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Early Chapter Books  (and a chance to pitch your manuscript to a Scholastic Editor!)

3/31/2014

3 Comments

 
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If chapter books bridge the gap between early readers and middle grade, what exactly is an “early” chapter book?  It’s hard to say exactly, because every person, publishing company, teacher, parent, reader, and so on has his or her own opinion.  


But I would say that early chapter books provide even more of a scaffold than chapter books do. It’s almost like they are early readers with more chapters. 

In General- Early Chapter Books Contain:

·      Larger fonts than chapter books

·      Pictures on nearly every page (sometimes in color)

·      Shorter chapters

·      Less chapters

·      Lower word count

·      Even simpler plot

·      Most often a series

·      Reading level and interest level could be between 4-6, 5-7, 6-8.

Scholastic recently came out with a new line called Branches.

Branches is perfect for newly independent readers ages 5-7 and kids who are ready to “cross over” from beginning readers but are not quite ready for traditional chapter books.

Some of the components of Branches books that encourage ongoing independence as readers are:

• Accessible language and vocabulary

• High-interest storyline

• Relatable characters and situations

• Readable sentence structure

• Engaging format

• Broadens reading strategies and improves comprehension

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Motivating Readers

A number of series will be published in the Branches line. Series books provide an added incentive because children love to read about characters they already know. The stories provide readers with a sense of satisfaction and familiarity, and readers’ comprehension skills improve as they revisit popular characters in each book.

As a teacher, these books are perfect for both types of readers. If you have kindergarteners or first graders they may be ready for something more challenging.  If you have a third grader that is a reluctant or lower reader, they could read a chapter book and feel successful and not feel like they are reading something too babyish like a leveled reader.

Check out these new early chapter books in the Scholastic Branches division.

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Boris on the Move! by Andrew Joyner Meet Boris! He lives with his mom and dad in Hogg Bay. Their home is a van that once traveled all over the world. Then one morning, Boris feels a jolt. Could it be? Is the van really moving? Is Boris on an adventure at last?

May 2013I80 pages (full color)IWord Count 727

  • LEXILE230L
  • GUIDED READING LEVELM
  • AGES5-7
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Kung Pow Chicken #1: Let's Get Cracking! by Cyndi MarkoGordon Blue was just an ordinary second grader—until he became the SUPERHERO known as Kung Pow Chicken. Now Gordon must put his SUPERPOWERS to the test…. He is having a blast at the Fowl Festival, but then POOF! Feathers fill the air and naked chickens fill the streets. Is the EVIL Granny Goosebumps up to no good? Kung Pow Chicken is ABOUT TO FIND OUT!

January 2014I80 pages (full color)IWord Count 2362

  • LEXILE490L
  • GUIDED READING LEVELM
  • AGES5-7
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Looniverse: Stranger Things by David Lubar 
Ed is a normal kid. But when he finds a strange coin, his oife goes from beyond boring to beyond wacky. Brothers become pool floats, bedtime stories turn into real-life headaches, and ice-cream pops zoom into the sky! What can Ed do to stop the strangeness?

May 2013I96 pages (black-and-white)IWord Count 5735

  • LEXILE520L
  • GUIDED READING LEVELO
  • AGES6-8
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Lotus Lane Girls Club: Kiki: My Stylish Life by Kyla MayMeet Kiki! 
She LOVES creating outfits, hanging out with her best friends, and collecting facts. Here are some facts from Kiki's super true diary. 

Fact: I am a member of the Lotus Lane Girls Club.
Fact: I will one day be a VERY famous fashion designer. 
Fact: My new neighbor Mika is trouble--triple trouble! 
Fact: Even chickens must look their best. 

May 2013I96 pages (black-and-white)IWord Count 5487

  • LEXILE640L
  • GUIDED READING LEVELN
  • AGES6-8
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Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe: Picture Day! by Susan Nees
It's almost picture day, and Missy has her outfit all picked out. It will have ruffles, rainbows, ribbons, and sparkles! But Mom has a different outfit in mind. Will Missy's picture day turn into her worst day EVER?

May 2013I80 pages (full color)IWord Count 1599

  • LEXILE500L
  • GUIDED READING LEVELL
  • AGES5-7
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Monkey Me #1: Monkey Me and the Golden Monkey by Timothy Roland
Clyde is a kid who gets excited about everything. After eating a banana that has been zapped by lasers on his class field trip to the science museum, Clyde starts to feel weird. Now every time he gets excited, he transforms into a monkey! Only with the help of his twin sister, Claudia, can Monkey Clyde stay out of trouble.

February 2014I96 pages (black-and-white)IWord Count 4423

  • LEXILE260L
  • GUIDED READING LEVELO
  • AGES6-8
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The Notebook of Doom:
Rise of the Balloon Goons
by Troy Cummings 

Alexander Bopp has just moved to Stermont, and already, he thinks it is one creepy town. First, he finds a notebook filled with monster drawings. Then he starts seeing balloon goons—those arm-waving balloon men—all over town. Are they after him? And what's really in that notebook? Alexander is about to find out!

July 2013I96 pages (black-and-white)IWord Count 5649

  • LEXILE490L
  • GUIDED READING LEVELN
  • AGES6-8
For more information about these early chapter books, check out their website: http://www.scholastic.com/branches/

Do you have what it takes to write one?  I know you do! And here is an extra special opportunity to pitch your manuscript to a Scholastic Editor!!!



We've got BIG NEWS! 
A senior editor from Scholastic who specializes in chapter books will not only serve as a guest expert contributor for the Chapter Book Alchemist course, but will also be accepting submissions from FIVE winners of a pitching contest amongst Chapter Book Alchemist course registrants! 


This contest is only open to those who register for the course by today!!!


Register now! http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-chapter-book-alchemist.html


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Mandy Yates is currently an elementary reading specialist and children's book writer. She has an MFA in creative writing from Spalding University and has been published multiple times in Highlights Magazine. 

She is also assisting Mira in teaching The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Books. http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html, as well as The Chapter Book Alchemist  http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-chapter-book-alchemist.html .

Find some of her teacher resources over at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mandy-Yates.

And you can follow her on Pinterest, Twitter,and Facebook.  
3 Comments

New Chapter Books Series

3/24/2014

5 Comments

 
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To this day I still have kids devouring the Magic Tree House and Junie B. Jones series. They love them and can't get enough of them.  The other day one of my fourth graders asked me when the first Magic Tree House Book came out.  I've been teaching for 10 years, therefore I said, "Oh  probably like 10 years ago." Um...checked the copyright date and was WAY off! Original date: 1992! Over 20 years ago. 


So this got me thinking about trying to discover "newer" chapter books series. 
I decided to go to AMAZON and just search chapter books by their release date. The following 6 look like real winners. I haven't read any of them yet, but I plan to.  (But of course I will still keep the great classics on my bookshelf too.)
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Captain Awesome and the Missing Elephants

Captain Awesome and his superhero pals must foil dastardly distractions at the zoo in this animal adventure.

Sunnyview Elementary School is off to the zoo! Meanie Meredith is head over heels for the pink flamingos (even though they are the most evil color ever), and Eugene can’t wait to see the elephants. Unfortunately, they seem to be missing.

Once again, it’s up to Captain Awesome and his superhero pals to fight evil (MI-TEE!) and see past the diversionary tactics of their tour guide in order to find and rescue the most awesome animal in the park.

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Captain Awesome chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.
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Monkey Me and the Pet Show

When Clyde gets excited, he brings a whole new meaning to "monkeying around!"

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Clyde is an energetic student who just can't sit still. When he gets too excited, he transforms into a real monkey! When the class bully challenges Clyde's "monkey me" to the pet talent show, he has no choice but to participate. But when the other pets start to disappear, Clyde uses his inner monkey to save the day.
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Here's Hank

Hank stars the same Hank as in the bestselling Hank Zipzer series, only this time he's in 2nd grade! Hank is a kid who doesn't try to be funny, but he somehow always makes the kids in his class laugh. He's pretty bad at memorizing stuff, and spelling is his worst subject. (But so are math and reading!) In the first book in this new series, Hank's class is putting on a play, and Hank wants the lead part: Aqua Fly. But he freezes in his audition and can only buzz like a fly. His teacher creates a special part for Hank, a silent bookmark. This may seem like an insignificant role, but when his enemy, Nick McKelty, freezes during the performance, it's up to Hank to save the play!
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Missy's Super Duper Royal Deluxe Field Trip

Missy's fourth book is even more super duper royal deluxe than the last one!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In this book, Missy's class goes on a field trip to the state capitol. Missy cannot wait to visit what she is sure will be the most awesome gift shop ever! But she soon learns that the capitol does not have a gift shop. Missy decides this simply MUST change! Since the students are all partnered up for the day, Missy cannot go anywhere without Oscar. Missy knows she is supposed to complete the tour along with the rest of her class, but does Missy do anything like everyone else? As with everything, Missy--and her trusty friend Oscar--find a way to make the class field trip super duper royal deluxe!
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Eek Discovers Earth

After observing earthlings, Eek decides to build a spaceship so that he and Ack can go conquer Earth. What will happen when their ship lands in the Sudsy Duck Laundromat?
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Heidi Heckelbeck and the Tie-Dyed Bunny

Heidi brings home the class bunny over Easter weekend—and finds herself in a magical, colorful mess!

Easter is just a few days away and Heidi Heckelbeck can’t wait! The holiday weekend is even more special because it’s Heidi’s turn to take home Maggie, the school’s bunny. But when Heidi takes Maggie out of her cage, trouble follows. Maggie escapes from Heidi’s arms and runs through all of the Easter egg dye! Will Heidi figure out how to un-tie-dye the colorful bunny before she has to take her back to school?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Heidi Heckelbeck chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

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Follow me on Pinterest to see all the new chapter books series I've pinned!

http://www.pinterest.com/mandycyates/new-chapter-books/


What are some of your newer favorites? Let me know!

DON'T FORGET!!!!!!!!

The Chapter Book Alchemist is  being presented by The Children's Book Academy. Instructors are the amazing Dr. Mira Reisburg and children's book author, Hillary Homzie. (Author of one of my favorite books: The Hot List.)  And...I'm so excited that I get to assist with this course. Yay!!!

http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-chapter-book-alchemist.html


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Mandy Yates is currently an elementary reading specialist and children's book writer. She has an MFA in creative writing from Spalding University and has been published multiple times in Highlights Magazine. 

She is also assisting Mira in teaching The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Books. http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html, as well as The Chapter Book Alchemist  http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-chapter-book-alchemist.html .

Find some of her teacher resources over at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mandy-Yates.

And you can follow her on Pinterest, Twitter,and Facebook. 
5 Comments

Chapter Book Resources- BONUS MATERIALS!!!

3/17/2014

3 Comments

 
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There are some important things related to chapter books coming up you won’t want to miss!





1.     FREE WEBINAR: Why Editors Want Chapter Books and How To Write Them hosted by Dr. Mira Reisburg and author Hillary Homzie.  http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/why-editors-want-chapter-books-and-how-to-write-them-webinar.html

2.     Chapter Book Course: The Chapter Book Alchemist hosted through The Children’s Book Academy.  http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-chapter-book-alchemist.html

3.     PLUS- New BONUS Material! When you sign up for the Chapter Book Alchemist Course, you will receive an additional Mini Workshop including 7 Bonus Items! 



Mini-Workshop:

What Happens Next: Creating a Page Turner for Young Readers.

From being afraid to ride the stupid smelly bus to school, to being the only one left in your class who hasn’t lost a tooth yet, this workshop takes a close look at plot and elements that affect it in chapter books for young readers.  My examples are taken from the works of authors Barbara Park (Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus), Abbie Klein (Ready Freddy: Tooth Trouble), and Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark).


1.     Transcript of the entire workshop.

2.     A List of Recommended Chapter Book Series to read

3.     Structure Breakdown and Plot Analysis of 3 chapter books

4.     Chapter Book Basics (A list of elements that are found in most chapter books.)

5.     Template Outline for Creating Your Own Chapter Book

6.     A List of Age Appropriate Universal Themes/Inciting Problems for Chapter Books

7.     A List of Publishers That Accept Chapter Books

I created this workshop for my graduating lecture in my MFA program mainly due to my own curiosity about chapter books. I had written mainly picture books and really wanted to try my hand at longer works of fiction. My mentor suggested trying chapter books instead of jumping right into middle grade. I loved this idea and I loved how it mimicked how readers transition as well. Chapter books are the natural bridge between early readers, picture books and middle grade.  They have simple plot lines and shorter chapters.  This is appealing to young readers, but also to writers (like me) who have never attempted a longer work of fiction.

So that final semester, I read hundreds of chapter books, analyzed the structure of at least 20 different series, discovered the essentials and commonalities in most chapter books, looked closely at the types of themes and problems authors chose to base their chapter book on, and then finally attempted to write my own. That semester, I proudly completed two chapter books and gained the courage to begin an early middle grade novel the following semester. Lastly, I researched publishing houses interested in chapter books

After completing all that research for my own knowledge, it made sense to share it as my graduate lecture. The lecture was well received and the participants were especially appreciative of the helpful handouts.

Therefore, I’m really excited to be able to assist with Mira and Hillary’s upcoming course and be able to offer these materials to you!

If you’ve ever thought about writing a chapter book, this is the time. Not only will you have amazing lessons with Mira and Hillary, you can participate in our closed facebook community, join an online critique group with other class members, participate in interactive weekly webinars, and now gain all the bonus materials. You don’t want to miss this course. I really hope you will join us!

Happy Writing.


3 Comments

Resources for Writing Chapter Books! (Plus a free webinar and contest!!!)

3/10/2014

14 Comments

 
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Usually my blog posts are related to picture books. But I'm excited today to talk about chapter books. As an elementary teacher, I know that good read alouds in the classroom with fantastic picture books can totally hook a  nonreader. And I also know that the right "chapter book" can bridge the gap of either a young first grader or second grader advancing out of easy readers, or it can hook those fourth and fifth grade reluctant readers and start their love of reading. 

This information is great to know as a teacher and parent, but also as a writer. 

Writing picture books would have to be my first love, but chapter books are a very close second. So much so that when I was in my MFA program, I did my graduating lecture on chapter books.   


And next week, I plan to share with you my entire lecture plus six handouts that include: Chapter Book Basics, Chapter Book Analysis (where I take apart 3 chapter books and analyze the structure), a list of recommended chapter books to read, Chapter Book Template Outline, A list of problems that characters can deal with in early chapter books, and finally a list of publishers that accept chapter book submissions.  

But for this week...I've compiled a huge list of resources to get you started on writing chapter books.

One you won't want to miss listed at the end is a FREE WEBINAR about Writing Chapter Books and an amazing Chapter Book Course!  (Also, did I mention there is a contest where you can win registration to this amazing Chapter Book Course?  YEP! You heard me right. So scroll on down and check it out!!!!
Blog Posts About Chapter Books

Kathy Temean defines chapter books

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/writing-chapter-books/

Mary Kole discusses chapter books

http://kidlit.com/2010/10/22/early-reader-chapter-book-market/

Rebecca Talley discusses chapter books

http://rebeccatalley.com/blog1/writing-for-kids-chapter-books.html

Author Lynne Jonell discusses her path to writing chapter books.

http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/magazine/just-launched/tag/jennifer-arena/

Ideas for Writing Chapter Books for Kids

http://www.creativejuicesbooks.com/ideas-for-writing-a-book.html


Children’s Writer Tina Cho discusses writing Beginning Readers and Chapter Books

http://tinamcho.wordpress.com/tag/how-to-write-beginning-readers-and-chapter-books/

Chapter Book Formula

http://jeanoram.com/blog/2011/03/01/chapter-book-formula/

Chapter Book Blue Print

http://writersrumpus.com/tag/writing-chapter-books/

6 Things I Learned About Writing Chapter Books

http://operationawesome6.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/guest-post-kurtis-scaletta-on.html?m=1

Chapter Book Chat (Blog dedicated just to chapter books)

http://chapterbookchat.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/difference-between-chapter-books-middle-grade-redux/

Writing a Series

http://writersrumpus.com/2013/11/12/so-you-want-to-write-a-series-guest-post-by-anna-staniszewski/

Creating a Chapter Book Series

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/creating-a-chapter-book-series/

Scholastic Discusses: The World of Kids’ Chapter Books

http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/book-selection-tips/world-kids-chapter-books


Online Tools

Renaissance Learning: Use this site to look up word count of chapter books.

http://www.renaissance.com/store/quiz_home.asp?c=1

Craft Book Resources

Yes! You Can Learn to Write Beginning Readers and Chapter Books

http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Write-Beginning-Readers-Chapter/dp/1478168226

The Writers Guide to Crafting Stories for Children by Nancy Lamb

http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Crafting-Stories-Children-library/dp/1582970521/ref=pd_sim_b_23?ie=UTF8&refRID=1JVEMV31ZBCPXNKCE1NN

Children’s Writer’s Word Book  (This isn’t about chapter books, but it’s a great word resource to use.)

http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Writers-Word-Alijandra-Mogilner/dp/1582974136/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1JVEMV31ZBCPXNKCE1NN

Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Irresistible-Kidlit-Ultimate-Crafting/dp/1599635763/ref=pd_sim_b_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=1JVEMV31ZBCPXNKCE1NN

Challenges/Groups to Join


SCBWI Blueboards (for members of SCBWI) There is a specific forum just for chapter books and mg.

http://www.scbwi.org/boards


Chapter Book Challenge

http://chapterbookchallenge.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/chapterbookchallenge

https://www.facebook.com/groups/chapterbookchallenge/


Chapter Books to Read

http://delightfulchildrensbooks.com/2013/06/05/early-chapter-book-series/

https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/chapter-book-series

http://www.iusd.org/ea/GradeLevelPages/documents/ChapterBookList.pdf

http://www.momto2poshlildivas.com/2013/05/k-thru-2nd-grade-chapter-book-series.html

http://www.amazon.com/b?node=2579000011

http://www.kidsbookseries.com/lists/series.php

Courses to Take

The Chapter Book Alchemist presented by The Children's Book Academy. Instructors are the amazing Dr. Mira Reisburg and children's book author, Hillary Homzie. (Author of one of my favorite books: The Hot List.)  And...I'm so excited that I get to assist with this course. Yay!!!

http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/the-chapter-book-alchemist.html
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Contests!
Dr. Mira Reisburg in holding a contest with some amazing prizes!!!! (One prize being a free ride to her Chapter Book Course.)  
http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/miras-virtual-birthday-party-contest.html


Free Webinar: Why Editors Want Chapter Books and How to Write Them

Children's book author, Hillary Homzie and Children's Book Instructor and Agent Dr. Mira Reisburg are holding a free webinar on Friday March 21st at 6PM Pacific Daylight Time on “Why Editors Want Chapter Books and How to Write Them.” If you’ve ever been on a CBA webinar, you’ll know that they are lots of fun.Mira will be explaining what exactly a chapter book is, why editors are looking for them, and about their great potential for illustrators. Hillary will be sharing awesome writing techniques, why Hollywood is interested, and then if time allows we’ll be commenting on any ideas for standalone or series books that you post on our page here http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/why-editors-want-chapter-books-and-how-to-write-them-webinar.html 

   
So if you’d like to register for our super fun webinar (which we hope that you do) – here’s the link https://wj168.infusionsoft.com/app/page/event-register



You won't want to miss this!!!!
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Mandy Yates is currently an elementary reading specialist and children's book writer. She has an MFA in creative writing from Spalding University and has been published multiple times in Highlights Magazine. 

She is also assisting Mira in teaching The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Books. http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html

Find some of her teacher resources over at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mandy-Yates.

And you can follow her on Pinterest, Twitter,and Facebook. 
14 Comments

What an Agent Actually Does: The Agent/Client Contract

3/3/2014

10 Comments

 
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Hullo all, Mira here. Last month I shared about how agents choose who they represent.  I’m not sure if I spoke about how hard it is for us to reject clients. But trust me it is. Some of us procrastinate getting back to writers and illustrators because we’re just so busy and it’s just so hard to say no; especially, if we are empathic types. I’ve heard that it gets easier. I am looking forward to that but it kills me every time knowing personally how much heart and effort has gone into each submission.

This month I’d like to begin sharing about what agents actually do when they sign you. I’d like to start with the Agent/Client contract. 
First off, the Agent/Client contract should spell out what each side expects from the other. Contracts can vary quite a bit but below are some of the things that a contract will usually address:

  • Whether the agent handles all of your literary work or just your children’s work.
  • What percentage they take (usually 15-20% for writing, 20-25% for illustration or writing & illustrating)
  • How that percentage increases or is divided to include sub agents fees for extra sales such as international sales or film (usually a 5-10% bump to cover sub agent fees).
  • How long the contract is good for and what the criteria is for ending it.
  • What happens to both sold and unsold work after the dissolution of the contract.
  • How advances and royalties are distributed (usually the money goes to the agent who then distributes it to the client but some agents now ask publishers to pay their clients directly if possible).
  • What happens if the client doesn't deliver, fails to meet their deadlines, or violates copyright laws (usually the client is held responsible and must return all monies already paid out).
  • Who is responsible for costs such as mailing the work and other miscellaneous expenses (usually the client is responsible but agents sometimes don't bother invoicing for this. It depends on the amount).

Like history, most contracts are written to favor whoever is writing it. We’ll be talking a little about publishing contracts in a future post, but suffice to say that whether it’s an agent or publishing contract that you are negotiating, if you are not a big name, generally you are not going to be able to ask for too much so pick your battles so that you don't come across as either difficult or needy.

Any contract should be mutually beneficial; it should make the relationship clear and secure both parties so that both you and the agent are protected so that if an agent puts in a substantial amount of time on your work, she isn’t left high and dry if you decide to go elsewhere. Or if you do decide to go elsewhere your future works are protected. You are both putting your efforts on the line, so there should be an agreed upon set of goals and level of commitment. 

Trusting your agent and understanding that they are also putting their faith in you, your talent, and your ethics, while investing substantial unpaid time and heart in hopes of helping you get published for a small future commission is essential. If you are not comfortable signing an agreement with someone, then you should carefully consider whether or not you should be working with them professionally. The bottom line is, if it doesn’t feel right for you, then don’t do it.

In the literary world, most agents strive to support their clients on a variety of levels.  A contract is simply an extension of that pact.

I hope that this post has been helpful for you. Next month I'll be talking about how an agent goes about submitting you work. If you have any topics that you'd like to learn about, please let me know in the comments below. And as always, any comments are much appreciated.

Yours in children's book love and creativity  ~ Mira

10 Comments
    We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our  awesome bloggers!!

    Here's our lineup:
    1st Mondays begin with awesome multi-published former student Shirin Shamsi who will be focusing on Muslim and cultural kidlit.

    2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books.
     

    3rd Mondays will feature
    Bryan Patrick Avery, published writer, man of mystery, and professional magician among other things.

    4th Mondays will feature STEM, STEAM & SEL obsessed author Kourtney LaFavre sharing delightfully dorky, quirky, and fun info.

    And 5th Mondays we'll be taking a break

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