Agents Advise: How to Craft the Perfect Synopsis |
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We are all tremendously excited to hear from agents Chad Beckerman (The CAT Agency), Jemiscoe Chambers-Black (Andrea Brown), Samantha Fabien (Root Literary), Thao Le (Sandra Dijkstra), and James McGowan (BookEnds Literary) at the Agent Panel at the 2022 Winter Conference . But before they share their “Recipes for Success in 2022”, we asked these industry pros to share some specific tips about one of the most stressful parts of agent querying.
If you’ve queried an agent in the past year, you’re probably familiar with a little site called QueryManager. Agencies are increasingly using this site to collect query submissions, so while it was once common to just email a query letter and your first ten pages, you are now more likely to be re-routed through an electronic application instead. QueryManager can be customized by each agent to include a variety of sections to fill out: author bio, comp titles, intended audience, and most dreaded of all, the full synopsis.
But what is a full synopsis supposed to look like? How is it different from the book summary you include in your query letter? Agents Jemiscoe Chambers-Black, Samantha Fabien, Thao Le, and James McGowan clarify exactly what they are looking for in a strong synopsis.
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How to Support Black Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
by TeMika Grooms
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The seed for Black History Month was planted by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926 when he created one week to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans through lectures, performances, and community events. The week was expanded to the month of February in 1976 when President Gerald R. Ford acknowledged the need to recognize the historical significance of Black Americans. Now other countries celebrate Black History Month, including Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Canada. With institutions and systems in place to support this cause, we can celebrate what was too often disregarded.
The book publishing industry has had to ask itself hard questions in recent years about inclusion in the acquisition process and the lack of diverse character representation within the books themselves. We are seeing slow improvements in the volume of diverse books and in representation amongst industry professionals. The movement towards inclusion has required all of us to look inward to ask ourselves: What can I do now to help?
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To our SCBWI members and community,
Last year we promised more transparency and collaboration in the way we run this organization. We are happy to announce that later this month, we will be providing SCBWI’s first-ever annual report. In it, you’ll find important information on our finances for the year, our non-profit governance, our programming efforts, messages from key members of leadership, and our impact on the children’s book publishing community. We’ll be sending the report out to all members in a Constant Contact and providing it on our site for the public. This is the first of what will be many examples of a more transparent SCBWI going forward. As we make our plans for the year, SCBWI leadership wants to hear from all of you about which member benefits are working well, which aren’t, and what you hope to gain from being part of the SCBWI community. You’ll be invited in the next few weeks to participate in member surveys so that we may collaborate to make your membership even more meaningful in your children’s book careers.
We continue in our commitment to examine our organization, its leadership, and our impact through an equity lens, most recently convening executives, members of the staff, regional leadership, Advisory Council, and Board of Directors for training on Governing for Nonprofit Excellence. We came out of that workshop better prepared to identify opportunities to improve, laying the foundation for building an inclusive governance structure, and ultimately re-shaping how we work together and represent the diversity of the children’s book community.
We’ve begun this by first examining and clarifying leadership roles and continue to collectively envision how diversity, equity, and inclusion can become integrated into the fabric of SCBWI and not just a siloed goal. In the coming weeks, we will continue to work with external partners to conduct a listening tour across SCBWI staff, Advisory Council, Regional Leadership, and membership to help translate community insights into strategic priorities. We look forward to learning more from our members and supporters and appreciate your perspectives on authenticity, transparency, and collaboration—ideals that are crucial to making lasting, impactful change.
You can plan on more updates from us as our work progresses, and as we have news to share about the governance and leadership of SCBWI. We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions, so feel free to reach out to us at positivechange@scbwi.org.
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Announcing Five Book Launch Award Winners |
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The Book Launch Award (PAL) provides two traditionally published authors or illustrators with a $2,000 grant to aid in the promotion of an upcoming or recently published book. This year’s winners were K.X. Song for AN ECHO IN THE CITY (Little, Brown) and Henry Herz for I AM SMOKE (Tilbury House).
The newly created Independently Published Book Launch Award provides authors or illustrators with $2,500 in funds to help with the promotion of a new self-published work. These winners were Tonya Ellis for SOPHIE WASHINGTON: LEMONADE DAY and Nicole Kohr for MY PANTS.
Also new this year is the Independently Published Pre-Publication Grant, which provides a children’s book creator with $2,500 to help off-set the price of publishing a promising project. The inaugural winner was Zulfa Adiputri for WHAT’S IN YOUR PLATE?
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Protecting Yourself from Literary Scams |
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In early January, the publishing industry was rocked by the news that a literary scammer named Filippo Bernadini had been arrested by the FBI for stealing manuscripts by means of fraud and identity theft. Over five years, Bernadini created hundreds of fake websites and email addresses to obtain copies of high profile manuscripts, from novels by Margaret Atwood and Sally Rooney to memoirs by celebrities like Ethan Hawke. The fraudster was able to target authors directly, as well as agents, publishers, and literary judges. It’s still not clear why the mysterious “Spine Collector” did all this in the first place, since none of the stolen manuscripts were ever ransomed, leaked online, or sold to the black market. We may never know the answer to that mystery, but for book creators, the more pressing question is how this managed to happen in the first place, and how to prevent it from ever happening to you.
The sad truth is that scammers have become more advanced in recent years, and much more difficult to spot. Some scammers may hack your email or social media accounts to pose as you, pestering your contacts for donations. Others may come to you directly, offering fake work-for-hire deals. Some may take over your personal website and hold the domain hostage. But before you decide to swear off the internet forever or hide your manuscript under your mattress, there are steps you can take to make yourself as protected as possible.
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SCBWI Launches New Guide on How to Self-Publish a Children’s Book |
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Later this month, SCBWI’s brand-new guidebook, The Essential Guide to Self-Publishing a Children’s Book will be available to all SCBWI members to download for free. The guide is a comprehensive look at all aspects of self-publishing. It offers a nuts-and-bolts look at the seven stages of publishing; details the various self-publishing platforms; discusses marketing, promotion and sales; describes how indie authors sell subsidiary rights; and outlines models for making a living as an indie author.
As self-publishing takes off in the marketplace and more and more children’s book creators choose to publish independently, we’re happy to provide this valuable resource to our members. Below is brief excerpt to whet your appetite:
CHOOSING YOUR SELF-PUBLISHING PLATFORM
Once your manuscript is ready to be published, you’ll need to decide which of the many self-publishing platforms you want to use to create your book. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to keep your self-published book exclusive to Amazon—the world’s largest online retailer—or “go wide” and publish your book everywhere, including your own website.
Self-publishing experts recommend the latter.
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Social Media Spotlight
by Avery Silverberg
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They say you don’t need social media to be a published author or illustrator. This is true! Nobody needs to be a content creator to sell books— but does it help? Absolutely. In the digital age, there is no better space for authors and illustrators to not only connect with readers, but to connect with other creatives, too. I want to help you debunk the myth that social media is too complicated or only for Gen Z. In each future edition of Insight, our members are encouraged to email socialmediahelp@scbwi.org, and I will help answer some of your most pressing questions about social media.
Where do I start? How do I know which platform is right for me?
Remember: It is better to devote your energy to one platform with enthusiasm than to spread yourself too thin between multiple channels. Start off by thinking about your objective, followed by your strengths.
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SCBWI Exclusive with...Kristin Ostby, Agent, Greenhouse Literary
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As the daughter of a librarian and a businessperson, it’s really no wonder Kristin wound up in the book business. Kristin moved from Michigan to New York to begin her life in publishing at Penguin Random House and rose to become a senior editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. In her sixteen years as a children’s book editor, Kristin had the joy and pleasure of editing children’s book legend Tomie dePaola; New York Times bestselling authors like Stuart Gibbs (Spy School) and US soccer star Alex Morgan (The Kicks); and award-winning creators including Daniel Miyares (Float), Jessica Lawson (Nooks & Crannies), and Heather Vogel Frederick (The Mother-Daughter Book Club). She also edited the mainstay bestseller I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Baddeley. Kristin loves guiding authors and illustrators toward their best work and advocating for them in service of building successful, sustainable artistic careers.
What was your path to agenting?
I began my publishing career as a children’s book editor, most notably at Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster. During my time as an editor, a couple of agents indicated there was a place for me should I be interested in the job, and a former boss encouraged agenting at one point as well. I spoke to agent friends and gathered information, but the right opportunity didn’t come my way until Greenhouse came calling and everything clicked into place.
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Haunted States of America Update: Submissions Re-Open for Selected States |
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The anthology that SCBWI is preparing for publication by the Laura Godwin imprint at Henry Holt is finally underway. Your submissions have been read and submitted to the publisher, and just this week, we confirmed that the finalists for the first five states have been selected. The authors will be notified next week. If you have heard from us with a rejection notice, then your submission is no longer in contention. If you have not yet heard from us, it means that your submission is still under consideration. Please bear with us as we go through what has turned out to be a slower-than-normal process. All of publishing has been impeded by the pandemic, but we assure you that the project is moving forward.
A further announcement is that there are still several states that we would like to see additional submissions from Delaware, Mississippi, South Dakota, Washington DC, Indiana, West Virginia, Wyoming, Oregon, Alaska, Maryland, Missouri, and North Carolina. If you are affiliated with any of those states, and would like to submit a scary story set in one of them, your submission will be accepted until March 1.
To submit your short story for one of the states that we need more submissions from, please click HERE. Please keep in mind that we are looking for contemporary stories that give a real sense of place.
Each story should have a 1,300 word limit, be intended for middle grade readers, and emphasize a specific locale within the state. As many locale details as possible will make your story stand out from the pack.
Expect to get regular updates on this project, and to hear from us if your story has been accepted.
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Call for Submissions: Kate Dopirak Craft and Community Award |
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Picture Book writers… TAG, you’re it! Submissions for the KDCC Award run from January 14 through February 18, 2022. There’s still plenty of time to apply, so give it a try!
One picture book writer will be selected by a panel of judges as the recipient of the 2022 Kate Dopirak Craft and Community Award.
This award includes:
–Full tuition to the 51st SCBWI Annual Summer Conference (Summer 2022)
-A 20-minute phone consultation with literary agent Tracey Adams from Adams Literary
-A 20-minute phone consultation with editor Andrea Welch from Beach Lane Books/S&S
Who is eligible?
Any member of SCBWI wishing to improve their craft and expand their community is welcome to submit a picture book manuscript for the 2022 KDCC Award.
When and where do I apply?
Visit www.katedopirakaward.com for complete submission instructions.
Submissions are open now and will be accepted January 14 – February 18, 2022.
This award is offered in celebration of Kate Dopirak, a picture book author and beloved SCBWI member who lived her life lighting the way for others.
Congratulations to 2021 KDCC Award Winner…
Laurie Young for her MG manuscript GROUNDED
Bravo Laurie! We look forward to following your journey!
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Draw This! is our monthly prompt word for illustrators. Artists can post their DrawThis! entries on Twitter and Instagram with the tag #SCBWIDrawThis
There is no longer a gallery for DrawThis! View all entries by searching the tag #SCBWIDrawThis.
The December/January prompt was NEW BEGINNINGS
The December/January winners are...
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The February prompt is: LOVESTRUCK
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