven't it
is available from publisher@qwc.asn.au (see p.111 in AWM).
There are about five pages of information.
Sections include: A Writer's Development, The Section and FAQ. It has a lot
of useful information for anyone trying to find their way around the writing
game.
alanhorsfield.com
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he
can totally reverse the effects of a stroke.
Recognizing a stroke - a true story
Susie is recouping at an incredible pace for someone with a massive stroke -
all because Sherry saw Suzie stumble.
She asked Suzie the 3 questions below. She failed all three so 000 was
called. Even though she had normal blood pressure readings and did not
appear to be having a stroke as she could converse to some extent with the
Paramedics, they took her to the hospital immediately.
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the
lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain
damage.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple
questions:
1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently). E.g. ask what
kind of day it is.
If she or he has trouble with any of these tasks, call 000 immediately.
After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify
facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the
general public to learn the three questions. Widespread use of this test
could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent
brain damage.
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this email sends it to 10 people,
you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE, AND SAVE A LIFE.
SEEKING
Staples or Paperclips?
In last week's PIO an author (who is also an editor?) wrote in about things
s/he has noted missing in dozens of author submissions. The one thing that
surprised me was the point about authors not thinking to staple their pages.
I have always been told that publishers prefer paper clips (rubber bands for
novels!) and that staples are a big no-no.
What's the verdict - staples or paperclips?
Kat
REPLIES TO SEEKING
Kate Davies may like to look at the Ziptales site which has lots of stories
for children sorted into different genres. You'll find it at
www.ziptales.com.au There is a range of difficulty levels, some have audio
to the text as well and all stories are illustrated. There are stories by
authors (such as myself) and by other kids. As a teacher I find it a great
resource and the students are motivated by it. Some of it you can access
for free and total access is by subscription. Some of the stories have also
been recorded to CD and can be purchased through Scholastic. Jane
Edel Wignell replies to a query in regard to US magazines.
Yes, I send only to those that allow authors to retain copyright. Usually
they request first North American rights, first publication rights, first
American serial rights or, simply, first rights. I do not send to those that
buy all rights.
How do I know which magazines? I joined the Society of Children's Book
Writers and Illustrators in 1990 and annually obtain their Publications
Guide to Writing and Illustrating for Children (238 pages) - a new edition
in August every year. It's free to members, so I send an A4 envelope and two
International Reply Coupons for postage ($2.50 each).
One section, Magazine Markets Guide (23 pages) lists many markets (61 in
2005) with annotations in regard to current requirements: age level; the
number of words needed for fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc; terms, such
as: 'pays on acceptance, responds in 12 weeks, requests first North American
Rights'; comments in regard to special needs and categories not sought. This
guide also includes a four-page listing of religious magazines (17 in 2005).
(The Magazine Markets Guide is not a complete
that some magazines do not respond to the SCBWI's annual request for
updates.)
When the Publications Guide arrives, I read the magazine annotations and
tick the ones that respect authors' copyright. Those that get the tick in
the latest guide are:
American Girl, Babybug, Boys Life, Boys' Quest, Click, College Bound,
Cricket, Crystal Ball, Dramatics, Fun for Kidz, Girls' Life, Hopscotch,
Ladybug, Nature Friend, New Moon, Read, Seventeen, Weeones, Wild Outdoor
World, Winner, Yes, Young Rider.
Not included here are the religious magazines as I do not write for them;
also the ones that state: 'Terms vary'. I guess you could negotiate with
some of these.
You need to check the guidelines as some magazines are thematic. In
submissions and, in
sending an article on space exploration, no matter how well written, if the
theme for the month is snakes.
The SCBWI also releases a guide, Publishers of Books for Young People (25
pages), in August each year, so I obtain it, too.
A huge amount of information is available on the SCBWI website, but I find
that the hard copy guides are quicker and easier to access and scan. Members
receive a password that allows access to market information on the website -
not available to non-members.
I think it's worthwhile being a member as I often send items published in
for an anthology, has contacted me. Also, several items have been selected
for the SIRS Discoverer CD-ROM and database - reading material accessed by
schools in the
Once a year I write an article for the SCBWI Bulletin. If it is accepted,
the fee is one year's membership plus US$50.
For more details: www.scbwi.org
NEW PUBLICATIONS
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Sydney Writers & Illustrators Network at The Hughenden, 14 Queen st
Woollahra
Last one for the year for published authors and illustrators is at
10.30-12.30 am. on
Christmas party/lunch is afterwards. Please bring a plate of food. Drinks
can be purchased at the Hughenden.
There is NO Network in January. The next one is the first Wednesday of the
month in February 2006.
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Dear Jackie
I've heard from some Australian writers about the anthology I'm putting
together for Random House NZ. Unfortunately, the brief from Random states
that the writers need to be NZers (not necessarily living here), and the
collection is for NZ children. One of the writers told me she heard about
it through your (excellent!) website.
I thought I should send you the brief, just to clarify things.
Thanks
Best wishes
Barbara
Call for submissions - 30 History Stories for NZ Children
Editor: Barbara Else Publisher: Random House NZ
Weird and Wonderful, Claws and Jaws, Mischief and Mayhem and now .
History: hideous and hilarious!
(working title)
Stories for the 7 - 10 age group, fiction, from 500 to 1000 words. (No poems
or plays.)
I'm looking for energetic, entertaining stories by New Zealand writers about
anything from the dawn of time to the day before yesterday. I will want to
include some tales of conventional NZ history. However, the pieces selected
might include tales of fantasy and could be populated by characters (human
or not) from any culture. We all arrived in NZ from other places - the
Pacific, Europe, America, Asia, or wherever else, and bring our own cultural
history with us. I hope the collection will be a celebration of differences,
written with ingenuity and wit.
Submission requirements:
(NB: these are industry standards, and for very good reasons.)
Hard copy only, one side of A4 paper, size 12 font (minimum), 1.5 or
double-spaced, in a serif font (e.g. Times New Roman). No email submissions.
Title page should include author's name, postal address, email address, word
count of the story, whether the story has been published before and where
(name of the publication, date, etc).
Number the pages and include the author's name and a key word from the title
in a header or footer.
No staples: paper clips only.
Brief cover letter with your writing history (no lengthy description of how
wonderful the story is).
Include a stamped self-addressed envelope for return of the story if it can't
be used in the collection or for contact by the editor once decisions have
been made.
Receipt of stories can be acknowledged only if there is an email address or
a second stamped self-addressed envelope. (My time is limited.)
Stories with no s.a.e. cannot be returned.
If a story is accepted, I will ask the writer for a digital copy at that
stage.
· All stories to be sent to Barbara Else, PO Box 46-031 Park Avenue
Lower Hutt 6315 by 31 January 2006.
Authors will be contacted when decisions have been finalised which will
probably not be before 31 March 2006.
COMPETITIONS/AWARDS
MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The May Gibbs Children's Literature Trust hopes to receive expressions of
interest in its mentorships, as Virginia Lowe kindly pointed out last week.
As Chair of the National Program Committee of this organisation I always
urge state groups to seek out suitable candidates for its fellowships and
mentorships - although anyone can apply through the Trust's website
(www.maygibbs.org.au). Do check it out and get in touch with me by this
channel.
I would like to clarify a couple of points. The Trust can only offer
mentorships, which are very expensive to run, when funding is obtained. The
current funding, for which we are grateful, is from the Australia Council,
and it has attached conditions. One is, according to our wish to promote
creators who have limited access to workshops and other guidance, that the
person to be mentored must be from regional Victoria. The other, over which
we have no control, is that there is an age limit of 30 years. We all know
that many writers and illustrators haven't even begun their careers by this
age (I took another ten years to start) but this restriction applies
currently to all mentorships. The ASA is also in conversation with the
Australia Council on this issue.
Elizabeth Hutchins
Vogel details for 2006
The Australian/ Vogel Award - Annual. Closing date around May each year.
This is of the richest awards in Australia for an unpublished manuscript by
a young Australian author - offering a prize of $20,000 in addition to
normal royalties from sales. It is being offered for the twenty-fifth
successive year in 2005. Entrants must be 35 years or under. Details can be
found at http://www.allenandunwin.com
WRITING COURSES/WORKSHOPS
CHILDREN'S & YA WRITERS' CONFERENCE/FESTIVAL
A group of PIO subscribers from around Australia are working together to
develop a conference/festival for children's and YA writers. Back in August
we surveyed PIO subscribers to help in the development of the project. We
are now up to the next stage - The wish list...The Brisbane Writers Festival
have asked us to compile a wish list of International and Australian
children's authors we would most want to see out here, and why? (Remembering
JK Rowling unfortunately doesn't do personal appearances - ever.)
Please fill this in and email to jacket@smartchat.net.au before 1st December
2005 - thank you everyone.
Or just hit reply to this email, fill in the blanks and send it off. I can
sort the rest out from this end. We need as much input as possible if we are
going to ensure a worthwhile writers' festival.
INTERNATIONAL AUTHORREASON FOR WANTING TO SEE THEM SPEAK
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
AUSTRALIAN AUTHORREASON FOR WANTING TO SEE THEM SPEAK
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
HAVE YOUR SAY
BOOK PACKAGERS/PRODUCERS
Many thanks to Peter Taylor for his article in last week's PIO on book
packagers/producers, and the link to the site containing American
packager/producer information. This will prove very useful to those of us
targeting those markets.
Packagers provide many opportunities for writers, both published and
unpublished. Those writers who are struggling to get over that first,
increasingly difficult barrier of having their first books accepted for
publication should certainly consider submitting to packagers. A success
there may open doors previously closed to you elsewhere as an unpublished
writer.
In Australia, local book packager UC Publishing has produced the Trekker and
Breaker educational series for Macmillan, and is busy with other publishing
projects. There must be other packagers locally - can anyone shed any light
on this?
Thanks again, Peter, and all the best to everyone who submits their work to
packagers.
Sharon L Norris
FROM AUTHOR Margaret Clark
The Pinching of Personal Bits:
I don't mind other authors, teachers and salient others taking notes in my
workshops re my ways of writing, tips for improving writing, how I get ideas
and other information. That's why I do workshops and talks - to pass on what
I have learnt.
What I DO take umbrage to is authors 'stealing' my personal anecdotes for
their talks and workshops, as I believe they are part of my personal
history. For example. I wrote a book called The Big Chocolate Bar based on a
conversation I heard in Moorabool Street Geelong at the bus stop, between
three teenage school boys in uniform. They were discussing the school camp
and the fact that they wouldn't be allowed to eat junk food, and ways of
smuggling it into the camp. Just as they got to an interesting part, they
started walking away and I followed them. I had my head right up close to
the middle one practically kissing his neck and he turned around and said,
'Have you got the hots for me, Granny?'
I have told that story a thousand times to a thousand audiences to
illustrate how I got the idea for my book, so imagine how I felt when I
discovered that another author had 'stolen'' it, changed it slightly for her
audiences (she was supposedly in a bus, leant forward to listen and the boy
supposedly said, 'Have you got the hots for me, Granny?") This is just one
example. I can cite more.
Maybe other authors think personal stories are like jokes, are public
property and belong to anyone. Maybe I should be flattered that she stole my
personal history and not feel annoyed. Maybe I should bag my head. Maybe I
am over-sensitive. Maybe I have a right to feel 'used up'. What do other
authors think of personal story-stealing when it's part of the author's
personal life and history and is used to illustrate a particular novel?
FROM AUTHOR Jackie French
Margaret emailed me to ask if this sort of theft had ever happened to me,
and that opened the floodgates. I think the theft I most resent is the
author who took my anecdote about the kid who wrote "Dear Jackie French, Our
teacher said we had to write to our favourite author. My favourite author is
Role (sic) Dalh but he's dead so I'm writing to you."
Actually this author pinched other stuff of mine in that talk too, but when
I heard
that one I felt like standing up in the middle of his after dinner speech
and yelling 'Hey, mate, I've still got the letter to prove it!'
What is okay to 'borrow'? We all pass on jokes, and someone must have
written those. But jokes are accepted 'borrowed' currency. I'm continually
seeing gardening tips, recipes, information etc that I researched ten or
twenty years ago in other articles books and tv shows...but then I did put
those into the public arena to be used. Original workshop and teaching
methods? Yes, well, maybe I'm happy to have
those used by others too, with no attribution. But personal stories are
different. Please do not pinch, purloin or borrow.
THANK YOU
Many thanks for your responses to my writing 'validity' question.
Sharon Greenaway
FROM AUTHOR Sue Lawson
Congratulations on the new look PIO, Jackie. It looks sensational! You do an
amazing job.
And Sharon Greenaway, I meant to add this last week and time got away on me.
I don't believe you need to have experienced things to write about them. You
just need passion, a burning question and research. Good luck.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Approaching a Publisher
The greatest hurdle I had as a beginner writer was coming up with a format
by which to approach publishers. I don't know yet if I've got a 'good recipe'
but by giving a starting point, perhaps we can refine it. The goal is to
help other beginner writers get started - but who knows, we might all learn
something! Please respond with things you'd do differently - and why. My
information is specifically targeted at children's picture books, but tips
on other genres will surely be appreciated.
An unpublished text is a manuscript, not a book. As an author it is not your
responsibility to find an illustrator. Most publishing houses have their own
preferred illustrators who they will match to your manuscript.
COVER LETTER. Keep it simple but interesting. Maximum of one page,
single-spaced. State what the package contains - Author Credentials, Writing
Credits, Proposal, Manuscript, SSAE. Also state if this is a multiple
submission (sent to more than one publisher).
AUTHOR CREDENTIALS - should be written in the third person. Not 'I' but
'Name', 's/he'. What skills/experience do you have that make you qualified
to write the text?
WRITING CREDITS - Further testament to your skill as a writer, and your
commitment/ success in the writing field. Put your most recent achievements
first, in bullet form. This includes publication credits and competition
results.
PROPOSAL - Cover Page first giving; Manuscript title, word length, genre, ©,
full contact details. (Easy information to read at a glance. Not in
sentences, just as points.)
Aim to keep the actual proposal (not including Cover Page) under two pages.
Headings as follows.
Genre/Target Audience: Eg Picture Book (6-8 years)
Working Title: What you have called the manuscript, bearing in mind that
publishers may change this.
Length: words/pages (Most picture books are 32 pages)
Concept Statement: Brief but enticing summary of the manuscript. (Similar to
the blurb on the back of a book.) Include the ending.
Why this book is marketable: Special audience appeal, niche market,
upcoming events.
MANUSCRIPT - The manuscript should be typed, double-spaced, Size 12, Times
New Roman (or similar, functional) font. There is some discussion RE
indicating page breaks. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, depending on the
manuscript. (Earlier contributions to PIO have been helpful on this topic.)
If in doubt, leave them out.
Illustrator notes on manuscripts are also up for discussion. Sometimes a
picture book makes no sense without illustrator notes - but don't be
prescriptive. As with page breaks, if in doubt leave them out. (Also read
publishers' guidelines.)
The thing to remember with all aspects of your manuscript proposal is to
keep it concise, but appealing. If you can't engage interest via a proposal
why would they read your manuscript?
Jackie had the following tip to add regarding chapter book submissions. Eva
Mills (Allen & Unwin) suggested that you send the whole ms not just the
first three chapters and she also wants to know everything in the synopsis -
all plot twists, what happens in the end etc. Often she will read the first
couple of chapters, skim through the others referring to the synopsis then
read the last couple of chapters. (Thanks Jackie!)
***I feel I need to add that the above tip from Eva Mills may not be
entirely accurate - depending on how reliable my memory is. Eva's full
notes, however can be found at
http://www.staff.vu.edu.au/profwriting/evamills.htm ***
Kathryn Apel
HAVE YOUR SAY
I enjoyed reading other contributors' responses to the query about whether
or not you should write from personal experience. I find that elements of
my life and work life come into my YA fiction novels, some from personal
experience and some from 'empathy' which as one person last week pointed out
is the important ingredient. Good research is essential. I have a YA
fiction novel, Wheels, coming out with Futuretrack in Perth (soon I hope!)
and it is about a teenager who becomes a paraplegic. I do not have a
disability but I have worked on spinal units as a health professional, plus
I interviewed wheelchair sports athletes (a theme of the novel) and a coach
and spoke to physiotherapists and speech pathologists who work in the spinal
units, both in acute hospials and rehab wards. Another novel I have coming
out in 2006 (Scobre Press in California) is about a girl whose father has a
head injury - having worked in an Aquired Brain Injury unit I had some
insight, plus I spoke at length to doctors about the medical elements of the
book. And I have recently completed a novel, Teen Dad, about teenage
pregnancy from the young mans perspective. I read up on teen pregnancy and
found out lots I didn't know about why young girls get pregnant, why they
have abortions, how some of them feel after abortion and where the boys fit
in all this (often they just don't). I also find many elements of my
mundane life creeping into my books - my pets for example! There are also
shadows of people I know. The compilation of what you just know, what is
researched and who is in there should be seamless. For the reader hopefully
it is the joy of many rich experiences.
I wanted to share something with you from a lovely gentleman, who has become
my friend, through editing two of my YA fiction novels. He gave me this
fine advice and I thought some PIO readers might find it of use also.
"....the other day you expressed a slight disappointment with (the novel)
saying that you had not quite got all that you wanted into it. I've advised
you to give it another polish & shine, but I think it also has to be said
that once a book is finished you should learn when to leave it alone. The
sense of a finished book not quite measuring up to initial expectations is a
common one - and does not necessarily mean the book actually has anything
wrong with it at all. The following quote, from a very wise old philosopher
named Karl Popper, captures the essence of the situation:
"No book can ever be finished. While working on it we learn just enough to
find it immature the moment we turn away from it."
Take what you learn from one book and apply to the next."
Cheers! DS
HAVE YOUR SAY
Inspired by Hazel Edwards ... and the kind stranger!
We all love to hear a story of goodwill, such as the one Hazel shared in PIO
issue 67.
The story reminded me of an inspiring children's movie, "Pay It Forward."
The movie is based on the concept that someone does a good deed, expecting
nothing in return, asking only that the recipient will do something good for
three others. These three in turn 'Pay It Forward' by each helping three
others, and thus is built a pyramid of good deeds which reaches beyond
reason.
I am a new subscriber to PIO, and have enjoyed the free exchange of
information. PIO is like a Pay It Forward tool for writers. Contributors
give market information, advice, tips and ideas with no expectation of
personal gain. Anyone who has seen the movie will recall the profound
impact of a small boys' actions, and the heart-wrenching final scene.
Anyone who hasn't seen the movie ... see it! Be inspired!
Thankyou to Jackie, Marg, Hazel and all the other people who take the time
to share their insights and experiences with the rest of us. One day we
will delight in taking a turn to do the same for the next generation of
would-be writers. But why wait? Emerging writers have a fresh perspective
and stunning simplicity. Be bold and have your say. You never know who it
will help ... and it feels great!
HAVE YOUR SAY
Thank you Sue Whiting for sharing news of your job change with us. Walker
Books are extremely lucky to have you!
I e-mailed Sue some questions (one that needed some leg work) and she
replied with speed and good cheer. Here is part of her reply, it might be
of some use to fiction writers. CH :)
At this point in time, my brief is for junior fiction rather than picture
books, as we don't currently have the resources needed for a picture book
list here in Australia. This will of course change in time. I don't have a
specific word count in mind for the junior fiction list. I am really looking
for quality manuscripts which will stand out in the marketplace.
You have the correct address for Walker address, though our postal address
is listed below.
Thanks for the email.
best wishes
Sue
Sue Whiting
Editor
Walker Books Australia
Locked Bag 22
Newtown NSW 2042
ALSO...
This week I've had the pleasure of dealing with Linsay Knight who works in
the children's publishing department at Random House. She is such a
positive person who replies to messages and takes the time to listen. It
was so wonderful to deal with a professional, respectful person.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Thank you Jill McDougall for your "Creating a You-Beaut, Attention-Grabbing,
Gob-Smacking Title". Your ideas are inspiring, your examples rib-tickling
and they have caused me to look closely at the b-o-r-i-n-g (by comparison)
names I have assigned to some of my manuscripts.
"The Ballerina" (story of a dancing hippopotamus) has now become
"Hip-Hip-Hooray" and I'm working on the others.
I very much appreciate your valuable input.
Val N.
ARTICLES
PUBLISHER GUIDELINES
Seeing contributions were lighter in the last few weeks I thought I had
better get off my butt and contribute! A few weeks back someone asked about
Steve Parish Publishing. After a query email a couple of months ago I sent
them two stories. I have found them to be exceptionally couteous (they were
keen to check out PIO, too) and well organised. This is the reply they sent
me (oh to have such supportive publishers):
"I was very impressed with your stories and showed them to Steve himself,
who was also impressed by the stories and your level of professionalism.
Unfortunately, we felt that the Rebecca Johnson Story Book Range, which is
where the water dragon story would naturally sit amongst our product,
doesn't really support independent authors. A very large part of the
marketing for the range is based around the Rebecca Johnson name and we
obviously also want to keep our authors happy and feeling secure. It was
felt that bringing other authors into that range might be detrimental...
While the copperhead story is very well written and useful for educating
kids about snake awareness, it would, unfortunately, sit oddly in our range
as a one-off. Having said that Delwyne, our kids publishing program is
currently under review and it may be that in the future we require another
author to work across the range. I have passed your name and details on to
Kylie Currey, our new coordinator for children's product. Should there be
suitable projects for your talents in the future, I'm sure she would let you
know."
So, if you plan to contact Steve Parish perhaps direct your queries to Kylie
Currey. I contacted them on Di Bates' suggestion and whilse it has not led
to anything, I did get a lovely rejection letter and the possibility for
some work. If enough of us send in suitable stories then perhaps there will
be some scope for a new range of stories by a range of writers. DS
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR PROFILE
Deborah Abela
1. Published Name: Deborah Abela
2. Based in (state/country): Sydney, Australia
3. Number of years writing: 4 (as a published author, but I wrote and
produced a kids' TV show called Cheez TV for Network TEN for 7 years)
4. Number of books published: (with genre in brackets): 7 books in the
Max Remy Superspy series. (Spy/action/comedy/adventure) and 2 books in the
series, Jasper Zammit (soccer legend) in collaboration with real life legend
Johnny Warren, who died before he could see the first Jasper published. His
passion was to make soccer the national game in this country and he believed
you needed to start with the kids.
5. (up to) Favourite Six (or three or whatever) Titles that have been
important to you (with publisher in brackets) and reason why these books are
special to you: oh there are just tooooo many. Please don't make me..
6. Biggest challenge as a writer: Juggling deadlines, life, bills.that
kind of stuff.
7. Favourite writing tip for emerging writers: Read and write for the
love of it!
8. Scariest part of being published: I haven't found too much to be
scared of just yet. I've found the Kids' world of publishing to be filled
with people who are passionate, funny and generous. Kindergarten kids used
to scare me but I've come to really enjoy sessions with them.
9. Funniest thing that's ever happened during book research, writing
or promotion: A tough 11 year old boy coming up to me after a school session
and asking if I based my bad guy on John Howard or George Bush.
10. Do you still receive rejections and if so, how do you deal with
them? I've had about 5 rejections and they all came with reasons why, which
I found really helpful. Not everyone is going to like what I do.
11. Do you ever become discouraged and ask yourself whether there is
something easier you could be doing than writing? I feel really lucky that,
for now, a publisher likes what I write. I'm not sure how long it will last
but I'm going to enjoy the ride for as long as it does and if it stops,
there are plenty of other related jobs I'd like to try. Radio intrigues me
and interviewing people and.
12. Do you ever experience 'writer's block' and if so, what tools do you
use to overcome it and get back on track? The more I write, the more I want
to write. If I get stuck on how to work something out in a story, I leave it
in the back of my head and try not to fixate on it. Writing gets in and I
find the process as well as the outcomes fascinating and exciting.
13. How much actual time per day/week do you spend writing? I've had
quite a few big deadlines this year and a visit OS to publicise the Max Remy
series, so at the moment, it's the better part of 7am til late.with tea
breaks, of course.and the odd yoga class to stop the muscles seizing up.
14. Give a brief overview of your average writing day: 6-7am wake up and
stumble to the computer. I write for most of the day, breaking it up with
whatever I need to take my mind somewhere else.the internet, food, walks,
washing clothes, my partner Todd, repotting plants.which reminds me.
15. Describe your writing place: It's a large, bright room facing a
window that overlooks a kind of 'greenhouse' we have.
16. Recent news, links to reviews/articles, books signings, author
appearances etc: I was shortlisted for the KOALA awards! Very chuffed. In
May Todd and I flew to London for the release of the Max Remy series in the
UK by Oxford University Press (what gorgeous people they are!!). We then
flew to Malta for two months (I'm a dual Maltese/Australian citizen) which I
visited for the first time. I spoke at Maltese schools about Max which was
released there in July and with just about every newspaper and TV show they
have. I finished the third Jasper Zammit novel, ate and drank great Maltese
food and wine and stood back as Steven Spielbger made his latest film,
Munich, over the cliffs near our rented farmhouse. I've also finished a
brand new novel with no spies or soccer.
17. Website details: www.maxremy.com.au the webmaster, lovely Nick
Lockwood, is on the contacts page if you like what he does.
YOUR WRITING TIPS
Read your work out loud! Not so easy when writing a novel, but invaluable
when writing a short story. Whenever I'm not quite sure if something is
working or not, be it description, dialogue, plot or anything else, I find
it really useful to read the story or that section aloud. It's astonishing
what the ear hears that the eye will miss - repetition, stilted dialogue,
boring boring bits, bits that don't make sense, words that have been left
out, saggy plots and non sequiturs - you name it, I've found it - but
usually on a 'hearing' rather than a 'reading'.
Felicity Pulman
(Jackie, congratulations on the new look PIO, and on continuing to keep us
all in touch with such a great newsletter.) ***My pleasure Felicity -
thanks!***
http://felicitypulman.novelcity.com
USEFUL BOOKS/WEBSITES
Author Paul Collins writes:
I remember some time ago a PIO subscriber was after an out of print book.
They might find it via Bookfound. Freecall 1800 132 100 or email
search@bookfound.com. Their website: www.bookfound.com. There is no
obligation to purchase the book if they find it for you, and apparently no
cost for looking. Seems too easy :-).
Please have a look at ACLAR's (Australasian Children's LiteratureAssociation
for Research) new website at: http://www.aclar.org.au
Foetry is a USA website that keeps tabs on international competitions. It
'outs' the dubious ones and can put your mind at rest if you are a bit
suspicious of paying an entry fee.
http://www.foetry.com/
http://www.bookdoctor.com.au/fiction.html#children
BOOK REVIEWS
INDEPENDENT CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOPS
CRITIQUE GROUPS BULLETIN BOARD
MILESTONES
My story was polished, the publisher researched and my submission as
thorough yet concise as possible. There was nothing else to do but ... send
it!! I have been awaiting this day with equal measures of excitement and
procrastination for weeks. Finally today I sent my first picture book
submission to an editor, and what a feeling!! I don't even know if actually
getting published could equal the thrill of sending my story out into the
big wide world. Handing over that envelope felt like sending my 5 month old
baby to boarding school. I wanted to take it back and look at it just once
more, but the time had come for my baby to grow up. My big moment went
unnoticed by everyone else in the post office. But it is done. I have
worked hard, hoped a lot and prayed even more. Now I can finally work on
my other books without feeling guilty!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
~Sri Chinmoy~
"To deliberately criticise another individual may cause an indelible stain
on the critic."
ADVERTISEMENTS
>From author Paul Collins
I have a few boxed sets of Book People -- Meet Australia's Children's
Authors and Illustrators. This is a seven volume hardcover set listing 200
of our top writers and illustrators. There are interviews, bios, fact files,
lists of awards and books, candid pics, autographs, etc. The sets were
retailing at $250, I'm offering them at $100 +GST, post free. If interested,
send a cheque ($110) to me at PO Box 1339, Collingwood, Vic 3068.
PASS IT ON SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submit contributions to jacket@smartchat.net.au
Verdana, 10pt, single-line spacing (not essential but helpful)
Mark PASS IT ON SUBMISSION in the subject line
Submit within the body of the email
Give your piece a title heading: eg New Publications; Seeking; General
Information; etc.
Email addresses and contributor contact details will be withheld unless
otherwise stated
© Jackie Hosking . All rights Reserved Worldwide.
posted by Jackie at 12:38 AM
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