Publishing Myths and Misconceptions

I jotted down some notes that stood out to me as I watched agent Holly Root and editors Molly O'Neill and Martha Mihalick chat about some common publishing myths and misconceptions so I thought I'd share with you. Feel free to ask any clarifying questions or post your thoughts in the comments.

• Submissions should have a memorable story, but shouldn’t have hokey accessories.
• Even if you have connections or know all kinds of publishing pros, it all comes back to your story. The loveliest person on earth won’t get published with a poor manuscript.
• Don’t look for personal validation from agents and editors; they will only tell you if your work is publishable, not if you should be writing in the first place.
• Picture book texts need to be under 1,000 words. Under 500 words is even better. And you don’t hire your illustrator. The publisher does that.
• Read what’s current to get the pulse of the market.
• Age is a good initial indicator of what genre your book is, but the ultimate deciding factor is the sensibility of the entire narrative voice.
• Kids are the best lie detectors: TRUE! Don’t talk down, don’t focus on the moral message, etc.
• There are no good books are there? You simply haven’t read enough. Or you’re flat out rude.
• Good titles are important, but changes are still possible.
• Agents and editors share a goal: to sell lots of copies of your books.
• Writing to trends is okay if you do it well, but editors are also looking for the timeless, the new trend, the surprise.
• Authors are important to publishers -- bestselling authors and smaller authors both.
• Print is not dead.
• Social networking can be great, but don’t force yourself to do things you don’t want to do.
• ALA, BEA, etc. are meant for the end buyer, not the writer. If you’re asked to attend, great, but you don’t need to attend trade shows.
• Have a question? Ask your agent/editor. You need to feel comfortable asking questions.
• The second book isn’t necessarily easier than the first. Nor may be the fifteenth book. Writing books is hard, period.
• Truism: The children’s publishing industry is supportive, caring and generous. It’s the best industry in the world.

Want more? Watch the videos here.