Today I am happy to be part of Sarah Lynn Scheerger's blog tour for her picture book Tip Tap Pop. Her agent, Deborah Warren from East/West Literary Agency, gives us some insight into Sarah and the changing market of children's publishing.
What was it about Sarah’s work that inspired you to offer her representation?
Sarah's solid writing was the first clue that we had someone special here. Then came the ability to get teen dialogue just right without going over to the dark side of current teen slang (which ages faster than a peach on a hot summer day),followed by her talent for creating a strong voice and plot; in particular, her facility with developing characters throughout the story with telling little details.
As to those details about how we got to the "must have" stage: most of Sarah's work deals with themes of connectedness. That connectedness instantly drew us in. She's not the only one who's become emotionally involved with her characters -- it's really a defining part of her gift as a writer. Whether it's a picture book (Tip Tap Pop) or a Young Adult novel, we're charmingly captivated by Sarah's visual, poetic prose as well as her compelling character-driven storylines.
Sarah's stories have heart. And we so honor and appreciate that heart!
With picture book sales and acquisitions on the decline, what would you recommend an author focus on in exploring new subjects? Fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, biographies?
Because my job is one that relies on the future of the written word (in any medium): Encourage the love of reading. Believe that you inspire others, that you touch lives and that your work makes a difference. As Jim Trelease has said: "It is the responsibility of people who carry torches to pass them on. The magnificent torch of literacy has a flame that must be fanned by moving it from generation to generation, from one reader to another, from an adult to a child. In creating a nation of readers, we create the torch bearers and leaders of tomorrow."
As well, know that I follow what I've been told is the writer's mantra: inspiration, perspiration, persistence and patience. I expect my clients to memorize and follow that mantra, too.
What can an author do to help you do your job?
Be part of all the social media, to start, that can be updated daily and keep the book alive and relevant. School talks in which the book is sold in lieu of a stipend.
With the publishing business in flux, should authors write story lines with interactive e-books in mind? Or are the publishing houses not yet pursuing that avenue for all?
The entire world is going digital. Having versions of your story that can be exploited in any way using alternative media (v-logs, audio, additional photos, etc.) will no doubt prove to be wise as we move forward.
What are you looking for in new clients?
Passionate, creative, fresh, innovative, flexible clients who keep reading, writing, rewriting, and revising. Authors and illustrators who will surprise, delight, inform, amuse, and engage my imagination.
What is your favorite dessert and why?
Pinkberry. I just love saying it. And eating it is even more delightfully delicious!
East/West Literary Agency, LLC represents a wide range of New York Times bestselling and
award-winning children’s authors and illustrators [including numerous Newbery and Caldecott medalists] as well as a diverse list of adult authors.
Deborah Warren, a highly accomplished sales and marketing executive with nearly 30 years' of publishing experience, is the founder of East/West Literary Agency, LLC. Santa-Monica based Deborah Warren launched East/West Literary Agency with a bi-coastal vision; accordingly, she states: "Rubin Pfeffer, with his keen editorial acumen, business sense and digital savvy, is the ideal ‘east’ to complement our ‘west’ and ‘south’ (by way of Mary Grey James in Nashville, TN).”
East/West Literary Agency (E/W) is, purposely, a boutique agency, to facilitate hands-on, personalized service and attention to our authors and their books. E/W provides career management for established and first time authors and our breadth of experience in many genres enables us to meet the demands of a diverse clientele.
We’re honored to represent NYT bestselling, award-winning, crossover and celebrity talent including: Anna Dewdney, author/illustrator of Viking's six-book Llama Llama series (look for Llama Llama Holiday Drama this fall); David Diaz, Caldecott award-winning illustrator of Chronicle's Mother Earth (a collaboration with Newbery award-winning Patricia MacLachlan); Belle Yang, award-winning author/illustrator of picture as well as board books targeted to children for Candlewick and targeted to adults, in graphic format, for W.W. Norton; and LaChanze, the Tony award-winning actress for “The Color Purple” and debut picture book author of Feiwel & Friends' Little Diva, illustrated by Brian Pinkney.
Further to authors like LaChanze, we're particularly invested in finding and nurturing new talent like Sarah Scheerger. As a further example, we're thrilled to have launched (among others) the careers of debut authors Jim Averbeck, Zolotow award-winner for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's In a Blue Room; Scott Bly, of Blue Sky Press/Scholastic's upcoming YA techno-thriller; and Evan Sagerman, picture book author of Giraffe Rescue Service, forthcoming from Beach Lane Books/S & S.
The information about thinking beyond the traditional picture book presentation is helpful. And, like Jo S. Kittinger, I googled Pinkberry. Now that I know it is only 5 miles away, I'll have to get there. Yummy.
Posted by: Mary Ann Dames - Reading, Writing, and Recipes | October 28, 2010 at 05:02 PM
How do we get information on Deborah Warren? I've googled for a website (it's under construction). I can't find her on QueryTracker, AgentQuery or Publishers Marketplace. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by: Heidi J. Johns | October 28, 2010 at 08:04 AM
Thanks Tina and Deborah, it was great to hear more about East/West Literary. And now I've got to go google Pinkberry!
Posted by: Jo S. Kittinger | October 27, 2010 at 07:44 PM
Love that mantra!
Posted by: valerie hobbs | October 27, 2010 at 09:33 AM