PASS IT ON ISSUE 53
PASS IT ON - ISSUE 53: DATE
Hi everyone! I hope you have all had a fantastic week. Thanks to all who
have contributed and a special hello to all new members. Thank you also to
everyone who has offered support and encouragement, I really do appreciate
it. Please enjoy this week's issue of PASS IT ON.
A Disclaimer of Liability
Please ensure that your submissions are ACCURATE and clear. I will accept no
responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in the information
submitted. PLEASE be careful.
To unsubscribe send an email to jacket@smartchat.net.au with "unsubscribe"
in the subject heading.
WHAT IS PASS IT ON?
PASS IT ON is a weekly, on-line, interactive, networking newsletter for
those involved with or interested in the children's writing industry. It is
emailed to subscribers every Monday.
PASS IT ON will survive for as long as YOU the CONTRIBUTOR determine. I am
the collection point for YOUR submissions. I am one cog in a tool that has
the potential to be very powerful. (submission guidelines can be found at
the end of the newsletter)
If you wish to receive PASS IT ON - email me, Jackie Hosking at
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many more new friends.
Past issues may be viewed at my website www.jackiehosking.com
GENERAL INFORMATION
Townsville's First Writing School, Australia's newest and most comprehensive
writing school, has a new website now officially waiting for you to browse.
Loads of courses, information about assessment, free newsletter subscription
and much more. Please visit us at www.townsvillewritingschool.com
Vic Writers Centre Information Update
______________________________________
How to Get Published The Age Melbourne Writers' Festival Seminar Program
How to Get Published
A co-presentation between The Age Melbourne Writers' Festival and the
writers' resource Auswriters.com, supported by the Victorian Writers'
Centre.
This year, the festival is pleased to include a day long seminar for anyone
with a passion for writing wanting practical information on getting serious
and getting into print. It will be informative, inspiring and practical -
and of incredible value as a professional or personal development activity.
Experienced speakers from the writing and publishing industry present a
packed program that will help you turn your ideas and notes into a finished
and published product.
Commencing with an opening address at
Hamilton, the program will include presentations by Deakin lecturer Robin
Freeman, authors of the essential texts Mission Possible and A Decent
Proposal, Sheila Hollingworth and Rhonda Whitton, publisher and
self-publishing expert Euan Mitchell, and personal, professional and
spiritual development coach and writer, Jacquie Wise.
The seminar will cover every aspect of the publishing process, from settling
down to write, proofing, editing, submitting a manuscript to publishers and
agents, self and other publishing options, printing issues, business issues,
personal discipline and motivation, and 5 practical steps to start you on
your way!
All seminar delegates will receive a full set of speakers' papers which will
cover the topics they are speaking on in much more depth - a fantastic and
valuable resource long after the seminar ends.
Delegates will also receive an Industry Resource Kit and access to the
Industry Expo throughout the day, where representatives from a range of
industry service providers will be available to provide information and
answer questions. A valuable way to research the variety of services
available to writers, from training to printing to agency representation to
the resources of the Victorian Writers' Centre.
As well, the seminar will provide the chance to meet others with the writing
bug and share ideas, resources and inspiration, particularly during the
Delegates' Networking Reception, sponsored by the Victorian Writers' Centre.
Tickets (including access to all sessions and the Industry Expo, speakers'
papers and the Industry Resource Kit) cost only $95 or $80 concession.
Tickets for the Networking Reception are $25 each. However as a special
offer for members of the Victorian Writers' Centre, we are pleased to
announce that you can book for the seminar and will receive a ticket to the
Networking Reception absolutely free.
Full information is available from the online program guide on the festival
website at www.mwf.com.au
Bookings should be made via the CUB Malthouse Box Office on 03 9685 5111
We look forward to seeing you there.
The Age Melbourne Writers' Festival, The Victorian Writers' Centre and
Auswriters.com
There is an interesting article on self publishing in this weeks Writer's
Digest. Here is a paragraph from it:
"Dan Poynter, author of The Self-Publishing Manual (Para Publishing),
contends: "It's virtually impossible to land a publisher unless you can
bring an audience with you. They're publishing only books that'll sell based
on name recognition, which is why they're publishing great literature like
Madonna's children's books and the book supposedly written by Paris Hilton's
dog."
The full article can be read at
http://www.writersdigest.com/articles/klems_selfpub.asp
Of course it is written about publishing in the
publishing elsewhere.
· The ASA's online showcase of illustrators' artwork,
www.thestylefile.com, will soon feature fourteen new artists.
Launched in August 2003 during the Melbourne Writers' Festival,
www.thestylefile.com showcases illustrators working across a range of
styles, media and subject matter - and for all age groups.
Ann James, the ASA's Illustrators portfolio holder, said the selection panel
was pleased with the number of submissions for this latest round of the
Stylefile. 'We had over 40 applications this round - which was great. There
were artists represented from all States and the ACT.'
Ann said that the fourteen selected artists showed consistency and strength
in all samples of their work. 'Most importantly, the selection panel was
confident the artists could sustain this if commissioned,' she said. 'Their
work had obvious narrative and publication potential.'
The fourteen new artists are:
Tamsin Ainslie (Qld)
Christina Booth (Tas)
Gillian Braithsford (Vic)
Paul Carlyle (Vic)
Angie de Latour (Vic)
Gus Gordon (NSW)
Charlotte Lance (Vic)
Allison Langton (Vic)
Sally Mazak (Vic)
Kirrily Schell (Vic)
Annemarie Scott (Qld)
Jacqui Young (Vic)
Andrea Potter (Tas)
Anne Ryan (Vic)
They were selected by a panel made up of Leigh Hobbs (illustrator/author),
Ann James (illustrator), Elise Hurst (illustrator/author), Sandra Nobes
(Tou-Can Design) and Rosalind Price (Allen & Unwin).
With these new artists, www.thestylefile.com will display the work of 98 of
overseas.
The next round of Stylefile submissions opens in December 2005. Ann James
encourages emerging as well as published illustrators to submit work for
consideration. 'We're looking for work from all areas of book illustration,'
she said, 'children's, medical, cartoon and comic, adult, non-fiction,
botanical, historical, and particularly Indigenous'. She added that book
designers are also very welcome to apply.
For information contact: Ann James 03 9696 0947
This project has been assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the
Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
· For an interesting take on 'determination to get published', log on
to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/to-readers-with-love/2005/08/09/1123353320939.html
and see how some writers are publish their work using the internet, and not
in the usual e-book way.
SEEKING
My name is Mel. I'm a teacher at
would like to apply for funding for next year to have a writer come to our
school for a week and run intensive workshops with the children across all
grade levels.
This year we had a recording artist come in and record the students. A CD
is being produced by the end of the year. Last year we had two puppet ladies
from
and how to do our own puppet performances. Prior to that a group called
'Dog Theatre' came to our school. They worked with the children to create a
performance by the end of the week which was performed at the local theatre
on a Friday night.
We think it's literature's turn. It would be great if the children could
work with a professional author to produce a written work, learn about
illustration and book making, and have a product to take away with them at
the end of the week. Our main aim is to provide the students with a series
of activities they can learn from and cherish for years to come.
To apply for funding for next year we need to provide the funding body with
an artist's name and projects ideas.
We would love to know if you think you would be suitable and up for the
challenge orIf you know of other professional authors who often take part in
this kind of activity we would appreciate if you could let us know.
If you have the time it would be great if you could send us any information
about the kind of work you do and what you think you could offer us in the
way of a week long residency.
Thanks heaps for your time.
Mel Holtz ( holtz.melinda.k@edumail.vic.gov.au )
Children's Book Week Festival assistance
In my capacity as the President of the Children's Book Council of Australia
Victorian Branch I am seeking some volunteer helpers.
The CBCA Vic Branch organizes an annual Children's Book Week Festival as a
lead-up event to Children's Book Week
This year the event will be at Federation Square Atrium and BMW Edge on
Sunday 21 August .
We need some volunteer assistance in the set-up for the day starting at
am
>From
tables, chairs, signage and other materials as provided.
>From
activities such as face painting, "Make your Own Book", Lucky Dip, and
Showbag sales.
>From
Anyone free to assist in this project which raises funds for the Annual
Christmas Book Appeal which provides the gift of a book at Christmas time
for all children under the age of 16 in the care of the State in
should contact Geraldine Woolnough on 9434 4767.
Graham Davey
President CBCA Vic Branch
When should a writer include art notes with a pb manuscript? What form
should they take? What level of detail (if any) is useful to an
illustrator?
Does anyone know the name of the editor at Scholastic now that Alf Mappin
has gone?
REPLIES TO SEEKING
In response to the query re: copyright
Under Australian law, you are automatically recognised as the copyright
holder on creation of your work, whether you write the © symbol or not. So
it is not necessary to use the symbol and date. As long as you can prove
that you created the work at a certain time (most computers record date
created somewhere in the 'file properties' area) your work is protected
should someone else try to pass it off as their own. As a general rule for
first publication, the year doesn't much matter - copyright lasts for 50
years after your death (70in the
your work overseas for publication or are not sure of the trustworthiness of
the people you are sending it to, then you don't need to use either the ©
symbol or the date.
As for second or later publication, the new publisher usually handles
acknowledgments on the imprint page of a book or in your by-line in a
magazine or newspaper. When you sub it to them, you would indicate that it
was 'first published in (year) in (name of publication)'. Again, don't get
hung up on the © symbol unless it's going overseas.
Edel Wignell's opinion in regard to the year of the copyright notice: I
don't think it's necessary. The year is added when the book is published. So
all that's needed on an ms is your name and the copyright sign beside it.
I'm sure you'll find the book referred to by Bernadette Welch is NOT Where I
Am Now by Meg Rosoff but How I Live Now.
To Sally Odgers:
My email course Create a Picture Book has an upfront price, but maybe you
feel the $500 is "an arm and a leg". We need to charge that because there is
individual feedback on each of the exercises. We are also in the process of
developing a Create a Kids' Novel and Create Kids' Illustrations - both will
also be in ten modules with individual feedback. If you would like to make a
link to these, let me know. The workshops are really courses too - happen
about once a month, and cost $120 for the day. Regards, Virginia
Dr Virginia Lowe
Create a Kids' Book
www.alphalink.com.au/~vlowe
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Thousands of things going on
Poems by Michael Rosen
Selected by Helen Bethune, illustrated by Phillip Webb
Chatterbox series Pearson Education
Janette Brazel is thrilled to announce the release of her latest children's
novel, Spin the Bottle, which combines her two great passions - writing and
hockey!
Spin the Bottle was launched last month at a state hockey championship by
Australian Hockeyroo, Fiona Johnson. It's a story about hockey, SOS
messages, spinning bottles, missing persons and love. Another bizarre
mystery from Janette Brazel.
SPECIAL EVENTS
· PRESS RELEASE FROM CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL NSW
Sunday 21st August - The Storyental Express
Celebrate Book Week with a fun steam train journey with your favourite
children's writers and illustrators!
By popular demand, the Storyental Express is running again this year. Four
Trips will be leaving Central Station at 9.50am, 11.20am, 1.30pm, and
3.10pm and every carriage will have one of Australia's favourite children's
authors or illustrators, such as Penny Azar, Jeannie Baker, Pamela Freeman,
Susanne Gervay, David Legge, Emma Quay, Janine Dawson, Gus Gordon, Vashti
Farrer, Jacquie Harvey, Sue Whiting, to name but a few. The round trip
journey takes just over an hour.
Tickets cost: Children $10 Adults:$20 CBC Members & Seniors $15
Family ticket 2 Children 2 Adults: $50 (extra child $5.00)
Bookings and Enquiries Call (02) 9818 3858 or e-mail cbcansw@bigpond.com
This is one of the key annual events for promoting Children's literature to
Children. We would appreciate your support in making children and their
families aware that the train is there for them to enjoy as it is a
cornerstone of book week.
If you would like to develop editorial around this event and other events
happening in schools and libraries across NSW please contact either Marisa
Medina at the CBC NSW office(Tuesdays and Fridays): (02) 9818 3858; Sandy
Campbell on (02) 9489 6102, 0412 843 585 or Rowenna Brown on 0410 027676
The Announcements of the Winners of this year's Children's Book Council Book
Awards Book Week will be made at noon, on Friday 19th July with. This event
will commence at 11.30 at the Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray
Street, Darling Harbour. For further information, signing up to attend the
Awards, and a copy of the National Embargoed Press Release please call:
Margaret Hamilton on (02) 9719 8319.
· Editing in Context
National Editors Conference
13-15 October 2005
Eden on the Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Presented by the Council of Australian Societies of Editors (CASE)
Hosted by the Society of Editors (Vic.) Inc.
The national editors' conference promises to be an exciting and stimulating
experience, not only for editors but also for anyone involved in publishing.
PIO readers will be particularly interested in a panel on editing and
publishing for children. The panel is to be chaired by Lisa Berryman,
Commissioning Editor from HarperCollins, and panel members will include
Denise Ryan, Senior Primary Publisher from Pearson Education, and Maryann
Ballantyne from Black Dog Books, as well as a writer and an illustrator, who
have yet to be confirmed.
The current state of the publishing industry in Australia will be discussed
by the keynote speakers, Janet Mackenzie, author of The Editor's Companion,
Jackie Yowell, consultant publisher, Allen & Unwin, and Michael Webster,
Course Coordinator of the RMIT Graduate Diploma of Editing and Publishing
and Principal of Nielsen BookScan Australia.
Refer to the URL provided below for the (almost) complete program and
registration details. Sessions will be held on health and wellbeing, and
book launches and field trips will also be features of this comprehensive
three-day event.
The conference dinner will be held at the Melbourne Aquarium's Coral Atoll
room, with entertainer and author Jane Clifton as our guest speaker.
Early bird registrations close on 26 August 2005.
For further details and registration fees, go to our website
www.socedvic.org/editingincontext or direct any queries to
editingincontext@optushome.com.au
NSW Book Week 2005 Events - READING ROCKS!
Children's Book Week 20 - 26 August
Awards Announcement
Presentation of Shortlist Certificates and Announcement of Winners and
Honour Books
Friday 19 August, 11 for 11:30am
Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray St, Darling Harbour
Guest speaker: Lisa Forrest, writer and presenter
This event is free but space is limited. Booking is essential on 9719 8319
Celebration Lunch
The Terrace Room,
Australian National Maritime Museum
Friday 19 August at 1pm. Price: $48.00 (GST incl.)
Booking before Friday 12 August is essential!
To Book, send a cheque (made out to the Children's Book Council of
Australia) to: Book Week Luncheon, 8 Seymour St, Drummoyne NSW 2047.
Enquiries 9719 8319 or hamiltonbooks@iprimus.com.au
This event is Free, but space is limited. Booking is essential on 9719
8319.
More Book Week 2005 Events!!
TRAIN Sunday August 21st
Grab your friends, don your hat and gloves and head into Sydney Central for
a fun steam train journey. Some of your favourite authors and illustrators
will join you for a trip full of stories and camaraderie. Books will be
available for sale and signing - with surPRIZES for all the kids! One and
one quarter hour round trips from Central Station, Sydney. Departure Times
10am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3pm. For details and booking forms please contact
The NSW Branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia on 02 9818 3858
or on cbcansw@bigpond.com.
BOAT Monday August 22nd
Book Week Luncheon 11am - 2pm
Back by popular request the Book Week Luncheon is again on the South Steyne
ferry moored at Darling Harbour. For details and booking forms please
contact The NSW Branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia on 02
9818 3858 or on cbcansw@bigpond.com.
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Australian compiler seeks short stories to suit ages 8 to 10 up to 1200
words for an anthology. If stories are already published, please state
publication and date of publication. ASA rates offered. Deadline is November
30. Selection will be made by December 30 at which time receipt of all
manuscripts will be acknowledged and decisions posted. Please include
s.s.a.e. with your submission to ensure you are informed. One story per
contributor. Address: PO Box 2116, Woonona East NSW 2517
Usborne UK are open to unsolicited fiction manuscripts. Guidelines can be
found at http://www.usborne.co.uk/ Click "Contact Us" and go to
Unsolicited Manuscripts for guidelines. SW
Or scroll down to the Publishers' Guidelines section.
San Min Book Co., Ltd. seeks freelance writers who are interested and
experienced in writing articles for Taiwanese EFL students aged 15-18.
COMPETITIONS/AWARDS
WRITING COURSES/WORKSHOPS
WRITING WORKSHOP
The CBCA Vic Branch invites students of years 9-12 to breakfast with Kirsty
Murray (Bridie's Fire, Zarconi's Magic Flying Fish, Tough stuff) Also meet
Neil Curtis (The Memory Book, Cat and Fish) and Jen Cook (Ariadne,
Persephone)
Breakfast will be followed by a one hour writing workshop with Sonya
Hartnett (Of a Boy, The Silver Donkey, Forest, Thursday's Child)
Umbrella Event: Children's Book Week Festival "Reading Rocks"
Venue: BMW Edge Federation Square
Date: Sunday 21 August 2005
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Cost $7 payable at the door
Bookings: essential, limited places
Contact email: prawerm@hotmail.com
RSVP: by 18 August 2005
Graham Davey
President CBCA Vic Branch
03 9889 7749
HAVE YOUR SAY
HAVE YOUR SAY
Four and five star for publishers and low-rent for writers at a recent
conference. Whooah! Tell me it isn't true. Was there a slip up? A wrong
impression somehow? Perhaps the publishers supplemented their staff
accommodation. LIL
FROM AN AUTHOR
.maybe Jennifer Bott's letter should go on as an answer??? to Jeremy's
letter as it's a total contradiction
Letter in response to questions re Books Alive!
Thank you for your email regarding the 2005 Books Alive campaign. I
appreciate you taking the time to contact me with your concerns.
Books Alive is a special Australian Government initiative managed by the
Australia Council. The overriding goal of the Books Alive campaign is to
promote the intrinsic value of books-including but not limited to books by
Australian authors. The Australian Society of Authors was a formal member of
the Books Alive Reference Group and in that role was one of the significant
developers of Books Alive.
The goal of the campaign is an increased number of Australians interested in
books and reading, especially lapsed or occasional readers. For this reason,
titles deemed 'already successful' were chosen by an industry panel
(including Australian authors) with the aim of giving a 'guaranteed good
read' to purchasers who have been encouraged back into reading through Books
Alive.
The campaign aims to increase the profile and sales of books and reading in
Australia. Increasing the number of Australians reading and buying books
benefits the entire Australian book industry-authors, booksellers,
publishers and libraries. Australian writers are well represented in this
year's campaign, with the work of 28 Australian authors included in the
Great Read Guide. The featured author is Matthew Reilly, an Australian
author with a strong general readership. He is particularly popular with
young male readers who have been
identified as the least likely to read books. We think this makes Matthew a
fantastic ambassador for Books Alive. The ongoing support of Australian
writers and literature through the Literature Board of the Australia Council
is different to the Books Alive campaign, and is managed and funded
separately. Through a range of grant programs and initiatives, the Board
supports the excellence, diversity, viability, vitality and distinctiveness
of Australian literature (see www.ozco.gov.au/literature for more
information about the Board's
programs). In 2004-05 the Council spent as much on direct support to
Australian writers through the Literature Board as it has on the Books Alive
campaign-and as much again to support writer service organisations and
Australian publishers to market local titles. We are proud of our support
for established and emerging Australian writers and, at the same time,
pleased to be managing the Books Alive campaign on behalf of the Australian
Government.
Thank you again for making contact.
Regards,
Jennifer Bott.
Jennifer Bott
Chief Executive Officer
Australia Council for the Arts
372 Elizabeth Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
(02) 9215.9003
www.ozco.gov.au
FROM AN AUTHOR
I am happy to write a jacket blurb to ensure accuracy. Two of my books have
inaccuracies about the contents and about me. I always request the addition
of a clause in my contracts: 'The author shall be given the opportunity to
approve the jacket blurb and bio notes.' But, in education publishing, it
doesn't always happen. C.
FROM AUTHOR David Rish
I occasionally review books, usually unpaid, so it was very pleasant to be
asked by a large and progressive disability residential support service to
look, with fee attached, at Elizabth Fensham's 'Helicopter Man', published
by Bloomsbury this year. An Australian writer, Elizabeth's book is about a
boy struggling to keep his life afloat while living a life on the run with
his schizophrenic father. It gets an enthusiastic thumbs up but with one or
two quick jabs to the belly, critic-hat-wearing-wise, from me. The
residential service wants to use fictional material to shed light to their
(largely) lay staff aspects of various disabilities. (Anyone got any other
relevant titles?)
Thinking about reviewing, I thought I might use this forum to give an
enthusiastic thumbs up (but without the jabs to the belly) to Danni Colvin
who does a monthly column in Hobart's big-selling Sunday paper, 'The Sunday
Tasmanian'. A journalist rather than a novelist, Danni is an avid and
learned reader. In her column, she gives an over-view of what's around plus
a major review. Sometimes her arts editor is kind enough to give her a bit
of extra cash and a bit of extra space to run a profile of visiting children's
authors. She once told me how much she was paid to do this monumental task
and I was split between delight that I could have pleasant company queuing
in the soup line, and horror that children's books weren't valued quite as
highly (monetary-wise) as some other areas covered by the paper. (Is that
naivety or what?)
I'm not sure if Danni reviews everything that comes into the Mercury office
(that would probably be impossible) but if the publicity department of your
publisher doesn't have her name on the list, it is worth giving it to them.
Finally, as newspaper reviews are so difficult to get, I reckon that
sometimes it is worth the expense of sending out at your own expense a
review copy to a targeted reviewer. Who knows, you might strike it lucky.
Anyone else out there in writer's land got useful contacts in the reviewing
world they might care to share?
FROM AUTHOR Clancy Tucker
They say a week is a long time in politics. Mmmmm, must be the same with
writing. Since my comments a few issues back about competition ethics, I've
been blown away by something that arrived in my mailbox yesterday.
I entered three bush poems in the Inaugural Clancy of the Overflow
Competition some months ago. What came in the mail yesterday was the
following feedback.
· A list of all winners and their scores
· My three poems with sidelined comments from the two judges plus
helpful advice as well.
· A covering letter advising me of a worthwhile publication.
All of the above arrived at no cost to me. Well done to the organisers and I
have (Of course!) written to them and offered heaps of praise and gratitude.
There you go! Not all that difficult to encourage poets and writers after
all. However, I did (just for a moment) wonder two things. Are the
organisers subscribers to P.I.O or did they assume I was related to the
mighty Clancy?
Thanks for listening and happy birthday to Jackie's production.
· FROM AN AUTHOR
This week I was approached by a new writer seeking help to place a
manuscript. This is part of what I had to say to her: "If you are looking
for work with educational publishers, it really is as simple as contacting
their commissioning editors and asking if they are looking for writers for
the series they are publishing. The difficult part is negotiating a decent
contract with them as educational publishers are notorious for trying to
exploit authors, especially new ones who wish to see their names in print
and forget that they are in a profession, which does have professional
standards to uphold. As a professional, I get increasingly frustrated by the
new writers (and published writers) who express lack of respect for my
profession in comments they make in PIO. For that reason, I've decided in
future to decrease my contributions. Frankly, I don't want to help people
who won't toe the line." DC
· Happy birthday and thankyou!
Just wanted to congratulate you on the wonderful PIO. It is such a great
resource for everyone in the children's writing area. I look forward to
getting each copy.
Also, many thanks to the person who gave us the web site re: Very hungry
caterpillar. An interesting read.
And thankyou for your words of wisdom, Jackie French.
Cheers and keep up the good work,
Sharon Greenaway
***And thank YOU Sharon for saying so! Jackie H J***
FROM AN AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR
A couple of months ago I sent a flyer and letter to Farrar Straus
and Griroux that they consider me for illustration work.
They sent it back to me with a lovely form letter saying they had
carefully considered my manuscript, but it didn't fit their list.
What manuscript I ask?!
Good to se they consider our proposals so carefully.
Had a chuckle out of it, though.
THANK YOU!
Many thanks for the swift responses I received re Meg Rostoff's book as
mentioned by Bernadette Welch at the recent conference held at the NSW
Writers' Centre. I look forward
to reading it.
This swift response reflects the generosity of all of those receiving PASS
IT ON and the terrific benefits of the immediacy of a weekly newsletter.
And thanks again to you, Jackie, for making it all possible. B.A.
***Thank YOU B.A - I am but one cog in this marvelous machine where it's
people like you who keep it oiled! (corny I know J Jackie)***
FROM A "LEARNER" WRITER
I want to thank LIL for the comments about the tone of some letters. I
agree that some contributors seem to be quite derogatory at times especially
to 'learner' writers like myself. We often feel lost in this new world of
writing and publishing and we welcome any insights experienced writers can
offer us. But we don't want to feel put down in the process.
I also wonder if contributors could add a capital city name as well as
suburb when letting us know about upcoming conferences, get togethers etc.
I live in country Victoria and am willing to travel to get to a writing
event but suburb names often leave me wondering if I should head to
Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane! Thanks, Jane
RESPONSES TO CYA CONFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE
Thank you to all those who took the time to respond to the survey
submitted in last week's PIO issue. The information from the
responses is being collated into a spreadsheet so it can be examined
by the conference planning team.
Many excellent suggestions and comments have been made - thank you again.
There is no need to send any more responses at this time.
Sharon Norris & Tina Clark
(on behalf of the CYA Conference Team)
ARTICLES
On Saturday I attended Di Bates' Create and Improve writing course at the
NSW Writer's Centre. As with the Writing for Children/YA DAY notes that I
submitted in PIO 50 (heartfelt thanks to all writers who shared their
appreciation), I have summarised and submitted these course notes as well.
On the subject of workshops, author talks and festivals, I know that it's
difficult for some people to get to these events, and that's why I submit my
notes. However, while the notes relay some great ideas, they cannot
recreate the buzz that comes from being around other like-minded people. If
you haven't attended any courses or festivals, and are in a position to do
so, I strongly recommend that you attend at least one this year. (If any
other Pass It Onners have been impressed by a particular workshop, talk or
festival, please share your experience, however short or long. It would be
lovely to hear your experience).
Di's course was absolutely fizzing with ideas, particularly when we did the
writing exercises. It was such a joy to be around a course presenter who is
so passionate about words, language, books, and most of all, the desire to
help other writers. CH :)
Creating and Editing
Di says:
* The process of writing should be as follows: write, read and edit over
and over and over again. Try not to mix up the three by reading and editing
while you're writing. I sometimes edit when I'm writing, but I have been
writing for many years, and it comes automatically. New writers (especially
those who get frustrated and cannot finish a project) should write first and
then edit.
* When writing, SHOW don't TELL. Show through the characters action,
speech, facial expressions, body language, appearance, and by using the
senses. Two authors who demonstrate excellent use of senses are Tim Winton
and Barbara Hanrahan. An example of telling: Joe was old. An example of
showing: Joe creaked when he moved, his arthritic limbs bowed beneath the
weight of his eighty years.
* "Showing" brings writing alive and stimulates the reader's imagination.
* Try not to overuse adverbs, these are words ending in 'ly'.
* Writing is not so different to gardening. Sometimes a gardener needs
to cut back to allow further growth. If a word is not needed, get rid of
it. If a sentence is not needed, get rid of it. I agree with Sydney Smith
who wrote: "In composing, as a general rule, run your pen through every
other word you have written; you have no idea what vigour it will give your
style".
* It's best not to edit a manuscript soon after writing it. Put it aside
for a while. When you read it later you'll be able to pick up the mistakes
and edit more effectively.
* Have your work critiqued by strangers rather than people close to you.
People close to you love you, and so will probably love what you write.
* A good way to learn the appropriate use of verbs is to underline the
verbs in a prize-winning novel. Learn from the author's use of these verbs.
* Two books that I recommend using are Roget's Thesaurus and The Style
Manual.
Compelling Titles
Di says:
* Think carefully when choosing a title, and accept that a publisher
might change it. A publisher knows the market and they know what sells.
* The title you give your book is known as your 'working title'.
* Your title should evoke something in the reader's mind so that the
reader feels compelled to open the book. It should encapsulate the genre,
fit the tone of the story, sum up the book without giving the plot away, and
be recognised by your target market.
* A title should have around 3 to 6 words, anything longer and the reader
may forget it. Paul Jennings' latest novel has several words in the title,
but he's a best-selling author and can afford to take the risk. [The title
is: How Hedley Hopkins Did a Dare, robbed a grave, made a new friend who
might not have really been there at all, and while he was at it committed a
terrible sin which everyone was doing even though he didn't know it]. I can
only remember "How Hedley Hopkins", and I've read the book - it's hilarious!
* In coming up with a title, you can be outrageous and take risks,
examples: The war of Jenkin's ear, Nude School and Pardon me, you're
stepping on my eyeball.
* Use original expressions, example: Tongue-Fu is a book about resolving
conflict through communication.
* Alliteration and rhyme are also attractive to children.
* The twelve most effective words to put in a non-fiction title are:
you, free, new, guaranteed, fast, easy, discover, proven, how to, save,
increase, [and a] $ sign with an amount beside it.
* Effective words to put in a children's fiction title are: secret,
mystery, magic, witches, wizards, ghosts, dragons, naughty and rude.
* There is no copyright on titles, unless the name is trademarked.
* Once the reader opens the book, the first sentences must 'hook' them
in. Too many new writers spend the first sentence rambling and filling in
the story background when they should be plunging into the action.
General
* As a writer, it is important to have perseverance. Early on in my
career I received 47 CONSECUTIVE rejections. That year I sent out 110
manuscripts and only 18 were accepted.
* The four key elements are to: be productive, be persistent, learn how
to self edit, and know your markets.
* I am market-driven because my aim is to make money from my writing. I
love writing, but I want to earn money from it as well.
* To find out who is publishing what, do some research in an independent
children's bookstore or library. The Bookseller and Publisher magazine and
The Blue Newsletter are both useful in this area.
* If you want to write for children, you MUST read contemporary
children's books. If you read the work of enough different kinds of
writers, you will discover what works and what doesn't. You will also begin
to appreciate what style is.
* Being a writer is a wonderful thing. You can boss words around!
* I truly believe that if you have a great (well-written) story that it
WILL be published.
Most participants chose to purchase Di's Book, How to Self-Edit. It is yet
another great tool to have in the shed! Especially useful are the hundreds
of writing exercises. Happy Writing! CH:)
PUBLISHER GUIDELINES
http://www.usborne.co.uk/misc_pages/contact.asp
Here are the contact details for Usborne Publishing Ltd. in the UK.
For enquiries about Usborne books in other parts of the world, please see
Usborne Worldwide.
Usborne Publishing Ltd.
Usborne House
83-85 Saffron Hill
London
EC1N 8RT
Tel: 44-020-7430-2800
Fax: 44-020-8636-3758
Fax: 44-020-7242-0974 (illustrations)
General enquiries: mail@usborne.co.uk
Sales enquiries: uksales@usborne.co.uk
Quicklinks enquiries: quicklinks_uk@usborne.com
Rights and copyright enquiries: rights@usborne.co.uk
Unsolicited manuscripts
Usborne non-fiction and picture books are produced by in-house editors and
we do not accept unsolicited manuscripts in these areas. If you wish to
submit a fiction manuscript, please read our author's guidelines first.
Rights enquiries
For enquiries about foreign language or digital rights, please email our
Rights Manager.
Fabulous Fiction from Usborne
Authors' guidelines
In July 2004 Usborne launched its Fabulous New Fiction list with a host of
exciting authors from established, prize-winning writers to talented
newcomers. We are continuing to develop and expand our fiction programme,
and are looking for ideas and stories that fit the criteria laid out below.
You can find details of our current programme on our website:
www.fiction.usborne.com Across the range we are looking for innovative,
exciting, original and above all child-centred stories that will capture
children's imagination and engender a love of reading. We are looking for
stories that are easily accessible to children, that speak directly to the
child reader and are highly readable. Exciting and page-turning plots,
memorable characters and interesting, fresh voices are all important
criteria. We are interested in strong series ideas, lots of humour and
adventure, and books that will appeal to both boys and girls.
Junior Fiction
Black and white illustrated chapter books for emerging or more confident
readers.
Generous amounts of illustration, short chapters and easy-to-read type.
Concept-based or character-led series. Lively, appealing stories with real
page-turning quality; strong central characters; lots of dialogue and plenty
of humour where appropriate.
Age group: 6 - 8
Extent: 64 - 80pp
Text length: 3,500- 5,000 words approx.
Age group: 7 - 9
Extent: 96 - 112pp
Text length: 6,000 - 8,000 words approx.
Content: any subject of interest to the age group, including, but not
limited to, humour, fairies, school, spooky, time-travel, history, detective
mysteries, family, science, invention, exploration, adventure, friendship.
Older Fiction
Full length novels for confident readers. Strong concept-based or
character-led series, as well as strikingly original individual books.
Fast-paced, exciting plots with real page-turning quality; strong
characters; dynamic storytelling.
Age group: 8 - 12
Extent: 112pp +
Text length: 15,000 - 50,000 words approx.
Content: extremely wide-ranging and varied, this age group will cover almost
any subject matter, although we are particularly interested in the
following: history, other cultures, mystery, time-travel, spooky,
friendship, adventure, humour.
Manuscripts should be sent to:
Sarah Stewart, Fiction Department, Usborne Publishing Ltd, 83-85 Saffron
Hill, London EC1N 8R
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR PROFILE
1. Published Name: Gail C Breese
2. Based in (state/country): Western Australia
3. Number of years writing: All my life! Since a child I'd written stories,
silly poems, long letters to friends and kept diaries. I never realised I
should have been a writer until 1999 when I did a course on Children's
Writing. This was brilliant. It tidied up my rusty grammar and punctuation
and gave me a focus. It was the start of my writing career and I love it.
Surprisingly, I qualified in Graphic Design and Illustration in 1989 and one
of my course assignments was children's book illustration. I wrote my own
story for the assignment and I STILL didn't realise I should be a writer!
4. Number of books published: As an author: I've had four stories published
so far: 'The Blue Gorph', Barrie Publishing; 'Highway Holiday', Harcourt
Education; 'Silver Creek'. Harcourt Education; 'Percy Ignatius Gammon'
picture book. Writer's Exchange (e-book). 'Postcards from Griff', which I
also illustrated, is to be published by Peranga Post Publishers in a
children's anthology this year.
As an illustrator, my recent published work: Cover illustrations for 'Watch
out for Bunyips' by Helen Evans, published by Loranda; 'Megan's Journey' by
June Keir published by Loranda; 'Percy Ignatius Gammon' my picture book;
'Kangaroo's Visitor gets a Surprise' by Peter Taylor. Picture book. "The
Elephant Waits" by Janette Brazel. Picture book. Published by Writer's
Exchange. Other completed work to be published this year: 'No Signs' by Alan
Horsfield. Picture book.
5. Titles that have been important to you: I would say my 'how-to' books. I
love books. The whole tactile and three senses experience of them. I'm
always looking for that bit of 'golden' information that could make the
difference to my work. These books also inspire me to do better and to hone
my skills.
6. Biggest challenge as a writer: Procrastination. In fact, I'm dogged by
words beginning with 'P'! Procrastination, Point of View, Plot, Punctuation
and a few others I've forgotten. J
7. Favourite writing tip for emerging writers: Read and Write. Read the work
of successful authors and work out what made that story good. And write
until you get it right. I can recommend a block of Cadbury milk chocolate as
a reward for work well done.
8. Scariest part of being published: The thought of being asked to read my
own books to a group of children at a school! (Yes I've been asked.)
9. Funniest thing that's ever happened during book research, writing or
promotion: Well I can't think of anything outstanding but I usually find
something funny in most of the things I do.
10. Do you still receive rejections and if so, how do you deal with them? Oh
yes I do. When I receive a rejection letter I put on a tee shirt displaying
the words, "I AM A REJECT" and run screaming up and down the street with all
the pages of my manuscript streaming out behind me.
No I don't. J Rejections don't upset me but I will admit to being
disappointed. I have a rejection letter pinned up on the corkboard which
motivates me as I write. It was a fantastic boost to read an editor's
response ". you really have something in your writing." And ". Please
keep writing and please keep us in mind ." It was one rejection letter I
was thrilled to receive.
11. Do you ever become discouraged and ask yourself whether there is
something easier you could be doing than writing? Never. There are plenty
of things that are easier to do than writing, but there's nothing better
than a story acceptance. Well perhaps one: it's to imagine children reading
the story and really enjoying it. What a buzz!
12. Do you ever experience 'writer's block' and if so, what tools do you use
to overcome it and get back on track? Writer's block is something that
attacks me halfway through a story due to one of the 'p' words: PLOT! I
have no problems coming up with story ideas. I usually have a story overview
and know the beginning and the ending, but the middles often cause writer's
block to attack! To get it back on track I often do something completely
different. Write another story, do some illustrating or website work and let
my subconscious get busy on problem solving. I usually have the answer to
what's holding up the flow of the story in the middle of the night!
13. How much actual time per day/week do you spend writing? It's hard to
say. Some days I write all day because it's flowing well. Other days I might
not work on any of my stories because one of the 'P' words has attacked
again! But I always carry a notebook and scribble sentences, words or ideas
that I might use in a story. Sometimes just a title for a new story. And I'm
always thinking about writing - plots - or characters .
14. Give a brief overview of your average writing day: In the morning after
an hour working in the garden to revitalise me, I come into my gorgeous
studio and boot up the computer. Firstly I check my emails to see if there's
anything important that might alter my plans. (You never know, it could be
an acceptance from an editor!) If I'm researching a new story I get busy
looking at websites and printing relevant information. Or I open the story I'm
currently working on and start writing. I lose all track of time and that's
a blissful writing day!
15. Describe your writing place: My husband built me my studio. I've never
had a room that was solely mine. This space is like a sanctuary, a creative
playroom, a fun place to be, and it draws me in like a magnet. It contains
my piano, stereo (I can't work without music) computer and peripherals, two
art desks: one where I work illustrating and the other to store all my art
papers, plus a cupboard for art equipment. A whiteboard where I note down
deadlines and work projects. My tall bookcase jam-packed with books by my
friends and other authors, my how-to books and a collection of toy lions!
The busier I am, the messier the studio and I am usually under landslides of
paper notes, files and folders and rarely get to see the tops of my desks!
Hanging from the ceiling is my secret weapon: a pencil of magnificent
proportions, 38 cms long and it almost needs two hands to hold it. If I use
this to draw or write, then there's no way I can fail! J
16. Recent news, links to reviews/articles, books signings, author
appearances etc. Um, I haven't heard of any reviews for my books apart from
this one: www.myshelf.com/kids/fiction/05/percyignatiuscammon.htm It was
quite a buzz to read it though. Pity they got the name wrong. It's Gammon
not Cammon!
17. Favourite saying or quote: Carpe Diem. Seize the day. I get up in the
morning and can't wait to get stuck in to the fun work. I try to pack the
most into each day.
18. Website/contact details One of my 'other selves' creates websites. It's
another reason why I'm challenged in my studio to get my work done. I need
at least a 30-hour day and even then I might not do all I want to do. I'm
working on a client's website at present and in-between I'm trying work on
my latest story and to do my own website to replace the very temporary one I
put up on www.creakyg.com and from where I can also be contacted.
USEFUL BOOKS/WEBSITES
A list of children's publishers in the UK (with links) can be found at
http://www.ukchildrensbooks.co.uk/pubs.html SW
BOOK REVIEWS
INDEPENDENT CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOPS
**Note this is a new section - please feel free to add to it**
This independent bookshop in Brisbane is well worth a visit. They stock a
wide range of children's books including some titles from Educational
publishers. Claire
Riverbend Books & Teahouse
*193 Oxford Street
Bulimba, QLD 4171
Tel: 0738998555 Fax: 0733957777
In PIO issue 52 it was mentioned that Independent Children's Bookshops could
not be found in Qld. There is an excellent bookstore that services Brisbane
called the
Book Garden
15/43 Lang Parade,
Milton Qld 4064
Telephone 61 7 3720 9971 Facsimile 61 7 3720 9981
Freecall: 1800 812 336
http://www.thebookgarden.com.au/catalog/index.php
Another popular one on the Sunshine coast is
Just Imagine
49 The Esplanade
Cotton Tree
Maroochydore QLD 4558
Ph: 07 5479 6789
Fax: 07 5479 6787
Email: just_imagine@hotmail.com
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
Author - Have forgotten but it was a writer of good repute
"There are only two kinds of literary jobs.
1 Those you think will be easy and which turn out to be much harder than you
expected, and
2 Those you think will be hard and which turn out to be much harder than you
expected."
CRITIQUE GROUPS BULLETINBOARD
**Looking to create or join a critique group - here's the place!**
CRITIQUE GROUPS? If you would like to find or create a critique group then
send me ( jacket@smartchat.net.au ) an email with CRITQUE GROUP as the
subject heading along with your request and I will post it on the
noticeboard. You might like to include details such as:
1. How long you've been writing
2. What genre you prefer (so long as it's children's/YA)
3. Whether or not you are published
4. What you are looking for in a critique group and what you can offer.
5. Your contact details or you can go via me if you'd prefer.
6. Anything else you can think of.
MILESTONES
**A new section for members to share their achievements**
Edel Wignell, The Fire Goddess and Other Myths from the Pacific Islands,
illus. Susy Boyer, 'Chatterbox' Series, Pearson/Longman.
This is Edel's 9th book in the 'Chatterbox' series, and it's for children in
Year 5. The myths are violent and the illustrations are bold, vibrant and
very dramatic.
ADVERTISEMENTS
PASS IT ON SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submit contributions to jacket@smartchat.net.au
Comic Sans MS, 12pt, single-line spacing (not essential but helpful)
Mark PASS IT ON SUBMISSION in the subject line
Submit within the body of the email
Give your piece a title heading: eg New Publications; Seeking; General
Information; etc.
Email addresses and contributor contact details will be withheld unless
otherwise stated
Jackie Hosking
Editor/Compiler "PASS IT ON"
www.jackiehosking.com
posted by Jackie at 11:08 PM
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