A Few Things about the SCBWI Houston Conference

This past Saturday I attended the Houston SCBWI Conference. I always go. And it’s always great.

The first thing I noted when I arrived...my name was spelled correctly on my name tag! That’s a good sign. It rarely happens.

Logo by Diandra Mae

Then the speakers spoke.  I won’t run down the highlights of their speeches. Just know that we basked in their brilliant awesomeness.

One thing I’ve noticed about agents and editors…they keep getting younger and younger. Nope, I’m not getting old, they’re definitely getting younger. But along with youth comes energy. Who doesn’t want that in an agent and editor?

I did something super smart when I registered. I paid for two professional critiques. One from an agent, one from an editor. Both gave amazing feedback. And the agent praised what she’d read and asked for the full manuscript. Yes! I need an agent, and she’s the agent I’d love to represent me.

What I like best about these conferences, is spending the day with good friends and likeminded people. It’s therapy. But you already know that.

When the day wound down, I was in for another surprise. My work was nominated for the Joan Lowery Nixon Award. The winner is mentored by the lovely Kathi Appelt, who graciously took over when Joan passed away in 2003. To say I was honored, major understatement. But today, I made the decision to withdraw my nomination. This is an award that should go to a less published author.

So we topped off the day with a Mexican buffet, after which I came home and crashed.

By the way, if you’re one of the coordinators who slaved so I could have a great day…thanks for everything! Including spelling my name right. 

I'd love to know your thoughts on conferences. The comment section is waiting.

Now What?

On January 4^th, I told you I’d done something I hadn’t done in 12 years. Submit to an agent. Today I had a first. A rejection from an agent.

I didn’t submit to her with a sense of euphoria. I’m not upset, depressed or feeling worthless. No bubble was burst. But since receiving the “I didn’t love it” reject, I’m pondering the ever frustrating question:

Now what?

I could query another agent, but what if the manuscript really isn’t all that lovable? I certainly don’t want to burn bridges with anyone I might want to rep me in the future.

I could pay hundreds of dollars to a freelance editor to help me whip it into shape. But that’s a risky step. All that money for one editor’s opinion?

Then there’s the option that has crossed my mind a gazillion times. Design some cool covers, hire a copyeditor and throw it all up on Amazon. That would be the easy route. And I could man the helm – a major perk for a control freak like me. But then again, I’m no more a Joe Konrath or Amanda Hocking than I am a Stephen King or Janet Evanovich. To be successful on Kindle, you have to be consistent, a quick writer, and offer 2 or more books a year. Quick and consistent, I'm not.

And then there’s the practical choice. Put it in a drawer and go to the next project. Distance has always been my friend. But that drawer is already overstuffed.

So help me out here, guys. What would you do?

I've Gone and Done It!

I did something today that I haven’t done in over 12 years. I submitted a manuscript to an agent. And it’s only the second time I’ve ever done it. It’s a little scary, but I’ve been in this business long enough to know that it's...well…business. Over the years my skin has thicken so hard it makes a slurping sound when I apply lotion.

So I’ve done it. It’s out there. And I really like this agent. I think she’s a good fit for me. She’s with an excellent house. She’s young and energetic, not that that’s a criteria for a sale, but I’ve always been partial to zany. And when I met her at a previous conference, she smiled a lot.

But just like my previous agent, this was a referral. I like the referral part. It’s easier when someone introduces you – someone respected by that agent. That gives you a kick start. And if things don’t work out this time, I have other friends who would happily refer me to their agents. I don’t know how many kick starts it’ll take to ignite the engine, but I’ll sweat that later (!!!).  

If you’re looking for an agent too, here’s a great blog post from yesterday called “How Do You Know If Your Agent Is Any Good?” It’s mighty helpful. 

http://bit.ly/z0RdKI

Fingers (toes and eyes) crossed that this agent is the one! I’ll report back one way or the other.