SCBWI Exclusive with . . .  

Tina Wexler 

We spoke with esteemed agent, Tina Wexler of ICM Partners, to get some answers to our most frequently asked questions about what agents look for and how they work with their clients.

When Wexler takes on a client, her goals are simple.  She wants her authors to be published by people who will champion their story, know how to frame it and how to sell it so it will find an audience.

What do you see your role as being with your authors?

My role is to create an environment in which my authors will thrive, from finding them the best home for their writing to ensuring their books are being published successfully. Sometimes I need to be more business-minded and go over tax documents or explain contract language, other times my job is to remind my authors how incredibly talented they are---a job I'm always happy to do!

Do you work with them on revisions before submissions? Do you help generate ideas?

Yes, I always expect to my authors do at least one round of revisions before submitting to publishers, so I know I am sending editors my authors' best work. As for helping to generate ideas, I am certainly on board for that kind of collaboration, though not all of my authors want or need that kind of help, so I am just as willing to step back and let them figure out where their passion and interest will take them. Read More 

Ann Seaton of Hicklebee's in San Jose, California, tells us what's on the shelves.    

What trends do you notice in children's book sales? What are the current hot reads?

Graphic novels continue to be a growth area (hooray!). Humorous picture books fly out the door, like The Day the Crayons Quit, and Dragons Love Tacos. Series books continue to do well, like Ridley Pearson's Keys to the Kingdom.  For Hicklebee's, we sell what we've read and can't wait to talk to people about.  

We rely heavily on our sales reps. They know us, our market and our tastes and whims. For picture books, it's essential to have an F&G [Folded and Gathered] to get a good sense for how the book reads and feels. More and more publishers are trying to send samples online, but it is so difficult to gauge what the final book will be like without a physical mock up. For novels, we get lots and lots of galleys, too many to get to. Our best reps have read their list and can advise us on titles we haven't yet read. Read More 

Best Advice Ever. . .  

Arthur Levine  

Arthur Levine is the publisher of Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.  He has introduced us to such great children's book creators as Markus Zusak, Francisco Stork, Lisa Yee, Dan Santat, and Trent Reedy. As an author his picture books include  Monday is One Day and The Very Beary Tooth Fairy.

When I was in my twenties, trying to learn how to be an editor, I complained (maybe a little showily) to Stephen Roxburgh, then the editor-in-chief of FSG, and a terrific mentor, that I had so much reading to do for work I felt guilty when I read for pleasure.  I ventured that if I was to be truly dedicated I would spend all my time reading submissions. Well, in his bracing, direct way he told me how misguided that was.  "How can you remember what writing will bring you (and others) pleasure if you don't READ for pleasure."  And he meant all kinds of books---adult, YA, poetry, nonfiction.  I'd pass that same advice down not only to editors but writers as well (I frequently hear people say they're afraid to read for fear of being unduly "influenced.")  Read away! I say. And never feel guilty about it.   

 

  

Paul Zelinsky

 Paul O. Zelinsky has illustrated thirty-odd books for children, written some of them, and been awarded numerous honors, including the Caldecott Medal for Rapunzel and three Caldecott Honors.   

I'm excited to be a contributor to SCBWI's series Best Advice Ever. This despite the fact that I am a terrible receiver of advice. I was brought up with a rather warped and extreme model of self-reliance, and while I suspect many people have tried to advise me over the course of my personal and professional life, I wasn't listening.