Blog Archive

  • #AskAgent – I’m trying to make the move to author-illustrator, should I seek out agents or publishers first?

    Jun 12, 2018

    Comment: If one who has been a published children’s book illustrator forever-and is working towards Illustrator/author-would you recommend approaching a literary agent first, or try their luck at submitting to publishers? (and hoping you can find a literary agency that is looking for a team player) Sometimes its frustrating- who do you ask these questions […]

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  • Welcome to BookEnds, Megan Benton!

    Jun 11, 2018

    Today we welcome, Megan Benton to BookEnds! Megan writes historical mysteries and upmarket fiction with compelling characters that fully engage in and interrogate the world around them. Megan’s beautiful prose hooked me immediately, and I’m so excited to be working with her. Welcome to BookEnds, Megan!   What book do you wish you’d written and […]

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  • Welcome to BookEnds, Kim Chaffee!

    Jun 08, 2018

    What genres do you write? I write picture books, both fiction and nonfiction, and sometimes I like to mix the two a bit.    Plotter or pantster? Definitely, hands-down, a plotter. When I get an idea for a new story, I like to let it sit around in my brain for a bit before running […]

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  • Do Conferences Lead to Representation?

    Jun 07, 2018

    A reader asks: Hi Jessica. Thanks for this opportunity. My question is this: “How often does a connection via a conference lead to representation.” I am weighing  my options –  more conferences, classes, etc and how to optimize my chances at obtain an agent. Thanks! This might be an interesting poll for the blog. I […]

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  • Welcome to BookEnds, Anna Kaling!

    Jun 06, 2018

    Today I’m welcoming Anna Kaling to BookEnds! Anna writes contemporary romances that will make you laugh out loud while you’re falling in love with the characters. Anna turns our favorite romance tropes on their heads, giving a fresh and fun spin to her books. You’re going to love her books! Welcome to BookEnds, Anna!   […]

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  • Submitting Full Manuscripts versus Proposals

    Jun 06, 2018

    A reader asks: As an aspiring author, I hope you can provide some feedback to me. If I have a manuscript that is, say, 80% complete (mostly because I wrote it in my spare time before realizing the necessity of a proposal), and which meets the criteria on an agent’s wishlist, but I do not […]

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  • #AskAgent – When do you use illustration notes in a picture book text?

    Jun 05, 2018

    Reader comment: My main questions are about illustration notes and grammar. I’ve read many conflicting ideas about illustration notes, some which say even if it’s integral to the story, don’t include an illustration note, what do you think? Also, if there are a few grammar mistakes, will an agent pass on a project just for […]

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  • Welcome to BookEnds, Dylan Taylor-Lehman!

    Jun 04, 2018

    Today I’d like to welcome Dylan Taylor-Lehman to the BookEnds family! Dylan writes nonfiction on a variety of topics from rogue radio DJs to the history of the Spanish tortilla, from Bigfoot conventions to the popularity of crime podcasts. If there’s something strange or offbeat you’re interested in learning about, Dylan’s probably already investigating the […]

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  • This Month from BookEnds… June 2018!

    Jun 04, 2018

    We’re halfway through 2018, and #TeamBookEnds is just getting started. We have a lot of exciting books publishing this month, so we’re just gonna dive in… Our June 2018 Monthly Spotlight is none other than Helen Hoang’s THE KISS QUOTIENT. If you’ve been seeing this book everywhere, there’s a good reason: you should read it! Out […]

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  • Welcome to Bookends, Stefanie Suzaya!

    Jun 01, 2018

    Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often?  I usually write at home, where I am comfortable. Sometimes if I am free on the weekends and have some extra cash to spare, I’ll head to the nearby coffee shop and write. For me, writing comes in spurts. I […]

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  • Submitting a New Manuscript to an Agent Who Has Previously Rejected You

    May 31, 2018

    From a reader: If I submit a new manuscript to an agent who previously requested (and rejected) a full from me, should I mention this to them when querying the new book? No doesn’t mean “always no.” In other words, just because an agent passes on a previous submission doesn’t mean she’s closed her door […]

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  • Welcome to BookEnds, Deborah Holt Williams!

    May 30, 2018

    BookEnds’ Naomi Davis welcomes picture book author Deborah Holt Williams to the team! Tell us about your writing process.  Where do you write, and how often? I spend time on my writer’s journey every day, but it may not be actually writing.  It may be jotting down ideas when I shelve picture books at the […]

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