New Here and Hoping For Advice!!

Maura · Jan 13, 2008

Hey, everybody! Let me just give you a slight background about myself. I'm sixteen (yes, I know that's young, lets not dwell on it), and I've written a children's novel. I incorporated several Arthurian legends and my own story to come up with a fantasy novel. In it, a young boy, Peredur, travels to Camelot to become a knight. At the same time, Gwenhwyvar, a serving girl from an inn, comes to Camelot disguised as a boy to also become a knight. As the story develops, Gwen and Peredur are caught up in Morgan Le Fay's latest scheme to assassinate King Arthur. They realize that they have to defeat Morgan once and for all, and find their true callings during the journey. (Sorry, that was really long-winded.)

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew of any good, legitimate agencies that would (a) read my manuscript professionally and (b) consider me even though I'm still a minor. Any other advice anyone has would also be welcome!

Thanks for any suggestions!!!

Monkey · Jan 13, 2008

Your age isn't a huge barrier to publication, and we have several youngish writers here that are pretty darn awesome, so we won't hold your age against you, either.

Check out agentquery.com and querytracker.net. Both great sites.

And welcome to AW!

Azure Skye · Jan 13, 2008

Your age shouldn't be a problem. Check out Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market for a list of agents and publishers.

wyntermoon · Jan 13, 2008

Welcome to AW! We have several very good teen authors here so make yourself comfortable and start reading threads to get familiar with the way the board is set up. Be sure to visit the sub-forum Writing for Young Adults found at the top of this forum for some great advice.

As well as the sites Monkey recommended, check out the Bewares and Backgrounds forum before you submit to make sure you're well informed about your choice of agent.

Stacey
KidLit Mod

Horseflye · Jan 13, 2008

Welcome! I also wrote my first book at 16 (I am now 18), though in my ingornance of the industry I signed a contract with Publish America. I trust you are aware of their reputation...? As far as advice goes, I haven't mentioned my age in my most recent queries; though I did mention it in my earlier attempts. I can't say either way whether or not it was beneficial because I haven't recieved a request yet! Best of luck!

Esopha · Jan 13, 2008

Hey Maura!

I'm also sixteen and I can tell you that your age is no barrier at all in this business. In fact, I know two minors who have agents, and one who has a published novel (e-book).

I hope you'll visit us in the Random Musings About Your Writing thread, which is home to a bunch of us YA writers (writers who write YA novels, AND writers who are young adults). We have chimichangas and a cute cabanna boy.

The only advice I have for you is to approach everything professionally and get the fact that you're a minor out of the way quickly. That way you don't have to deal with someone who doesn't want to work with a minor late in the process, when it can really hurt.

Stijn Hommes · Jan 14, 2008

The only moment when your age really is a problem is when you're signing a contract. If it comes to that you would need a parent or legal guardian to help you out. As soon as an agent shows enough interest to request a full manuscript (instead of a handful of pages and a synopsis) it's time to come clean.

The sites Monkey recommended are excellent sources.

Maura · Jan 14, 2008

Thanks...

Hey, everyone, thanks for the advice. I checked out Monkey's sites and they're very, very helpful. Thanks again!!!

bevmacrina · Jan 15, 2008

Hello, hello. I'm new on Absolute Write and hoping to make e-friends and learn. Not a new writer, I have three books out (royalty presses, not POD or self-published) and am about to start a new SF YA. I'm a YA writer, and really looking forward to being here.

New Here and Hoping For Advice!!

Maura

Monkey

Is me.

Azure Skye

Huh?

wyntermoon

Horseflye

Esopha

bam pow zap.

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

Maura

bevmacrina