Friday 21 November 2008

Lila & Sausage Visit A Publisher


Sorry it's taken a couple of days to feed back about my meeting with Hodder. So much has been going on this week, my head is spinning (more later...)!

I saw my editor on Wednesday afternoon and she was very positive about the story. She said she loved the characters and the adventures they get into.

There are many stages to getting a book commissioned and you have to jump through a number of hoops, but I seem to have got through the first one. She needs to show my work to another editor and then, if she likes it too, the story gets taken to what they call an 'acquisitions meeting', where it is given the thumbs up or down. Cross fingers...

One problem is that my story is definitely aimed at the older end of picture book age (5 - 8 rather than 3 - 5) and apparently, at the moment, it is proving a lot easier to get younger books through the acquisitions process. It's all to do with what 'the trade' buy. I don't fully understand it all, but it is an extra hurdle in my way.

I'll keep you posted. There's still a way to go, but at least she didn't throw me out!

6 comments:

Buskitten said...

Absolutely facinating, Lynne. I had no idea the process took so long, I thought you just had it accepted and then got quite alot of money! So it's so interesting to read about how it happens in real life - brilliant stuff! Keep it coming!

Alicia PadrĂ³n said...

Hi Lynn! I've been following your blog for some time now. I really love your work! It's so fresh, colorful and funny. I'm sure kids love it too :o)

I really hope your story goes well at the acquisitions meeting! I'll cross my fingers for you. But hey, the editor already loved it, that's a great start right!!

Congrats and I'll keep visiting for sure :o)

CARLADALY said...

It is a tough game the publishing business, but your work is great and I hope you get your book published.

Carla

Doda said...

Hi, I think that all sounded quite positive.
These things can take ages! I've had a manuscript "under consideration" for over a year now.
Keep at it!

Lynne the Pencil said...

Thanks all. Yes, I knew it wouldn't be a quick and easy process, even if successful. And of course, the odds of success are never good either!

But I'm glad it's proving helpful and interesting, using Lila and Sausage to discuss the process. Some people can be rather coy about the nitty gritty, but I think we all benefit from shared experience.

nella gatica said...

congratulations!!! and thank you for the comment in my blog!!
I love your work!