Queries

[Steph Hutchison]

I am very new to all of this. This is also my first time on a discussion board.

I have recently written my first book, a children\'s fiction book. I submitted my first query to a publishing company today. Can anyone tell me if I have to wait until they have finished reviewing the ms. before I can submitt to other publishing companies? It will take them 12 weeks to finish the review.

Also, can anyone tell me where I can find the different kinds of rights to offer? I didn\'t know what to put on my manuscript for the rights.

I appreciate any feedback.

[Tommy M]

Steph-

Just about all publishers accept simultaneous queries. Many children's book publishers request the entire MS if you've written a picture book. If you've written something larger like a YA novel, they request a query letter first.

Publishers state whether or not they accept simultaneous submissions of your manuscript in their submission guidelines. Many of them, if not most, do accept simultaneous submissions.

You might want to pick up a book with publishers' listings, such as Writer's Digest's 2006 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market. A simultaneous submission is when you submit your MS to more than one publisher at a time.

If you have written a longer work like a YA novel, you may want to try to find an agent. An agent will seek the appropriate publisher for your book and negotiate the contract.

If you are selling the rights yourself, you do not need to list what rights are for sale on your manuscript. If the editor accepts your work, the contract she offers will tell you what rights she wants to buy. You can negotiate at that time.

[leslee]

I hope you have researched the "publishing company" carefully. There are many scams, and you'll want to avoid them.

[Steph Hutchison]

Thank you for the advice. Yes, I was already approached by a very common scam in my first few weeks.

I was so excited when I was offered representation by an agent. Then I visited Writer Beware, and there were all kinds of warnings about that company.

Fortunately, I hadn't shared my "good news" with more than 2 people. It was so disappointing. By being offered representation I thought that I actually was validated as a writer, but I found out that they probably didn't even read the submission.

Oh well, lesson learned. At least I learned early and did not pay any fees.

I did think that the suggestion to get a critique of my work was a good idea though, just not a critique from them. Do you have any suggestions for finding a company that offers a valid service like this that isn't too expensive?

I ran into First Write, but after the first scam I encountered, I wasn't very trusting.

Again, I appreicate any advice you can offer. Thank you so much!
Stephanie

[Jeanne Gassman]

Stephanie,

I don't know where you live, but you would do better by joining a critique group rather than paying someone for a critique. Also, if you know any teachers or librarians, you may be able to try your book out on your intended audience (children) by volunteering to read an excerpt to them. Look for local critique groups in libraries, community centers, community colleges, and bookstores. Also, you may want to visit some of the writing forums dedicated to children's writing. Take a look at these sites:

<http://www.write4kids.com>

<http://www.scbwi.org>

Good luck.

Jeanne

[Nell Sweeney]

Stay away from New York Literary Agency

[Greg Kosson]

You almost have to assume that if anyone wants your stuff they're suspect.