Final Call for 2013 NESCBWI Conference Proposals

August 27th brings with it the close of
2013 New England SCBWI Conference Proposals,
so take a moment and submit your most awesome idea today! 

Proposal Due Date: August 27, 201

Presenter Notification Expected: October 15, 2012

For Additional Information go to NESCBWI

Presenters from New England who send in more than one, well-crafted and detailed proposal will receive preferential consideration. Also, you may be asked to present your workshop twice during the conference. You might consider doing a 120 or 180 minute presentation and then tweaking it to fit a 55 minute format. With so much talent in our New England and surrounding regions, bringing you together to share knowledge and skill is what makes New England SCBWI the largest regional conference.

Types of Presentations:
55-minute workshops; 120-minute intensives; 180 studios w/15 minute break.

To Submit a Proposal: Please complete a conference proposal form. Separate submissions are required for multiple presentations or workshop/intensive versions of the same presentation. 

Selection Criteria and Topics

Every year SCBWI New England receives so many excellent proposals, more than can fit into a conference schedule. Therefore, we must choose on the basis of experience, quality, variety, novelty, attendant costs, and other factors. Please use the 2013 NESCBWI Workshop Rubric for more explicit selection criteria and standards.

We would love to see presentations on the following topics. If you are an expert on one of these topics, we would love to see your proposal.

• Hands-on writing workshops that spotlight elements of craft: outlining, story arc, tools, tips, character, dialogue, sketching, etc.
• Hands-on illustration workshops
• Publishing 201 session for intermediate authors or illustrators
• Developing an idea from conception to completion
• How to complete a Detailed Novel Outline
• Secrets of Story Arc
• How to lay out a picture book dummy
• How to start your own publishing company
• Gesture and emotion for illustrators
• School and library visits and promotion
• Grassroots Marketing strategies to libraries and other overlooked venues
• Writing nonfiction articles and short stories
• Mystery writing, organizing your mystery
• Planning Out Clues
• How to write chapter books
• How to design an eBook
• Writing Teen Romance
• What I publish/represent and why
• Historical Fiction for middle grade and YA - What makes it work!
• How to reinvent yourself as a writer and reignite your career
• What exactly happens at BEA, ALA, Frankfurt, Bologna and how can it help you with book sales? 
  
• How to write suspense for MG & or YA
• Illustration techniques - making the magic happen
• Defining the terms: High Concept, Realistic Fiction, Magical Realism, etc.

Got Questions? Ask in the comments section below!

Call for Proposals 2013 NESCBWI Conference

Call for Proposals NESCBWI 2013 Conference Word-By-Word: The Art Of Craft
It's that time of year when we start looking for the amazing workshops, intensives, and panels for next year's conference.

Here is what we are looking for:

The workshop committee of New England SCBWI welcomes proposals for the 2013 Spring conference, "Word by Word: The Art of Craft."

Art of craft is always at the forefront of a venue like ours. This year’s focus will be on improving ones crafting the various parts of writing and illustrating NEEDS MEGA WORK HERE!

We'd like to invite more intensive, hands-on workshops and advanced and master level studio proposals that focus on a specific aspect of the craft and would love to see more than one proposal from each you. Of course, larger lecture-style workshops are still welcome as well.

This is one of the largest regional SCBWI conferences, and last year we sold out the conference in two weeks. We welcome proposals from everyone involved in the world of children’s writing and publishing.

Important Information

Conference Dates: Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, May 3-5, 2013
Conference Location: Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, Springfield, MA
To Submit a Proposal: Please complete a conference proposal form. Separate submissions are required for multiple presentations or workshop/intensive versions of the same presentation.

Proposal Due Date: August 27, 2012
Presenter Notification Expected: October 15, 2012

Types of Presentations: 55-minute workshops; 120-minute intensives; 180 studios w/15 minute break

We will give presenters who send in more than one, well-crafted and detailed proposal preferential consideration. Also, you may be asked to present your workshop twice during the conference.

NOTE: Be very specific when designating level of experience, pick only one level. (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Master)

55-minute workshops

What are we looking for?

• Presentations that relate to our conference theme of Word-By-Word: The Art of Craft.
• A wide range of craft related presentations for all SCBWI members, including illustrators and writers in all genres.
• Be very specific when designating level of experience, pick only one level. (Beginner, Intermediate, advanced, or Master)
• Leveled presentations. We are not trying to find one presentation that everyone can attend. Instead, presenters should direct material toward a specific experience level. For example, an "advanced" illustration presentation should not begin with "Why you should carry a sketch book," and a "beginner's" writing workshop should not address marketing a contracted novel. 
• Presentations that last 55 minutes in their entirety. When planning, leave time for participant questions and any required audiovisual setup.
• Intensives that last 120 minutes and focus on specific pieces of the craft. i.e. story arc, character development, sex in YA, etc.
• Focused presentations with clear learning outcomes. These should be clear, tangible "final products" that attendees take away. Plan the presentation thinking, "I want participants to leave with these tools or a real understanding of this piece of the craft." A few examples: How to map out an in-depth revision, a step-by-step outline or map, creating a storyboard, A first draft of a non fiction proposal, how to develop initial sketches, etc.
• Hands-on workshops where attendees spend significant time working on current writing, illustration, or marketing project so they can apply your presentation content to their own work.
• Engaging lecture-style presentations filled with information that participants can take back to their desks to ponder and play with. 
• Presentations that include a range of examples. Attendees have expressed they want less presentations that draw solely from the presenter's experience or body of work.
• Presenters who are published members of SCBWI, as well as editors, agents, MFA graduates, and other industry professionals. Past presentation experience is appreciated.

NOTE: Be very specific when designating level of experience, pick only one level. (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Master)

120-minute intensives

Intensive proposals should meet all of the criteria listed above for 55-minute workshops. Also consider the following:

• 120-minute intensives typically take place on Sunday, but there will be several slots for Saturday Advanced and Master level workshops.
• Two hours are provided; so plan exercises or some interactive element in the workshop. An intensive should not only be a lecture.
• Presentations that include a range of examples. Attendees have expressed they want less presentations that draw solely from the presenter's experience or body of work.
• Past presentation experience and in-depth knowledge of the topic are required.
• Partner presentations are welcome.

Note: If you apply to present a 55-minute workshop or a 120-minute intensive and we feel your presentation may better fit the other format, we will let you know!

NOTE: Be very specific when designating level of experience, pick only one level. (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, or Master)

180-minute Studios

Studio proposals should meet all of the criteria listed above for both 55-minute and 120-minute workshops. But you must also consider the following:

• 180-minute, 12 person studios will focus on Advanced and Master level authors.
• Three hours are provided, so plan accordingly for intensive working sessions.
• These include attendees submitting samples for you to review ahead of time.
• Past presentation experience and in-depth knowledge of the topic are required.
• Partner presentations are welcome as long as both are willing to work with a larger number of attendees. Total number in studio would be 24.

Note: If you apply to present a 55-minute workshop or a 120-minute intensive and we feel your presentation may better fit the other format, we will let you know!

Selection Criteria and Topics

Every year SCBWI New England receives many excellent proposals, more than can fit into a conference schedule. Therefore, we must choose on the basis of experience, quality, variety, novelty, attendant costs, and other factors. Please use the 2013 NESCBWI Workshop Rubric for more explicit selection criteria and standards.

We would love to see presentations on the following topics. If you are an expert on one of these topics, we would love to see your proposal.

 

• Hands-on writing workshops: outlining, story arc, tools, tips, character sketching, etc.
• Hands-on illustration workshops
• Publishing 201 session for intermediate authors or illustrators
• Developing an idea from conception to completion
• Secrets of Story Arc
• How to lay out a picture book dummy
• How to start your own publishing company
• Gesture and emotion for illustrators
• School and library visits and promotion
• Grassroots Marketing strategies to libraries and other overlooked venues
• Writing nonfiction articles and short stories
• Mystery writing
• How to write chapter books
• How to design an eBook

Cat In The Hat & Springfield, MA

When I was nineteen, I lived in La Jolla, California for two years. During that time, I worked as a floral designer. Richard (who liked to be called Dick) owned the florist and he was an interesting guy. He knew many celebrities and often had me “do up” the floral arrangements for the events he hosted or was attending.

One of his closest and dearest friends was, Ted Geisel. I met Ted several times. He had an opinion about everything! Some of which I just can’t divulge. He did think I a was talker and called me Voyce instead of Joyce after he got to know me.

I’ve been thinking about him lately because I have been to Springfield several times in the last few months as I help organize this years NESCBWI “Keeping It Real” conference taking place April 20-22.

He used to joke about Springfield and that is all I going to say about what he would say about Springfield.

Just to keep this post interesting, here are the inscriptions in the two books he signed for me.

This a 1957 printing.

My 4 year-old signature

His opinion of my love of his book.

 Shortly before I returned to the East Coast he gave me this book.

And a warning!

 I often wonder how he was able to sum up my life in these two captions? He was just amazing!

Oh yeah, Springfield is also where my husband and I lived right after we were married. So here’s to you, Dr. Suess & Springfield, MA!

NESCBWI 2012 Conference

It’s closer than you think….

Here it is! NESCBWI 2012 "Keeping it Real" Conferenece

I can only give you a glimpse of things to come but we did change things up.

Registration opens January 23, 2012. Get your manuscripts and agent quick queries ready! Deadlines for submitting for critiques close early for the upcoming conference due to the dates being in April.

Kudos to Jen Carson for all she's done with her work on the newest version of the postcard and in such a teeny-weenie amount of time.

Calling ALL Volunteers for NESCBWI 2012!

We need you to make 2012 the best conference ever!

Only 251 days until the conference.

Want to volunteer?

Click here to complete the volunteer survey.

The New England SCBWI annual conference is entirely organized and run by volunteers, so help is vitally needed and greatly appreciated. This is one of the largest regional SCBWI conferences, and last year we sold out the conference in two weeks. This year, the theme is "Keeping it Real: Reality and World-building in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Illustration" and the conference will take place April 20-22, 2012 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, Springfield, MA.

Please complete the conference volunteer survey if you are interested in helping out. Getting more involved in the NE-SCBWI conference is a great way to meet accomplished authors, illustrators, editors, and other publishing professionals.

Volunteers are needed to assist with many different aspects of the conference. Conference weekend volunteers are responsible for tasks during the conference weekend only, and will be trained that weekend. We also need volunteers to help select workshops for the conference. The Workshop Selection Committee will meet on October 2, 2011 in Holden, MA to choose the best workshops out of all the proposals submitted.

We are also seeking volunteers to take on roles with greater time commitment and involvement. If you are interested in any of the following volunteer positions, please email nescbwi12@gmail.com with your full name, contact information, and a brief explanation of why you feel you would be a good fit for the position.

Open Volunteer Positions

Special Interest Group Coordinator

Special Interest Groups are informal discussions meant to promote networking and discussion on topics of mutual interest. For example, past Special Interest Groups have discussed writing fantasy, using Twitter, and digital illustration. The Coordinator will need to solicit topics for the groups, find and recruit volunteers to lead the discussions, create signage for the tables, and make sure that the event runs smoothly.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

Book Signing Coordinator

Authors and illustrators who present at the conference are invited to sign books. The Book Signing Coordinator is responsible for contacting and scheduling faculty for the signing, coordinating with the conference book seller to ensure that their books are available, and figuring out the best set-up for the book signing room, including line management.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

Assistant Critique Registrars

The Critique Registrar takes every manuscript submitted for a critique at the conference, organizes them by genre, and submits them to appropriate editors and agents. The Registrar also puts together the schedule of critique meetings. Assistant Critique Registrars will work with the Registrar to manage this process and deal with critique requests and scheduling issues. We are looking for volunteers who live in the Burlington, MA area.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

Open Mic Coordinator

Open Mic night was popular this past year, so we would like to offer this event again in 2012. The Open Mic Coordinator will plan the open mic night (or nights) and will be there to ensure that the event goes smoothly.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

Door Prize Coordinator

The Door Prize Coordinator will solicit prizes to give away during the conference weekend, organize the prizes at the conference, and come up with a fun, creative, and efficient way of conducting the raffle.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

Poster Showcase Coordinator

The Poster Showcase Coordinator organizes and runs the Illustrator poster contest at the conference. The Coordinator will come up with a concept for the contest, solicit prizes for the winners, present the prizes to the winners, and take charge of set-up and take-down of the contest.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

Portfolio Critique Coordinator

Art Directors give portfolio reviews at the conference. This Coordinator will seek out Art Directors who are interested and available the weekend of the conference to critique portfolios, and will manage the portfolio critique schedule.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

Portfolio Display Coordinator

This year, we are interested in adding a location for illustrators to display their work. The Portfolio Display Coordinator will recruit illustrators to take part in the display, and will manage set-up and take-down of the room.

Contact nescbwi12@gmail.com if you are interested in this position.

NESCBWI 2012 Call for proposals

It's official! Today the call for proposals for the 2012 NESCBWI Spring Conference "Keeping it Real: Reality and World-building in Fiction, Nonfiction, and Illustration" is out. 

Reality doesn't often get the spotlight in the post-Harry-Potter world of children's literature, but even in fantasy or highly stylized illustration, a believable world is fundamental. Also, there is so much we all can learn from nonfiction research and writing techniques. Finally, how do you stay realistic and focused on your future in this rapidly evolving industry?

As always, the conference will have a strong focus on craft. This year, we are moving to a new venue with more space available for workshop sessions. We'd like to invite more small, hands-on workshops. Of course, larger lecture-style workshops are still welcome as well.

This is one of the largest regional SCBWI conferences, and last year we sold out the conference in two weeks. We welcome proposals from everyone. We also encourage artists and writers of color, those who are differently abled, and others from underrepresented groups to propose conference workshops.

What YOU Need to know: Important Information

Conference Dates: Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, April 20-22, 2012
Conference Location: Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, Springfield, MA
To Submit a Proposal: Please complete a conference proposal form. Separate submissions are required for multiple presentations or workshop/intensive versions of the same presentation.

Proposal Due Date: September 16, 2011
Presenter Notification Expected: November 1, 2011

Types of Presentations: 55-minute workshops; 120-minute intensives

 
What are we looking for?

55-minute workshops

• Presentations that relate to our conference theme.
• Presentations that last 55 minutes in their entirety. When planning, leave time for participant questions and any required audiovisual setup.
• A range of presentations for all SCBWI members, including illustrators and writers in all genres.
• Leveled presentations. We are not trying to find one presentation that everyone can attend. Instead, presenters should direct material toward a specific experience level. For example, an "advanced" illustration presentation should not begin with "Why you should carry a sketch book," and a "beginner's" writing workshop should not address marketing a contracted novel. 
• Focused presentations with clear learning outcomes. These should be clear, tangible "final products" that attendees take away. Plan the presentation thinking, "I want participants to leave with these three tools or ideas." A few examples: ideas for a new direction or revision in their own work; increased understanding of a specific genre, style, area of craft, art media, etc.; a step-by-step plan of attack for marketing, revisions, problem-solving, etc.
• Hands-on workshops where attendees spend significant time in writing, illustration, or marketing exercises applying ideas to their own work.
• Lecture-style presentations  with information that participants can take back to their desks to ponder and play with. 
• Presentations that include a range of examples rather than drawing solely from the presenter's experience or body of work.
• Presenters who are published members of SCBWI, as well as editors, agents, MFA graduates, and other industry professionals. Past presentation experience is appreciated.

120-minute intensives

Intensive proposals should meet all of the criteria listed above for 55-minute workshops. Also consider the following:

• 120-minute intensives typically take place on Sunday, and there are fewer slots available for these workshops.
• Two hours are provided, so plan exercises or some interactive element in the workshop. An intensive should not only be a lecture.
• Past presentation experience and in-depth knowledge of the topic are required.
• Partner presentations are welcome.

Note: If you apply to present a 55-minute workshop or a 120-minute intensive and we feel your presentation may better fit the other format, we will let you know!

Selection Criteria and Topics

Every year SCBWI New England receives many excellent proposals, more than can fit into a conference schedule. Therefore, we must choose on the basis of experience, quality, variety, novelty, attendant costs, and other factors. Please use the NESCBWI Workshop Rubric for more explicit selection criteria and standards.

We would love to see presentations on the following topics. If you are an expert on one of these topics, we would love to see your proposal.

• Hands-on writing workshops: tools, tips, outlining, character sketching, etc.
• Hands-on illustration workshops
• Publishing 101 session for authors or illustrators
• Developing an idea from conception to completion
• Nonfiction and fiction research
• Secrets of Story Arc
• How to lay out a picture book dummy
• How to start your own publishing company
  
• Gesture and emotion for illustrators
• School and library visits and promotion
• Writing nonfiction articles and short stories
• Mystery writing
• Creative writing courses in the New England area
• Game plan for leaving a full time job to become a freelancer

I hope to see you there!

What Are You Waiting For? NESCBWI 2012 Conference

If you were in attendance at last weekend’s NESCBWI 2011 Conference in Fitchburg, MA., I want to hear from you!

• Tell me what you loved.
• Tell me what you didn’t love.
• Did you step our of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to someone new?

The NESCBWI 2012 Conference - Keeping it Real: reality and world building in nonfiction, fiction, and illustration is all set for April 20-21, 2012 and will take place at the Sheraton Hotel of Springfield, MA, so mark your calendars.

Tell me what you would like to see at next year’s conference.

Now think about this.
Do you have what it takes to be a workshop presenter? Start putting your proposal together. The call for proposals will go out sometime mid to late June. Be ready to submit, because we want you!

What To Bring To The NESCBWI 2011 Conference

I'm packing for the #NESCBWI11 conference. Packing always stresses me out. Every year, I swear I will not forget my business cards. Did I mention, I hate packing? I can never decide what to bring to wear for the weekend. So, rummaging through the closets began last night. I am almost over-packed, I might just have to stop somewhere on the way to Fitchburg to go shopping. Just in case.

In the meantime, I have to start my list. Every year I forget my business cards. So they are at the top this year. (I just ran out to the car and put them on the front seat.)

CHECK LIST

• Business Cards
• AQQ Schedule
• Copies of AQQ letters
• Copy of Manuscript Critique Submission
• Questions for Critiquer (I wonder who it is?) :)
• Laptop
• Phone
• Power cords
• Camera
• My Own Pillow (Because you just never know where hotel pillows have been!)
• A bottle of wine to share
• Something Silver to wear to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this conference
• Clothes that I feel Comfortable Wearing!
• Comfortable Shoes
• A SMILE!

I’m sure I forgot something.

What do you usually forget? Tell me. I’ll add it to the list.

Q is for Questions Asked by First Time Conference Attendees

Are you going to your first writer’s conference this year? Are you wondering how to get the most from your first time?

If your first time is a large regional conference, I recommend you focus on craft. The New England chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators Conference is designed to have something for all levels of experience.

For first-timers, there is a Friday afternoon workshop, Conference Orientation. This workshops is an excellent way to get a quick over view and great tips on making your first conference work for you.

Peer Critique Workshop will explain how to give and receive critiques. Other writers are some of the best sources for Learning from. Most have been exactly where you are, at the beginning of their writing journey. And remember, there is something to be learned from each person, even if you don’t agree with their style or comments. Dig deep and be objective. Take what you learn home and start your own critique group.

I hope you registered for Saturday’s Publishing Basics: The Myths and Realities. You’ll learn about the basics of manuscripts, researching and finding publishers, agents, how to handle rejection, and what to do when you sell your first book.

Sunday has a great workshop for beginning illustrators. The Illustrator’s Academy focus on revision in illustration.

Most of all, relax and smile. Say hello and introduce yourself. We’ve all been a beginner at something. Writing can be solitary but that doesn’t mean you are alone.

What tips and suggestions can you give first time Writer conference attendees?

Gratitude

Sometimes I have to be hit in the head with it.

Today I share it.

I am grateful to my husband for allowing me the flexibility to pursue my dreams. I’m grateful for my children who love to travel, aren’t followers, dream big, and are voracious readers.

I am especially grateful for my writer friends. They challenge my writing, expect nothing but the very best, and always tell me the truth. Even when I don’t want to hear it.

I am truly and sincerely grateful for the unexpected encounters with some of the most amazing people from around the world. Whether here in the United States, or when abroad, or via the web. These are the people who end up never knowing they have had a profound affect on me and changed me. Given me some small thing, whether a word of encouragement or a smile, that has made me a better person.

Thank you!

NESCBWI AQQ Sneak Peek Interview with Agent Linda Pratt

We have many so many wonderful agents attending this year's NESCBWI 2011 Celebrating Milestones Conference. Next up on the Sneak Peek tour, Linda Pratt.

Recently, Linda Pratt and Marcia Wernick announced the establishment of the Wernick & Pratt Agency, a full-service agency dedicated to representing authors and illustrators of children's books.  

From their website, http://www.wernickpratt.com "Our philosophy is that we represent people rather than merely the books they create, so our approach to representation is to create strategies for our clients' long term careers."

Linda Pratt

1. What makes for a healthy working relationship between you and your authors?
For me a healthy working relationship seems to come down to three things.  First and foremost is mutual trust.  If that isn’t there, I don’t see how a relationship can be successful. The second is that it always helps to like one another. Not necessarily “best friends” like, but it’s easier to weather the inevitable bumps along the way if you start out liking one another. Lastly, there’s flexibility. An agent should be flexible in meeting their clients needs since over the course of a career those are bound to change, and authors and illustrators are likely to be the most successful when they, too, are flexible in adjusting to the changing markets so that their agent has the tools to create additional opportunities for them when needed. 
 
2. What are you always looking for but never receive in a submission?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some really talented first time authors so I don’t think I can say that I’ve looked for something in submissions that I’ve never received. However, the things I do always hope to see in a submission are voice and a clear sense of what’s at stake for the main character:  

Voice – What is the author revealing to me about this character that is going to make me want to know them for the next 150 or so pages?  It’s like a first date; I don’t want to know everything there is to know by the goodnight kiss, but I do want to some well-chosen details that’ll have me agreeing to a second date so I can find out more.
 
Clear Stakes – I want to feel the characters sense of triumph or loss if things go one way or the other.  For that to happen there has to be a clear sense of what’s at play.  Kind of like a seesaw. The conflict is the weight in the middle that can shift to one side or the other depending on what influences ultimately win out. 
 
3. What is your agent style?
Although I tailor my style to each individual client, overall I take a long view in working with clients since I want to work with them for their careers.  So there are a series of things I need to know. What are their goals - both immediate and long term? What are their financial needs? What time do they have to devote to their creative lives with their other professional, family and or personal commitments? What’s realistic once we start putting all these pieces together?  Then it comes down to the nuts and bolts work. How do we try to get them where they want to go?  This tends to involve a lot editorial work, as well as, advising on what projects to pursue, possible networking opportunities, scheduling issues, and many other day to day decisions that fit into the long term career picture. It’s a work in progress that isn’t written stone since life and business are ever-changing. 
 
4. What do you see as upcoming trends in the industry? What themes do see as having endurance?
I think you’ll start to see picture books acquisitions being evaluated differently. With the increase in the e-book and apps markets, a picture book’s adaptability to the “enhanced/enriched” e-book and/or app format will likely play an ever more prominent role in discussions. I’m not sure that’s a particularly good or bad thing, but being able to sell well in these formats is likely going to be a key deciding factor in acquisition. As far as the next theme trend in children’s books, I don’t think I’m prescient enough to predict that. I remember when mysteries in middle grade were going to be all the rage 10 or so years ago. They never went away as far as I could tell, nor did they become quite the rage either.
 
On themes with endurance, however, books that master the classic themes: true love always wins out, star-crossed lovers, triumph over oppression, blood is thicker than water, etc. will always endure. The trick is to find a fresh way to present them. If you think about it, every book that’s begun a thematic trend in recent years incorporates predominant classic themes be it Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Twilight and on. It’s the books that lose sight of that fact in their attempt to just mimic the thematic trend that’ll fade.   
 
5. What would you like to see more of and why?
I would like to see the inventiveness of subject matter and approach to storytelling that’s been going on in YA emerge more in the middle grade market. One of the great things we’ve seen happen in YA is how arbitrary that upper age limit on the genre is. Many adult women have discovered these books and have become devoted readers.  Harry Potter showed us that middle grade can have the same elasticity in readership, but wouldn’t it be wonderful to see more of that happening?  
 
But that’s my broad response and you probably really want to know what I’d specifically like to see. In terms of my personal tastes, the kinds of things that draw me are: stories about kids that are straddling a major transition in life ( a tween who doesn’t really want to release girlhood when her core friends suddenly cross the line to teens or a teen who isn’t going to college when everyone else around them is), magical realism, unique cultural perspectives, humorous voices, historical fiction on an event or era that hasn’t been overly covered already, memorable supporting characters, sibling stories that go deeper than the stereotypical love/hate relationship, and stories from a viewpoint not often seen in literature.  
 
6. What conferences will you attend this year?
In addition to NESCBWI, which I’m thrilled to be invited to, I will be attending the Kansas SCBWI Fall Conference and SCBWI Southern Breeze Fall Conference.   
 
7. Is there anything you would like to add?
I’ve tried to answer the questions about trends, tastes, and what attracts me in a submission in detail because I know it helps, and I hope that my answers have given a better sense of me. However, if you’re a writer who feels you want to share your work with me, but don’t see it as fitting in with my answers to the questions here, please don’t take these as an absolute definition of what might make me go weak at the knees. I would love to be surprised by a perfect manuscript that I have no idea I’ve been waiting to get! 

NESCBWI AQQ Sneak Peek Interview with Agent Chris Richman

Do you still want to know more about the agents attending NESCBWI 2011 Celebrating Milestones Conference? Here's a peek at Chris Richman, an agent with Upstart Crow Literary. Want to know something cool about the Upstart Crow Literary Agency? They are entirely green when it comes to their submission policy.

From their website: "My love of books started at an early age. In the second grade I fell in love with the gross and wonderful works of Roald Dahl. On career day in third grade I carried a book and called myself an author. In the fourth grade I was sent to the principal’s office when the teacher discovered me reading Stephen King’s Pet Sematary in the back of the room."

This is his first year participating in the NESCBWI’s Agent Quick Query Event.

Chris Richman

1. What makes for a healthy working relationship between you and your authors?
A good, open line of communication is really important to me. I like to know a client’s expectations, frustrations, goals, and more, to ensure we’re on the same page and I’m doing everything possible to help them succeed. I also really value transparency in my dealings with my clients; they always know where we are with a project, including how far we think it is from being ready to submit, which editors have it, and what sorts of responses we’re getting. I expect the transparency to be reciprocated, too, so that there’s always an honest line of dialogue going back and forth between us. Finally, I truly writers who approach the business of books as just that: a business. Sure, there are personal expectations, successes, and disappointments mixed in, but I value an author capable of rolling with the highs and lows without tipping too far one way or the other.

 
2. What are you always looking for but never receive in a submission?
I can’t say there’s anything I’ve never received, since every project I’ve signed has had a special element that made me want to work with it. I will say, however, that I yearn for those projects that make me bolt up in my chair and shout, “Yes! This is the one!” right out of the gate, usually due to a complex mix of stellar writing, strong plotting, and original ideas. Sadly, that experience doesn’t happen as much as I would like. I do, however, enjoy the prospect that the next submission could be “the one.”

3. What is your agent style?
I consider myself an editorial agent, especially for debut writers. More and more manuscripts from debut writers need to be in pristine shape if they’re going to stand out to an editor. As I said above, I’m also completely transparent in my dealings. And, as much as I value professionalism, I tend to get to know my clients, and let them see aspects of my own silly personality from time to time.
 
4. What do you see as upcoming trends in the industry? What themes do see as having endurance?
I tend not to chase trends too much, especially in young adult. I would, however, like to hope the paranormal trend in YA is dying, but all signs suggest it will keep going strong until someone puts a stake directly into its heart. Dystopian, especially with romantic elements, is still doing pretty well, although I could see that slowing down somewhat in the near future, especially as most houses who want that sort of project now have it. I’d love to see more funny books for boys, like those by Rick Riordan and Jeff Kinney, stay popular.

As for what has endurance: good writing, of course, will always find a home, whether it’s middle grade or young adult, as will strong, believable characters. And with young adult, no matter what you’re writing--be it sci-fi, dystopian, stories with half human half animal hybrids, whatever—a compelling romance will always do a story good (even though romance is not something I typically seek out).
 
5. What would you like to see more of and why?
I honestly really like stories with a timeless feel, that could have been published thirty years ago, or thirty years from now, and still feel relevant. I don’t typically fall for stories tied so much to the present in terms of trends, fashion, music, etc. I’d love to see more fantastic middle grade with standout voices, though those are very difficult to do well. I’m still seeking stories with sports elements, though they have to be about more than simply sports for me to consider taking them on.
 
6. What conferences will you attend this year?
So far I’ve stopped in at the New York National SCBWI, I ventured out to San Diego’s SCBWI conference in February, and I’ll be of course attending the NESCBWI event in May. Unfortunately, I’ve had to turn down a fair number of conferences this year because it feels like everyone I know has chosen 2011 as the year to get married, though I may be able to squeeze in some more conferences toward the end of the year. We’ll see!  
 
7. Is there anything you would like to add?
I’m always hunting for the next great project, and I’m hoping I’ll find some in New England this May!

NESCBWI AQQ Sneak Peek Interview with Agent Jennifer Laughran

In case you didn't sign up for an Agent Quick Query, here's another opportunity to learn more about the agents attending this year's NESCBWI Celebrating Milestones Conference. Jennifer Laughran is an agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. When she's not at writers conferences, she splits her time between San Francisco, NYC and the Hudson River Valley of NY.

This is Jennifer's third year participating in the NESCBWI’s Agent Quick Query Event. I am so happy to have her back with us again.

Jennifer Laughran

1. What makes for a healthy working relationship between you and your authors?
Open communication! I really can't say that enough.

2. What are you always looking for but never receive in a submission?
I am always looking for totally compelling, unputdownable, but beautifully written books, that make me laugh AND cry at the same time. Sometimes I get them - but I am always looking for more! :-)

3. What is your agent style?
I guess I am... Semi- editorial? I give notes to my authors to help them make their work extra-salable... But if it needed a ton of work, i probably wouldn't have taken it on to begin with.

4. What do you see as upcoming trends in the industry? What themes do see as having endurance?
I am not interested in trends. That said, and unsurprisingly I think, the things that are selling the most are the books that lie on the intersection of "beautifully written" and "high concept" -- I'd say the ease of selling is directly proportional to the difficulty the reader has setting the book down. Greater unputdownablity = faster sale. Makes sense, right?

5. What would you like to see more of and why?
I would like to see more of things that are upbeat. Also tearjerkers. Also super-romantic stories. Also thrilling. Also truly, genuinely scary. I am not so interested in grim, gloomy or quiet.

6. What conferences will you attend this year?
Not sure about Fall yet, but so far on the spring/summer agenda after NESCBWI:

* June 11, 2011: SCBWI Eastern NY conference, Poughkeepsie NY
* July 13, 2011: LeakyCon Lit Day, Orlando FL

7. Is there anything you would like to add?
Writers can check out my blog: http://literaticat.blogspot.com
or follow me on twitter: @literaticat

NESCBWI AQQ Sneak Peek Interview with Agent Ammi-Joan Paquette

Registration is now open for the New England SCBWI's 2011 Celebrating Milestones Conference. This year we've added additional Agent Quick Query slots to give attendees even more opportunities for face-to-face conversations with agents.

The second agent in my NESCBWI 2011 Conference sneak-peek series is Ammi-Joan Paquette. She is an associate agent with the Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and she is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Her encouraging words are full of insight, kindness, and encouragement. She is also a writer. Because of this, she understands what it is like on both sides of the Author/Agent realtionship. 

This is her second year participating in the NESCBWI’s Agent Quick Query Event.

Ammi-Joan Paquette

 

1. What makes for a healthy working relationship between you and your authors?
I think communication is one of the bedrocks of a strong agent-client relationship. When questions or issues arise, it’s important to be able to voice these openly—and likewise, to know that questions and concerns will be addressed promptly and efficiently. This type of communication and mutual respect of each other's time is extremely important in my book.

2. What are you always looking for but never receive in a submission?
One of the most wonderful things for me is when I receive something I didn’t even know I was looking for, but that suits my tastes exactly. That said, I would absolutely love to find a terrific food novel!

3. What is your agent style?
I would say: supportive, passionate, encouraging, persistent. Does that cover it?

4. What do you see as upcoming trends in the industry? What themes do see as having endurance?
I think there will always be a market for excellent writing with depth and heart. Trends come and go, but a story that’s imbued with a piece of yourself, that story that only you can write—that’s what makes a stand-out project.  

5. What would you like to see more of and why?
I’d love to see more laugh-out-loud humor, more mysteries, more tightly-woven plots that keep me guessing. I love to be surprised and caught off-guard by a twist I didn’t see coming but that fits the story beautifully. Surprise me and I will follow you just about anywhere. 

6. What conferences will you attend this year?
I have a fairly slow travel schedule so far this year, so I’m certainly open to considering invitations.

 7. Is there anything you would like to add?
Many thanks to the NESCBWI organizers, and I’ll see you in May!