New to this Group but I'm sure it's been asked a hundred times.

[no1dolo]

I've written a children's book - how do I find an editor and/or publisher. (Sorry if my question seems so elementary but any suggestions from those who have traveled this path will be helpful.)

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Staert by getting a list of agents

the writer's digest books are good

And do try to attend a writers conference

[no1dolo]

2. What do I do at the conference .....

attend workshops? make connections? ...and should I have the book edited before I talk with an agent? (again - sorry to sound so uninformed)

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Ok critical question... are we talkiing first draft here?

If we are... get your red pen. You never, EVER show first draft copy to an agent...

As to what you do at a conference... all of the above. You even pitch the damn thing to editors.

You know the high concept single sentence that describes the book

They are hard as hell to write at times, but you may have all of thirty seconds to pitch a book

[no1dolo]

4. It's not a first draft...

it's been written and re-written and re-written but it hasn't been "professionally" edited. Does it need to be?

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. No, most writers never give it to a pro

I was just wondering. So you are ready...or as ready as well all are...

At those pesky conferences you can pitch and show work to potential agents, you just need to make appointments ahead of the conference starting.

You also can and should get a market list, and find a potential agent and follow what they want in those things

Start here, just be aware that by the time you get the book it may be a little outdated, so checking on the actual market before you send it, do your fingers do the walking, is a good idea

http://www.writersmarket.com/

Mostly, have a lot of patience. You need to submit to each agent one at a time. A few accept simulatenous, but not the best of ideas. So go get your patience and find a prospective agent. Why going to a writers conference, look for one that has YA agents present, may be a good idea.

Oh and don't be shy... tell agents, don't be pushy, but be assertive.

Oh and good luck

Oh and the question is not stupid, and many folks have no clue and will not even ask it.

If you want it critiqued before you do any of this... and it is up to you, I recomend Critique Circle or a local writers group.

[no1dolo]

6. THANKS!

I had never heard of Critique Circle. I just checked them out - looks good! Thanks again.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Quite possibly one of the best sites for writers on the web

I am a member, and so are a couple other people I know.

[Kind of Blue]

8. I also want to thank you for Critique Circle and no1dolo for asking the question.

I'm half way through writing the first part of a children/YA and I know Critique Circle is going to come in handy. Happy New Year!

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Welcome to the club. I am doing a YA novel\ which is also somewhat autobiographical

it involves kids hazing kids... and that actually was my experience, So it is cathartic to a point, dealing with all that crap many years later

[Tangerine LaBamba]

11. I did

My agent - who wasn't yet my agent - read my first draft. And loved it.

That's the one my publisher bought.

When we got around to the editing stage, she (my editor at HarperCollins) was a whole lot better at it than I.

If someone is convinced that the first draft is their very best and that they've written something special, I say "Go with it."

Sinatra didn't do second takes, either.

As for writers' conferences, my knowledge of them is limited, but I do know that the publishing people mostly view them as opportunities for free trips. So, be very, very careful.

[pnwmom]

10. Join SCBWI, the largest organization for children's writers in the country.

With membership, they'll send you a large packet of material including marketing information, submission requirements, etc.

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

www.scbwi.org

About SCBWI:

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, formed in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles based writers for children, is the only international organization to offer a variety of services to people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children’s literature. The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. There are currently more than 19,000 members worldwide, in over 70 regions, making it the largest children's writing organization in the world.

The benefits of membership in SCBWI are many. The SCBWI sponsors two annual International Conferences on Writing and Illustrating for Children as well as dozens of regional conferences and events throughout the world. It also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, offers awards and grants for works in progress, and provides many informational publications on the art and business of writing and selling written, illustrated, and electronic material. The SCBWI also presents the annual Golden Kite Award for the best fiction and nonfiction books and the Sid Fleischman Humor Award.


www.scbwi.org/about.htm