Chat Room Workshop: Writer's House Agent Steven Malk- 8/15/06

Enjoy!

*** SteveMalk (~jirc@2310808e.1a8c5c1c.biz.rr.com) has joined channel #Kidlit
Verla: yay! he made it!!!!!
LindaUrban: Hey!
JodiG: yay
Emily: YAY
Deb: Welcome!!
LindaJoyS: Welcome Steve
tem2: Yay
DeAnn: hooray!
Barb: verla, may i have voice?
NOTE: When we have special workshops like this in the chat room, the room is put onto a special "moderated" status and only people with "voice" can speak in the room. In order to keep too many questions from hitting our speaker at once, people are given "voice" one at a time -- at which time they ask their question/s.
Verla: Hoooray, Steven! We're so glad you got here
Mindy: Welcome!
Maripat: welcome
Anne_Marie: YAYAYAYAY!
Pamela: (roll out the red carpet)
BoniA: Welcome!
Deetie: he did?
amlewis: Yeah!!!!
MAScott: Yeee
SharonP: Welcome Steve!
Verla: you already have it barb. Thanks for the reminder
SteveMalk: Wow, finally
Barb: welcome, steven
LS657: hello!
SteveMalk: Thanks for your patience
Barb: ty, verla
Mindy: Thank you for going out of your way to be here for us
LisaAlbert: Welcome, Steven! Thanks for coming!
Verla: hey, we discovered some very interesting things while we waited, Steven, including the fact that Tem keeps agents in his fridge and you are fudge
AlmaFuller: hi Stev
SteveMalk: It's my pleasure...thanks for waiting
SteveMalk: So I'm here in my office, surrounded by the infamous bobble head collection
Verla: I guess I should have said, you *are* fudge. :-)
NOTE: :-) is a sideways happy face
Anne_Marie: Any new ones, Steve?
JodiG: thanks for running across town to be with us
tem2: Just one agent in the fridge. Couldnt' fit any more.
SteveMalk: Actually, Lane Smith sent me a Davey and Goliath one just yesterday
LindaJoyS: Verla, you need to change the topic
Verla: that was way above and beyond the call of duty
Verla: thanks, lyra
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Agent Workshop with Steven Malk IN PROGRESS
SteveMalk: Which is sitting next to Elvis Presley and John, Paul, George, And Ben (from Lane's book -- Hyperion made bobble heads as a promotion)
SteveMalk: Ok, I'm ready to get started
Verla: Okay everyone, quickly welcome Steven... and we'll get started
MAScott: Welcome!!!
librarianl: hi!
Emily: Welcome!
Mindy: Welcome!
JodiG: welcome
SharonP: Hi!
Deb: Welcome! Glad you made it :)
Verla: Welcome to our Workshop. Tonight we will be using a special moderated session. You will not be able to talk in the chat room until it is your turn. When a PLUS sign (+) is by your name, or it changes color, it will be your turn to post your question
FrannyC: Hola!
LisaAlbert: It was great meeting you in LA, Steve! Welcome!
BoniA: Thanks for coming
Verla: Please have your questions typed and ready to post. We will go in alphabetical order, with latecomers and people who didn't ask a question during their turn at the end. We'll fit as many questions in as we can before the end of the workshop.
Barb:
dml: Hey!
amlewis: Hi!!!!!!
Pamela: DAVEY AND GOLIATH?? MY favorite show ever...
Verla: Please do not ask personal questions about a manuscript you have sent or want to send to Steven Malk. Those questions should be asked privately, not during this workshop session. "Generic" questions of interest to everyone are fine to ask. Thank you
SteveMalk: Thanks for having me. I always enjoy this and I'm looking forward to your questions.
Verla: Okay... now that you've seen the rules, here is Steven's bio:
Verla: Steven Malk grew up around children's books. His grandmother opened one of the first children's bookstores in the world in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1952, and his parents owned the White Rabbit Children’s Books, which had locations in La Jolla and Costa Mesa. Malk worked at the White Rabbit for six years, and developed the knowledge and instincts there that he still relies on today.
Verla: In 1998, Malk opened a West Coast office for Writers House, one of the largest literary agencies in the world. Some of the authors and illustrators Malk represents include Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith, Cynthia Rylant, Marla Frazee, Brett Helquist, Kadir Nelson, Franny Billingsley, Karma Wilson, Elise Primavera, Jennifer Donnelly, Ken Oppel, Lisa Wheeler, Sonya Sones, Gris Grimly, Frank Portman, and Melinda Long.
Verla: In addition, Writers House also represents bestselling and award-winning authors such as Sharon Creech, Laurie Halse Anderson, Christopher Paolini, Barbara Park, Andrew Clements, Neil Gaiman, Jack Gantos, Cynthia Voigt, and Robin McKinley.
Verla: You can find out more about Writers House at http://www.writershouse.com
Verla: Okay, we will now go to moderated session... please ask your question when your name turns a different color on the user list, or there is a symbol after it
Verla: Anne_Marie , It's now your turn to ask your question. Please post it now. Thank you.
Anne_Marie: Thanks for being here, Steve. How's the current market for historical fiction, esp. for middle grade?
*** Mode change "+v SteveMalk" on #Kidlit by Verla
Verla: AWK!
Verla: I forgot to give Steven Voice!
Verla: he couldn't answer your question, AM
Verla: He has voice now.... <and I have a VERY red face!>
SteveMalk: Hi Anne_Marie...I think the market is strong. I have a tough time answering questions about certain segments of the market, just because I always think that publishers are intersted in anything if it's well-done...
SteveMalk: But, in general, I do think publishers are open to historical middle-grade right now.
dlan: Some agents like to see a MS after an offer (or two) is on the table. Do you suggest first-time authors send "shopped" or "fresh" MS?

NOTE: MS is a manuscript. MSS denotes manuscripts.
dlan: Thank you.
SteveMalk: Hi dlan..good question. Personally, I prefer to see a manuscript before it's been shopped around...
SteveMalk: You're sort of tying an agent's hands if you've already submitted a manuscript...
SteveMalk: And you're not getting the full benefit of an agent's expertise in terms of exactly which editor/publisher the manuscript is right for...
SteveMalk: I've had people come to me who do have an offer on the table, and that's certainly enticing, but I prefer to start with a fresh manuscript, if possible.
dml: Are there any types of stories you are looking for/not looking for right now? What would these be? Thanks.
SteveMalk: Hi dml...Honestly, as generic as this sounds, I'm just always looking for great voices with a fresh approach...
SteveMalk: I do have certain types of manuscripts that I tend to like a lot, but, again, it's all about execution, and if something is really well-done, it doesn't matter what it is...
SteveMalk: My tastes are pretty broad, but if you look at my clients' books, you'll probably see certain patterns in terms of what I like.
Emily: We often hear about agents 'dropping' authors, how and why does that usually happen? Thanks!
SteveMalk: Hi Emily...I don't generally hear of that happening a lot, but I guess it would happen in a case where the relationship just isn't working, for whateve reason...
SteveMalk: There are definitely times when an author needs to move on to another agent, and I think sometimes an agent might feel like they're not a good fit with the author anymore, and the author would be better served by someone else.
SteveMalk: Please excuse my typos.
FrannyC: Hi Steven. When would it be okay for an unagented writer to call an agent? When she has an offer in hand? When she almost has an offer in hand (i.e., is working towards publication with an editor at a publishing house)? Other circumstances?
SteveMalk: Hi FrannyC -- do you mean literally call on the phone or just approach?
FrannyC: Approach, but rather quickly.
SteveMalk: If you have a case where there's some urgency, I think you just need to let the agent know that in an email or letter, but generally phone calls aren't the way to go. You're better off spelling out the situation in an email so that the agent can have as much information as possible up-front.
Deb: Thanks for hosting this Verla, and thanks Steven for being the hostee! Who are some of your favorite, edgy (if thatÆs the right term), YA authors (Gail Giles, Adam Rapp, Robert Cormier, Alex Flinn are some of mineàhmm not that you really needed to know that!), and which of your clients write along those lines?
SteveMalk: Hi Deb...good question. Robert Cormier is definitely one of the all-time greats, without a doubt...
SteveMalk: I've been impressed with Ned Vizinni's books...
SteveMalk: Obviously Marcus Zusak is amazing, as well as John Green...
SteveMalk: I think there are a lot of people writing great YA these days...Megan McAfferty is really good as well...
SteveMalk: I could go on for a while in terms of people I admire...
SteveMalk: In terms of my own clients, some of my YA writers are A.M. Jenkins, Sonya Sones, Frank Portman, and Justina Chen Headley
Deb: Right! some of mine too! Thanks Steven
SteveMalk: David Yoo's GIRLS FOR BREAKFAST is another great one (he's a client).
Guest678: If a publisher asks you to write a sequel to a strong-selling book written by an author who has died, whatÆs a fair and reasonable royalty (taking into consideration the family of the original author also must get a cut)?
SteveMalk: Hi Guest678...honestly, I don't know if I can accurately answer that without having all of the details...there are a lot of variables in situations like that.
Guest678: Such as?
SteveMalk: Who the publisher is, what the original book is, is there have been other sequels (i.e. is this a series) etc. Every situation is very different so I hate to give an answer without knowing all of the facts.
Guest678: Just an idea? A range? Anything?!
SteveMalk: Is it a picture book? Middle-grade? YA?
NOTE: YA = Young Adult novels
Guest678: Lower YA
SteveMalk: I really still need to know more about the situation, but if you email me with more details, I will do my best to advise you.
Guest678: thanks
SteveMalk: No problem -- sounds intriguing!
kimmar: would you consider another freeverse author, since you already have two?
SteveMalk: Hi Kimmar...I actually have 3: Sonya Sones, Stephanie Hemphill, and Kirsten Smith...
kimmar: oops, sorry :)
SteveMalk: (I assume you're talking about YA here...)
kimmar: yes
SteveMalk: I'm open to more, I find the form very intriguing, but obviously I also have to feel that it's sufficiently different from Sonya, Stephanie, or Kiwi...
kimmar: thanks
SteveMalk: You're welcome.
librarianl: It's so exciting to talk to an actual agent! Is it true that the best way to have an agent read your work is to attend a conference with agents in attendance? Thanks for the insight
SteveMalk: Hi librarianlol...I think that attending conferences is a great way to educate yourself, network, and connect with editors and agents...
SteveMalk: But in terms of getting your work read, nothing can ultimately replace a well-written query letter...
SteveMalk: If you write a good letter, that's as good as meeting an agent at a conference.
librarianl: thanks
Guest708: I am wondering how hard/awkward it is to switch agents, and what the protocol is. (Can you "hear" me?) . . .
Verla: it hasn't been posting so you will be getting it in parts with elipses at the end of each section...
Verla: yes, we see that one guest708
Guest708: At what point does your agent become the agent of record for a particular book? (What if he or she is shopping a manuscript around? What if you've received an offer and haven't gotten the contract yet? What if there are several balls in the air?) . . .
Guest708: Is there ever a good time to make the switch? And if I talked to other agents, wouldn't word get back to my current agent? . . .
Guest708: Okay, that's all! Sorry so long!
SteveMalk: Hi Guest708...that's a complicated question. It depends on a lot of things -- whether you have a signed agreement with an agent, how much work the agent has done etc...
SteveMalk: If the relationship isn't working for you, and you're certain of that, you probably need to make a switch...
SteveMalk: However, as in any relationship, I think it's important to voice your concerns to your agent first before making that switch...
SteveMalk: And if you're still unhappy and you feel like things aren't changing to your satisfaction, you might want to move on...
SteveMalk: In terms of word getting back to your agent, I always think it's best to be totally up front and above board with everyone...
SteveMalk: Including your current agent. I hope that helps.
LindaUrban: Hey Steve, nice to see you. You've put together a few books recently -- matching authors and illustrator and/or building a book around a concept (like the chicken crossing the road book). Can you talk a bit about your approach and if you think this is something agents will be doing more of in the future?
SteveMalk: Hi Linda, good to see you again. Just for the record, I wasn't involved in the chicken crossing the road book, although a couple of my clients are in it and I do think it's a cool book...
LindaUrban: my goof.
SteveMalk: I do represent quite a few artists and I've definitely matched some of my authors with some of my artists lately. I think this can work out for a lot of reasons...it give both clients more control and keeps the rights in one place...
SteveMalk: And it often makes it easier to sell a project if it comes as a complete package...
SteveMalk: I know this goes against the conventional wisdom which says that you should'nt seek out an illustrator for your work...
SteveMalk: so you have to be careful and be sure that it's an artist who publishers really want work with. But if it's done the right way, it can really work...
SteveMalk: I have an incredible book coming out this fall called CLEMENTINE, and it's written by my client Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by my client Marla Frazee...
SteveMalk: Be sure to check it out.
LindaUrban: It looks great! I love the cover!
LisaAlbert: If you have a writer/client who writes YA's and PB's equally well, will you shop both or do you prefer to 'brand' the author and establish their career as one or the other?
SteveMalk: Hi Lisa -- it was great to meet you in LA. Thanks for introducing yourself...
LisaAlbert: I'm not a stalker. LOL
NOTE: LOL = Laughing Out Loud
SteveMalk: It depends on the particular manuscripts. But, in general, I don't have any problem with authors writing across genres...
Verla: (I'm not sure I believe that, Lisa... remember, I've met you in person, and I KNOW you! LOL!)
SteveMalk: I represent Cynthia Rylant, who has written masterfully for almost every genre...
SteveMalk: So I think it's okay, as long as there's a goal -- a long-term plan in mind, and each book is contributing to that in some way.
SteveMalk: Thanks -- she's amazing.
Liz: I have a couple of questions -- What is something we can include in the query letter that is sure to catch an agent's eye? And if our credentials are, let's say 'lacking', what is the best way to present that, or should it be avoided? Sorry one more-- What types of things make a MS unique and special?
SteveMalk: Hi Liz -- all good questions...
SteveMalk: I just look for a query letter to be professional, concise, and to the point. It should include a good description of your work, and show that you have a good handle on your work as well as establish you as a professional...
SteveMalk: Personally, I could care less if you're written for the New Yorker or never published anything before...I want to see a strong, intriguing letter that shows that you have a voice...
SteveMalk: In terms of what makes a manuscript special...again, I hate to sound generic, but I always go back to voice...it's all about voice for me.
Liz: thanks
LS657: Do agents ever ask writer/illustrators for artwork revisions? More generally, do you consider writing and artwork separately in a submission? How do you respond if one area is more accomplished than the other?
LS657: (by the way--I loved CLEMENTINE!)
SteveMalk: HI LS657...you must have special access to have read CLEMENTINE already...
LS657: heh heh...
SteveMalk: I think that if you want the artwork and writing to be considered separately, you should say so in the letter...
LS657: even if the two are for the same project?
SteveMalk: Yes...if you're willing to not illustrate the project and just write it, you should say that...
SteveMalk: Because most agents will assume that you want to do both and that it's a package, unless you say so...
SteveMalk: Although I have posed the question of whether someone would just write or just illustrate, so that does happen...
SteveMalk: But it doesn't hurt to make that clear up front.
LS657: That's very helpful, thanks!
SteveMalk: Welcome.
Maripat: Thanks for being here tonight. Do you see YA SF in demand?
NOTE: SF = Sci Fi
SteveMalk: Hi Maripat -- I think there's room for good YA SF, if the approach is fresh. Definitely.
Maripat: thank you
SteveMalk: You're welcome.
MAScott: Hi, Steven. If you (the agent) request a whole or partial MS based on a query, how much constructive direction do you give if you choose not to take on that author (what sparks a more detailed response?) and do you ever recommend an author to another agent? Maybe because of personality quirks?

SteveMalk: Hi MAScott. We receive a large number of submissions, so, as much as I'd like to give constructive feedback on more submissions, it's really impossible. But if we see a definite area where a manuscript could be improved, we might make some comments...
SteveMalk: In terms of recommending other agents, I do tend to do that sometimes, especially since there are a lot of great agents at Writers House.
MAScott: Thanks.
Mindy: Thank you again for chatting with us tonight. What was the best choice you've made as an agent - and what was the worst one?
SteveMalk: Hi Mindy...tough question!
SteveMalk: I think the best choice has always been to follow my instincts and not to pay attention to market trends or anything like that...
SteveMalk: In terms of the worst choice...
SteveMalk: Maybe trying to initially do this chat from home tonight...
NOTE: Steven couldn't access the chat room from his house so he drove to his office in order to do this workshop with us. What a guy! <Thanks, Steve!>
Mindy: LOL
Verla: LOL, Steve!
SteveMalk: I'm going to have to go with that for now...I can't think of a better answer. I've been really happy with the choices that I've made. Honestly, I always feel lucky that I'm able to do this for a living and that I get to work with so many great people.
Mindy: Thank you.
Pamela: Glad to have the chance to talk to you again, Steve. I recently attended a conference here in NY (Backspace) that was primarily for writers of adult fiction and NF. There was one word that buzzed throughout the sessions: PLATFORM. It was a new word to me. Everyone (agents, editors, authors) referred to the importance of the author's platform, or name recognition. Is this something that children's writers need to work on before a sale? I
SteveMalk: Hey Pamela...I think the importance of a platform usually comes into play with non-fiction...
SteveMalk: if you're writing a cookbook, for example, a publisher wants to know that you have a cooking show or a famous restaurant that will make your book stand out...
SteveMalk: same applies to self-help books etc.
Pamela: I swear: the fiction writers were in on this as well. Made me think: Am I doing enough?
Pamela: Oops. Thanks, Steve. {}
SteveMalk: I don't think you really need to have a platform in this industry. You certainly don't need to be Rachel Ray or The Barefoot Contessa!
SteveMalk: Incidentally, I'm more of a Barefoot Contessa person, myself. Rachel Ray's personality is a little much sometimes.
Guest76: One of the most frustrating things for unagented writers is waiting to hear the status of work submitted. What kinds of updates do you give clients while there work is being reviewed by editors and how much imput do your clients have in deciding where to submit?
SteveMalk: Hi Guest76...every client is different in this way...
SteveMalk: some want to know exactly where their work is and what the responses are...and some prefer not to know unless there's a sale...
SteveMalk: I try to be as responsive as possible to what each particular client would like. And, of course, if they have certain editors who they would like me to approach, I'm all ears...
SteveMalk: it's always a dialogue, and it's important for both sides to have input.
JodiG: Has the interest in "edgy" YA's been exhausted? It seems as though there are so many serious novels coming out. Has the humor market been overlooked for YA?
SteveMalk: Hey Jodi...I don't think that market has been exhausted. I represent a YA called KING DORK that's had a lot of success lately, and I guess people are describing it as edgy....
SteveMalk: And I always think there's room for humor, definitely.
Sascha: In your personal contact with various editors, do you find many (or any) interested in writers who vary in their writing audience, say picture books to YA?
SteveMalk: Sascha...I think editors are interested in people who write across genres, as long as they do it well. I know that's generic, but that's really what it comes down to.
Sascha: Thanks Steve
DeAnn: Thanks for coming , Steve. As far as young chapter books go, is it smart to have more than one written before shopping? And how open is that market to humorous boy books right now? (I was unable to post before--sorry!)
SteveMalk: DeAnn...
SteveMalk: It's tough (but not impossible) to sell single-title chapter books, so you're often better off having at least a couple ready to go...
SteveMalk: I think publishers are very receptive to funny books for boys...
SteveMalk: there's a reason that books like FRINDLE and SIDEWAY STORIES FROM WAYSIDE SCHOOL go on and on and on.
DeAnn: Thanks so much!
SteveMalk: Any other questions? Hopefully my Rachel Ray comment didn't alienate anyone!
Pamela: No! It's good to know you like Ina better than Rachel. <g>
Deb: Do you consider YA novel queries from writers who have several picture books already making the rounds to publishers, or would you prefer they not have nothing in circulation, and are you still open to e-queries?
SteveMalk: Hey Deb...yes, I'm still open to e-queries, although I do think that sometimes writers think they can be more casual because it's an e-query...you have treat it just like you're mailing a letter...
SteveMalk: It's okay if someone has stuff circulating, as long as they're clear about what's out there.
Deb: Thanks Steve (and for the answer to the earlier questions as well! my too read grew quite nicely I must say!
librarianl: how is the poetry market---is funny poetry a good market?
SteveMalk: Hi librarianlol...poetry is never the easiest thing to sell, unfortunately...
SteveMalk: It's often easier if you can position them in such a way that they'll get shelved with picture books rather than poetry. That's the challenge, really...
SteveMalk: But there's always a market for humor. Karma Wilson has a terrific humorous book of poems coming out, actually.
librarianl: would a query be sufficient for poetry or should the query contain some?
SteveMalk: I think a query is fine, as long as it really gives a sense of the book.
Verla: dlan , It's now your turn to ask your question. Please post it now. Thank you.
dlan: Thank you for your time tonight. How has your representation changed over the last 8 years in terms of your editorial input, client expectations, and/or client communications?
SteveMalk: Hey dlan...good question. Obviously, I've gotten busier, but I also have more office support, which is nice...
SteveMalk: My list has grown, and I do represent more artists than I used to...
SteveMalk: I think I've had to make some adjustments based on the way the industry has changed and shifted. I think everyone has had to in some way...
SteveMalk: It's amazing how much the industry has changed in 8 years, actually. This is a really good question -- I could do a whole speech on it, actually, but that's a brief overview.
dlan: Thanks!
FrannyC: Steven, do you have an upper limit on the number of clients you represent? And how would you describe your style with your clients? Strictly business or collegial? And how would you describe your contract negotiation style? And . . .sorry, no more "ands. "
SteveMalk: You're welcome.
SteveMalk: Hey FrannyC...I don't necessarily have a number...but when I feel like I can't sufficiently handle the clients I have, that's when I'll know...I am taking on less and less these days, because I do want to give my clients as much time as possible...
SteveMalk: My style varies from client to client based on their personality and needs...but I like to think that I'm sensitive and receptive to their individual needs and I try to be as personal as possible while having a long-term goal and vision in mind for each client...
SteveMalk: I'm definitely friendly with my clients...
SteveMalk: Contract negotiation-wise...
Verla: Make note of the person before you. When Steve finishes a question, there are no more elipses ... at the end of his sentences. Then it's your turn to post.
SteveMalk: I try to look at each situaton from both sides and do the very best that I can for my client while also being sensitive to where the publisher is coming from and finding a good middle-ground that works for everyone.
FrannyC: Thanks Steven.
Emily: Do you ever have to pass on a manuscript you truly love? If so, why? Thanks!!
SteveMalk: Hey Emily...Actually, "Hey Emily" is the name of a greay song by The Mr. T Experience, actually, but anyway, to your question...
Emily: hmm..I'll have to check it out!
SteveMalk: If I really, truly love a manuscript, it's unlikely that I'll pass on it, but there have been quite a few times when I've passed on manuscripts that I thought had a lot of merit and would certainly be published...
SteveMalk: but I just didn't love them enough...
SteveMalk: You should check out the song. It's written by the same guy who wrote KING DORK.
LS657: librarianlol asked my question, so, to build on it: Can you give an example of a poetry collection that might be shelved with picture books instead of poetry? And did you mean in bookstores, as opposed to libraries?
SteveMalk: Hi LS657...if it's a collection, there's more of a chance it will go with poetry. I was talking about a single poem...and I was talking about bookstores.
LS657: OK, thanks.
Mindy: What do you think the market will be like in the next five or so years? And how long is your approximate response time to an e-query?
SteveMalk: Hi Mindy...it's hard to say what the market will look like. There are trends here and there, but I always think there's room for quality material and that will certainly never change...
SteveMalk: Our response time to all queries (e-queries or snail mail) is 4-6 weeks.
Mindy: Thank you.
AlmaFuller: Hello, Nice to see you again. You mentioned publishers are always open for a well written funny boy chapter book, what about funny girl chapter books? Or do you think something with a boy mc would sell faster?
SteveMalk: Hey Alma...I think either one could work, it all depends on the execution. I can't really say which one would sell faster. But I just wanted to be sure to dispel the idea that boy books don't sell, because I think they do.
AlmaFuller: Thanks
Deb: Thanks for taking more questions! Any YA novels that youÆve read recently that wowed you , but havenÆt grabbed the teen audience as well as the publisher hoped? Or, a YA that you read and loved, but just didnÆt do well (in terms of sales, and or recognition). Hmm, hope my question makes sense...
SteveMalk: Hmmm, I have to think about that...
SteveMalk: There are always a lot of books that don't get as much attention as they should, unfortunately...
SteveMalk: Although they have a pretty big underground following, I don't think that Craig Thompson's graphic novels have gotten the mainstream attention they deserve...
SteveMalk: BLANKETS is a classic, really.
Sascha: Hey again, Steven. If a reputable editor with a good house expresses serious interest in a novel ms written by one of your clients, what is your opinion if a revision is requested sans contract? How would you advise your client? (Go Chargers)
Deb: Thanks!
SteveMalk: Go Chargers, indeed...
SteveMalk: If the comments resonate with the author and make sense, I don't see a problem with it, although I'd need to know more about why a contract wasn't being offered and the extent of the comments. And whether or note any other houses had seen the book.
Pamela: When you were starting out, you were one of the few agents for children's writers. There's been a little explosion and there seem to be more agents than editors. What's going on out there? (Is it just me or does it seem more and more editors are turning into agents? Not that there's anything wrong with that...) === Pamela (no song written about me yet) :{
SteveMalk: Hey Pamela...it's true that there are more and more agents. I think it's a reflection of the fact that our industry has grown and changed immensely since HARRY POTTER...
SteveMalk: it's almost an entirely different era post-HARRY POTTER. I also think that more and more houses are taking unsolicited material and editors are moving around more and more and the business has become more corporate...
SteveMalk: so the idea of having someone in your corner has become more appealing to authors.
Verla: And that was the last question!
SteveMalk: I'm happy to take a few more.
Pamela: (Authors or questions?) ;>
SteveMalk: Both!
Verla: ha ha, pamela!
Pamela: Blame it on my migraine.
AlmaFuller: Was that last comment to Pamela more and more houses are taking unsolicited or aren't
SteveMalk: are not
AlmaFuller: thought it was supposed to be thanks for clarifying
SteveMalk: no problem -- thanks for asking!
Verla: anyone else want to ask a question?
Mindy: What is the quickest sale you've ever had - and what was the longest amount of time it took to sell a manuscript? SteveMalk: quickest sale...hmmm...less than 24 hours
SteveMalk: longest...well over a year.
LisaAlbert: If your new client came to you with 3 editors already interested in seeing a YA, would you simultaneously submit or send exclusives to a time period?
SteveMalk: Hey Lisa...it depends...but probably simultaneously submit, depending on who the editors are.
Verla: Heh heh.. I had a book sell in one week, Mindy. And I thought that was pretty fast!
AlmaFuller: I had one sell in two days Verla but that was only because my agent was away on the Saturday :)
Verla: Wow, Awesome, Alma!
Verla: I think I remember that!
Verla: okay... if you would like, Steve, we can open it now to a discussion of current books. What's hot and what's not. What people are loving to read and what you see as the "upcoming" big-sellers.
SteveMalk: Sure, I'm open to anything...
Verla: and everyone can just jump in with their opinions and comments
Verla: and questions
LisaAlbert: great idea, Verla
LindaJoyS: When is the INSIDE TREE coming out?
Verla: just be aware that with this many people, you might not have a question answered!
SteveMalk: Not sure exactly on the INSIDE TREE...but MRS. CRUMP'S CAT is about come out, and it's amazing!
LindaJoyS: great, steve
Verla: by the way, this was a GREAT workshop, STeve! I'm just sorry you had to go to so much trouble to do it!
librarianl: for what age group?
Verla: we really appreciated your time and effort (and gas, too)
AlmaFuller: it's a picture book LOL
SteveMalk: Thanks for your patience!
SteveMalk: it's a picture book -- 4-8, I would say
LindaJoyS: By the way, Steve, I saw you at SCBWI and you were busy -- so I'll say Hi now (g)
NOTE: (g) = grin
SteveMalk: Hi!
AlmaFuller: Yes, next time invite us all to your party :)
Sascha: Love Lisa Wheeler's PBs
NOTE: PBs = picture books
SteveMalk: Lisa's consistently amazing
Verla: she certainly is
Pamela: Is INSIDE TREE Linda Smith's? Are there still more books? :{
Verla: hey, I have a book coming out in the spring, Steve.... my Charley biography finally is going to be out the end of April. (It's now written in rhyme)
SteveMalk: Is that the one Adam Rex looked at?
Verla: yes, it is, Steve. Did you get to see it?
SteveMalk: Yes, it's great. Who's illustrating it?
Verla: Inside Tree is Linda Smith's, yes.
Verla: someone else named Adam! LOL! (Adam Gustavson)
SteveMalk: How funny.
SteveMalk: if you get a chance to look at Adam Rex's new book, FRANKSTEIN MAKES A SANDWICH, you should!
SteveMalk: any other questions?
Barb: wonders who is in frankenstein's sandwich
AlmaFuller: any bobble heads you're looking for?
SteveMalk: hmmmm...
LisaAlbert: LOL, Alma
NOTE: Steve collects bobble heads and those of us who know him well tease him unmercifully about them
SteveMalk: anything retro...Fantasy Island bobble-heads would be pretty great!
AlmaFuller: boss boss de plane de plane - fantasy Island?
SteveMalk: Yes, that's it!
SteveMalk: Or a Higgins bobble head from Magnum PI...I'd like one of those

SteveMalk: I'll pass on the Thomas Magnum bobble head, though.
Sascha: how do you feel about your clients taking on work for hire type of projects on the side?
SteveMalk: Sascha...I understand it...everyone has to make a living.
BoniA: At what point did you start repping Lisa Wheeler? Had she already been published?
SteveMalk: No, I've been representing Lisa from the very beginning!
BoniA: thank you
LisaAlbert: Steven, do you rep NF, educational books? (I negotiated my contracts)
NOTE: NF = non fiction
SteveMalk: I do represent some non-fiction, but not usually if it's strictly for the educational market.
LisaAlbert: Which Enslow is.
LisaAlbert: but that's okay!
librarianl: someone mentioned that there had not been so many children's agents---which ones are the best? :) lol
SteveMalk: I think there are a lot of good children's agents out there...you just have to do your research.
Sascha: Have you ever shelved a project that didn't go as expected with the intention of bringing it out at a later point?
SteveMalk: Yes, I sold a couple of books in the last year that I'd originally tried to sell many years ago
SteveMalk: sometimes timing is everything
AlmaFuller: most times
LisaAlbert: I bet those authors were thrilled!
SteveMalk: yeah, it was quite gratifying
SteveMalk: deb -- who are some of your favorite recent upper-YA books? You seem very interested in that genre...
Deb: Carol Plum-Ucci (although not so recent to the market)..
Deb: recent to me:)
Deb: Libba Brey
LisaAlbert: yes!
LisaAlbert: G&TB was just optioned for a movie!
Deb: Holly Black, author who wrote After and name I can't remember right now?
SteveMalk: those are all good choices, Deb
Deb: any others you've read lately (or anyone else) I'm about to read Fast and Brutal Wing
Pamela: Deb-- that is a GREAT book. Love all of her work.
Deb: I know! I can't wait to sink in!
Sascha: Were you discouraged or doubtful after the first go around?
SteveMalk: no, maybe surprised
Sascha: Thanks!
Emily: sorry if anyone else has brought this up(i was out of the room a sec) but my agent was at SCBWI LA and said there are murmurings that the PB market is picking up....have you heard that?
SteveMalk: Again, I don't really pay attention to market trends, but I've sold a lot of picture books in the last year or so. I think publishers are more picky about picture books than they used to be, but they're certainly buying them.
Emily: good to know!
AlmaFuller: What are your favorite YA for voice?
SteveMalk: YA for voice...not counting my own clients' work...SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson comes to mind immediately.
AlmaFuller: SPEAK was great.
AlmaFuller: Love America too
Emily: I LOVE Speak
Deb: Speak is amazing, read it a few times
JodiG: I just gave a copy to the nieces in my family
Deb: Beth Goobie is another author well worth checking out..
AlmaFuller: I like Beth Goobie
Emily: Tanya Lee Stones YA Freeverse is great!
Emily: A Bad Boy Can be Good For a Girl
SteveMalk: Thanks so much for having me and for being patient while I switched computers...
Barb: thanks for coming
SteveMalk: And thanks, as always, to Verla for doing all of the work that goes into this
Barb: it was very informative
JodiG: Thank you for coming
Emily: Thank you so much for coming!!
Sascha: thanks so much!
AlmaFuller: thanks for coming Steve
SteveMalk: I really enjoy these chats...everyone asks great questions.
Mindy: Thank you for going through all that trouble to chat with us!
dlan: This was great - thanks for your time.
Sascha: do you have a blog, steve?
Verla: hey, thank YOU for coming, Steve
BoniA: Thank you very much for coming!
SteveMalk: I'll continue to do them...they're fun.
Maripat: thank you for all the information
SteveMalk: I don't have a blog.
Deb: Thanks for driving to the office!
DeAnn: Thanks, Steven.
Verla: they WERE good questions, weren't they?
Verla puffs up with pride at "her" people!
ShirleyH: Thanks, Steven!
SharonP: Thank you, Steve!
LisaAlbert: And Verla, I am so not a stalker! LOL
Verla: you are all SO savvy and SO good
librarianl: thanks verla and steve!
SteveMalk: If I did, I think I'd mainly write about baseball, music, and my cats.
LS657: Thank you!
Verla: and you are TOO a stalker, Lisa. I've watched you in action!
LisaAlbert: {{kia}}
NOTE: Kia is Verla's "chat room" nickname. (It was given to her years ago when the chat room was first started. It stands for "know-it-all" because Verla was constantly learning new things about the chat room -- how to run it, how to moderate it, etc.)
AlmaFuller: good subjects
Sascha: good things to write about :)
amlewis: Thank you so very much!!!!
LisaAlbert: thanks for hosting!
SteveMalk: Yes, the questions really were great.
AlmaFuller: goodnight
Verla: Thanks again, Steve. And special thanks for all the extra effort you went to in order to get in tonight
Verla: did you want submission information posted with the workshop, Steve?
SharonP: Thank you, Verla!
Barb: thank you, verla
LisaAlbert: Thanks for chatting with us, Steven.
Barb: good night, all
Mindy: Thank you Verla!
Verla: :-)
Barb: safe drive home, steve
Deb: And Verla! Thank you for doing this for us...and helping me out when I was a bouncing, bouncing
SteveMalk: I'm sorry that I couldn't be more specific about the question on the royalty, but I really need to have all of the info to answer a question like that.
LisaAlbert: understandable
Pamela: Steve, you always bring out the best chatters. And questions. Thank you, Verla, for connecting us once again. {}
Emily: We are so lucky for this wonderful place Verla created!
SteveMalk: I agree...it's an amazing service.
Verla: So did you want me to post submission information, Steve? If so, why don't you just send it to me in an email tomorrow?
SteveMalk: Sure!
Verla: unless you want to give it to me now
SUBMISSION INFORMATION: SteveMalk: Queries via snail mail: Steven Malk, Writers House, 3368 Governor Dr, #224F, San Diego, CA 92122
SteveMalk: via email: smalk@writershouse.com
Sascha: do you read your emails or are they prescreened through an assistant?
Verla: Great! I'll make sure it's in the transcript.
Sascha: (gee, that sounded sort of stalkerish, didn't it...)
SteveMalk: I read them.
Sascha: ah. heh.
Verla: Definitely, Sascha. <peers at Sascha to see if she is another stalker... like Lisa!>
LisaAlbert: Hey!
LisaAlbert: LOL...wait until LA '07 Kia!
Verla: heh heh, You know I adore you, Lisa
Verla hides behind the potted palm
SteveMalk: Thanks again, everyone!
SteveMalk: Have a great night.
LisaAlbert: vaseline on your toilet!
Pamela: Good night, Steve
Verla: Night, steve
Pamela: WHAT? Vaseline??
Sascha: hahaha
Mindy: What a great chat - thanks again, Verla!
Emily: That was great! Thanks Verla!
Verla: eeek! you are MEAN, lisa
LisaAlbert: lol
*** Signoff: SteveMalk (Quit: Bye bye)
Verla: it was, wasn't it. He is so great
Pamela: Do we WANT to know what you are talking about?
Emily: He is
Sascha: Lisa answered Steve's good night with, "vaseline on your toilet" :)
Deb: Thanks again Verla. Happy writing and submitting everyone!
Emily: ha ha Lisa...stalker!
Pamela: Steve is cool.
Maripat: night all. And thanks, Verla.
LisaAlbert: is an old school prank...you sit, don't see the vaseline and when you try to get up, you're stuck!
Verla: she's threatening to put vasoline on my toilet seat at LA next year to get even with me for calling her a stalker, pamela
Mindy: ew
Sascha: STEVE is the one I accidentally sent my fake agent email to!
LisaAlbert: LOL, Sasha!
Verla: more like slide off onto the floor, lisa
ShirleyH: Night all!
Mindy: LOL
Verla: oh too funny, sascha
Pamela: What's this Sascha??
Sascha: it was awhile ago
Verla: night all!
Sascha: hopefully he forgot
NOTE: If he had forgotten, Sascha... he will remember when he rereads this transcript. <Mwahahahahahaahhahhahahaha!>
Log file closed at: 8/15/06 8:41:59 PM