Categories
Interviews
If you'd like to learn more about me, as well as pick up a few insights on book publishing for children, you might like to take a look at these interviews I've done:
http://www.literaryrambles.com/2021/07/agent-spotlight-mary-cummings-interview.html
https://www.pbspotlight.com/single-post/agent-spotlight-mary-cummings-new-agency-alert
http://www.kidlit411.com/2020/11/agent-spotlight-mary-cummings.html
https://duotrope.com/interview/agent/24344/mary-cummings
https://www.onlypicturebooks.com/2019/08/26/literary-agent-interview-mary-cummings/
https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/mary-cummings/
Creative Book Promotion
Your publisher will work to make your book a success through visibility at book trade shows, utilizing social media vehicles, and by sending review copies to journals, newspapers and other outlets. But sales and impact will be much greater if you, the author (or illustrator) also devote time, energy - and creativity - to its promotion. This is something you can begin to plan for even before the book is published.
Elizabeth Verdick, author of SMALL WALT, SMALL WALT AND MO THE TOW and SMALL WALT SPOTS DOT (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) asked the publisher to work with her to create a colorful four-page booklet to bring to readings and events that she set up across the Midwest. She writes: "I said I was open to whatever they would provide. I mocked up some ideas myself, and Sylvie [Frank, editor of the SMALL WALT books] sent them along to the art department. The art department took my ideas and then made them much better! They added the maze and provided the booklet in printed form for me to use. They did the design, copy, and printing and then sent the materials to me in printed form. They also gave me the template so I can reprint in the future. Older children enjoy the maze and make-your-own-plow sections; younger kids like to color Walt. I bring snowflake-shaped stampers and a variety of inkpads so children can decorate the pages with fun snowflakes. This has been a great way to extend the story and invite children to participate."
Identifying its underlying themes will help give you ideas about where and how to promote your book. Elizabeth notes: "One of the themes in my Small Walt stories is taking pride in your work. Gus and Sue (the drivers), and Walt and Mo (their machines), are hardworking and determined, just like real-life drivers and their machines. I knew it was important to reach those drivers as part of my audience, because most of them probably have kids in their lives - and my books can perhaps serve as a connection. I contacted places like SnowPlowNews.com and Tow Times Magazine. The publishers [of those trade magazines] agreed to review my books, which turned out to be a great (and inexpensive) way to connect with a professional audience. SnowPlowNews even ran online contests in which my books were the prizes. This was publicity outreach I could do on my own, while the publisher continued promotions on their end. Simon & Schuster agreed to send copies of SMALL WALT AND MO THE TOW to towing associations across the country from a list I compiled. This was so helpful, because the cost of doing that type of mass mailing wouldn't be possible for me as the author. I also found the International Towing Museum in Chattanooga, TN and asked S & S if they would provide publicity materials and a book sample. I was so happy to learn that the museum now carries SMALL WALT AND MO THE TOW."
The collaborative efforts of the author and the publisher have propelled sales of the SMALL WALT books. Authors are often a bit shy and uncertain about asking their publishers for help, but identifying what you would like and clearly articulating it to the publisher - while also being willing to do your part in research and outreach - can make a huge difference, as Elizabeth Verdick's experiences demonstrate.
Revising the mg novel HORUS AND THE CURSE OF EVERLASTING REGRET
Different agents have different outlooks and ways of working with clients. I only take on projects that I really am excited about, and that are in very good shape. I use my experience and insights to work with authors (and author/illustrators) to open up other possibilities for revision for projects to become even better.
I take an editorial approach, but exactly what that looks like depends upon the client's needs and the particular manuscript. Sometimes a story is too long and I'll suggest areas to cut. Sometimes the chapter endings in a novel need sharpening. Sometimes there are fuzzy passages or unclear transitions or underdeveloped characters. Or other issues.
Here's what author Hannah Voskuil had to say on how we worked together before submitting her engaging, suspenseful first novel to editors:
"Mary suggested edits to my middle grade novel that proved extremely valuable. One useful change she proposed was to make the Horus character, whom I originally had written as an adult, a child character. It wasn't a difficult change to implement, but it solved numerous problems. I wished I'd thought of it! She also offered insights into how to maintain momentum throughout the story: punching up the chapter endings, focusing less on minor characters that didn't forward the plot, and building out others that did. The robot character WindUp, and by extension WindUp's owner Peter, became more fully imagined under Mary's guidance. I also really struggled with finding a good title, and I credit Mary with developing a memorable one."
Here's the note from Melanie Nolan at Knopf, which arrived with their offer notice:
"Horus ticked all the best boxes for us when it comes to charming, affable middle grade. Peter and Tunie are such likeable characters - earnest and relatable, with demons of their own to chase, and the set up in the museum, the curse, the mummy, and the kidnapping all add up to a suspenseful, accessible young mystery. We were smitten! Though we both feel the story would benefit from some revisions - chiefly, developing some of the plot strands, and setting up the mummy and the curse in a more careful way - the essentials are all here, and we'd be delighted to make an offer to publish the novel here at Knopf, with Allison to edit upon her return in January."
Used with client and publisher permission
Evolution of a Picture Book Text
Although picture books are relatively short, writers know all too well that there are portions which come easily - but other sections are really tough to get right. Critique partners, teachers and others can help with insights to polish the story before it is sent off to prospective agents.
I liked Ariel Horn's DO NOT GO IN THERE! very much. A perpetually nervous and pessimistic Bogart is not at all happy about his friend Morton's desire to open a door. As I do with virtually all potential new clients, there were some tweaks I requested, which she made, before I took on the project. I was delighted when this email arrived:
Hi Mary,
Thank you so much for sending DO NOT GO IN THERE! This concept is so much fun and I love the wild scenarios Ariel has dreamed up.
I am intrigued, but I do think it would need some revising ... so here are some thoughts and if the author is open, I would love to see another draft!
We discussed internally, and we think it would be a lot of fun if Morton imagines what is behind the door as well! In contrast to Bogart, perhaps Morton dreams up outrageously light, fluffy and happy situations. Seeing each of these kids' imaginary scenarios escalate until the end would allow for some really adorable and wild illustrations, while still hitting the message.
Let me know if Ariel would be interested in exploring this direction!
All the best,
Erin
Erin Stein
Publisher, Imprint
Here's what Ariel had to say in response, and here's the opening of her stab at a revision:
I don't "like" the idea - I LOVE IT!!!! I think it would make a story I love so much stronger - I only feel totally silly I didn't think of this myself!
Bogart and Morton didn't always see eye to eye on things.
Do not go in there!
Why not?
There is probably a scary wolf with beady red eyes who eats bunnies for supper in there.
There is probably a scary wolf with beady red eyes who eats bunnies for supper in there.
Or there might not be. There might be a HUGE pile of marshmallows and chocolate chips waiting for us on the other side of that door!
Trust me. DO NOT go in there. I bet it's a wolf. There's always a scary wolf in these kinds of stories.
Well, I'm going to eat the marshmallows and chocolate chips before the wolf gets them, then.
No! Do NOT go in there!
Why not? Wait, maybe behind that door, there's this gigantic mountain just made of spaghetti - nothing but spaghetti - and we can get sleds and go down it!
Although Ariel had added some very fun lines, Morton still primarily reacts to Bogart rather than half-listening to his friend and expressing his own personality and emotions. Here's an excerpt of what I replied to Ariel about the revision:
Instead of Morton always listening and responding to Bogart, he could be in his own fluffy, puffy, dreamy realm ignoring what Morton's imagining. In many areas of the manuscript as you now have it he says "Why not?" and that takes away from his autonomy. He isn't outrageously light, fluffy, happy (not yet, anyway! But I know you can get there!).
How about if his first line is something to the effect of the door looks so inviting, it has a cute curly cue doorknob or something like that (instead of "Why not?") so he's ignoring what Bogart says and is reaching for it?
Maybe he imagines he can smell the goodies on the other side and he's salivating because they are yummy yummy. Maybe he argues that "no no. This isn't that kind of story - this is a happy happy story."
I think you have too many food images going - need more variety.
Could Morton give a quick dismissive comment instead of the more prolonged "Well, I've never seen a scary wolf ..." and maybe he's on to talking about cute, cuddly, furry puppies behind the door?
Ariel did a second revision, and emailed it to me with this comment:
I think it is a MILLION times better, no question! Such great feedback and guidance from you - it felt so good to revise it with those ideas in mind!
Among her many adorable and hilarious new bits, Morton now says:
But look how RED that door is! Ooh, what if it's like a scratch n' sniff sticker and it smells like cherries? (in the final, "cherries" was changed to "candy")
And:
Not wolves: PUPPIES! Snuggly, soft, cuddly puppies going into outer space for the very first time! With names like Captain Chewy and Mr. Slappy! With puppy-sized space helmets!
I felt she'd really nailed it, and sent off to Erin - who snapped it up! Only a little was changed from this version, though one crucial line at the end ("Or ... a magic wand that can make us invisible!") was moved from Morton to Bogart, which shifted Bogart's fears towards optimism and wondrous hope.
Kirkus Reviews called it "Tender, affirming and lots of fun" - and they are right!
Used with client and publisher permission
Some New Titles
It's always a joy to see new releases by my clients! Here are new releases for 2023:
On the
Fourth of July by Maggie
C. Rudd, illustrated by Pura Belpré Honor artist Elisa Chavarri, is a picture
book celebrating the joy of being an American on the Fourth of July as the
daytime fun of picnics and swimming gives way to wonder and delight at a night
of fireworks. It’s published by Farrar, Straus Children’s.
To Boldly
Go by Angela Dalton, illustrated
by Lauren Semmer, came out in January. In this nonfiction picture book,
actress Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lt. Uhura on Star Trek, becomes
disheartened by acts of prejudice on the set and decides to leave the show,
until fan Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. convinces her she's making a difference. It
is Angela’s second book with HarperCollins.
What Does Brown
Mean to You? by
author-illustrator Ron Grady, associates myriad shades of brown all
around - from varieties of skin color in a boy’s family, to foods and treasured
objects and beloved pets - with comfort and beauty. It is published by
Penguin/Paulsen, with Ron’s second book, Beatrice Looks for Home, to
follow in 2025.
Tangle-Knot by Loretta Ellsworth,
illustrated by Annabel Tempest, is the sweet and funny story of a girl who
cares for a bird nesting in her unbrushed hair, much to her mother's dismay. Loretta
is the author of a number of novels for young readers; Page Street Kids is the
publisher of her first picture book.
How to
Stay Invisible, a
middle-grade novel, is the second book releasing in 2023 by Maggie C. Rudd.
It’s about a boy abandoned by his family who, to avoid being sent back
to foster care, dodges discovery surviving in the woods with his faithful dog
and a protective coyote, using his wits and basic survival skills. It’s
published by Farrar, Straus Children’s.
WINTER: A
Solstice Story by Kelsey
E. Gross, illustrated by New York Times Bestselling artist, Renata
Liwska, is a lyrical picture book about woodland friends who help shine the
light and share gifts of hope as they decorate a solstice tree in the snowy
night. Published by S&S/Wiseman, it’s the first in a series, with SUMMER:
A Solstice Story to follow in 2024.
Barn in Winter: Safe and Warm on the
Farm by Chambrae Griffith, illustrated by Taia
Morley, is a board book about Barn welcoming all the animals into cozy safety
as snowy fields and muddy pens are left behind. It will be followed by Barn
in Spring: Out to Explore in 2024. Cottage Door Press is the publisher.
Events
Mark your calendar for the April 6, 2024 Minnesota Writing Workshop in St. Paul, Minnesota. I will be conducting pitch sessions for writers and writer/illustrators of books for children, and will be on a "first pages" panel. Join us! https://minnesotawritingworkshop.com/
Sample Workshop Topic
I've always enjoyed nurturing writers and writer/illustrators, working with them to bring out the very best in their work. From time to time I teach workshops and do pitch sessions or critiques, either virtual or in-person. I'm happy to consider invitations to conferences and workshops (email me at greatriverliterary.com). References available from SCBWI branches and others with whom I've worked.
Here are a few topics that may be a fit for your members and attendees:
Strategies for “Selling” your Work to an Agent
The Next Big Step: Reaching Out to Agents
Creativity: Lovely, Elusive, Essential and Joyous
Is it "Working"? - Analyzing your Picture Book Manuscript
Rhyming Couplets
Many writers hoping to have a picture book published assume that the last word in each line should rhyme with its preceding line, producing a pair of rhymes (rhyming couplets). Writing in this form of rhyme may give a sense of pride in their writing - which is important - but some writers have learned from SCBWI conferences or other sources that it's difficult to sell such manuscripts. I get submissions with the writer insisting it's the only way their story can be told. Perhaps that's true, but here are some things to consider.
Writing in quatrains (stanzas of four lines) with the second and fourth line rhyming was a perfect structure for A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR SANTA (Zonderkidz) by my client, J. Theron Elkins. He made fabulous, appealing word choices to communicate a tender-hearted story of Santa fearing he'd been forgotten in Christmas gift giving. Here's an excerpt:
His helpers were huddled
On the couch where they dozed
In polka-dot jammies
And jingle-bell toes.
But no present was there ...
There was no paper bag
Stuffed with color tissue
And ribbon zigzags.
His reindeer were snuggled
At the base of the tree,
Snoring carols of Christmas
As content as can be.
But no present was there ...
There was no box and bow
With bright shiny paper
From the twinkle lights' glow
The refrain of "But no present was there ..." gives variety to the rhythm of the story and reinforces its central theme.
Here's another example, from YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE (Philomel) by Rachel Tawil Kenyon, another client of mine, which uses the same structure of second and fourth line rhyming. The rhymes are simple to fit the direct and ardent theme. It is so lovely, right from the opening stanza. I do not think it would have worked had it been done in rhyming couplets.
It starts at the start
When you can't even talk.
Before you stand up
and learn how to walk.
Deep in your heart
the knowing is there.
You know how to love
and you know how to care.
But do rhyming couplets never succeed in today's market? Sometimes they do!
TAKE YOUR PET TO SCHOOL DAY by Linda Ashman (Random House) opens with a stanza in four lines, followed by two stanzas of three lines each:
It's Friday here at Maple View.
The students file in two by two,
with books and bags and pets in tow -
above, ahead, beside, below.
They start the day off with a song.
The pets attempt to sing along:
They howl with gusto, bleat with glee.
They shriek.
They squeak.
They're WAY off-key.
The first and second stanzas are comprised of lines with eight syllables, while the third stanza has a pattern of 2-2-4. Notice also that the main structure of rhyming couplets has been varied, with the final lines of the second and third stanzas rhyming. The reader is unconsciously waiting for a rhyme for "glee" because of the pattern established in the first stanza. Notice also in the first stanza that the dense imagery of the concluding lines suits of feeling of students bringing in loads of pets and gear. It's through having an engaging story, with spot-on word choices and a carefully composed structure suited to telling this story, that a delightful book emerged.
So, dear reader: ponder some options for your own use of rhyme and all the best to you!
The Most Fun
A large box arrives on my doorstep. It's heavy. Right away I know what it is: my agent copies of a newly published book. Opening it is going to be fun. I've read the manuscript (many times), probably worked with the author on edits (a few, or maybe extensive) before it was sent to the publisher, and I've seen the ARC. But feeling the paper, hearing the soft swish plop of the pages as they turn, looking at the design, the art, the totality of the book is amazingly joyous and satisfying.
I think about the excitement of the author who is also seeing the finished book and recall our process of connecting, and the work to refine the manuscript and bring it to editors. I think about the kids who will read the book. Hundreds, thousands of kids. Some will be indifferent to it, or forget it quickly, or not like it at all, or will adore it. It will make its mark on an unknowable number of kids, enlarging their world in some way. I won't see this happening and neither will the author or the editor, the designer, marketing and sales team or any number of others who played a role in its creation. But the book will do its work all the same.
I also love it when I receive a copy of a translated book because it's tangible proof of the book's ability to reach across seas and cultures. It demonstrates a kind of universality. I look on my bookshelf at Loretta Ellsworth's IN A HEARTBEAT in Korean. In Japanese. I look at George Shannon's HANDS SAY LOVE in Chinese. At Ariel Bernstein's I HAVE A BALLOON in Norwegian. -- More kids in more places impacted by books I helped bring into being. Fun!
Always seeking
See also - article on top wishes for right now
I always look for love themes. It's fundamental, right?! This could be love for a parent, for a friend, sibling, pet, etc. or love for the full world. (Be aware that I see too many love themes that are heavily mom focused, with the baby or child passive or oblique in the narrative. I'm seeking the back and forth dynamic, the "twosome").
Books with a clear storyline (beginning, middle, end) and those that are character-based tend to get my attention, as well as stories with series potential.
For novels:
Especially in middle-grade, I really like fantasy or magical realism, but not stories with complex world-building. It's the easy and natural weaving in of magic or non-realistic elements into the ordinary world that intrigues me.
Stories of bravery, friendship, yearning, and search for belonging captivate me, whether in realistic or fantasy/magical realist novels. How about a good mystery?! And, I'm itching for a story involving a museum. Also: I adore mythology.
I'd like to see a school story about an idealized relationship that develops more nuance (a crush, a best friend, a favorite teacher).
In YA, I want to see a strong - but not romantic - relationship between two main characters. I tend to prefer young YA.
=======================================================
My tastes are pretty broad. I particularly like warmth. I tend to dislike cleverness and irony. I like humor, adventure, poignancy, and quirky charm. Kindness is important to me. I like adorable and cute. I like hopeful mixed with sad. I like gorgeous and lyrical. I like energetic and unconventional.
I want a strong story arc and a vivid protagonist. I want something that kids will relate to, stirring or awakening new emotions and providing them with a look at possible ways to live in the world.
My personal "golden time" with books growing up was when I was 9 - 11, and I have a special connection with middle grade work perhaps as a result of this. I began collecting picture books when I was in high school and truly love the form.
Besides what's noted above, please send me:
- Stories about times, people and places underrepresented in children's and teen lit.
- Picture books with a main character (like Pete the Cat, Fancy Nancy, etc.) with enough energy, personality and situation possibilities for a series.
- Friendship stories.
- Great read-aloud picture books.
- Stories about important, complex relationships.
- Middle grade and picture book narrative nonfiction.
- Lyrically written science, nature, mindfulness and social awareness topics.
- Climate and environment awareness.
- Adventure stories (twists, turns, hurdles and triumphs, please!).
- Mysteries.
- Humor!
- Mythology.
- Beautifully illustrated picture books (if you are an author/illustrator).
- Stories about holidays, including those important to a minority community.
- Middle grade or YA written in multiple formats (poetry and prose; diary and text; novel-in-verse, etc.).
I look forward to hearing from you - but don't send attachments as they will be deleted without being read. (If you have a dummy or illustrations, send a link). Please also see CONTACT for submissions guidelines. (Note that, owing to the volume I receive, I am unable to respond unless there is a potential fit). Always helpful to hear a bit about you: your experience with kids, your occupation, where you live, any publications, etc. And, inclusion of recently published or forthcoming comps (titles that are in some way similar to your submission) and touch points for marketing will be greatly appreciated.
Top wishes right now
Top of my list for picture books: a story about the Mississippi River. Of course!
Also eager for a story about a kid who collects (rocks, buttons or some such), and one about the beauty of the Western States landscape.
A picture book series with a spunky, quirky, lovable main character is also a major goal.
I see loads of stories about dogs and cats - but how about a kid who adores horses?
And, HUMOR! Send me the funny stuff!
Character-based stories with emotional depth, and stories with a full arc (beginning, middle, end) are very welcome.
For middle grade, I'd like to see a contemporary novel in which the protagonist experiences a growing awareness of global or other societal issues as they dovetail with his or her own life.
I also truly love mg fantasy, but what could be described as "soft fantasy" and magical realism, with elements of magic or alternate realities woven in with the ordinary and recognizable world. I don't much go for complex world-building.
And here's what I'd rather not see:
-- Grandparent stories are really hard to sell right now (even though I often like them)
-- I get lots of stories presented as picture book texts that really are short stories best suited to a children's magazine
-- Too many novels lack energetic, sparkling language and lose me on the first page. Too many also include the mc's haircolor, age and other details that shouldn't be there (look at recently published books for models, whatever your genre or audience age range)
-- Picture books written in rhyming couplets (see article on this website)
See "Always Seeking" article for lots more detail. "CONTACT" for submission guidelines. Remember: do NOT send attachments. They will be deleted without being read. - (Owing to the number of submissions I receive, I am able only to respond to those that may be a potential fit).
