I just found your Substack. I'd hoped to pitch you in S.F. next month, but all spots are taken! So, I'll use Query Tracker instead. Hoping you haven't lost your love for historical fiction. Fingers crossed. Thanks, Valerie
Happy New Year, Kesia. I wish you every success in 2024.
I am editing the second draft of my YA contemporary fantasy and will certainly bear you in mind when it comes to the submission stage. I love reading your blog.
I loved reading this. Best wishes from Australia for a creative and rewarding 2024.
Yes, live events are different to those online, and especially in the children's book world, which is highly supportive. Twenty years ago and unpublished, I was instantly recognised as 'new and on my own' and grabbed by an established author when I went to my first gathering. He introduced me to his circle of equally famous friends who were all keen to chat as if I was already part of the tribe. Priceless. Without experiencing the welcoming warmth and cameraderie of this and subsequent in-person conferences and events, I could easily have given up writing for children. Or as Richard Peck once said, 'Reduced to writing for adults.'
Would you consider particiapting in an Australian SCBWI Conference or similar? My friend Alison Stegert is ARA for Queensland. She recently gave me a copy of her book that you edited, 'Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies', which I thoroughly enjoyed, finishing it this morning after midnight. Winner all the way - congratulations to Alison, you, and all the team.
.....
Perhaps a topic you may consider for another Newsletter:
As a paranoid author preparing to query you and other agents with a prescriptive non-fiction proposal and three chapters, apart from the concept, I'd love to know which parts of a proposal are essential to have 'right' at the query stage, and what you anticipate might change that you'd work on with a writer prior to submission to a publisher. I have the concept defined in my proposal, along with completed self-illustrated samples I'm happy to revise, and other elements, but I'm not yet 100% certain the voice and current intended readership age match, and which I should potentially modify. What will be likely turn-offs for you?
Thanks so much for the idea on a new topic, Peter - good idea. And yes, I've actually done a SCWBI event with Ali already (remotely!) - it was loads of fun, I'd definitely do another!
Hello Kesia,
I just found your Substack. I'd hoped to pitch you in S.F. next month, but all spots are taken! So, I'll use Query Tracker instead. Hoping you haven't lost your love for historical fiction. Fingers crossed. Thanks, Valerie
Happy New Year, Kesia. I wish you every success in 2024.
I am editing the second draft of my YA contemporary fantasy and will certainly bear you in mind when it comes to the submission stage. I love reading your blog.
Thanks so much Deirdre - that means a lot! Happy editing!
I loved reading this. Best wishes from Australia for a creative and rewarding 2024.
Yes, live events are different to those online, and especially in the children's book world, which is highly supportive. Twenty years ago and unpublished, I was instantly recognised as 'new and on my own' and grabbed by an established author when I went to my first gathering. He introduced me to his circle of equally famous friends who were all keen to chat as if I was already part of the tribe. Priceless. Without experiencing the welcoming warmth and cameraderie of this and subsequent in-person conferences and events, I could easily have given up writing for children. Or as Richard Peck once said, 'Reduced to writing for adults.'
Would you consider particiapting in an Australian SCBWI Conference or similar? My friend Alison Stegert is ARA for Queensland. She recently gave me a copy of her book that you edited, 'Her Majesty's League of Remarkable Young Ladies', which I thoroughly enjoyed, finishing it this morning after midnight. Winner all the way - congratulations to Alison, you, and all the team.
.....
Perhaps a topic you may consider for another Newsletter:
As a paranoid author preparing to query you and other agents with a prescriptive non-fiction proposal and three chapters, apart from the concept, I'd love to know which parts of a proposal are essential to have 'right' at the query stage, and what you anticipate might change that you'd work on with a writer prior to submission to a publisher. I have the concept defined in my proposal, along with completed self-illustrated samples I'm happy to revise, and other elements, but I'm not yet 100% certain the voice and current intended readership age match, and which I should potentially modify. What will be likely turn-offs for you?
Thank you!
Thanks so much for the idea on a new topic, Peter - good idea. And yes, I've actually done a SCWBI event with Ali already (remotely!) - it was loads of fun, I'd definitely do another!
Welcome to Substack! 🥳
Thanks Morgan! I like it here so far. :D
Here's to a wonderful 2024 for you, Kesia!
Thank you, Stuart! You too!