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{ Book Writing Help
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View All Questions |
| 1). How do I write a book?, 2). How do I write a Children's Book?, 3). How do I publish a Children's book?4). How do I write a Fiction Book?, 5). How do I format a book manuscript?, 6). How do I write a Non-Fiction book?, 7). How do I write a Book Synopsis?, 8). How do I write a History Book?, 9). How do I find a Book Publisher?, 10). How do I find a Literary Agent?, 11). How do I find a Christian Book Literary Agent?, 12). How do I find a Children's Book Literary Agent?, 13). How do I find a Fiction Book Literary Agent?, 14). How do I publish a book?, 15). How do I publish a Christian book?, 16). How do I publish a Fiction book?, 17). How do I self-publish a book?, 18). How do I market my book?, 19). How do I design my book cover? |
Do I need to write a synopsis for a 2000 word children's book written in verse?
this is to get a literary agent prior to a publisher
All Answers To QuestionsAnswer 1
Do you have a particular agent in mind? Right now I would have to say that about 99% of literary agents are not reading children's books because publishers are not buying them. About 40% of the children's book market is celebrity based. Another 40% is successful existing children's authors with previous track records and 15 - 20% is reprints of children's classics. Which leaves virtually no room for new authors. Therefore agents aren't bothering. They cannot make money on them. The children's market is the tightest and toughest to break into.
However, in answer to your question ... If you have a particular agent in mind who IS reading children's material, you have to go by their guidelines. If they request a synopsis of a particular length, then yes, you have to comply in order to be considered. Failure to follow guidelines is almost always a sure rejection.
If and when you get through and find someone to represent you, you will also be required to write a book proposal, which is an extremely important document. It is what the agent uses to sell the book to a publisher. There are books out there that teach you how to do it. I suggest getting a book now and learning how. It is a very tough thing to do.
I am well versed in the world of children's lit. I am a ghostwriter for a well known sports personality. I have written 6 children's books for him - the first due out in spring through one of the top 2 publishers in America. Ghostwriting for a celebrity is the way I got in the door. His name sells.
If you doubt this, take a trip to the biggest book store you know of and do some research in the children's department. You will notice that the 40 40 15 ratio is about right and that you will see very few new names. That is unfortunately the way the market is working right now. Your best shot is with smaller, independent publishers. The top 10 aren't reading children's books - not even from agents. You can contact smaller publishers yourself without an agent. Check through Writers Market for any seeking kids books. And by the way, NO agency has time to take phone calls. It is a very amateur thing to do and will do nothing but earn you a bad name in the business.
If you go to my profile, you will notice I star all good Q and A regarding writing and publishing. Take a peek through them and print out any you think will help you. I do it so new authors won't have to weed through Twilight/Harry Potter/Clique questions to get to the writing information. Pax-C << GO BACK to questions
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