Picking which kid book to query

Kitty Pryde · Mar 17, 2010

I have three CB/MG novels written. I know I'm biased, but I love them all equally. I think the quality of my writing in them is at basically the same level. Two have been beta-ed and got decent feedback. Two have the same MC and opportunity for more sequels too. I have no idea which one to query. In chronological order of writing:

#1: 8K chapter book about a kid in a wheelchair learning to ski. Pros: character is very likable, I teach people with disabilities how to ski so I'm moderately expert on the subject. and aside from one out-of-print PB, there aren't any kids books on the subject, series potential. I am SUPER passionate about this one. Cons: it's short. Books about kids in wheelchairs who are action adventure type characters are nearly nonexistent--lack of imagination, or is this something people don't want to read about?

#2: 23K MG fantasy novel about a kid going to great lengths to find his missing dad and save the ski resort where he lives on the summit. Pros: It's a better length, Whimsical fantasy is very much in. Cons: I'm less passionate about this one, though I do like it. There aren't very many books about skiing--is it considered just a rich person activity? I have never been rich but I've been skiing for 10 years, I dunno.

#3 12K CB/MG novel about same kid in a wheelchair from #1 going to summer camp with not-disabled kids, trying to make friends, and engaging in a prank war, a color war, and an epic game of Capture The Flag. Pros: Same likable character, I have combined 10 years experience as camper/camp counselor, and summer camp stories are always moderately popular. Cons: like I said, that type of character is almost nonexistent, this one hasn't had any betas yet and it might suck. (I will get betas before querying, don't worry!)

I know if one is unsuccessfully queried, I can query another, but not for like 6 months (according to one agent blog I read). Anyways, any general or specific advice would be welcome!

suki · Mar 17, 2010

Kitty Pryde said:
I have three CB/MG novels written. I know I'm biased, but I love them all equally. I think the quality of my writing in them is at basically the same level. Two have been beta-ed and got decent feedback. Two have the same MC and opportunity for more sequels too. I have no idea which one to query. In chronological order of writing:

#1: 8K chapter book about a kid in a wheelchair learning to ski. Pros: character is very likable, I teach people with disabilities how to ski so I'm moderately expert on the subject. and aside from one out-of-print PB, there aren't any kids books on the subject, series potential. I am SUPER passionate about this one. Cons: it's short. Books about kids in wheelchairs who are action adventure type characters are nearly nonexistent--lack of imagination, or is this something people don't want to read about?

#2: 23K MG fantasy novel about a kid going to great lengths to find his missing dad and save the ski resort where he lives on the summit. Pros: It's a better length, Whimsical fantasy is very much in. Cons: I'm less passionate about this one, though I do like it. There aren't very many books about skiing--is it considered just a rich person activity? I have never been rich but I've been skiing for 10 years, I dunno.

#3 12K CB/MG novel about same kid in a wheelchair from #1 going to summer camp with not-disabled kids, trying to make friends, and engaging in a prank war, a color war, and an epic game of Capture The Flag. Pros: Same likable character, I have combined 10 years experience as camper/camp counselor, and summer camp stories are always moderately popular. Cons: like I said, that type of character is almost nonexistent, this one hasn't had any betas yet and it might suck. (I will get betas before querying, don't worry!)

I know if one is unsuccessfully queried, I can query another, but not for like 6 months (according to one agent blog I read). Anyways, any general or specific advice would be welcome!

I'd pick the one you think is most marketable, if all things are equal otherwise.

But you could also query two of them, simultaneously, to different agents. Take them out for a test query run, and see who bites. I know several folks who queried several different books at once. It's a bit more complicated, because you have to keep track of who you sent what to.

And, if it were me, I'd be tempted to query both of the longer books, since you could focus on agents favoring fantasy for the fantasy and agents favoring realistic for the summer camp book. Then, if you get an offer on either, you let all agents know and ask the ones who haven't seen the offered-for-book if they want to see it.

Since the first book is a shorter length, and sounds questionable as a novel (you're calling it a chapter book - is it a short MG novel, or is it really a "chapter book" for younger, more beginning, pre-novel readers?), I'd suspect it is less marketable than the otehr two. So, focus on the other two for now would be my advice.

If that makes you squeamish, you have a tough decision - focus on what you are more passionate about, or what I have a suspicion you think is more marketable. Tough call. I'd probably go with what is more marketable, if I was deciding for myself. But, again, I'd probably try both since I think I'd target different agents.

Also, have you read Accidents of Nature by Harriet McBryde Johnson? If not, I suggest you check it out. It's YA and sounds very, very different than you books, but I think you should be aware of it for market comparison questions. I thought it was a terrific book, and it got very little attention. Just thought I'd mention it so you'd be aware of it.

~suki

Hedgetrimmer · Mar 17, 2010

Kitty, my vote goes for #2. I remember the first chapter of that and really liked it. I still recall one of the kids skiing backwards off the rooftop. Also, the buzz going around is that editors are really hunting for MG these days. Although you aren't as passionate about it as the others, this may stand a better chance of getting your foot in the door. Then you can whip the CBs out.

MJWare · Mar 17, 2010

I've been hearing that MG is a lot easier to sell then CB's, especially right now. If you go with #3, I'd try to market it as MG, though 12K is really short for MG.

Also, Kristin at PubRants said (just today, I think) you only had to wait 4 weeks for her, but that she normally only gave you two shots. That's what I found interesting, two strikes and you're out.

I just submitted a partial to her yesterday, so I guess that's strike one (unless it turns out to be a hommer-could happen).

Based on what little info (and the input from Hedge) I might lean toward #2.

Danthia · Mar 17, 2010

I'd pick whatever you feel is the strongest book. Look at writing quality, plot, marketability, the whole package.

Smish · Mar 17, 2010

It's much harder to hook an agent with a CB, partly because the pool of agents is so much smaller. So, I'd suggest starting with the MG novel. Once you hook 'em with the MG, you can say, "And, by the way, I have these great CBs, too..."

Good luck with your search!

Smish

Kitty Pryde · Mar 17, 2010

I got more to say, but I'm off to the East coast tomorrow, so for now I shall say, thanks for the input so far, awesome kidlit writer folks!

Newguy1428 · Mar 19, 2010

I say query them all. Can't you do that? It's a huge publishing world. If they are all equal in writing strength, I am assuming they're spectacular, go for it! You can't let their marketability hold you back, look at what Rowling did with fantasy.

Jane Yolen sends her books to different publishers all of the time. The reason is, I forgot the term, because if one sells and the other doesn't, they subtract the costs of the low seller from the high seller. UGH!

abctriplets · Mar 20, 2010

Just to add an opinion into the mix. Personally, I feel that a few of these are on the short end. Your largest is a 23K MG fantasy novel. I just rewrote my 30k MG adventure and added another 10k to it, because I thought it would be more marketable, and become a better book, if it were more towards the middle range of MG books. I may be mistaken, but regardless, my book is 200% better than it was previously.

I'd say pick the project that you're most interested in, and has the most marketability for landing an agent (as someone mentioned, it seems MG is easier than Chapter books). Then make sure your work is perfect, and works perfectly at your given length. I don't know your work, and perhaps it is perfect at 23k. But make sure you are certain - there's no rush here...

Kitty Pryde · Mar 24, 2010

Thanks for all the opinions! I've been internet deprived for the last five days, but I just caught up with this thread.

The word count issue is definitely big. All the stories are on the lower end as far as reading level goes. My chapter books are written very simply right now (but not written down to the audience!).

The shorter MG books are really my first literary loves, and I like them more than the longer kids stuff. Judy Blume, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Encyclopedia Brown, Jerry Spinelli, Louis Sachar, etc. (The first non-picture book I ever read was The Secret Garden, in the first grade. I am somewhat horrified to see that it's 80K words long! I don't know how poor 6 year old me plowed through it; at that age tying my shoelaces and not peeing my pants were major accomplishments.) That shorter length is still marketable, although I think the Fat Fantasy Novel genre takes the biggest chunk of the market.

Anyways, maybe the CBs would be better if expanded and made a little more complex. In that case, I suppose #2 stands the best chance in query-land. Anybody fancy being the second beta for a short novel about dorky little kids who like to ski?

MJWare · Mar 24, 2010

Kitty Pryde said:
(The first non-picture book I ever read was The Secret Garden, in the first grade. I am somewhat horrified to see that it's 80K words long! I don't know how poor 6 year old me plowed through it; at that age tying my shoelaces and not peeing my pants were major accomplishments.)

It's such a well written novel, I think as soon as you can read the words out, you'd be able to finish it. That being said, I was probably 8 or so before I could read at that level.

Kitty Pryde said:
I suppose #2 stands the best chance in query-land. Anybody fancy being the second beta for a short novel about dorky little kids who like to ski?

I was just about to start sending out SZJMB (29k zombie book). Then today I got a form letter 'not for us' from Kristin Nelson (after reading a partial). Thing is she's off attending the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. So, I imagine that means her assistant didn't even think it was good enough to pass-along.

I'm thinking another beta might be warranted. If you want to swap manuscripts just let me know. I have two chapters I want to give the once over, but it should be ready by Friday.

kellion92 · Mar 24, 2010

I didn't read the whole thread, but not many agents SAY they want chapters books. So how about you query the ones that want chapter books with #1, and then query other agents with the MG novel, #2?

Hedgetrimmer · Mar 24, 2010

mware01 said:
I was just about to start sending out SZJMB (29k zombie book). Then today I got a form letter 'not for us' from Kristin Nelson (after reading a partial). Thing is she's off attending the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. So, I imagine that means her assistant didn't even think it was good enough to pass-along.

That whole assistant thing is a killer. I realize agents depend on them to help manage the deluge of material they receive, but yikes. They're like the gatekeeper to the gatekeeper. Hang in there, bro.

scope · Mar 24, 2010

No sense in repeating the excellent advice you already received. I have no idea, but would agents or editors consider a book centered around a youngster in a wheelchair as having too limited an audience? Just some food for thought re your book #2

Kitty Pryde · Mar 25, 2010

scope said:
No sense in repeating the excellent advice you already received. I have no idea, but would agents or editors consider a book centered around a youngster in a wheelchair as having too limited an audience? Just some food for thought re your book #2

Well, it's possible. But kids books about characters with disabilities come out pretty regularly. Some even sell well, like Tangerine or Freak The Mighty. There aren't really any books about adventurous kids in wheelchairs, but I have to believe that such a thing is salable. My betas have told me that he's easily likable. The story is moderately exciting adventure. And he's your basic persevering underdog, which IMO everybody relates to.

Angela_785 · Mar 25, 2010

mware01 said:
I've been hearing that MG is a lot easier to sell then CB's, especially right now.

Boy is this true. My agent is hearing from several sources that it is a tough sell right now, especially series.

MJWare · Mar 25, 2010

Hedgetrimmer said:
That whole assistant thing is a killer. I realize agents depend on them to help manage the deluge of material they receive, but yikes. They're like the gatekeeper to the gatekeeper. Hang in there, bro.

Thanks. I know it's a tough agency and they've got to do the whole gatekeeper thing as part of time management.

On the plus side, it only took a week to get a response. It's a great agency, just one it seems like everyone submits too.

kdbeaar · Mar 25, 2010

Is there any way to combine #1 and #3, about the kid in the wheelchair, into one longer book?

I read the opening of #3, and it seemed MG to me. Perhaps you could choose one overlying theme and combine the two.

Also, I wouldn't let the fact that there aren't many/any similar books stop you...that's a GOOD thing!

Kitty Pryde · Mar 25, 2010

kdbeaar said:
Is there any way to combine #1 and #3, about the kid in the wheelchair, into one longer book?

I read the opening of #3, and it seemed MG to me. Perhaps you could choose one overlying theme and combine the two.

Also, I wouldn't let the fact that there aren't many/any similar books stop you...that's a GOOD thing!

I pondered combining them. They are basically two separate adventures of the same kid. I could do a third (I know what it would be about, but it's not written) and then it would be a good length for MG, but I can't really think of a kid's book made up of separate stories. There are some that are slice-of-life style, where there are many small adventures. But this would be more like three novellas or something.

But I think the best thing to do about the awkward length is probably to bump it up to short MG length, like 15-20 K.

Kitty Pryde · Apr 12, 2010

You guys really inspired me with all your suggestions. Right now my 23K piece is with another beta, with a goal of improving and expanding it without just padding it. And then, dun dun DUN, querying it someday.

I've been borrowing other people's brains to help me brainstorm, and I think I've come up with a good way to combine the #1 and #3 stories with another story to make one single plot. I'm currently outlining it and pondering how to "age up" the parts I've already written from CB to lower MG. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks, you guys are great!

Picking which kid book to query

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

suki

Opinionated

Hedgetrimmer

What happened, just there?

MJWare

Kidlit gang, Junior member.

Danthia

Smish

Reads more than she writes.

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

Newguy1428

abctriplets

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

MJWare

Kidlit gang, Junior member.

kellion92

A cat may not look at a king

Hedgetrimmer

What happened, just there?

scope

Commonsensical Maverick

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

Angela_785

MJWare

Kidlit gang, Junior member.

kdbeaar

Trying to finish at least 1 ms!

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue