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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Dear Future Picture Book Author




Dear Future Picture Book Author,

“If you’re lucky enough to do well, it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.” I love this quote from Kevin Spacey. And while I don’t consider myself at the top, I have been very fortunate since signing with my agent, Lori Kilkelly, two and a half years ago. In 2016, I have six books coming out (three picture books and three chapter books). Those books will be followed by six more picture books in the following years. Call it fortunate or lucky or blessed, my dream of a career writing for kids has come true.

Now it’s my chance to send the elevator back down. I’d like to offer a (free!) mentorship to an unpublished picture book writer. 

What:   I’ll assist one writer with his/her PB manuscripts. I will also answer questions about the industry and help with query letters and pitches.

When:  Over a six month period (approx. January-June 2016)

Who:    I’ll be the mentor. The mentee should be someone who has been writing PB manuscripts for at least a year. Must be over 18, living in the USA (so we can talk on the phone), and serious about writing. This is for those who write picture books—no novels, no easy readers, no chapter books, no magazine articles. I prefer to work with fiction or a combination of fiction and non-fiction, and I’m not the ideal mentor for an author who writes in rhyme.

How:    The writer will email me PB manuscripts for critique. I will write my suggestions, send them back, and then allow for a follow-up phone call. We will work on a maximum of three manuscripts and one query letter.  The writer may also send me questions at any time.

Why:    I actually like to critique. (Warning: I can be brutal!)   And see Kevin Spacey quote above. Also, I expect the writer to send the elevator back down when he/she reaches his/her goal.

Cost:     Free! No purchase necessary. You don’t even need to “like” me on Facebook or Twitter.

Please Note: While I’m willing to help a new author with craft and share my industry experience, I am not offering to recommend the writer to my agent or any of my editors. And there is absolutely no guarantee of success. Working with me will not land you an agent or get you published.  

I reserve the right to change these guidelines at any time.

How to Apply:
Simple. Send me an e-mail (author.stacymcanulty@gmail.com) and tell me why you’re interested in working with me. (Subject line should read: Future Picture Book Author) And I need to know the answer to these two questions.
·         * How long have you been writing picture books? (Minimum one year.)
·         * How many picture book manuscripts have you written? (Minimum of 8.)

And here are some other questions you might want to answer.
·         * What organizations do you belong to? SCBWI? 12x12? PiBoIdMo? WOW?
·         * Why do you want to write for kids?
·         * What have been your struggles so far?
·         * What interests you?
·         * What’s your favorite dinosaur?

I’ll be accepting emails starting today until December 30th. I may follow-up and ask to see a sample manuscript. I will make the final decision in January.  This final decision is mine alone and will be based on my opinion of who I think I can best assist.

Feel free to send questions by email (or comment below).

Cheers,
Stacy McAnulty

33 comments:

  1. Wow. Thanks for this opportunity. I've shared and will apply.

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  2. Such a generous offer and opportunity! Thanks, Stacy!

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  3. That is a generous offer. Very kind of you. Will share this!

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  4. "Boom!" Mind once again blown by the generosity in this tribe of writers. Thanks.

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  5. What an awesome opportunity! Thanks for your generosity!

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  6. You have no idea how karmic this offer is. Amazing offer. Thank you.

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  8. Wow! This is a great idea. Your generosity is inspiring. I love the support of the kid lit world! Heather Stigall

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  9. Stacy, this is a terrific offer! Thanks for giving a fellow writer your time.

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  10. Even if you don't pick me, my faith in humanity is restored on this day of tragic news in California. I am not published but I still try to pay forward any of my skills so I can help others along the way. Thank you for such a great opportunity!

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  11. HECK yes I'm applying! What a great opportunity! Whoever gets this chance is one lucky ducky (no, I don't do rhyme PBs).
    : )
    -Rose

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  12. What a fabulous opportunity. Thank you for your generosity. I have a feeling you will be barraged. :)

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  14. I very much like the requirement to have been writing for at least a year. It sounds like great advice. I only just got started with picture book ideas this year, so I don't meet that requirement. I think it is excellent to have tried on your own to put things together before seeking advice on what you have. So... I don't feel ready yet for mentor-ship or other things like the 12x12 challenge. Thank you for posting about the opportunity. :)

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  15. Love that you are sending the elevator back down. There are so many of us interested in having a mentor, Stacy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and time with that one lucky future author.

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  16. Thank you for sending the elevator back down. I'll be sure to share this on Twitter. Now I need to work up the courage to send that email, like everyone else and their dog :)

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  17. What a wonderful chance for a newish writer. Living in Canada makes me ineligible but I wanted to thank you for your generous giving mentorship.

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  18. A very gracious and generous opportunity for sure. Sharing and giving is such a gift that comes back to the one who shares and gives from the heart. The quote by Kevin Spacey resonates with me.

    Thank you, Stacy.
    ~Suzy Leopold

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  19. This is amazing. I spent a few years stumbling around, writing crummy PBs before I discovered the KIDLIT community, and I have been BLOWN AWAY by the generosity and kindness of this amazing group of people. Thank you for taking the time to help someone else.

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  20. I've entered the elevator and pushed the button for the penthouse. Thank your for the opportunity and generous offer.

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  21. Amazing opportunity--as so many have already said!!! Thank you for sending the elevator down. I'm interested in going up.

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  22. So generous of you, thank you! And CONGRATULATIONS on all your current and upcoming books---WOW!

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  23. I also don't meet your minimum requirements, but I'm sure encouraged by this offer. Thank you for making this amazing offer!

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  24. Wow, Stacy! I'll spread the word for you! Incredible generosity!

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  25. Thank you Stacy... one day I'll do this too! Fantastic idea.

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  26. I'm so grateful you chose to share your accomplishments. You've caused my, It Can Be Done, meter to blow its gasket. I'm proud of you and am encouraged by you. Thank you so much for this amazing, awesome offer.

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  27. What an amazing opportunity! Thank you for being so generous with your time and expertise.

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  28. Stacy, you have given us a wonderful gift of talent, time, and energy! Gotta read the rest of your books!!!!! Thank you.

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  29. I don't qualify for the mentorship opportunity (I write in rhyme), but find it lovely that you're "paying it forward" for another aspiring PB author. Best of luck to all the applicants!

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  30. What an amazing offer! I just love the PB community!

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  31. And, congratulations on all of your upcoming books!

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