Stand by your man(uscript)
Please come back tomorrow for the continuation of the massive "Super '70s and '80s" series, running most days between now and 10/12/11! And for today, a post of "regularly scheduled content":
Recently I posted an unprecedented experiment on this blog.
I publicly pitched a nonfiction picture book manuscript I've written but so far failed to sell. To show that the project is commercial, I incorporated multiple "selling points":
mock covers for it designed by professional illustrators of children's booksmock covers for it designed by kids from the book's target audienceexamples of how I promote relentlessly, even books that are years oldpraise from editors who rejected it
Tim Bush
Coby, age 10, IL
In doing so, I was fortunate to pick up another compelling selling point: reactions from others in or affected by publishing, from librarians to educators to bloggers to parents to fellow authors. Among the public ones:
Fuse #8 (School Library Journal blog)100 Scope Notes
The Happy AccidentThe Children's War
Meghan McCarthy, picture book author/illustratorKeri Collins, educatorPlus, my post inspired the 10/4/11 topic of the weekly Twitter @kidlitchat (an hourlong conversation among numerous kidlit pros): "What do you do with a manuscript you know is good but hasn't sold?"
Upcoming coverage I know of (subject to change, including dates; check back for direct links):
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast—10/9/11I.N.K. (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids)—10/10/11 Brain Burps About Books podcast—week of 10/10/11
Selected feedback from the above:
"I think it's brilliant! He's probably a pioneer, and we'll see a lot more books being offered this way. I love it."—Valerie Hobbs, author"Now THAT is clever self-marketing."—Betsy Bird, Fuse #8"The post is visually compelling, the story he tells is compelling, and the story the book tells is compelling. It's a trifecta. ... Don't you want this manuscript to get published? I find that I do, both for the story itself and for Marc's passion."—Greg Pincus, The Happy Accident"Of course, I would definitely purchase this book for my library, and when it does see the light of day (note that I say 'when' rather than 'if'), I'm sure others will do the same. You truly have a gift for conveying historical information in a way that tells a story and draws in your readers."—Kristen Monroe, Denver librarian"I so hope this one gets published! I also thank you for your courage in presenting the idea this way and seeking less traditional ways to get it the attention it obviously deserves."—Julie Hedlund, author
"Yes, yes, and yes on adding to a library collection and, honestly, what a great book to take into a MG (even YA, frankly) book club. The conversations we could have. ... I can't help but say this is brilliant and gives great food for thought for each of us to spread our wings outside the box—be fearless."—Deb A. Marshall, educator"This is just the kind of book I'd offer as a gift to the young readers in my family. The history, human interest, and cultural aspects are a powerful combination and would make an exciting read. I hope he finds a way to get this one out. I've already written down the title in my 'To Buy' list."—C. Lee McKenzie, author
"I am now totally engrossed in this Thirty Minutes Over Oregon saga."—Karen Morgenstern, Los Angeles librarian"Ingenious"—Keri Collins, educator"Would I add this book to my collection? Without hesitation! ... [I]t seems to me that there are several niches this book fits."—Linda Williams, Connecticut librarian"We would certainly buy this one."—Jane Drabkin, Virginia librarian"Yes—this story would definitely find a home here."—Marie Girolomo, Connecticut media specialist
Thank you to those who have supported this project. I hope to post an update soon.
Recently I posted an unprecedented experiment on this blog.
I publicly pitched a nonfiction picture book manuscript I've written but so far failed to sell. To show that the project is commercial, I incorporated multiple "selling points":
mock covers for it designed by professional illustrators of children's booksmock covers for it designed by kids from the book's target audienceexamples of how I promote relentlessly, even books that are years oldpraise from editors who rejected it
Tim Bush
Coby, age 10, ILIn doing so, I was fortunate to pick up another compelling selling point: reactions from others in or affected by publishing, from librarians to educators to bloggers to parents to fellow authors. Among the public ones:
Fuse #8 (School Library Journal blog)100 Scope Notes
The Happy AccidentThe Children's War
Meghan McCarthy, picture book author/illustratorKeri Collins, educatorPlus, my post inspired the 10/4/11 topic of the weekly Twitter @kidlitchat (an hourlong conversation among numerous kidlit pros): "What do you do with a manuscript you know is good but hasn't sold?"
Upcoming coverage I know of (subject to change, including dates; check back for direct links):
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast—10/9/11I.N.K. (Interesting Nonfiction for Kids)—10/10/11 Brain Burps About Books podcast—week of 10/10/11
Selected feedback from the above:
"I think it's brilliant! He's probably a pioneer, and we'll see a lot more books being offered this way. I love it."—Valerie Hobbs, author"Now THAT is clever self-marketing."—Betsy Bird, Fuse #8"The post is visually compelling, the story he tells is compelling, and the story the book tells is compelling. It's a trifecta. ... Don't you want this manuscript to get published? I find that I do, both for the story itself and for Marc's passion."—Greg Pincus, The Happy Accident"Of course, I would definitely purchase this book for my library, and when it does see the light of day (note that I say 'when' rather than 'if'), I'm sure others will do the same. You truly have a gift for conveying historical information in a way that tells a story and draws in your readers."—Kristen Monroe, Denver librarian"I so hope this one gets published! I also thank you for your courage in presenting the idea this way and seeking less traditional ways to get it the attention it obviously deserves."—Julie Hedlund, author
"Yes, yes, and yes on adding to a library collection and, honestly, what a great book to take into a MG (even YA, frankly) book club. The conversations we could have. ... I can't help but say this is brilliant and gives great food for thought for each of us to spread our wings outside the box—be fearless."—Deb A. Marshall, educator"This is just the kind of book I'd offer as a gift to the young readers in my family. The history, human interest, and cultural aspects are a powerful combination and would make an exciting read. I hope he finds a way to get this one out. I've already written down the title in my 'To Buy' list."—C. Lee McKenzie, author
"I am now totally engrossed in this Thirty Minutes Over Oregon saga."—Karen Morgenstern, Los Angeles librarian"Ingenious"—Keri Collins, educator"Would I add this book to my collection? Without hesitation! ... [I]t seems to me that there are several niches this book fits."—Linda Williams, Connecticut librarian"We would certainly buy this one."—Jane Drabkin, Virginia librarian"Yes—this story would definitely find a home here."—Marie Girolomo, Connecticut media specialist
Thank you to those who have supported this project. I hope to post an update soon.
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