A Song of Six Pens

REJECTIONS - AND WHAT TO MAKE OF THEM

By Kate Carroll

We regret to inform you...

Fellow writers,

I had so, so many rejections to choose from, but I narrowed them down, so as not to bore you with repetition. The names of real editors and publishers were changed for obvious reasons.

Here’s the top ten!

#10 Crickets!

This is a common rejection – nothing! It is frustrating, especially when you are first starting out. That is why the best advice after submitting a manuscript is start working on your next big thing.

#9 Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. Unfortunately it’s a pass for me.

Another common rejection letter which provided no feedback. No helpful words to writers, but regard it as an opportunity to read up on the editor to see what his current list looks like. If you keep getting these types of rejections, it may be time to do a serious revision or start on a new project.

#8 On behalf of chief editor, Greta Goodatgrammar, thank you for sharing this title. This is not the perfect fit for the Dueling Doodlers' list at this time. We wish you the best of luck finding the right home for this project.

Again, not much to go on, but be a good detective here. It was not the perfect fit for this house, but it may be perfect for another house. Keep submitting.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

#7 Thanks for sending this fascinating project my way. I’m afraid it’s not a fit for me, but I appreciated the chance to consider it, and I hope you’ll find a perfect editor for it. Sincerely, Warren Wordly

Finally, one positive word to hold on to – FASCINATING. Yes! That’s what I was going for! Here was that one word of encouragement to keep me from quitting. One word can motivate your creativity.

#6 Thank you for sharing Kate Carroll’s work with us. While we see the commercial appeal and holiday promotional moment with this story, we found ourselves struggling with the rhyme scheme and ultimately felt that this was not a must-have for our very full picture book lists at this time. We are going to pass, but we hope you find the right home for this story.

This rejection offered a few hints. The manuscript had commercial appeal, exactly what we want an editor to say. But in passing on it, they gave insight into what ultimately turned this into a rejection. The rhyme scheme did not meet the standard of this editing team, but finally, a nugget of information to inform revision.

#5 I've had a chance to consider your beautiful submission with my team and while it’s a very compelling telling of the Christmas story, it doesn’t feel quite right for Please Pick Me Press. There was a bit too much storytelling that is outside of the Biblical Christmas story for us.

A team of people looked at this project and found it compelling – which according to Oxford dictionary means evoking interest or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way. A pop the collar moment! The reason for the “pass” was specific and helped us to look at the story from their viewpoint and to look in new directions for submissions.  

#4…I’m a sucker for funny names and puns, and I really enjoyed all the turkey names in this story (Where’s Waddle was my personal favorite). I also thought the interactive element at the end, of writing in the reader’s own idea for a turkey name, was a fun touch! However, I ultimately felt like this story as a whole felt a little too slight to be able to support a full jacketed picture book, and I wasn’t sure that the hook of the book felt strong enough to stand out in the market. With this in mind, I unfortunately have to pass.

This same manuscript received a rejection for totally different reasons above (see number 6). Just a reminder that this business is subjective and proves that landing a book deal is a lot like matchmaking. Where will your story find “true love?” 

#3 I am intrigued by this project. I like the non-fiction mixed in with a fun guessing game. I would like to have a little more time in considering this.

This was such an encouraging response, but ultimately, nothing happened with it. My agent followed up a few times and never heard back. Instead of feeling deflated, I believed even more in my manuscript. It was confirmation that I was on to something good.

#2 Thanks very much for thinking of me for TEN BIG BARKS. It’s *very* cute, but, alas, too similar to a new picture book on our list that is also a dog-themed counting book that counts up to 10 and back down again!

The story mentioned above came out 8 months after I received this rejection. My take-away: Two great writers thinking the same thing – one came up with the idea a little faster!

and drum roll, please...

#1 Thanks so much for sending me this lively story. But though there are some wonderful descriptions here, and the setting is vividly described, ultimately the plot doesn’t feel quite special enough to me. I am very intrigued by Hope's personal story, however. Do you think they would ever be interested in writing about a child like her, and her trip to the US? If you think she’d want to give it a try, please know that I’d be happy to help in any way I can.

This was a difficult journey. We took this editor’s offer and told the story. Over the course of a year, we did many rewrites, and in the end, it was rejected. It is still a story we know will find its forever home, just like our daughter did!

Rejections are reminders that we are doing what we should - which is getting our work out there. When rejections light up your inbox, and they will, take a moment, because it does sting, but it's not life threatening. Hold on to these words of wisdom from esteemed professional Mary Kole who said, when an agent or publisher declines your manuscript, "... take your time to refine, reinvent and elevate your craft..."

Remember, it can’t be on a bookshelf at B&N if it’s still on your desk! So, writers, write that beautiful, humorous, heartfelt, intriguing, adventurous story and remember that a rejection is just a reminder that true love is still out there waiting for your manuscript to find it.

Ten Memorable Quotes to Inspire Your Writing

by Gloria Reichert

Did you ever have one of those writing days?

Tired?

Struggling with writer’s block?

Feeling impostor’s syndrome?

At times like these, when we need inspiration, reading quotes from other writers who have been where we are - staring at a blank page – can help us find the courage to begin. Their quotes show us that many great authors probably have shared our feelings and also reveal how they feel about the craft of writing. In the hope that reading their quotes will encourage us to put pen to paper, here are ten of my favorite quotes to empower your writing.

1. “Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” William Wordsworth

2. “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Benjamin Franklin

3. “If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” Margaret Atwood

4. “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” Martin Luther

5. “Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.” Jane Yolen

6. “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build sandcastles.” Shannon Hale

7. “All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world.”

E. B. White

8. “The idea is to write so that people hear it, and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” Maya Angelou

9. “There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they will take you.” Beatrix Potter

10. “You fail only if you stop writing.” Ray Bradbury

Writing is a challenge.

It takes time and effort to craft the stories that will impact children’s lives in positive ways. To be prepared for those gloomy writing days, start your own list of author quotes. Keep an on-going list in a journal or notebook. Post one on or near your writing area and change them periodically. They could spur your creativity, energize your thinking, and get you back to writing!

Writing is Writing

By Laurie Lazarro Knowlton

It seems easy, writing. Making yourself sit down and write in the first place is hard. There are our daily interruptions of family needs, pets’ needs, meetings, and deliveries to name just a few. Once you get your bottom in the chair, writing is writing. Just you, your writing utensils, your imagination and quiet.

Except our greatest nemesis and ultimate minute-to-minute interruption is self-inflicted. We have become addicted with our insatiable desire to have our phone in hand. Writing and phones are not a good combination for creativity.

9 Reasons Why you Need to Stay off Your Phone to Write.

1. Turn off your phone when you sit down to write so you are not interrupted with a phone call and lose your idea momentum.

2. Stay off your phone to research because it’s so easy to slip over for a quick minute to check your e-mails. Next thing you know an hour of your writing has gotten eaten up.

3. Taking time away from your phone can help you experience calm mindfulness that allows your imagination to flow unencumbered.

4. Calling a friend to tell them about what you are working on can make you lose your enthusiasm for the project, and even question why you’re working on it in the first place.

5. It is good for your phone to get turned off because it saves your battery; it keeps the phone from getting overheated and allows for updates to be installed when you turned it on again.

6. Handling your phone constantly becomes a habit. Don’t reach for your phone when your writing mind gets stuck. Put your phone in another room if you’re craving that quick bit of addictive phone stimulation. Instead, sit with your story. Picture the conversation, the action, and your brain will get back on track.

7. Having your phone off and out of the room is good for your body.

8. Nighttime phone use is associated with poor sleep.

9. Staying off your phone helps relieve anxiety and stress.

So put your phone far away and turned off. Put your bottom in the chair and get on with writing. Your story is calling your name. That is one call you need to answer.

Check out all of Laurie's books on her website: http://www.laurieknowlton.com/

Ten Mentor Texts to Inspire Your Writing

by Gloria G. Adams

What are mentor texts?

Mentor texts are models for writers, well-done examples of specific writing skills that authors can use to learn how to become better writers.

Whatever areas upon which you feel you could improve as a writer, finding a mentor text to inspire and teach you is always a great idea. First, know your target audience and read the kinds of books that you feel will reach that audience. After that, whether you want help with character development, plot and story arc, pace, voice, dialogue, structure, tense, point of view, or world-building, find the books that feature the specific skills you’re looking for and read as many as you can.

Here are ten recommendations:

Picture Books:

The Napping House by Audrey Wood. Cumulative text, humor, story arc.

Plants Fight Back by Lisa Amstutz. Humorous, rhyming nonfiction with sidebars and a gold mine of information for the school curriculum.

Monster Cake by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton. Fantasy, voice, characters,

teaches math skills.

Ah-Choo! by Lana Wayne Koehler and Gloria G. Adams. Interactive, rhyme, repetition, story arc,

teaches empathy.

Chapter Books:

The Zoe and Sassafras series by Asia Citro. Relatable characters, story arc, dialogue, voice,

how to write a series.

The Cody series by Tricia Springstubb. Relatable characters, life lessons, dialogue, voice, story arc, how to write a series.

Middle Grade:

Pax by Sara Pennypacker. Animals, perspective, sensory details, identity.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston. Fantasy, character development, voice, world-building.

Young Adult:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Social/political issues, strong character development, suspense, world building, writing a series

Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Voice, structure (novel in verse), diversity, imagery.

Here’s a tip from the writers at Journeytokidlit.com: “Try typing out the full story or 1st chapter to get a better sense of what it was like to be the writer of the book. It will help you learn word choice, sentence structure, and voice.”

TEN BEST SUBMISSION PRACTICES

By Kate Carroll

In today’s tight publishing market, submissions are serious business. It's vital to tailor your work for an exact fit. Kid lit professionals would love to uncover the next big hit, and with a little work, yours may be the story that gets their attention. Look at this list to give your manuscript the best chance at being seen.

1. Know your audience. Be sure you study what the agent or publisher is looking for, and submit only if your manuscript is a match.

2. Follow the submission instructions provided by the agent/publisher exactly. They streamline their requirements so that they can assess as many manuscripts as possible - which is to your benefit. If they are bogged down with material that isn’t formatted to their liking, it takes away precious time. Bottom line: If you don’t follow the rules, don’t expect to play.

3. Never use a question to begin your pitch. It is overdone and a guaranteed pass.

4. Manners always matter. Submitting is like interviewing for a job. Bring your very best attitude and demeanor to your cover letter.

5. If your manuscript is over the word count for your genre, think twice, no, three times about sending it out. The economy of words matters. Make each word work in your story or toss it!

6. Use a formal salutation in your letter to an agent/editor. Include his/her correct name! Research the right person for your book genre and interest. Sending a PB to a YA agent/editor only takes time away from the readers and doesn’t help you at all. In fact, it could have a negative impact for future submissions.

7. Do not query too soon after submitting a project. Give an agent/editor time to evaluate your work in and among the many tasks they do each day. Websites usually indicate how long it takes for an agent/editor to respond to a submission. After that time, and only after that time should you reach out again.

8. Never sit back after making a submission. Move on to your next project.

9. Be humble. Your best friend or your mom may have told you how wonderful your work is, but the industry professionals prefer to make their own decision!

10. Be open to rejection. It is a huge part of acceptance in the world of publishing.

TEN MUST-HAVE BOOKS

By Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton

Informative resources to support you throughout your journey as a children’s writer.

1. Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands On Guide From Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul

2. Writing For Children and Teens, A Crash Course, By Cynthea Liu

3. How to write a Children’s Book and Get It Published by Barbara Seuling

4. Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market, 33rd Edition, Newly Revised Guide and Update

5. The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults by Cheryl Klein

6. Queries, Pitches & Proposal by Moira Allen

7. Children’s Writer’s Word Book, 2nd edition, by Alijandra Mogilner

8. How to Write a Children’s Picture Book, Tips and Tricks For Writing Illustrated Picture Books for Kids by Darcy Pattison

9. Writing Irresistible Picture Books, Insider Insights into Crafting Compelling Modern Stories for Young Readers by Mary Kole

10. Writing Irresistible Picture Books Workbook: Guidance, Checklists, Worksheets, and Reading Lists to Go from Theory to Practice by Mary Kole

TEN REASONS TO LOVE WRITING FOR CHILDREN

By Gloria Reichert

February always leads us to focus on the theme of love – not only who we love, but also on things we love to do. Even though writing for children can be frustrating at times, we do it because we love to do it.
Here are ten reasons to love writing for kids.

1. We can explore our own creativity. We can write anything from picture books to poetry to chapter books. Along the way, we can let our imaginations run wild. Will it be make-believe? humor? mystery? We have the freedom to write about anything we choose and to unleash our creativity while doing so.

2. We can create new characters and get to know them. Anything can become a character – a scarecrow, a car, a dog, a person. The choices are unlimited. As we choose our characters and develop character sketches for them, we get to endow them with all sorts of traits which can be important in the story. Sometimes these characters even try to take over the story – which leads to even more creativity.

3. We can shut out the outside world and get lost in our own mind. As we develop our stories, we can play with structure and plot and shape our stories in any way we want. We can play around with different ideas until we discover the one that brings us satisfaction.

4. We can get back in touch with our own childhood. Remembering people and incidents which impressed us as we were growing up can provide fodder for stories. Sharing some of our interests or personal history might help today’s children make sense of their world.

5. We get to hone our craft and improve our skills. Through all the steps of the writing process, we can become better writers. Whether editing, rewriting, or wordsmithing, we grow in our knowledge of what works and what does not. By attending workshops and joining critique groups, we learn from others. Applying what we learn helps us perfect our stories so they are just right.

6. We grow and learn as we write for kids. As we do research about time periods or search for information needed for nonfiction, we absorb many helpful facts and are exposed to new ideas which just might lead to that next great story.

7. We have the opportunity to change the world and make it a better place. Stories can teach our readers important ideas about life. As we craft stories about such topics as empathy, kindness, and friendship, we can inform and educate children and guide them to develop these values. When kids internalize these values, they grow as individuals and become more compassionate. Our stories can provide different points of views, expose kids to different cultures, or just help them to better understand life. The possibilities are endless.

8. We can help foster a love of reading and literature. Reading about topics which interest them helps children keep reading. Every author wishes that his work would capture the interest of a child and inspire him to keep reading. There is a child just waiting for a certain story to touch his heart.

9. We have the opportunity to meet wonderful, like-minded people. The kid-lit community is filled with kind, gracious, fellow authors who are willing to be teachers, mentors, and critique partners. Not only do these folks help us hone our craft, but they can become wonderful supportive friends.

10. We have fun! Yes, writing can challenge us in multiple ways as we try to reach our full potential. But if we are honest, who among us does not enjoy playing around with the ideas swirling in our brains and perfecting them until they come out our fingertips at the keyboard? It is fun to see our stories take shape and give us such a sense of satisfaction. Many other reasons to love writing for children exist. Which ones would you add to the list?

Ten Writing Prompts for 2025

by Gloria G. Adams

To celebrate our tenth year of writing A Song of Six Pens blog, we begin with 10 writing prompts to get your creative ideas flowing for 2025. Have fun!

1. Once upon a time there was a tiny green frog named Thomas. One day he woke up and he was no longer green. He was a brilliant shade of…

2. As soon as I saw the look on Mama’s face, I knew exactly what had happened.

3. Make up a story using this picture. Ask these questions:

Who are they?

What happened to them?

Are they related to each other?

What is the setting?

What sensory details does the picture conjure up?

What will happen to them?

4. Write a story about a world where everything is upside down, except for people.

5. Make up a story in which a little girl is obsessed with wanting to be an astronaut.

6. Research an unusual animal, insect, or plant and write a lyrical nonfiction picture book about it.

7. Write a picture book about things in nature that are black. For a bigger challenge, write it in rhyme.

8. Make up a story using this picture.

9. Maggie was the naughtiest dog in the whole neighborhood. She was always getting into trouble. But then, one day…

10 Celia Carolina Crawford counted everything. She counted how many times she brushed her hair. She counted the number of tiles on the kitchen floor. She always counted each of her stuffies every morning. (Then, something related to counting goes wrong.)

Do I Need an Editor for My Manuscript?

By Gloria G. Adams

You’ve written the first draft of your manuscript.

You’ve revised it.

And revised it some more.

Your critique group has given you feedback.

But you still think it needs more work.

Maybe you’ve sent it out to several publishers and agents, but no one has picked it up.

Maybe, just maybe, it’s time to look for an editor.

There are several different kinds of editors.

Three of the major ones are copy editors, proofreaders, and developmental editors.

Copy editors

A copy editor will check line by line for the following:

Spelling
Capitalization
Word usage and repetition/overuse of words
Dialogue tags
Usage of numbers
Point of view
Tense
Inconsistencies with characters, world building, etc.

Proofreaders

A proofreader looks for inconsistencies in:

Language use
Grammar
Style
Layout
Typography

Developmental Editors

A developmental editor looks for “big picture” issues such as:

Character development
Dialogue
Point of view
Story Arc
Plot
Tense
Voice
Pace
Theme

Eight years ago, my friend and critique partner, author Jean Daigneau and I started a developmental editing company. To make it unique, we named it Two-4-One Kid Critiques because we offer two separate critique edits for the price of one.

Here are some questions to ask that we’ve come up with over the years:

Does your character change from beginning to end or show emotional growth?
If applicable, do subplots work seamlessly into the story?
Can you write out your book’s story in one sentence?
Does your dialogue sound authentic?
Can you clearly define your intent for your story, your character(s), and your reader?
Is there enough tension to keep your reader engaged?
Is your vocabulary appropriate for your target audience?
Do you have a complete story arc?
Does your pace match the action in the story?
Are you using enough action verbs or too many passive verbs?
Are you spending too many words on back story?
Have you added a lot of sensory details so your readers will relate to your characters?
Will your page turns/chapter endings keep your reader turning the pages?
Is your word count within the expected range for your book’s reading level?
Does your setting compliment your story, and are your world building details consistent?

If you’d like help answering these questions or have the need to hire a developmental editor,

we’re here to help!

Check out our website: Two-4-One Kid Critiques, or email us: two4onekidcritiques@gmail.com

Jean Daigneau writes fiction and nonfiction for ages 3-12. Her latest nonfiction titles include Code Cracking for Kids: Secret Communications Throughout History and Ellis Island and Immigration for Kids: A History. She is represented by Vicki Selvaggio of Storm Literary Agency.

Gloria G. Adams has three new nonfiction picture books out this year: If You Lived Beside the Ocean, If You Lived Beside the Desert, and If You Lived Beside the Forest. She is represented by Lisa Amstutz of Storm Literary Agency.