Tales from the Rushmore Kid

Editor Steve Meltzer

I am one lucky author.  When my former editor left Dutton in 2006 I was assigned the wonderful Steve Meltzer.  Over the years Steve has become one of my good buddies as well as my outstanding editor.  Generous to a fault, he always takes my calls, was game to be interviewed for my blog tour and endures my requests for a Writing Tip of the Day every time I see him. Today's Tip is about submitting.

The Poem that Will Not End Blog Tour - Editor Melanie Kroupa

I have had the pleasure of knowing the multi-talented poet Joan Graham for many years. When she asked me to participate in her blog tour for her new book, THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END, I was thrilled. This is a fabulous book that introduces many poetic forms. Joan's editor, Melanie Kroupa, agreed to be interviewed for the my stop on the tour. Leave a comment to get a chance to win an autographed copy of the book.

What intrigued you about this story?  

 

I loved the fact that there IS a story – a very funny narrative in verse that chronicles the plight of a young boy who can’t stop writing poetry – no matter where he is: in the cafeteria writing with French fries, in the bathroom using toothpaste, and even writing on the soccer ball in mud! But that’s not all:  in addition, readers can discover the poems that Ryan writes – so the book works as a poetry collection too, and not just any collection, but one that offers poems in all the major poetic forms.  And, at the back of the book, young readers and teachers alike can reference a handy guide to poetic forms and voices that connects the poems they’ve just read to specific poetic forms.  What Joan cleverly created is really 3-books-in-1, all working together to create a very special book that’s fun to read again and again.

When I read the manuscript I could see kids being pulled in by the humor and hilarious antics. Joan has a terrific sense of what kids are like.  I think children will want to read THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END just for the fun of it, but I can also see this book having great appeal in the classroom – it’s a lively way to introduce children to the delights of poetry  -- and a painless way to learn about poetic forms.

Last but not least, I thought it would be great fun for an illustrator – and I immediately thought of Kyrsten Brooker whose inventive collage and paint style adds yet another appealing dimension to the book.  This was a challenging picture book to put together, but Joan had created a great “road map” for the book and Kyrsten and I used that as a useful first tool to get us going.

What do you look for in a manuscript?  

I look for something that strikes me as fresh and imaginative – whether it feels that way because it presents the familiar in a new way that brings it alive for readers or because it explores something new and different in a telling way.  I want characters I can care about, a world that makes me curious and that I want to step into, wonderful telling details and language to bring those characters and that world alive in a memorable way -- and most of all, I want a story -- whether it be fiction or non-fiction (which after all is “story” too) that strikes an emotional chord with me and that I think will do the same for children or teens.  

When and why did you become a children’s book editor?  What is your favorite part of being an editor?

I became a children’s book editor back in the 1970’s, after taking the Radcliffe Publishing Procedures Course and working as an assistant secretary for $65.00 a week at Harvard University Press, then moving to Houghton Mifflin’s textbook division to work as an editorial assistant on their Reading Series.   I somehow always knew I wanted to be in children’s books.  FINALLY, a job opened up in the trade division at Houghton.  It was there I first experienced the thrill of discovering that special manuscript and I had the great pleasure of working with Lois Lowry and David Macaulay on their first books.  That excitement of discovering a special voice, story or artistic talent has never diminished – even after years in the field.  But one of my favorite parts of being an editor is the on-going dialogue with the author to find ways to strengthen a manuscript – to make it sing --  until, eventually, there’s the joy and satisfaction of seeing a finished book after months and months, sometimes even years  of work,  where all the various elements – text, art, design,, etc. -- have come together to create what you believe is a stellar book.  It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s perfect – but you know you gave it your all and it’s the best book you, the author, illustrator, designer and others who worked with you were able to create at that particular time and place.

Tell us about the graduate course you teach at Simmons College.

For the last few years I’ve had the fun of teaching a course, Editing Books for Children and Young Adults, in the Children’s Literature Program at Simmons College.  At the beginning of the course I create a publishing company, “hire” students as editors, and we delve into the editorial process and what it means to be an editor. As the course progresses we discuss (and experience hands on) the editing of picture books, middle grade fiction and non-fiction, YA fiction and memoir.  Students create text dummies for picture books, write editorial reports, offer editorial suggestions on manuscripts, defend opinions at editorial meetings, write editorial letters to authors, and exchange ideas in lively class discussions as we work through the editorial process from initial manuscript to finished book.  I think I learn as much as the students do!

Editor Steve Meltzer - Writing Tip of the Day

I am one lucky author. Six years ago when my first editor left Dutton, I was assigned the fabulous Steve Meltzer. A Teddy Bear of a guy, Steve is not only a wonderful editor but over the years has become my good friend. Any time I see him he is generous enough to give us a Writing Tip of the Day.

Molly Sardella Penguin Publicity Gal - Publicity Tip of the Day

Man oh man, am I one lucky author.  Not only do I have a fabulous publishing house (Dial Books for Young Readers), I was given a remarkable Publicity person. Molly Sardella is talented, hard working and everything I could want in a publicist. I asked her to give all of us a publicity Tip of the Day, and my girl Molly obliged.

Molly Sardella - Publicity Tip of the Day

One reason to wait for a traditional publisher rather than self publish is that you get a publicity person to help you with events. I was lucky enough to get Molly Sardella. I met Molly when I was in New York this year. She is bright, funny and always ready to help me set up any event. We all had a good time in my editor Steve Meltzer's office brainstorming ways to promote the book. Here is Molly's Publicity Tip of the Day.

Kate Fletcher - Candlewick - Summer Editor Archives

A favorite post from 2009:

Kate Fletcher was my core group editor at the Santa Barbara Mission retreat in January.  She was funny, kind and gave great feedback on everyone's picture book manuscripts.  I also had the opportunity to hang out with her at the Saturday night party and discuss our favorite books of the year.  I am so pleased to interview Kate Fletcher.

When and why did you start editing for children?

After I completed the Columbia Publishing Course in 2003, I interviewed with the President and Publisher at Candlewick Press. Visiting the office and learning more about Candlewick made me want to be a part of creating books for children.

Editor Katherine Tegen - Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour - Summer Editors Archives

 

A favorite post from 2010:

I am happy to be on one of the stops for the Floating on Mama's Song Blog Tour.  The lyrical picture book by Laura Lacámara, with illustrations by Yuyi Morales, is a beautiful tale.  A single mother is lifted off the ground by her songs.  I was lucky to get the book's editor, Katherine Tegen, to give me an interview about why she acquired the book, the state of promotion and, of course, her favorite dessert. 

What qualities in the manuscript Floating on Mama’s Song intrigued you enough to acquire it?

I have a special desire to publish Latina talent, perhaps because I am part Hispanic myself.  I grew up hearing the stories of my grandmother who was from Puerto Rico, stories that depicted a rich culture that was kind of magical, and so very different from my suburban American life.

Editor - Steve Meltzer - Summer Editors Archives

A Favorite Post from 2007

When Stephanie Owens Lurie, President and Publisher of Dutton Children's Books, e-mailed me that my editor had left the house and she had assigned me a new one, I must admit I was a little nervous.  I'd heard countless stories of orphan books that never saw the light of day.  But I had no reason to worry, and I want to publicly thank Stephanie for giving me the wonderful Steve Meltzer as my new editor.  Steve is attentive, creative and just a blast to work with.  I am delighted that he agreed to be interviewed for the blog.

When and why did you become a children’s book editor?

The bigger question is when did I enter the wonderful world of publishing. That was in 1985 when I started as an inventory analyst for a book club. I went from there into educational sales and then became an editor in 1999.

Editor Julie Amper - All the World's a Stage - Summer Editor Archives

This summer I'm re-posting favorite posts from my editor interview archives. Here is  a great one with Julie Amper.

My good buddy, prolific author Gretchen Woelfle, has come out with a new book, All the World's a Stage, a novel in five acts. She was kind enough to introduce me to her Holiday House editor, Julie Amper, who agreed to give an interview for the blog.

Gretchen Woelfe’s All the World’s a Stage is a novel in five acts.  What challenges do you face marketing and promoting this book?

As an editor, I leave the marketing and promoting of our list to our marketing department. I can only assume that one of the major challenges is the sheer number of titles published each year and the struggle to garner attention for any one book. Traditionally, historical fiction requires some niche marketing and certainly ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE suggests strong classroom appeal as well.

Editor Steve Meltzer - Picture Book Tip of the Day.

Boy, do I love my editor, Steve Meltzer. Not only is he fun to work with, he is game for blog interviews. I recently saw him for a meeting at Dutton, and while the other publishers and editors scampered away when I brought out the video camera, he gladly sat down and gave me a bang-up tip.  I give you my editor, Steve Meltzer.

Most popular posts 2011- Andrew Karre - Editorial Director - Carolrhoda Books

Andrew Karre was one of my first-page editors at the Santa Barbara Mission retreat this year.  He was smart, funny and had great insights into all the manuscripts. Andrew also is a blogger and gave us some wonderful promotion tips. It was a pleasure to meet Andrew Karre and get an interview for the  blog.

When and why did you become a children’s book editor?

I began working on children’s books in 2003 (I think).  I did not set out to work on kids’ books. I wanted to be an editor, but I wasn’t picky about the category initially. Once I started editing and acquiring YA, though, I knew kidlit was my calling. When I moved to a position that allowed me to do picture books, middle grade and YA, I thought I’d gone to heaven.

Most popular posts 2011- Grace Maccarone - Editor/Author - Holiday House

I met Grace Maccarone, editor at Holiday House, at the Santa Barbara Mission retreat in 2011. She was one of my first-page editors. I was struck by her kindess, humor and insight.  I am so pleased that Grace agreed to be interviewed for the blog.

When and why did you become a children’s book editor?
 
Because I love, love, love kids’ books and kids. I began my career in magazines, then shifted over to books. That happened in the mid-eighties.

Editor Deborah Halverson - Writing Tip of the Day

I met editor/author Deborah Halverson last summer when I was on the faculty of the SCBWI summer conference. She has written a number of teen novels and  just completed her book "Writing YA for Dummies," scheduled for release in June 2011. Based on the great revision tip she gives us here, I'd say if you are writing YA, buy her "Dummies" book!

Ventura/Santa Barbara SCBWI Retreat 2011

For many years, the RA for our local SCBWI chapter, Alexis O'Neill, has put together fabulous weekend retreats at the old Santa Barbara Mission. In the past I have attended retreats that featured cyber promotion, novels, picture books and social media. Being immersed in the intense workshops offered always leaves me feeling refreshed and energized. This year was no exception.

In four core editor groups, we critiqued our manuscripts all day Saturday with Andrew Karre (Lerner Publishing Group), Melanie Kroupa (Marshall Cavedish), Grace Maccarone (Holiday House) and Brenda Murray (Scholastic Nonfiction). For the remainder of the weekend, we rotated out of our core groups to present first pages with the other three editors.

This annual retreat attracted many published writers from across the country and offered the unpublished writers a chance to submit to editors whose doors would normaly be closed. A big thank you to all the editors and hats off to Alexis O'Neill, who always puts on a bang-up event!

Congrats to Harold Underdown

Congratulations to my good buddy, editor at large Harold Underdown, for becoming part of the Highlights Foundation team of instructors.  Harold has the famous Purple Crayon website that deals with all sorts of information on Children's publishing and is author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing."  Highlights Foundation offers many workshops with amazing professionals.  Here is the information and link for Harold's workshop:http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/Founders_Workshops_2011/Founders_Workshops.html

Webinar - Nailing your First Chapter - Mark McVeigh

I am often asked if my agent, the fabulous Mark McVeigh, will be teaching any webinars soon. I am happy to say he is. Mark plans to teach one on nailing your first chapter. What I've always loved about Mark, when he was my editor and now that he is my agent, is his fresh view and specific comments. He is a pleasure to work with and an excellent teacher.

The webinar is offered through Yalitchat, a great site for YA writers.  Here are the specifics for "Nailing Your First Chapter." Mark will be giving the same webinar four times, twice in December (1 pm EST and 4 PM EST on December 8) and twice in January (1 PM EST and 4 PM EST January 11). You have to join yalitchat to participate, but the basic membership is free. The button is on the right side of the page at http://yalitchat.ning.com. The fee for the webinar is $100.

Editor Lynne Polvino - Blog Tour - Jimi, Sounds Like a Rainbow

I am so impressed with this new picture book, Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow, by Gary Golio with art by Javaka Steptoe.  It is about the late guitar player Jimi Hendrix as a boy, and it is just marvelous.  The beautiful art and the story made me want to run and play some Hendrix. I was also intrigued as to how and why this story was told.  I am so pleased to be part of the Jimi Blog Tour with an interview with Clarion editor, Lynne Polvino, who answered those questions and more. (Leave a comment for book giveaway raffle.)

Jimi Hendrix seems an unlikely subject for a picture book. What intrigued you about this story?

My mother is a music professor and I grew up surrounded by and loving all kinds of music, including rock, so it made sense to me that kids would be interested in a story about the childhood of one of the most famous and influential guitar players of all time.

Editor Marilyn Brighman - Ogg & Bob Blog Tour

I am pleased to be part of the Ogg & Bob blog tour.  My buddy, prolific author/illustrator Mary Ann Fraser, and her son, author Ian Fraser, wrote and illustrated this new series about the adventures of cave boys Ogg & Bob. What a hoot these chapter books are--and perfect for reluctant readers.

For each day of the tour, Mary Ann Fraser will be  giving away an original piece of art from Ogg and Bob to a randomly selected commenter. So follow the tour and be sure to comment to enter. Winners will be announced on Monday October 18, so be sure to check back to Mary Ann's blog to see if you have won.

I am thrilled to interview Mary Ann and Ian's editor Marilyn Brighman from Marshal Cavendish.

Ogg & Bob is a wacky look at cave boy life, and unusual because the illustrator and the author are mother and son.  With that in mind, what challenges and advantages were there?

Marshall Cavendish loves developing new talent, and it was fun to work with a young, creative, first-time author like Ian. Usually a new author will have to be coached a bit in the ways of the marketplace because they’re new to the field. In this case I didn’t really need to, because Mary Ann, his mom and the artist of these books, is already established in the field and took care of that.

Most Popular Posts 2009 - Laurent Linn - Art Director - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I met Laurent Linn several years ago at the SCBWI National Conference and I was struck by his kindness, generosity and humor.  He is a great friend to the SCBWI, participating in portfolio reviews, workshops and roundtable discussions.  I am also a great admirer of his work as a designer.  It gives me great pleasure to interview Laurent Linn.

When and why did you start art directing for children?

My entire career has been involved in children’s worlds. I didn’t set out to do that, it just evolved that way. Perhaps because I’ve never grown up (and don’t plan to), so I’ve basically worked on projects that interest me.

Most Popular Posts - 09 - Kathy Landwehr - Vice President - Peachtree Publisher

 I met Kathy Landwehr at the Ventura/Santa Barbara Mission picturebook retreat this year.  Kathy was gracious and generous with her critiques of first pages.  I am always pleased to interview an editor.  I give you Kathy Landwehr.

When and why did you become an editor for children’s books?

I started working at Peachtree in 1990, but in publicity and marketing. I moved over to editorial and production in 1995 in a managerial role and starting acquiring titles in 2001. And that’s when I felt I’d really found my home, even though I loved my time at Peachtree before that as well.

Suzanne Pfefferle - Pelican Publishing Company Publicist

Suzanne Pfefferle, publicist for Pelican Publishing Company, contacted me about a blog tour for one of her authors.  I agreed to participate and she agreed to be interviewed!

In these tough economic times, what can authors/illustrators do to help the publicity department promote their books?

There are several ways an author can generate publicity for their book on a limited budget. The first thing they should do is create a website, begin a blog, or join a social network. Everyone is online these days, so creating a presence on the web is a great way to generate buzz for a book.

My Editor, Steve Meltzer

I was recently in New York and had the opportunity to meet with my fabulous editor, Steve Meltzer of Dutton. He showed me around the Dutton offices and took me to lunch. I had my video camera with me and managed to get him to sit down to answer a few questions for the blog. He had lovely things to say about the SCBWI.

Alice Pope - Editor, Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market

I've  seen Alice Pope for many years at the SCBWI National conferences.  Last year I attended a fun and informative round-table discussion on marketing research that she chaired. For the past fifteen years Alice has been editor for Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market.  I am proud to say that I will have an article on blog tours and book promotion in the 2010 edition.  Alice also writes a very hip kidlit blog, Alice's CWIM Blog.

When did the annual book Children’s Writer's and Illustrator's Market first come out?
 
My company began publishing CWIM in 1989. After publishing Writer’s Market since the 1920s, they began to focus on some niche markets and children’s publishing was one of them.

The Ali Forney Center

Charities are really hurting in this economy, so I was pleased that my former editor, Mark McVeigh, emailed me about a worthwhile charity that he helps lead.  The Ali Forney Center finds housing for LGBT youths in New York City.   The mission of the charity is to help LGBT youths feel safe and become independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood.

Here is the email from Mark:"The Ali Forney Center is the only organization of its kind in NYC and we desperately need the help of individual donors. We constantly reach out to City, State and Federal funds—all of which have contributed—but it is donors like yourselves who make a difference. As a new board member, I’m doing my best to  make sure as many people know about this worthwhile organization and consider a donation, no matter how small."

Most Popular Posts 2008 - Carolyn Yoder - Editor

Like most children's book authors, I have files full of rejection letters. Some broke my heart.  Some pissed me off.  Just a couple encouraged me to continue.  One good rejection letter I received was from Calkins Creek editor, Carolyn Yoder.  Even though she did not buy my manuscript on Mount Rushmore, she took the time to write me a two page critique.  I want to thank her publicly for that encouragement. I am thrilled that Carolyn Yoder agreed to be interviewed.

When and why did you become a children’s book editor?

Well, that’s interesting. I was working in Boston, in scholarly publishing, and basically answered an ad for an editor at a small children’s magazine publisher.

Tim Gillner - Art Director

I met Tim Gillner at last year at SCBWI Ventura Writer's Day. I was the portfolio coordinator so I brought him talented illustrators all day long.  He also gave a wonderful speech and slide show about his house, Boyds Mills Press.
I am delighted that he agreed to be interviewed.


When and why did you become involved in art directing for children’s books?

I became art director of Boyds Mills Press in 1991. Why, is a little tougher to answer. I had worked in children's publishing for 15 or so years prior to that. I guess it is just the natural progression of my field.