This weekend was the SCBWI Los Angeles Writer’s Days, and while I
was able to go only for Saturday’s events, I learned lots.
One of the most encouraging things I learned was that some agents and editors DO still edit! Sara Wilson Etienne’s new book, Harbinger, was certainly the product of Sara’s long efforts, but it also had the benefit of the expertise and devotion of agent Michael Bourret (of Dystel and Goderich literary agency) and editor Stacey Barney (of Putnam/Penguin).
I confess I was emerald with envy. I have long coveted a team like that, and truly believed it was a myth
from the days of yore. Michael said that for adult books this kind of editing might not be the norm any more, but he indicated it was still there for children’s books.
The dream lives!
Lee Wardlaw told us all the important lessons she has learned from her cats. I practiced one of her tips today – the nap. Very helpful! She also showed us some of the rejections she got for Won Ton Cat before
it went on to win more awards than a cat has furballs. Nice to know even the best get rejected.
Dawne Knobbe shared her Runaway Storm journey, and gave us some tips on creative marketing.
Terri Farley told us how one good girl’s misbehavior turned into fodder for great stories. But a book every two months? Wow! That’s a lot of naughtiness.
I met some new friends off the stage, too, another of my favorite things about SCBWI conferences. You never know who you might run into, but if they are interested in children’s literature you know they will be fun to know.
Sarah Laurenson and Lee Wind (also known as Sarah Lee) did an excellent job of pulling it all together and then pulling it off.
My thanks to the entire team and to SCBWI!
was able to go only for Saturday’s events, I learned lots.
One of the most encouraging things I learned was that some agents and editors DO still edit! Sara Wilson Etienne’s new book, Harbinger, was certainly the product of Sara’s long efforts, but it also had the benefit of the expertise and devotion of agent Michael Bourret (of Dystel and Goderich literary agency) and editor Stacey Barney (of Putnam/Penguin).
I confess I was emerald with envy. I have long coveted a team like that, and truly believed it was a myth
from the days of yore. Michael said that for adult books this kind of editing might not be the norm any more, but he indicated it was still there for children’s books.
The dream lives!
Lee Wardlaw told us all the important lessons she has learned from her cats. I practiced one of her tips today – the nap. Very helpful! She also showed us some of the rejections she got for Won Ton Cat before
it went on to win more awards than a cat has furballs. Nice to know even the best get rejected.
Dawne Knobbe shared her Runaway Storm journey, and gave us some tips on creative marketing.
Terri Farley told us how one good girl’s misbehavior turned into fodder for great stories. But a book every two months? Wow! That’s a lot of naughtiness.
I met some new friends off the stage, too, another of my favorite things about SCBWI conferences. You never know who you might run into, but if they are interested in children’s literature you know they will be fun to know.
Sarah Laurenson and Lee Wind (also known as Sarah Lee) did an excellent job of pulling it all together and then pulling it off.
My thanks to the entire team and to SCBWI!
