Update
So I've been dropping the ball in keeping this site updated with my progress. So sorry. I know everyone's been on the edge of their seats to see how ol' KMC got himself published, but it hasn't been all that exciting here on the front lines. I've begun (emphasis on BEGUN) the slow editing process for my second novel. I gotta admit, it's my least favorite part of the writing process, though I realize it's a necessary evil. The difference between my first draft and my final draft are usually pretty noticeable. So, I'm slowly chipping away and hopefully I'll have a readable version to shoot out to people in a month or two. Maybe three. Yuck.
Rejections!
Got a couple of 'em. The first one I got was from ol' Barry Goldblatt Literary Agency. I'm sure he rues the day he put a big long interview in the Children's Writers Market Guide, because I'm sure that like I did when I read it, they thought: 'This guy is going to totally love my work. He needs to be my agent.' I sent him a query letter last year and he replied with a nice rejection letter. Since I had a new attitude and a new approach, I thought I'd hit him again, but this time slip him a couple chapters on the side. Same result. Barry wants nothing to do with my project.
Dear Writer:
Thank you for sending me your work for consideration. Unfortunately, I don't think it's right for me.
As you know, tastes in literature are incredibly subjective, and what's not right for me may be just what another editor or agent is looking for. I wish you the best of success in placing your work elsewhere.
Sincerely,
Barry Goldblatt
Crap. Okay, Barry. You win. I won't bother you anymore...but we coulda been something, you know?
The other one I got and I wasn't all that surprised by was from Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. I sent them my query letter and the little card (that I thought was such a brilliant idea) along with it. They simply returned the card with 'Not interested' checked and sent it back. No letter or anything else with it. Jerks.
But, this has made me think that my idea of sending the little card along wasn't such a hot idea after all. From here on out, I'm going to refrain. Maybe it makes people mad to see a picture of a boy either frowning or smiling next to the boxes they check. I thought it looked kind of cool and I guess I hoped to bully editors and agents into wanting to read it. That's not the case.
Developments!
My roommate from my last apartment moved to Texas. She went out there to become a teacher as part of a program and if after 6 months decides she likes it, can stay on full-time. She decided to stay. On Monday March 24th, she had children's author and illustrator Brian Selznick come in and read to the kids. Afterwards, she talked to him about my book (she's a big fan) and asked if he could help me in any way. Turns out he liked the idea of my book and gave her his e-mail address and told her to have me shoot him an e-mail. Done deal! Apparently, he's got a ton of contacts her in Minneapolis and he's fairly confident that he'll be able to get my foot in the door. Sweet. When he asked her what my name was (so when I e-mail him, he'll know who I am) and she told him, she said "You've got to be sh$#%in' me. That's totally a children's author name!" So...since he's touring and making other appearances, I'm patiently waiting to her back from Mr. Selznick. This could be the start of something...
Stay tuned, kids. I'll be better about updating. I promise.
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