SCBWI talk by YA author Linda Gerber--Part I

Yesterday I parked the kids with hubby and took the train into Tokyo to attend a talk by Linda Gerber, author of Now and Zen, sponsored by the Tokyo chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Most of my writing life always seems to take place online, so the chance to meet other writers ranks up there with an offer of chocolate--impossible to turn down.

Linda's talk focused a lot on what consititues a series and the various ways to break into the market. She made a comment that I can't emphasize enough: "Keep your eyes open to any opportunities." Sure writing is all about being creative. At least that's what we tell ourselves. But once we start submitting that piece of work, there's a business aspect that can't be ignored. Editors may like your writing, but if the market isn't there or if the market has already turned the corner and your fascinating heroine is considered yesterday's leftovers, you're out of luck.

Study the market. Look at the books that are currently published and see if you can determine why they're such a success. According to Linda, it's spies and sleuths that are hot right now. Will they be tomorrow, good question. Remember that any manuscript you submit now isn't likely to get into print for another year or more, so while it's important to look at the market, don't become a slave to it.

Another interesting point she raised is that while girls generally get hooked on reading and continue to read, boys have to be caught early. Boys don't seem to be the huge readers that girls are (we're speaking in generalities here). This does leave a huge gap in the market for anyone with a cool concept. A YA author on a loop I belong to mentioned recently that her publisher is actively seeking YA boy-focused books.

Tomorrow, I'll post more on Linda's discussion of book series.

--Patrizia