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 mentorship to an unpublished picture book writer.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
