Agent Workshop with Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown LTD - 7/28/09

Enjoy!

*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Agent Workshop with Ginger Clark HERE tonight!
*** Guardian has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Writers & Illustrators of Children's Literature Meet Here Nightly
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Workshop w/Agent Ginger Clark here tonight
Verla: stupid room wouldn't let me change the topic
Verla: Had to look up how to change the topic...
Christy: Poor Verla!
cgull: lol. shoot!
Verla drags out the cannon from the corner of the chat room and aims it very carefully at cgull. (Unless you'd rather I picked a different target to shoot, cgull?)
Verla prepares to shoot the cannon... (And yes, I do see you hiding behind the potted palm over there on the other side of the chat room, cgull.)
Verla: Mwahhahahahahahahahahahahahaha! BOOM!
auntybooks: verla, that will make a big, feathery mess!
Verla: Too late, auntybooks
Verla: Wow. What a hole!
Sarah_Erbe: lol
Verla: Oh, wait... we have to clean it up before our guest of honor arrives!
Christy: I think my hair is singed
cgull: ouch. that kinda hurt. got me right in the shin.
Verla scrambles to sweep, mop, and patch holes in the floor and walls
Verla: Can someone put a big bouquet of flowers over the hole in the wall?
auntybooks: I'll stand in front of it.
Verla: Maybe Ginger won't notice it's there
Verla stares at skinny auntybooks and asks, What good will THAT do?
auntybooks: I'll bounce back and forth.
Verla: Oh, Okay. That might work
auntybooks: really fast.
Verla hands auntybooks a HUGE bouquet
cgull: like a distraction
auntybooks: Oh, that will be fine!
Sarah_Erbe: Where is everyone? .... Maybe we're just early? *I hope*
auntybooks: Or, I could just do a couch imitation like I did the last time I went to a funeral.
Verla moves the podium away from the hole in the floor. (Wouldn't want Ginger to fall in!)
Verla: early
Verla: we start in ten more minutes
Verla: Ginger was here an hour ago. She will be back soon.
Sarah_Erbe: Great! Let me grab some popcorn!
cgull: oh, that sounds like a good idea
Verla opens up the concession stand
Verla: Money to repair the holes!
Verla: yarr
cgull: haha. awesome.
Verla: Oh wait. This isn't my pirate game, is it?
Verla: Scratch the Yarr
spiral: wow! full house tonite!!!!
auntybooks: I never scratch my yar in public!
Verla: Hooray, another victim... er... I mean... person to attend the agent workshop tonight
spiral: Hello Verla! Nice to see you here!!!!
Verla waves to spiral
elissadcru: tee hee hee
Verla: it's a workshop night
Verla: should be great!
elissadcru: I don't have questions, but can I just listen in?
spiral: uh oh - didn't know this was a scheduled workshop ...
Verla: absolutely
Christy: I brought cookies!
Verla: everyone is invited
spiral: excellent!
spiral: did I miss much yet?
Verla: you will post a ? in the room if you want to ask Ginger a question
auntybooks: Just the death of cgull
Verla: I'll call on you in order
Verla: No, aunty, not her death. Just maimed her a little
cgull: yeah, that's all. I heal quick, tho
shellic: Hello everyone. So glad you're doing this Verla. Thanks.
auntybooks: The maiming of cgull.
spiral: ok, thanks
Verla: you have to be careful what you ask for... you might get it
cgull: lamo I learned my lesson!
heron: Hell, all!
heron: Oops, that's hello!
Verla whispers, did you know there's a DUNGEON under this chat room for people who get out of line?
shellic: Staying in line. I'm not dressed for a dungeon.
cgull: *whispers back: well, sheesh. now I do.
Verla: we used to have a wonderful dungeon mistress, but she doesn't come anymore, so the Iron Maiden and the Rack are pretty full of cobwebs now
auntybooks: We had a writer named cobwebs? What did he do?
Verla: SHE took care of torturing chat attendees that got out of line, Auntybooks
auntybooks: gulp.
cgull: lol
*** Ginger_Clark has joined channel #Kidlit
Verla: Hi, Ginger!
Verla: We'll be starting in about 3 minutes...
spiral: ok - guess I lost that argument, then . . . :)
Verla: that's when I'll introduce you with your bio
redtide09: Hi, Ginger! Thank you so much for being with us tonight.
Ginger_Cla: Ok, then I will just sit tight here and you let me know when you want me to start talking
Sarah_Erbe: Hi Ginger!
spiral: Welcome, Ginger!
Larissa: HI, Ginger! Welcome!
Verla: in the meantime, everyone can welcome our guest of honor...
DaniG: Hi Ginger!
shellic: Welcome, Ginger!
auntybooks: yes yes!
Sarah_Erbe: Welcome *claps*
heron: Welcome, Ginger! Thanks for being here.
PatEsden: Welcome, Ginger!
elissadcru: Welcome! Hooray!
Desi: Thanks, Ginger!
Verla: (They need to do it now, cause I'll be gagging them after the workshop begins... LOL
NOTE: LOL = Laughing Out Loud
lillpluta: Hello, Ginger. Thank you for coming.
Christy: Yeah Ginger!
spiral: it's gonna be a busy nite here!!!!
Verla: Yep.
maryann: Hi Ginger!
Verla: Two minutes and counting down....
cgull: Ditto all! Welcome :)
Ginger_Cla: HI, everyone--thanks for the warm welcome
Verla: ONE minute!
spiral: I am soo excited!
elissadcru: the suspense!
Sarah_Erbe: no kidding..
heron: Do we get in line for questions yet?
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Workshop w/Agent Ginger Clark IN PROGRESS - Please wait to be called on before talking.
Verla: Tonight we are having a special guest for a Q&A Live Chat Workshop. I'm going to explain the rules of the chat, and then introduce her. As soon as I've finished introducing her, you may type in your ? if you have a question to ask her.
Verla: Workshop in session. Post one question mark ? if you have a question to ask. Then type your question but WAIT to post it until you are told it is your turn.
Verla: Please do not ask personal questions about a manuscript you have sent or want to send to Ginger Clark at Curtis Brown LTD. "Generic" questions of interest to everyone are fine to ask.
Verla: If you have more than one question to ask, AFTER you have had one question answered, you may post another question mark in the room. You will be told when it is time to ask your next question.
Verla: During the workshop, please DO NOT use any of the sounds buttons, or change the color of your text. Do NOT use bold, or other fancy fonts. Thank you for helping this workshop to be an enjoyable experience for everyone!
Verla: Ginger Clark has been a literary agent with Curtis Brown LTD since the fall of 2005.  She represents science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, literary horror, and young adult and middle grade fiction.  In addition to representing her own clients, she also represents British rights for the agency’s children’s list. 

Submission information for Ginger Clark:

Website with submission information. (READ before submitting manuscripts!)
http://www.curtisbrown.com (Click on Submissions in menu)

Email: Ginger Clark <gc@cbltd.com>

Verla: Previously, she worked at Writers House for six years as an assistant literary agent.  Her first job in publishing was as an editorial assistant at Tor Books.  She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and a member of the Contracts Committee of the AAR.  She lives in Brooklyn with her husband.
Verla: And now, if everyone will please give Ginger a warm welcome, we will let her say a couple of words. Then Spiral will ask her question. I'll call on you one by one (in order of your ? question marks in the room) to ask your questions.
WriterRoss: Welcome to the chat, Ginger-- Pamela
Sarah_Erbe: *claps*
olmue: Welcome, Ginger! Good to see you here!
pworkman: *applause*
Ginger_Cla: Hi, everyone. Thanks for having me. This is a pretty amazing turnout. I'm really thrilled to be here.
cgull: *cheering*
heron: So glad you're giving us your time! Thank you!
Karen: *Sonic speed clapping* Welcome Ginger!
spiral: what is the number one thing you want to see subbed to you that you would be willing to take on?
spiral: I know - it's a loaded question
Ginger_Cla: Tough question. I'd love fresh, YA urban fantasy. Convincing voice. Not involving vampires.
NOTE: YA = Young Adult novels
spiral: lol
spiral: thank you!
DaniG: Do you show your clients your pitch for their novel before you submit to editors?
Ginger_Cla: Yes, to get their thoughts, and make sure I have all my facts straight. And they often have revisions, and those revisions are usually pretty spot on.
heron: Your focus is sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal, so I wonder if you're at all interested in contemporary, realistic MG and YA?
NOTE: MG = Mid-grade novels
Ginger_Cla: I am. I definitely am. Kristin Walker's A MATCH MADE IN HIGH SCHOOL is an example of the kind of contemporary I'm looking for. Due out in Feb next year.
heron: Thank you!
Christy: What makes you fall in love with a manuscript?
Ginger_Cla: Usually, for YA/MG, it's the voice. If it's in 1st person, does the kid sound like a kid? In third--do the kids sound like kids? Then, probably, the main character in general.
Christy: Thanks Ginger!
Sarah_Erbe: Are agents, publishers, and editors, looking for a YA novel with a new angle / twist? Maybe Nephilim (fallen angel) vampires? *I know Vampires!*
Ginger_Cla: Yes. I think vampires are still sellable, but they have to be done in an inventive way. I feel like there are angel books out there for YA. If you can do something fresh, you can use "old tropes"
Sarah_Erbe: Good to hear! Thanks!
shellic: Do you see a place in the current YA market for character driven stories?
Ginger_Cla: I assume you mean something that's about the teen growing as a person? Absolutely there's a place for that. It has to be very well done, though.
shellic: Yes, coming of age. Thanks, Ginger.
Abby: Who are some of your favorite MG and YA fantasy authors?
Ginger_Cla: Oh, well: current authors that are NOT my clients: Melissa Marr, Maggie Stievater, LJ Smith, Cassandra Clare, Garth Nix, Rick Riordan, the writer of SWOON, I feel like I am probably missing some, sorry.
Abby: That's great, thanks!
Visitor_33: what grabs you in a query?
Ginger_Cla: Query: a well laid out plot, with a main character of the proper age (so, younger than 13/14, MG; older, YA) and just a para of plot description.....
Ginger_Cla: then comparisons to authors whose work they think is similar to theirs. Tell me whether it is a series or not. And then, proper punctuation, not a lot of typos, etc.
Visitor_33: thank you!
spiral: My local librarian (w/ her "tweenie" group) says she is seeing a shift in the market trend. Do you agree, and if so, what shift?
Ginger_Cla: You mean, 8 to 12, right? I think MG has gotten more edgy, and realistic. I think we're not talking down to kids more. Trends in general for kids' books, though...
spiral: yes, MG
Ginger_Cla: I think TWILIGHT is a tide that has floated many boats. I've never seen so much good YA fantasy-and urban fantasy, too. I think we're seeing more MG series, as well.
spiral: excellent! thanks!
heron: Could you name some already released contemporary, realistic MG titles you admire?
Ginger_Cla: You mean, stuff that isn't on the CB list? Mmmm...
heron: anything you've read and loved

NOTE: CB list = Curtis Brown's entire list of clients

Ginger_Cla: Oh, OK, I'm going to steal from the CB list, then: LOVE, AUBREY is heartbreaking; I love the GECKO AND STICKY series by Van Draanen; I love the MOXY MAXWELL series.
Ginger_Cla: OH, wait, more--i love JEREMY FINK ...and all fo Wendy Mass's titles.
Sarah_Erbe: What are common storylines that you're tired of seeing in YA urban fantasy and others in general?
heron: thank you!
Ginger_Cla: Ooh, good question. Girl meets vampire, they cannot be together for some reason, then they are, the end....girl meets werewolf, afraid he will hurt her, they can't be together....
Ginger_Cla: I guess what I'd like is girls who do more, and where the romance ISN'T the whole book, and you have creatures other than vampires or werewolves.
Sarah_Erbe: Thanks Ginger
Christy: When you ask for a full, what are you looking for and how far into it do you feel you have to read?
Ginger_Cla: I am looking to see that if the promise of the first 50 pages doesn't disappear on page 51. I am looking to see if things get sluggish. I am looking to see....
Ginger_Cla: if the dialogue remains realistic, if the ending doesn't fall apart, if you can carry off a plot for 70K words, if the main character suddenly becomes "uncompelling."
NOTE: 70K = 70,000
Christy: great stuff Ginger. Thanks!
Desi: I am fearful about asking this question, but I must: Do agents check the credit reports of prospective clients? Because of a layoff and unexpected medical bills, I am going to have to file for bankruptcy in the next couple of months, unless some miracle happens. It's beyond the point of being able to work something out with creditors. Will this keep me from getting an agent? A publisher?
Ginger_Cla: I have no idea how to even check another person's credit. I don't think legally I can. I would recommend that if an agent offers rep, you be up front. But no, I do not check credit reports.
shellic: Are you seeing extended wait times to hear back from editors now as compared to a few years or even a year ago?
Verla: (Ooh, good question, shellic)
Ginger_Cla: I actually try to remember which editors take too long, and
so then I'm less inclined to send them things in the future. However, in
the past 8 months, with all the reorganization, yes, editors have been
swamped more than usual, and so they are taking longer.
shellic: Love it. Thanks, Ginger.
Desi: Thanks, Ginger.
Visitor_33: A follow up question - if you request a full, what would keep you reading through a slow middle (or would you anyways to see the grand finale)?
Ginger_Cla: Ooh, interesting question. Yes, probably--if the beginning was really good, and I wanted to know what happens to the main character.
Visitor_33: thanks!
Larissa: Do you have a favorite writing reference or book on writing?
Ginger_Cla: ELEMENTS OF STYLE. ON WRITING.
Larissa: Thanks! :)
*** Signoff: Ginger_Clark (Ping timeout)
*** Ginger has joined channel #Kidlit
Ginger: HI, I'm back--did something happen?
AM: (Chat stick. Everyone gets booted.)
Verla: tons of people got booted!
Verla: Yoiks
egmontgal: oy!
Ginger: Hey, am I doing this properly? What's going on? Where am I?
KarenH: epic chat fail :(
spiral: we all got booted
Christy: crazy!
Ginger: I'm sorry if I did this somehow. Oh, no--I did use a bad word like four minutes ago--would that do it?
S: I'm not alone! yay
Verla: nope not you
Verla: something happened
cgull2: what is a mistake you would rather not have first-time authors make (in their writing)?
Ginger: So many answers to that question....
NOTE: ms = manuscript
Ginger: Too much description. Bad, unrealistic dialogue. Making a book sound preachy to kids. Talking down to them.
Visitor_11: thanks, Ginger
cgull2: Cool. Thanks!

Visitor_11: What is one thing you would tell an intermediate writer who is almost there but not quite? Ie, what's the biggest thing that hinders a ms from hitting the mark?
Ginger: Visitor, that's a tough question to answer. Maybe a lack of polish to their style? An inability to get their sentences to flow, naturally.
Visitor_11: So, sentence level stuff
Ginger: Visitor, that's just one way an author could improve. It's all individual.
lillpluta: How important do you think branding is, especially newer authors?

Ginger: Branding--I think networking is more what I'd think of it. Register a website for your book, register your name, start getting to know other writers, get on twitter, facebook, etc. etc.
spiral: May we sub to you, and if so, what do you want (query, synopsis, 1st 3 chapters or full ms?)
Ginger: Yes, you can email me a one page query. I will respond if you mention you were on this chat.
spiral: Thank you!!!!
lillpluta: Okay..sorta back to branding .. what about a person who writes multi-genres..
lillpluta: do they need to stick to one..
lillpluta: for a prescribed lenght of time.. or can somebody sell a pb right after an mg or something
NOTE: pb = Picture Book, MG = Mid-grade
Ginger: Yes, they should focus on one, establish themselves there, and then discuss with their agent going into another field.
Ginger: I think it all depends on the books, and what editors they're with.
DaniG: What do you feel the biggest challenge is for a new agent when it comes to selling?
Ginger: The biggest challenge--jeez, just finding editors who still have room on their lists, nowadays! With all the layoffs, editors have inherited lots of books. And so then they stop acquiring as much....
Ginger: I think just also trying not to get mad, personally, at rejections. Figuring out the good criticism in rejection letters. Bucking up the client.
postjade: Which is a better place to find an agent, Writer's Marketplace or Publisher's Marketplace or somewhere else?
Ginger: Publishers Marketplace is my go to place for researching editors. It's updated a lot more frequently than Writers Market, or any of the books.
Ginger: Oh, sorry--thanks for the question!
postjade: Thanks.
rbs: I have a manuscript that was previously represented by an agent and submitted to seven publishers, but the agent and I have recently parted ways (amicably). Is it worth my time to try and find a new agent with this manuscript, or would I be better off waiting until I have something new to submit?
Verla: (good question, rbs)
Ginger: Tough question--7 publishers isn't EVERYWHERE< but that still is a lot of places the new agent can't necessarily send the book. I'd suggest approaching agents with a new idea, or book....
Ginger: But do make sure they know about your previous agent, and where they submitted the previous book.
rbs: Thanks so much!
heron: If you take on a client with multiple sub-ready mss written in different "voices" (serious vs humorous), how do you decide which one to sub first?
Ginger: Whichever I think is strongest--or whichever the client really wants me to shop first. The client usually isn't going to be happy if their "baby" isn't the one out there.
heron: thanks for that insight, ginger.
S: What are publishers or editors, asking to see right now in YA and MG? * I'm Sarah
Ginger: Urban fantasy for YA. Even Urban fantasy for MG. They want YA paranormal romance, as well. They want SF--but only if it's commercial, and "fun." Oh, but also--post apocolyptic YA is BIG right now.
NOTE: YA = Young Adult, MG = Mid-Grade SF = Science Fiction
S: Perfect! Thank you!
AM: If it's a first-time author, and the sample has an unlikeable MC, would you still want to read more?
NOTE: MC = Main Character
Ginger: Yes, if the unlikeable main character could keep my attention, and is compelling. The example I always give is Lolita--Humbert should be locked up, but he's still compelling.
AM: Excellent. Thank you!
AdamV: Have you cut back on acquiring new clients in this bad economy?
Ginger: I have cut back on acquiring certain kinds of writing, yes. I have taken on less literary stuff on the adult side of my list. And I've taken on kids' stuff, more than before, because I believe that the future profits of publishing...
Ginger: are on the kids' side of the list. And abroad, too--at Bologna, several major foreign adult fantasy imprints sent editors to acquire YA crossover urban fantasy. At BOLOGNA, the kids' book fair.
auntybooks: Are you seeing lower advances since the economic downturn? If so, how much are they down?
Ginger: Yes. Well what I am seeing is editors buying more books in a series, but not improving much over the previous books--even if the series is growing. I can't give you a figure like that, though. Oh, and certain foreign markets remain OK, but others are not....
Ginger: I can discuss that further if anyone cares about stuff abroad, just let Verla know.
auntybooks: Thank you!
Visitor_33: Does it make a difference to you if other agents are reading partials or fulls of a manuscript, and if so, when do you want to know? In the query? At the partial or full stage?
Ginger: When I request either the first 50 pages, or the full MS, let me know if other editors/agents are reviewing it. And if you get an offer, email me like the wind to tell me so I can read it like the wind myself.
Visitor_33: thanks!
Lynne: you mentioned you've seen more MG series. What kinds of series are they-- mysteries, or other genres?
Ginger: Mysteries, fantasy, SF, romance...usually, all the genres that typically sell.
S: Are you accepting submissions in August or will you be on vacation?
Ginger: I'm accepting submissions, but I will be away at 2 writers conferences AND a vacation in between through the 10th.
S: the 10th of sep?
Ginger: 10th of August! Geez, I am nowhere near being able to take a month off!
S: LOL thanks!
Abby: Can vocabulary ever be too sophisticated or formal for MG?
Ginger: Yes, absolutely it can be too formal--kids don't tend to talk formally, do they? There's lots of slang and such. As for sophisticated...I mean, again, kids have a style. Try to talk to them in the style, without talking "Down" to them, and also...
Ginger: kids talked a lot differently back when you were young, when I was young, than how they talk now.
Abby: thank you!
heron: Are you an editorial agent? And if so, have you asked for multiple revisions?
Ginger: I'm not an "editorial" agent. I have asked clients to do more than one revision for me. I think usually, if we do more than one, it's because the book is still too long, after the first revision…
Ginger: But, no, I don't line edit, and I don't go page by page. I tend to give a couple of pages of notes, but nothing down to the very last detail.
heron: More of a general revision?
Ginger: Yes, more of a general revision. Also, too short for YA--40K? At some point shorter books become more expensive to print in some ways than long books, for a publisher.
Larissa: What are your expectations about length? What is too short or too long for MG? YA? (Beyond "How ever long it takes to tell the story.") ;-)
Ginger: For MG: 40 to 60K, 70K at the outside. YA: 50 to 70K, maybe 80, 90K at the outside. Too short MG: anything below like 25K.
pworkman: What do you think is the most important thing a writer and an agent should know about each other before agreeing to representation?
pworkman: thank you
Ginger: Ooh, I like that one: communcation styles. Does the author want updates every week, or can the agent update whenever there is news? Does the author want the agent to handle communication with the publisher, or do it themselves...
Ginger: And if the author had a previous agent, why did they leave that agent? What were the problems?
spiral: what is the average time frame it takes you sell or place a book (ballpark timeframe, of course)?
Ginger: Average? Maybe 6 months. But I have gone to auction about 4 weeks after I sent something out....and it has taken me 2 years, once to sell something.
spiral: thank you!
Christy: When is the best time to query you?
Ginger: Can you be more specific--like, month? Time of day? Best time in the writing process?
Christy: Month :)
Ginger: Ah. I would say that November/December, people are so busy with the holidays, I get fewer queries. I get a LOT in January, and then June to August. September can also be quiet--kids going back to school, so parents are too busy to query...
Ginger: But my own person habits--don't query me two weeks before and after the Bologna and Frankfurt Book Fairs. I am swamped, and less likely to spend as much as I should on queries.
Christy: So I should query you when you aren't busy. Thanks again!
heron: Do you ever put a query in a "to be considered pile" or do you immediately know?
Ginger: Yes, if something seems somewhat promising upon first read, but I'm not sure, I let it sit a day or two and then look it over (This is emailed stuff. Hard copies, I make decisions concretely).
heron: Thanks!
Ginger: Hi, Maggie--I still think about your book, two years later.
Ginger: And then I kick myself, HARD.
Maggie_Sti: Hahahahh!
Maggie_Sti: Thanks for that. :)
redtide09: Do you think there is a place in the current market for more traditional YA fantasy? Not neccesarily "elves and dwarves," but with a magic realism setting?
Ginger: You mean, a more medieval setting? Yes, there is. Isn't GRACELING like that, a bit? And also, the amazing Terry Prattchet WEE FREE MEN series, which I adore, and not because it gently mocks Smurfs/the Scottish...
Ginger: PS I LOVE THE SCOTTISH, ok? I just am married to someone of partial scottish descent.
redtide09: Thank you!
shellic: Quite a few editors are jumping over to the agent side right now. Would you ever want to cross over to editor? Why or why not?
Ginger: I don't know...not right now, things are just so scary on that side. Editors sit in lots of meetings, and I feel like their reading load is bigger than mine. However, they are the ones with the purse strings. I don't know....
Ginger: I do very much love the role of the agent, and the freedom I have. But I also adore all my editors friends, and wish I could be a fly in their editorial meetings and figure out exactly how they come up with that really...
Ginger: lowball first round offer they often make, because dam, you offer BLANK and then you wind up buying a book for 10xBLANK? Why not just bid like, 5xBLANK in the beginning and save us some time?
shellic: hahaha Thanks!
Verla: LOL Ginger
Desi: Do you think the market will soon be saturated with urban fantasy? If so, what's next?
Ginger: Yes, probably. I really hope we're not there yet. I have no idea what is next--maybe YA horror? Some darker YA fantasy? Some military or space opera SF for YA or MG (Which I keep hoping for)? I do think post apolyptic/dysoptic stuff is hot right now.
coloradowr: How do you feel about issue/character-driven YA novels-in-verse, and also MG historical fiction? Thanks.
Ginger: Novels in verse almost NEVER work unless they are brilliant. Meaning, they never work unless they are brilliant--see Virginia Wolff's MAKE LEMONAGE trilogy, and of course Sharon Creech....
Ginger: I think novels in verse can work for some topics--like suicide, or the heavier stuff. MG historical fiction does work, as long as the setting is fresh, the voice is strong, and it's a setting kids want to read about.
PatEsden: What elements do you think make a manuscript YA crossover fantasy vs. straight YA fanstasy?
Ginger: Something that adults want to read about. You want an older teen protagonist--like, 16 and older. A love story helps.
Visitor_33: If an MG or YA manuscript is in 3rd person, does the narrative need to be in the voice of the teen MC, the way it would be for 1st person?
Ginger: Good question: I don't think the narrative has to be in the voice of a teen, but, when the teen thinks to himself, or there is dialogue, it has to be legit sounding.
Visitor_33: thanks!
heron: What are you feelings about email queries with opening pages pasted into the body of the email?
Ginger: It's not my preference. If they are there, I'll probably glance at them.
heron: Good to know. Thanks.
S: What kind of creatures are you starting to see in YA & MG & what would you like to see?
Ginger: I'd like to see mermaid, non werewolf were creatures, genies, witches/warlocks, ghosts done well, I am sure I am missing some. I always say for adult Urban Fantasy....
S: Goblins?
Ginger: "IF someone has a succubus series email me STAT" but I don't know if a succubus would work for YA or MG. Demons? I see a lot of werewolves, vampires, of course, but also witches. Also, a kid possessed by a spirit, and of course, zombies are hot now.
carriep: Do you think there's any room in the market for light paranormal YA? Or is it too tough a sell with the current trend toward darker fiction?
Ginger: You mean, girl discovers she's a werewolf, has some fun adventures, and meets the right boy? Yes, but don't use that plot! Again, as long as it's fresh.
carriep: Thanks, Ginger!
WriterRoss: What do you consider SAVVY to be, Ginger? Is this a fantasy? Contemp fantasy? Or...? Thx for tonight.
Ginger: Oh, god, I haven't read it yet, but I know I should, and also Dan Lazar is a seriously major agent. OK, just amazoned it--probably contemporary fantasy? And also, now...
WriterRoss: I'm sorry! Didn't mean to presume. I'm guessing same thing.. {}
Ginger: majorly literary, since it won a major award.
spiral: MG and YA . . . the genres seem to be melding - if you have a series planned and your MC is 12 then ages w/ each book, what . . .
spiral: do we classify it as? This seems to be a grey area?!?!
Ginger: How old does he age in the series?
spiral: up to age 17 or so . . .
spiral: I have a lot of story to tell LOL
Ginger: That's YA, then. Make sure you make that clear when querying.
spiral: ok -thank so much!!!
S: What are some of the common openings in YA or any novels, which cause you to roll your eyes and go ônot another one!ö? (Besides opening with a dream / waking up...)
Ginger: Oh, getting called in to the principal's office. Also, having an exposition filled convo with a friend, or being woken from daydreaming in class and people laugh...
Ginger: Usual stuff. Get me right into the beginning of the story--not sooner than that.
S: thank you
Visitor_33: Are you the kind of agent who gives comments and asks for a revision before making an offer?
Ginger: It depends. Usually, I offer, get them to accept, and then send comments. But I have asked one of my current clients to revise the book three times before I took her on.
Visitor_33: thanks!
shellic: What is the most bizarre submission (gimmick included) you've seen? And, no, I won't try to outdo it. :-)
AM: (I might)
Ginger: The guy who said he'd written a series of novels about a serial killer who killed..literary agents! Hah! He meant it as a joke. Then there are the actions figures, the statues...
Ginger: that "spirit wheel" I was sent last year that really creeped me out, that hooker fairy ornament, and then bars of chocolate which I never eat and give to coworkers...
jimsissy: OMG
NOTE: OMG = Oh, my God!
Ginger: and then writing the query as the main character, that's done A LOT. NOT NEW, PEOPLE.
shellic: Gotta love a hooker fairy ornament. Think I've found the theme for this year's Christmas tree. Thanks, Ginger!
spiral: lol
Verla: Did you get to eat some of the 5 pound chocolate bar I sent to my agent last Christmas, Ginger?
Verla: She told me she shared it with her coworkers.... :-)
spiral: ok - no chocolate, no hooker faires - got it!
Ginger: I have no idea--during the holidays, I tend do a lot of "drive-bys" and mooch chocolate from other offices when I need sugar around 3:30 pm. I might have.
Verla: Wow... GREAT workshop, Ginger. We'd all like to say a huge THANK YOU to you for giving so much of your time to us tonight. We had 49 people here at one point, and 46 - 48 throughout most of the workshop. And you answered 54 questions!
applause.au: no sound directory set
Verla: this workshop was WONDERFUL!
pworkman: Thanks so much for your time!
KarenH: THANK YOU Ginger :)
auntybooks: Thank you Ginger, Bless you Verla!
jimsissy: Thank you Miss Ginger
Visitor_33: Thank you!
heron: This was great. Thanks so much for your time and insights!
elissadcru: Thanks!
Verla: you may all join in with your thanks....
WriterRoss: Hooker as in working girl?! That's... bold. ;}
Maggie_Sti: Thanks, Ginger!
DaniG: Thank you Ginger!
KarenH: And thank you Verla
carriep: Thank you, Ginger! That was great.:)
Larissa: Thanks so much! :-)
karenb: Thanks!
pworkman: Thanks, Verla
AM: Thanks!!
Ginger: Thank you all for having me! You were all very nice, and also, I'd like to apologize to Verla because I had so many typos and bad words in my answers.
Abby: Thank you!
S: *claps as i hold the baby*
lillpluta: Thank you, Ginger
anita: Thank you Ginger! Very informative
redtide09: Thank you so much for your time and thoughts!
spiral: this was so awesome! I can't thank you all enough!
shellic: Thanks so much, Ginger! Off to work on sculpting a hooker fairy chocolate statue to include with my serial killer screenplay. LOL
Desi: Thanks so much.
maryann: Thanks Ginger!
Christy: Thanks Ginger!
Charlene: Thank you!
redtide09: This was wonderful! Thank you!
Verla: not a problem. I'll fix as many typos as I can, Ginger... and send the transcript to you before posting it so you can let me know if I miss some.
spiral: and Ginger - THANK YOU!
Ginger: If any of you send me a hooker fairy ornament we are THROUGH.
PatEsden: Thank you so much!
postjade: Thanks, Ginger. Goodnight.
shellic: Thanks to you, too, Verla!
nickypicky: Very nice! Thanks
Desi: Yes, thanks, Verla!
Ginger: Sure, please do. I might not get to it until I'm back at work on the 10th of August, though. Good night, everyone!!!
elissadcru: Good night!
Verla: okay.
Maggie_Sti: So much for the working girl faerie tinsel I was going to send to MY agent
Verla: thanks again!
WriterRoss: Good night from one more Fairy than Hooker <g>
carriep: Good night! Thanks, Verla.
redtide09: Good night, all! Thanks again to Verla and Ginger.
Ginger: Very funny, Maggie.
PatEsden: good night, Ginger and thank you Verla
Verla: lol
AM wants the faerie tinsel
spiral: faeire tinsel is better than faerie hooker, Maggie LOL
Maggie_Sti: That was all the faerie was wearing, spiral.
Ginger: I forget how to wave, so, good night! I'm signing off now.
S: good night everyone! wonderful workshop!
*** Ginger has left channel #Kidlit