I've recently received a publishing contract, and my first contemporary romance novel will be released by an e-publisher this winter.
As a former elementary school teacher and children's librarian, I'm also passionate about picture books, and I've been writing them on and off for a few years. I finally have one that I'm proud of and think is marketable, and I'm ready to start searching for an agent.
Here's my question: Do I mention the forthcoming romance novel in my picture book query? On the one hand, it seems like a publishing credential is a good thing to include. On the other hand, I wonder if potential agents will find it strange that I'm pursuing publication in two such different genres.
So do I...
A) Not include mention of the forthcoming romance novel
B) Mention the romance novel in passing, with no explanation (Ex: I also write contemporary romance, and my first novel will be published this winter by XXX.)
C) Mention the romance novel, and include a short explanation of why I'm pursuing picture book writing (Ex: Having worked as both an elementary teacher and a children's librarian has made me passionate about picture books. I also write contemporary romance, and my first novel will be published this winter by XXX.) <--I know that example sounds awkward, but it's just to give you an idea what I'm thinking.
Any insight is appreciated!
PS: Would publishers want me to use a different name for my picture book writing?
As a former elementary school teacher and children's librarian, I'm also passionate about picture books, and I've been writing them on and off for a few years. I finally have one that I'm proud of and think is marketable, and I'm ready to start searching for an agent.
Here's my question: Do I mention the forthcoming romance novel in my picture book query? On the one hand, it seems like a publishing credential is a good thing to include. On the other hand, I wonder if potential agents will find it strange that I'm pursuing publication in two such different genres.
So do I...
A) Not include mention of the forthcoming romance novel
B) Mention the romance novel in passing, with no explanation (Ex: I also write contemporary romance, and my first novel will be published this winter by XXX.)
C) Mention the romance novel, and include a short explanation of why I'm pursuing picture book writing (Ex: Having worked as both an elementary teacher and a children's librarian has made me passionate about picture books. I also write contemporary romance, and my first novel will be published this winter by XXX.) <--I know that example sounds awkward, but it's just to give you an idea what I'm thinking.
Any insight is appreciated!
PS: Would publishers want me to use a different name for my picture book writing?
