by guest blogger Dr. Mira Reisberg
You’ve been pounding the keys for months or years, you’ve finally finished your manuscript and you’re ready to submit. You go to a publisher and they are only accepting agented submissions. You go to some agents and they are closed to submissions. You start pulling out the hair now that you didn’t pull out while writing your manuscript in utter frustration!! I want to explain a little about how this came to pass and what you can do about it.
A Little Publishing History
Back when I first started working in this industry, in the good old days of early 1988, first as an illustrator and then as just about everything else, it was a very different world. There were many publishing houses with many editors and art directors and many smaller independent publishers as well. It was fascinating to visit and editors had assistants and support staff that are rarely found these days. Publishing was wide-open and thriving.
But then over time, the corporatization of America started taking hold and larger publishing houses started buying smaller publishers, becoming larger corporations. Using economies of scale, they needed fewer editors, fewer art directors, and fewer assistants. Things started automating more with newer technologies stretching editors and ADs to do more. Many editors, ADs, and their assistants were let go, increasing the workload tremendously for those who remained or those who were newly hired. Big corporations started taking over or merging with other big companies increasing this economy of scale.
Enter September 11th and the Anthrax Scare
Following the 2001 September 11th attacks, there were numerous anthrax scares, as one NBC employee tested positive and a New York Times reporter received a suspicious envelope with white powder. An increase in submissions, partly enabled by changes in attitudes to self-expression, creativity, and access to education—plus access to improved writing technologies, fewer resources of staff to deal with the increase, combined with the anthrax scare—caused many New York children’s book publishers to close their doors to submissions and only accept new submissions from agents.
Then came Amazon with its deep discounts and the recession killing off more independent publishers, further narrowing the field. Fortunately, many smaller publishers did keep their doors open to what’s known as unsolicited submissions and quite a few wonderful independent publishers like Chronicle Books and Lee and Low remain.
Today there are 5 major publishers as well as a bunch of independent or semi-independent publishers. This is not to say that the major pubs aren’t producing wonderful work or that big publishers = bad, or small publishers = good (though most smaller publishers do need extra support). That’s overly simplistic and there are truly wonderful people working at all houses and imprints, big and small making equally wonderful children’s books. I’m just talking about the narrowing of the field for submissions. Some of the major publishers’ imprints still accept unsolicited manuscripts, but for many publishers, due to the overwhelming number of submissions and reasons explained earlier, they prefer the system of having an agent act as a kind of quality screener and gatekeeper.
Now It’s the Agents’ Time to Be Overwhelmed
These days we have a big problem with supply and demand where there are many more writers than there are agents, editors, or publishing opportunities. Also, many writers don’t do the work of learning the skills and techniques of being a professional writer, honing their craft over time, taking courses and learning the specific requirements of contemporary publishing and their specific genre. They submit their work and overwhelm agents who then close their submissions except through conferences, referrals and special circumstances.
So Back to You. You Ask Yourself, “What Can I Do Now?”
We understand that this is frustrating. Here’s a little information about what you can do to get past these restrictions. One of the best ways to get access is by making personal connections with agents and editors at conferences or through courses. There is nothing like a personal connection in any aspect of life. But remember that editors and agents are mostly overworked and underpaid. They do this work because they love books and helping others. As society changes with events in the world, we have to change with it. The thing that doesn’t change is that first impressions make lasting impressions. If you meet an editor or agent make a great impression by being warm, helpful, kind, and positive. As the saying goes, “Your attitude determines your altitude.” Of course before you submit, make sure your work is wonderful, brilliant, original, professional and publishable. But this is a given. If you make meaningful connections, chances are they’ll want to help you if they can, and besides the possibility of publishing, you might just make a wonderful friend.
To learn more about Mira Reisberg and her agency, visit HummingbirdLiterary.com. To learn about her upcoming writing course, visit ChildrensBookAcademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html.
81 comments
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January 13, 2014 at 6:57 am
carrie a. pearson
Very informative post, Mira. I’m going to provide it as a lresource ink for a webinar SCBWI-MI is hosting this Thursday on the nuts and botls of the children’s book industry.
January 14, 2014 at 6:39 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thank you, Carrie! Best of luck with the webinar. Would love to be there with you! 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 7:22 am
salarsen
I’ve never thought of how those anthrax scares affected the publishing world. Whoa… This was wonderful information. Thanks so much for sharing it, Mira.
January 14, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful. Isn’t it amazing how everything interconnects? 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 8:03 am
RaChelle Lisiecki
That was very insightful, Mira. Thank you for giving me a fresh perspective on the publishing world. I will continue learning the ropes and making those great impressions.
January 14, 2014 at 6:45 pm
Mira Reisberg
Absolutely, RaChelle! Keep learning and reaching out and connecting and meeting new people. We have some great resources over in the Children’s Book Academy that you might like as well. And thank you! It’s wonderful to hear from you.
January 13, 2014 at 8:10 am
tinamcho
Thanks for the overview of the publishing world. Very informative!
January 14, 2014 at 6:46 pm
Mira Reisberg
I’m glad you liked it, thank you!
January 13, 2014 at 8:39 am
Angie Karcher
Great information! Thx for sharing this with us!
It’s so interesting how all these outside influences affected the pub world.
January 14, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Mira Reisberg
Isn’t it, Angie! Thank you for your kind words!
January 13, 2014 at 8:47 am
Sue Heavenrich
thanks, Mira. I can definitely see the Pacman eating up small publishers (great image) – evolution in action. Staying open to learning is part of that “attitude”.
January 14, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Mira Reisberg
I agree, Sue. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, glad you loved the imagery. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 9:05 am
deborahholtwilliams
Personal connections are so beneficial. Making connections has been one of the many wonderful things about the Highlights workshops, for me, as well as on-line connections made through taking classes, joining forums, etc.
January 14, 2014 at 6:49 pm
Mira Reisberg
Love you, Lucky! Thanks! So glad I got to work with you. and hope to further.
January 13, 2014 at 9:17 am
Kristen Fulton
Great post 🙂 Love the attitude determines your altitude! My mom has preached that to me for years.
January 14, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Mira Reisberg
Your mom is a wise lady! Thanks, Kristen! 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 9:35 am
How the Outside World Impacted the Inside World of Publishing (From An Agent’s Point of View) | The Whole Megillah
[…] How the Outside World Impacted the Inside World of Publishing (From An Agent’s Point of View). […]
January 13, 2014 at 9:36 am
Haddon Musings
I nominated you for a Sunshine Blogger Award. You can read about it at http://www.haddonmusings.com. Please do not feel obligated to participate.
Bernadette Laganella
January 14, 2014 at 6:51 pm
Mira Reisberg
I’m touched! Thank you so much! I can use all the sunshine I can get. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 9:57 am
Denise Bowman
Thank you for this very practical information!
January 14, 2014 at 6:51 pm
Mira Reisberg
You’re welcome, Denise! Glad you found it useful. Thank you for your kind words.
January 13, 2014 at 9:58 am
Wendy Greenley
We can wish the world to be different, but reality checks are important. Thanks for this post, Tara and Mira. Happy New Year!
January 14, 2014 at 6:52 pm
Mira Reisberg
Happy New Year, Wendy! Here’s to a wonderful 2014 for you! Thanks for reaching out. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 10:37 am
Juliana Lee
Thank you Mira for your honesty and willingness to share! I am definitely guilty of assuming that my first story was publishable and sent it off to numerous agents before doing anything more than writing it. But through the wisdom of fine people such as yourself and Tara, I have learned that there’s a lot more to this business. I have joined several online groups, watched webinars (including some of yours), registered for a class at a local university, joined a critique group, and started a smaller pb-only critique group, bought and read excellent how-to books, and really just found out how little I actually knew! Now, I’m more inclined to read, learn, write, revise, and not become discouraged. Hopefully, this with a little bit of talent will land me the coveted published book I so want! Thank you! Thank you!
January 14, 2014 at 6:54 pm
Mira Reisberg
Juliana! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I am so touched to hear your story. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep growing! I hope to see your book out there soon. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 11:20 am
danielledufayet
Great advice! Thank you, Mira, for your generous sharing of yourself and your knowledge.
January 14, 2014 at 6:54 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thanks, Danielle! You are so sweet.
January 13, 2014 at 11:29 am
Amanda Smith
Thank you, Mira, for your practical and helpful advice. Seeing Mira’s face on my computer screen always lights up my day, so thank you Tara for this lively gift. And if you haven’t done Mira’s course yet,sign up for it. Seriously. Life changing !
January 14, 2014 at 6:56 pm
Mira Reisberg
Loving you too! Thank you so much!
January 13, 2014 at 11:44 am
Patrick Waldron
Question: before 2001 the 5 or 6 major publishing houses had open submissions? They had slush piles?
January 14, 2014 at 6:58 pm
Mira Reisberg
Yes, you are absolutely right. There have always been slush piles because unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, not everyone is a brilliant writer or has put in the time to become a brilliant writer. But before 2001 there were many more open houses that accepted unsolicited manuscripts.
January 16, 2014 at 9:12 am
Patrick Waldron
Mira, are you folk-talking me? Did all of the Big Six have open submissions? The ‘many more’ seems like you are parsing what you wrote.
January 13, 2014 at 12:03 pm
jenniferkirkeby
Thanks for the reality check, Mira. It really helps to understand the publishing industry, and yet stay optimistic. I appreciate your experience, and look forward to taking your Craft of Writing course!
January 14, 2014 at 6:59 pm
Mira Reisberg
I am so excited at having you in the course. This one looks like it’s going to be extra fabulous!
January 13, 2014 at 12:32 pm
storyfairy
Hi. I’m an emerging children’s author. Could someone(s) please tell me more about “the work of learning the skills and techniques of being a professional writer, honing one’s craft over time, taking courses and learning the specific requirements of contemporary publishing and one’s specific genre?” What are some sources on these subjects I can look for? Please let me know.
January 13, 2014 at 1:08 pm
kathyhc
The first place to go is the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators! Joining their ranks a few years ago was the best thing I did for myself as a writer. It’s a great way to meet other writers and learn how to grow in the craft. Another great resource (Not to replace SCBWI, but to add to it) is Highlights Foundation.
http://www.scbwi.org/
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/
January 14, 2014 at 7:02 pm
Mira Reisberg
Hi storyfairy. This blog here is a great place to learn. We have three fabulous blogs, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at the Children’s Book Academy. And we also have a picture book writing course, starting February 10, that’s like many courses rolled into one. http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html
And yes, join SCBWI.
January 13, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Leslie Colin Tribble
Fascinating! I would never have thrown the anthrax scare into the mix. I really appreciated this new view, Mira. Thank you!
January 14, 2014 at 7:03 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thank you for your comment, Leslie. I find history fascinating and the ways that world events impact culture in general.
January 13, 2014 at 1:30 pm
Donna L Martin
Hi Mira,
I really enjoyed this post! I guess I could say I’m where I am today because I followed your suggested course of action once I returned to writing four years ago after a 20 year hiatus. Not only have I been working on my writing skills, I have also been networking and connecting with many lovely people in the writing industry…including YOU… and now it is to the point that some agents are trying to connect with me FIRST instead of the other way around…;~)…and it’s all a step in the right direction to future publication of my stories…
Thanks Mira and Tara for sharing this insight into the changing industry.
Take care,
Donna L Martin
January 14, 2014 at 7:03 pm
Mira Reisberg
Love being connected to you too, Donna. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 3:10 pm
bucherwurm65
It is so helpful to understand the business from another perspective. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
January 14, 2014 at 7:04 pm
Mira Reisberg
Yes, people forget that being an artist and/or a writer is being in business. Now more than ever.
January 13, 2014 at 3:49 pm
LovableLobo
Thanks for sharing such great information. It’s a crazy publishing world out there and certainly an interesting time.
January 14, 2014 at 7:09 pm
Mira Reisberg
Yes, I totally agree. Thanks for commenting.
January 13, 2014 at 3:59 pm
Gayle O'Donnell
Thank you so much for this perspective on the publishing world, Mira! I’m hopeful for those independent publishers who have survived Amazon.
January 14, 2014 at 7:09 pm
Mira Reisberg
Me too. And so excited that you’ll be teaching at the Academy this year.
January 13, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Carol Munro
Mira, what you describe here is just what I lived through during my corporate career (merger after merger, downsizing, fewer people doing more work, higher-paid ees being let go, new hires feeling privileged to work their butts off for little pay because their jobs were so important and so vital). When this frenzy was hitting all industries in the 80s, publishing seemed to be oblivious to it. I thought, wait. Just wait. I only wish I could have stayed focused on writing for kids back then. It’s so much tougher now.
January 14, 2014 at 7:10 pm
Mira Reisberg
Yes, I totally agree. But you must be really happy to be out of the corporate world. It was great having you as a student. I hope to again. And thank you for commenting. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 4:17 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Really enjoyed reading this post. I never considered the anthrax scare, but that must have been HUGE. Still have the pile of illustrations and other work from this past summer’s course, and it inspires me to do more. Thank you for your tireless efforts in both your jobs and your life.
January 14, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thank you, Virginia. As always, you are a real pleasure. Happy to know you. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 5:51 pm
paperwitheverything
Mira is one of my favorite people ever! My Paper With Everything blog came about as a result of the Hero’s Art Journey course I took with her and Maya Gonzalez. Thank you, Tara, for featuring her =)
January 14, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Mira Reisberg
I agree, thank you, Tara. xxx.
January 14, 2014 at 7:13 pm
Mira Reisberg
Had a peek at your blog, it looks wonderful. I love the book binding lesson. So happy to be part of your journey.
January 13, 2014 at 6:14 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
So interesting and so insightful. Would never have thought about the anthrax scare affecting book publishing companies. Than you for the words of encouragement.
January 14, 2014 at 7:17 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, it’s a weird world, but hang in there. Keep writing, keep growing, and keep growing to be the best writer and person that you can be. That’s what I strive for. 🙂
January 13, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Kerry Aradhya
Thanks, Mira, for a wonderful post and for putting such a warm, positive spin on the difficulties so many writers face.
January 14, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Mira Reisberg
Yes. Keep working your craft. Keep practicing, learning, experimenting, growing, and creating. Creativity can be such a powerful force for good in the world.
January 13, 2014 at 8:13 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
Thanks, Mira. Very useful post. Nice to see you here!
January 14, 2014 at 7:17 pm
Mira Reisberg
Delighted to see you here too. Love that you’re a force for good in the world too, Rosi, with the work that you do. 🙂
January 14, 2014 at 10:04 am
Sheri R
Thanks Mira. It is similar to the teaching profession, overworked, underpaid, underappreciated and constantly taking courses that are spun
as professional development for out of pocket costs to the teacher.
January 14, 2014 at 7:25 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thanks for your comment, Sheri. I think it’s because children’s book publishing and teaching are primarily female professions. And we still don’t have equal pay for women in most professions.
January 14, 2014 at 2:53 pm
wendymyersart
Thank you, Mira, for sharing your deep pool of wisdom! I’m happy to see you here. Hugs!
January 14, 2014 at 7:26 pm
Mira Reisberg
Happy to see you too, Wendy. Big hugs back. 🙂
January 14, 2014 at 3:52 pm
Mary Jo Wagner
What a fantastic back story Mira! Had no idea of the link between Sept. 11th and submission-doors closing.
January 14, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Mira Reisberg
Thanks for your comment, Mary Jo. Life sure is fascinating and unpredictable, who knows what the future holds. I’m hoping for more opening of doors and hearts.
January 14, 2014 at 11:39 pm
Julie Hedlund
Fantastic post Mira! And I like the fact that you conclude with, “So what can YOU do?” We are all responsible for our own actions, behavior and as a result, opportunities. Use them well I always say.
January 14, 2014 at 11:47 pm
SevenAcreSky
Fabulous recent-history lesson Mira, thanks!
A concise but clear review, that really underscores the value of the writing community we have, offering so many opportunities that we have access to. Thanks for hosting this priceless post, Tara.
January 14, 2014 at 11:54 pm
Carrie Brown
This is a wonderful post, Mira! I have not forgotten the kindness you extended to me over the last year. YOU made a lasting impression! Thanks, again, for your help! I hope we have the chance to meet in person one day! Carrie Charley Brown
January 15, 2014 at 12:45 am
Darshana
Lovely, insightful interview. Thanks Mira and Tara!
January 15, 2014 at 7:07 am
ellenramsey
Thanks, Mira, for the historical perspective and for the current perspective on what we can do. Realistic, informative, and encouraging–a splendid combination in a post!
January 15, 2014 at 8:45 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Very interesting perspective Mira. When I look at my first PB submission that was over 1,000 words, I just laugh. I didn’t know a thing. Now there are so many wonderful resources for writers it amazes me. There’s no excuse for not taking the time to hone our writing skills. Thanks Mira and Tara.
January 15, 2014 at 10:14 am
Miranda P.
🙂
January 15, 2014 at 11:55 am
kateywrites
Thank you for such a succinct and helpful view into the children’s publishing market. I am starting to explore what it takes to get published in KidLit and found your information and links extremely good first steps. I hope I have a chance to meet you or work with you one day!
January 15, 2014 at 3:49 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Mira. Your wisdom is always worth reading!
January 15, 2014 at 9:02 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
Thank you, Dr. Reisburg – this explained a lot. 🙂 I also think that publishers and agents don’t take a 12 year old boy seriously. 😉
January 16, 2014 at 2:22 pm
darlenebeckjacobson
Thanks for the insider take on an important topic. If it weren’t for a “small publisher” – CRESTON BOOKS – my MG novel WHEELS OF CHANGE would not be coming out this year. To those still waiting, don’t get discouraged. There will always be a place for a good story.
January 17, 2014 at 10:18 am
jessieheninger
Thank you so much for this post. It’s nice to know the truth but to not feel so fatalistic after knowing it. I appreciate your positive honesty about it all.
January 19, 2014 at 7:09 pm
KidLitReviews
Wow, what a history and to be a part of it all. It is always nice to understand why things are as they are. i hope you do not mind, I am going to include your post as a reference in my new section of Kid Lit Reivews. Very informative and enlightening.
January 27, 2014 at 4:13 am
jay3fer
Mira: I’m always curious – how receptive are agents and publishers these days to self-published kids’ books? I have a friend who got self-pub’d, then got picked up by a reasonably well-known company within her fairly small niche (Jewish kids’ books). Is this a common story? If so, do you suggest self-pub’d writers bring copies of their work (if possible) along with them to conferences etc to help them network? Or can it maybe hold them back if agents / publishers think they’re not open to working with a company, editors, illustrators etc?
February 3, 2014 at 8:30 pm
Virginia Rinkel
Thank you Tara and Mira for this very informative post! You’re right, there are many connections, and you brought them together here in the world of publishing. Do any of the ‘big’ houses offer yoga sessions or some kind of physical stress relief within the work day – so these overworked agents can cope better? You just can’t sit at the ‘desk’ all day, can you?