Institute Childrens Literature

Rx for Writers

Transcripts

PART 2 OF BETH TROOP'S INTERVIEW:

rytr1ab: Are there any children's themes that you are tired of seeing?

Beth: Not so much themes that I'm tired of seeing, but the means of handling such themes. For example, people can still write about getting a new sibling, but if that's the only problem in a story, then it won't be any more special than all the other stories on the subject. But, if an author wants to write about the addition of siblings via adoption or foster care, then it's a little more unique of a twist than the "new baby" story. There's a saying that "There are no new ideas, only new ways of presenting them." Keep looking for that new angle in any theme you use.

MODERATOR: Is it a turn-off to you as an editor when you receive multiple submissions?

Beth: Not if they are clearly marked as such. Be careful, though, because some publishers will not consider multiple submissions.

Ducky: If you write and illustrate a picture book does it have a better chance than just the story alone?

Beth: If you're new to submitting your work, then it's rare that a publisher would buy both the story and the art together. Some publishers will match up an unknown author with a well-established illustrator and market the book partly on the strength of the better-known person's popularity (and vice versa with new illustrator and popular author). The art probably won't influence the decision of whether or not to buy the story. If the story stands on its own merits, that's what will determine whether or not it sells.

Mary: Are there some specific good books to read about writing?

Beth: Lee Wyndam's Writing for Children & Teenagers is a good one. James Cross Giblin also has a good book on writing, Writing Books for Young People. Jane Yolen has a book called Writing Books for Children.

MODERATOR: I know that we could go on all night asking Beth for tips and encouragement from the editorial side of the desk (I have at least two hours' worth of questions left!), but I'm afraid our time is up. This has been a tremendous help to our viewers, Beth. Thank you so much for sharing your time with us!

Beth: It has been great talking with everyone. Thanks--and goodnight.

MODERATOR: Please join us next week when Kassandra Duane gives us an "Evening with an Agent." Kassandra Duane is currently an agent at the Joy Harris Literary Agency Inc. In her capacity there, she handles the foreign rights for an extensive list and also manages contracts and represents her own clients. Come hear Kassandra speak on the purpose of a literary agent--and how to get one! And now, good night, everyone! See you next week!

Return to Transcripts

93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896
Phone: (203) 792-8600 (800) 243-9645
Fax: (203) 792-8406
E-Mail: WebEditor@institutechildrenslit.com

Copyright © The Institute, Inc., 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
No part of the electronic transmission to which this notice is appended may be reproduced or redistributed in any form or manner without the express written permission of The Institute, Inc.