Published in Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market, 2003
Have you heard the one about the editor at a writer’s conference? She’d been “on” for hours and was enjoying a much-needed moment of privacy in the bathroom. Then, from the adjacent stall, came an eager voice. “Hi,” it said. “I’m so happy to finally meet you. Let me tell you about this picture book I’ve written…”
Truth or urban legend? Well, maybe a bit of both. But the fact is with more and more publishing houses closing transoms to unsolicited manuscripts and more and more “pre-published” writers desperate for entrée, this kind of story isn’t far-fetched. Only slightly less dramatic stories have been verified, and they demonstrate the real frustration editors have with conferences.
Because of these tales, I decided to ask a number of editors what they like and dislike about these events. It’s my hope that both writers and organizers will benefit from their responses.
(Click here for article.)