A children’s publisher requested Josh and the It, my kids’ sci-fi chapter book
I turned a query letter into a request for my manuscript.
How?
For the last month I’ve researched children’s publishers, pouring over the writer’s bible, Australian Writers Marketplace, and publisher’s websites including their submission guidelines.
I discovered my manuscript was too short for that age group, 7-10 years.
So I rewrote Josh and the It, amping up existing scenes, adding a new scene or two, boosting my word count.
In my research, I discovered publishers, who had published similar books to mine with an action adventure sci-fi theme. Books with similar age groups and word counts. I also asked writer friends which publishers would be interested in kid’s sci-fi. Funny enough, their suggestions matched my research.
I had a list of four. But one publisher stood out above them all as my most likely candidate. Leonie Tyle of Woolshed Press had kindly recommended her as ‘a good fit.’
Next I developed an irresistible query email that would get that publisher’s attention, including the following …
• An elevator pitch of my book with an enticing book blurb, a statement of genre, word count and the market.
• I explained my writing credits and why I wrote the book in the most positive light I could.
• In the final paragraph, I included specific details about that publisher’s preferences and similar books published by them.
Within an hour, I received a reply requesting I send Josh and the It to that publisher via email.
I raced upstairs and did a victory lap around the house. Not once but twice.
I couldn’t believe it.
The next day, after double-checking my documents I sent her my cover letter, the full manuscript, a personalized book proposal and a resume. Within ten minutes she replied, promising she’ll get back to me soon.
Woo hoo!
What now?
I’m keeping as busy as I can, brainstorming and mind mapping Book 2 of the Space Kids series.
Please universe, grant me this one wish.
That this publisher will be the one.
That’s great news, Karen.
Congratulations! Hope it leads to something wonderful for you.
Dee
Thanks so much Dee. So do I. This could be the BIG break I’ve been waiting for.
Congratulations Karen. Wishing you all the success in the world with this book!
Thanks Jeanie, I have a really good vibe about this one. Hope it leads somewhere wonderful :))
Hi Karen. Hope you hear some wonderful news soon.
Thanks Michael, I’ve worked hard on researching Publishers for this one and tweaking that Query Letter over a week. Hope its all going to pay off… Karen :))
Hi, Karen
Fabulous news. Your hard work and research has to pay off. Best of luck with this publisher. Joanna : ))
Thanks Joanna, I’m wishing, hoping and praying for this one. Cheers, Karen :))
Hi Karen
Congratulations, I hope this is the one!!
Thanks Elaine, So do I! Hope this leads to my other stories getting published too. Cheers, Karen :))
So close, Karen! Everything’s crossed 🙂
Thanks Carol, I feel that too. Thanks for all the “crossings”. Cheers, Karen :))
Congratulations Karen. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you and I hope you hear some good news soon.
Thanks Debbie. Hope to hear some good news too. In the meantime, I’m keeping as busy as I can be. Cheers, Karen :))
Well done Karen. You’re persistence has paid off. Let’s hope its a Go. With your attitude, you will get there, no matter what.
=]
Thanks so much Anthony, I’m hoping this opportunity will open doors for me. Forever hopeful …Karen :))
That is exciting news Karen. I couldn’t say it better than Anthony did. You deserve your success. You work so hard towards your goal.
Thanks Lexie. I’m being as a positive as I can. Working hard on Book 2 of Space Kids series. Just in case Kids Publishers asks me “What else do you have?”… Karen :))
I am rooting for you Karen! You’re one of the most professional aspiring authors I know 🙂
Thanks Katy-Rose, Its nice to know you’re in my corner. I’m trying my darnest to get published. I’ve come this far … I’m not giving up now … Karen :))
Fingers and toes crossed for you, karen x
Thanks Angela, I’m keeping as busy as I can. The longer they take, the better my chances … Cheers, Karen :))