Workshop Transcript: Q&A with Agent Steven Malk - 8/30/05

Enjoy!

*** Verla has set the topic on channel #kidlit to Workshop with Agent Steven Malk IN PROGRESS!
Verla: Okay folks... we are ready to go
Verla: (you ready, Steve?)
SMalk: Yes, I have an Orangina and a Cadbury Fruit & Nut Bar. I'm good to go.
Verla: Tonight we have Steven Malk, an Agent with Writer's House with us
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, Franny Billingsley, Karma Wilson, Elise Primavera, Marla Frazee, Jennifer Donnelly, Ken Oppel, Lisa Wheeler, Esme Raji Codell, Sonya Sones, Bruce Hale, Gris Grimly, 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: If you wish to submit to Steven Malk in the San Diego office, please address queries to:

Steven Malk
Writers House
3368 Governor Drive, #224F
San Diego, CA 92122

Verla: Anything you would like to change or delete in that, Steve?
SMalk: Looks pretty good to me.
SMalk: Thanks!
Verla: Okay, you may all welcome Steven... then we are going to go to a moderated session... (I'll explain that in a minute.) But for now, please welcome Steve!
Anne_Marie: Hey Steve!
elle: thanks for coming Steve!
Brenda: Hi Steve
Verla: Thanks for coming and spending your valuable time with us tonight, Steve. We REALLY appreciate it!
guest821: hiya steve!!!!
lifeonmars: Hi Steve!
Laurie: Hello
BoniA: Thanks for coming!
PamelaRoss: Testing to see if this is working and good to see you here, Steve.
Guest568: Glad that you're here, thanks for being with us
LindaJoySi: Hi Steve
SMalk: Thanks for having me again!
slartibart: thanks for coming
julie: Welcome- thanks foe coming
Jule: Thanks for coming, Steve
Verla: Welcome to our Workshop everyone. 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
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.
Verla: Please do not ask personal questions about a manuscript you have sent or want to send to Steven. Those questions should be asked privately, not during this workshop session. "Generic" questions of interest to everyone are fine to ask. Thank you
Verla: Everyone understand the moderated status? You will only be able to talk when it is your turn. If you have no question, be sure to type NONE so I can quickly go to the next person.
SMalk: Actually, can I make a few opening remarks?
Verla: OH, yes... sorry, Steve
SMalk: No problem.
SMalk: First of all, thanks so much for having me back and thanks especially to Verla for taking the time to host these workshops.
SMalk: I'm going to take general questions, and I'll be sure to answer everyone's questions. I did want to mention a couple of things first...
SMalk: I just want to reiterate how important it is to spend time on your query letters. It really makes an impression on me (and most agents, I believe), and I can't tell you how many query letters I get where I can tell that the author just didn't put a lot of time or thought into it.
SMalk: Just something to think about it. If you take the time to write a great query, you'll immediately stand out from the pack -- I can guarantee you. Sure, the work ultimately speaks for itself, but you'll put yourself ahead of the game if you spend the time to write a great letter.
SMalk: One more thing...
Verla: Great tip, Steve. Thanks for sharing that
SMalk: Judy Bradbury asked for a list of my 3 favorite children's books ever for an article that she's writing on agents...
SMalk: I was honored to be asked, but it quickly became a very difficult task to narrow the list to just 3!
SMalk: So, I have a much longer list of my favorite books (NOT INCLUDING BOOKS BY AUTHORS I REPRESENT), and I can share it later if people are interested.
SMalk: Okay, I'm ready for questions!
Verla: GREAT!
Brenda: Steve, if you send a very nice rejection letter with kind words about somebody's writing do you ever reconsider representing them if they resend to you with a rewrite or revision or new material.
SMalk: Hi Brenda. Typically, if an agent or editor is interested in seeing a revision or new material, they will specifically ask to see more work. If someone hasn't asked you to revise something, it might not be a good idea to send the same manuscript back...
Brenda: thanks Steve
SMalk: It might be a better idea to send a query mentioning new material, and give the agent or editor the option to see more.
SMalk: Thanks.
elle: Thank you for talking with us tonight. Can you please share with us some contemporary YA titles that you represent? And do you accept e-queries?
SMalk: Hi elle. Some recent YA books that I've represented are ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES by Sonya Sones...
SMalk: GIRLS FOR BREAKFAST by David Yoo
SMalk: A NORTHERN LIGHT by Jennifer Donnelly
SMalk: and many more (not sure how many to list). Yes, I do accept equeries. My email address is smalk@writershouse.com
elle: can you list more later if there is time?
elle: and thanks again!
SMalk: Sure!
Guest644: It seems that writers go through a honeymoon period with their agents but eventually become disenchanted. Do you think it's simply the nature of the relationship that a writer will never feel that his/her agent is doing "enough"? And is that the most frequent reason that writers and agents split, in your opinion?
SMalk: Hi Guest644. That's a tough question. Honestly, I think that every case is different, so it's very hard to generalize. I've been working with many clients for many years, and everything is going great. I also know several agents at Writers House who have been representing authors for 20+ years, so I think that in many cases, everything's fine...
SMalk: The scenario that you're talking about can happen also, however. It really depends on the specific case.
Guest644: Thanks.
guest821: Hey, Steve (Leigh in ME here--excited to hear you'd be on tonite--thought I would sit in) It's wonderful that you are so willing to lend your insights and advice. My question to you is, what is the one best piece of advice--industry or otherwise--that you've been given over the years (and--Starburst or SourPatch?)
SMalk: Welcome. Hope that wasn't too vague. It's a tough question to be specific about.
SMalk: Hi Leigh!
guest821: hey!
SMalk: Thanks for coming.
guest821: :)
SMalk: First of all, Sour Patch.
guest821: me2
SMalk: Best piece of advice, hmmm, that's a toughie...
SMalk: I've been given a lot of great advice, but I think that Dick Jackson always reiterating how important it is to trust your instincts and not pay attention to trends really stands out...
SMalk: not to pay, that is
guest821: so true . . .
guest821: thanks
SMalk: Welcome. I think I'll buy some sour patch kids when I'm done.
joanclr: Hi, I am wondering what your position is on sf/fantasy novels for MG or YA. Is this something you will consider representing, or is it an automatic reject for you?
SMalk: Hi Joan. I'm very open to considering them, and I represent quite a few authors who write middle-grade fantasy (Franny Billingsley, Ken Oppel)...
joanclr: Cool, thanks
SMalk: I think it's a tougher sell if it's strictly genre fantasy or sci-fi, but I'm definitely open to being queried about this sort of material.
SMalk: You're welcome.
Jule: Steve, how long does it typically take for you to hear back from an editor after you submit a MS to them--has the wait gotten longer for you, too?
SMalk: Hi Jule. It really depends. Depending on the editor and the material, the responses can range from a couple of hours to weeks.
SMalk: But I usually hear back fairly quickly on material.
Jule: BUt not months?
SMalk: I try to be very discriminating about what I send out, so I like to think that if an editor gets something from me, he or she knows that it will be worth looking at.
Jule: Ok, thanks.
SMalk: I've waited months before, but it's unusual. I try not to deal with editors who take months, but some of them do.
kdbrazil: Steven, thanks for taking time to be with us tonight. What kind of picture book manuscript would you be willing to take on? Or is the market just too flat for any pbs?
SMalk: Hi Kd. I like so many different kids of picture books, so it's hard to single out a specific kind that I prefer. Like anything, I think it needs to stand out and be distinct, and you really need to hold it a high standard and think "Would I be willing to spend $16.00 on this book?"
SMalk: I don't think the market is too soft. I've been selling picture books lately.
Laurie: Hmmm... I'm getting the idea I should slip a Cadbury bar in with my query... (Just kidding, of course. It would melt.) Since you're in Calif., Steve, I'm wondering what your relationship is to the main office in NY. Do you consult with other agents? Have meetings?
SMalk: Hi Laurie. Yes, Cadbury is the best, isn't it? Don't get me started. Not to self: approach Cadbury about representing them on a book and waive commission in favor of a lifetime supply of chocolate...
SMalk: I talk to people in our New York office all the time. We consult each other for advice, and all of the accounting, foreign and audio rights are handled in New York...
SMalk: In fact, I think that Verla is going to have one of my colleagues, Rebecca Sherman, for a workshop. Rebecca is great and I know you'll like her a lot.
Verla: Yep. She's coming to visit on September 27th.
Laurie: Thanks, Steve.
SMalk: No problem!
lifeonmars: If you've already had a partial rejected by an agent, is there a certain amount of time you should wait before querying with a new project, ideally?
SMalk: Hi lifeonmars. That's a good question. I don't necessarily think there's a certain amount of time that you should wait, although you might not want to do it instantly.
lifeonmars: But a few months would be fine? I'm not going to be on a "pest" list or anything, right? ;)
SMalk: A few months is definitely fine.
lifeonmars: Great, thanks so much for being here!
SMalk: No problem -- thanks for having me!
lindsey: Steve- What do you think makes a strong boy lit book? Many YA from a male POV, Girls for Breakfast included, have more and more sexual themes. Is that a must when dealing with romance from a male POV? (i've spent years trying to figure out what guys POV is, now I'm writing from one).
SMalk: Hi Lindsey. I think what you're seeing there is things loosening up in the YA realm, and the lines between YA and adult getting increasingly blurry...
SMalk: I still think the most important factor is always a strong and authentic voice. That's what I look for. The voice in Girls For Breakfast is completely unique, hilarious, poignant, and true. That's what attracted me to that book.
lindaurban: Hey Steve. I know your mom was one of the great children's booksellers, and that you spent a lot of time in her shop. Has that experience influenced you in your work?
lindsey: Thanks Steve. Off to work on my strong and authentic voice :)
SMalk: I don't think there needs to be sex in a boy lit book to work, but I do think you need to be true to the character, and not be afraid to tackle issues if you need to. The honesty in Girls For Breakfast almost makes me flinch sometimes, but I think it's important.
SMalk: Hi Linda...
SMalk: Thanks for saying that. Yes, both my mom and my grandmother were amazing children's booksellers, and my experience working with them was invaluable...
SMalk: It's influenced my work in more ways that I can list. That's where I developed my instincts, and where I got to see --up close -- the way that readers react to certain kinds of books. I draw on that experience every single day, and probably every hour that I'm at work...
SMalk: As I've said before, matching up customers with books is very similar to the way I match up authors with publishers.
lindaurban: Thanks, Steve.
SMalk: You're welcome, thanks for the question.
PamelaRoss: Hi Steve and nice to chat with you here at Verla's. Such a hostess! {} My question: is there or has there been a mentor in your professional life? Writers look to other writers for community and guidance. Do you have a mentor (or a muse) in your business? Is there an agent you've looked to for career direction? I was thinking about the mentors in my writing life and it occurred to me to ask you if you have any as well. {{}} Thanks and G
PamelaRoss: (and I can see your mom and grandma were your primary mentors) {{}}
SMalk: Hi Pamela, thanks for coming...
SMalk: Yes, my mom and grandmother were definitely my main mentors. Dick Jackson was a mentor to me, and a big influence on me. The children's book industry is a wonderful community, and there have been several people over the years who have given me great advice and guidance...
SMalk: I learned a lot from Sandy Dijkstra, who I worked for before joining Writers House. She has excellent taste, she's pro-active, and she's agressive. I very much look up to Amy Berkower at Writers House, who has built an incredible career, and is one of the smartest business people I've ever seen. She has a gift for seeing a negotiation from both sides, and coming up with an equitable solution for everyone involved...
SMalk: In terms of muses, I would say that I get a lot of inspiration from my favorite writers, artists. musicians, and film-makers. And, of course, from my two cats, who are asleep on my desk.
PamelaRoss: (Don't we need an ENTOURAGE for writers?! I love Ari!) <g> Thanks for your in-depth reply. GA.
cmarie: So now I have to ask...what are your cats names? :-)
SMalk: Dinah (named after Dinah Washington), and Henry (or Henri, because he's French)
cmarie: Ahhh...very nice
Alice: I didn't, Verla
BoniA: Of the mss you request from queries, how many do you end up representing?
SMalk: Hi Boni. The percentage is fairly low, but I must stress that I love representing new writers. There's nothing more exciting to me than finding something wonderful that was unsolicited.
BoniA: Thank you!
Guest424: Hi Mr. Malk. This is what I don't understand about agents. I have heard about writers who send an agent a particular manuscript and are rejected. Then, they try again with a different manuscript. Why? If they do this, isn't the writer basically giving up on the first book? Or, once an agent signs you, will they take on that first book?
SMalk: Hi Guest424: I do think that if an agent isn't enthusiastic about a couple of things they've seen, the author should probably think twice about submitting again. It doesn't hurt to keep trying, but if an agent didn't like the first one or two submissions, and you definitely believe in them and want them submitted, you need to think carefully about whether that's the right fit for you. shelly: steven, how long does it usually take you to decide whether to take on a new client?
Guest424: Thanks. So, maybe try that one agent twice and that is it?
Alice: Hey Malk--it was good to hear you say you've been selling picture books. Why do we keep hearing that the market is so tough? What gives? Also, who's your favorite editor?
SMalk: Hi Alice, the picture book market is going through a bit of a tough time at the moment. Editors are being more selective than ever about what kinds of picture books they'll publish...
SMalk: But these things always move in cycles, and I think the picture book market will come back strong. It's not as if there are less young children...
SMalk: Also, some picture books have done extremely well lately, so they clearly still work. I just think that authors need to realize that the market is tough and therefore try to only send out what they consider to be absolutely their strongest work.
SMalk: Favorite editor: Hmmm, hard to choose a favorite, but there are certain people I tend to work with a lot.
Alice: I was hoping you'd say me.
SMalk: Alice...
SMalk: Pope?
Alice: yep
SMalk: Hi Shelly -- it depends, it can happen very quickly, or sometimes I like to think about it. It also depends on the current colume of submissions that I have at that time.
shelly: thanks, steven!
Brenda: What do you look for when accepting a new author other than a being a great writer and unique voice. Was going to ask choc chip or oatmeal raisen but figure your Cadbury answer gave that one away.
SMalk: Hi Brenda -- It's hard to be more specific than that. I know it sounds like a cop-out, but it all comes down to having a distinct, authentic voice and being a great writer for me. I should add that, as we all know, this business is completely subjective, so I'm by no means the judge of what constitutes great writing. But I need to love the voice and writing to take something on.
Brenda: Thanks Steve
SMalk: Well, that goes without saying, doesn't it?
Laurie: One of the things that seems to cause writers the most anguish is figuring out how and when to request a status update on a MSS -- both with agents and editors. How long should we wait for a response on a requested MSS and how do you think editors/agents prefer to be approached for an update? How can we be professional and polite without seeming pesky?
SMalk: Hi Laurie. I think that if you haven't heard anything in 8 weeks, it's okay to send a follow-up, either by email or snail mail. Don't call. I think that if you send a polite, professional follow-up note, the agent/editor won't be bothered by it.
shelly: steven, do you feel that there's a maximum number of writers you can represent, given that there are only 24 hours in the day? and if so, are you near that max?
SMalk: hi Shelly...
SMalk: I've tried to be careful to always leave room on my list for new authors. I'm in a position right now where I'm not taking on as many new clients as I used to a few years ago, but if I see something that I really love, I can still take it on.
lindsey: Steve- thanks again for your input! Do you market "tween" novels as such or do you sell them as YA? Do you see a niche in the market right now for such novels and if so, do you represent them?
SMalk: Hi Lindsey...
SMalk: It's something that I'm very interested in...
SMalk: And, yes, sometimes I will market them specifically as tween books.
SMalk: I think there have been a number of tween books that have struck a chord recently.
lindsey: Thanks again Steve. What do you think defines them as a "tweener"?
SMalk: Lindsey -- Usually, the sensibility will make them tween books.
lindsey: Gotcha. Thanks.
shelly: so would you say you're actively looking for new clients?
SMalk: Shelly -- I wouldn't say that I'm actively looking, but, again, if something great comes my way that I can't say no to, I'll take it on. The bar is high, but I think that it always should be.
shelly: okay, thanks!
joanclr: I was wondering how the query process works - do you read all e-queries yourself, or do you have an assistant/secretary who goes through them first?
SMalk: Hi Joanclr -- I read all of my own email. But if they're queries, my assistant does help me respond to them. I should add that my assistant is very bright and a great readers, and she's in a position where she's going to begin to take on her own clients.
joanclr: Cool, thanks
Jen: Would you list some of the tween books that have resonated with you?
SMalk: Jen -- Summer Blonde by Adrian Tomine, Blankets by Craig Thompson, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Joe College and Election by Tom Perotta
SMalk: those are a few that come to mind right away.
Jen: Great, thanks!
lindsey: Excellent list, Steve.
SMalk: Lindsey -- thanks, have you read all of those?
lindsey: Perks of Being A wallflower, yes. Joe College my little sister loved. Just ordered Blankets on Amazon. Can you tell I'm into the tween market right now?
SMalk: You'll love Blankets. Check out Summer Blonde if you can.
lindsey: I'll go to Amazon right after this. I've had to get another credit card to support my book habit, but all in the name of research. Thanks for the recommendations
Brenda: Don't know if you have your own children or not, but if you had a little child say around 5,6 or 7, what would be your favorite rhyming book to read to them at bedtime.
SMalk: Brenda -- I don't have any children, but there are so many great rhyming books to choose from. Of course, Dr. Seuss comes to mind immediately, even though he's sort of a special case.
Brenda: Yes wonderful rhymers out there. I love to read them all!
Brenda: Thanks Steve
SMalk: Welcome, Brenda.
julie: I'm in Australia, are you (or as far as you know ,are other US agents), open to subs/queries from unpublished o/s writers. The number of houses here open to unsolic. PBs is tiny.
SMalk: Julie -- Yes, I'm always open to hearing from unpublished writers. It doesn't put me off at all.
julie: Thanks Steven
SMalk: Welcome.
shelly: steven, from what you said about your assistant, i'm wondering if it would make sense to submit to her. will she be actively looking for new clients?
SMalk: Shelly -- you're welcome to submit to her. Her name is Dana West and her email is dwest@writershouse.com

Guest: Your profile on Agent Query says you don't take e-queries. Is that still true? If not, to what address would we email you?
SMalk: Hi Guest -- you're welcome to email me at smalk@writershouse.com
Guest: Thank you!
SMalk: Welcome.
elle: would it be ok to list some more YA's you represent now?
SMalk: Elle -- Sure. OUT OF ORDER by AM Jenkins. THINGS LEFT UNSAID by Stephanie Hemphill.
SMalk: Also, some upcoming ones in the next few months...
SMalk: NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH AND A FEW WHITE LIES by Justina Chen Headley, BALL DON'T LIE by Matt de la Pena, KING DORK by Frank Portman, THE GEOGRAPHY OF GIRLHOOD by Kirsten Smith, BEATING HEART by AM Jenkins
elle: thank you!
SMalk: no problem. if you need more, let me know
elle: you can keep on listing if you'd like :) but I don't want to keep you
julie: Have you thought if starting a live Journal? We'd all visit you! :)
SMalk: Is a Live Journal a blog?
julie: yes
Jen: yes, yes, start a blog!
Verla: Jen, would you rather he kept up with a blog, or read submissions????
lindsey: Amen, Verla.
SMalk: I don't know if blogging is for me. If I had one, I'd probably talk about my cats, my fantasy baseball team, what albums I bought recently, and other things that aren't too interesting. I honestly don't think I have the time for a blog.
Jen: Jen ducks in shame...
shelly: (i bet jen would prefer the blog...she has an agent)
julie: He's amazing, he can do both
elle: well maybe he'd get LESS submissions, because we'd all be reading it instead of writing
slartibart: I talk about my cats...
shelly: you mean you wouldn't discuss your latest bobblehead acquisition?
Verla: LOL elle
SMalk: I might do that as well
SMalk: The shelves in my office are lined with bobble-heads at this point
slartibart: I think I once mentioned my bobblehead moose, too
slartibart: do you have a bobblehead moose, Steve? because you just aren't cool if you don't have one, sorry
SMalk: I'm very excited that Hyperion is going to do a bobble-head promotion for Lane Smith's new book next spring...
Jen_: okay, random question: if you had to pick one for your viewing pleasure for the rest of your life, TV or movies, which would it be?
shelly: that's cool!
SMalk: Slar -- don't have one. no question that I'm not cool, I totally own up to that.
slartibart: heh
SMalk: Jen -- movies, definitely. I don't watch much tv, aside from Sportscenter and Curb Your Enthusiasm
slartibart: (neither am I, the moose didn't help.)
Brenda: So Steve would it be chocolate chip instead of oatmeal raisen?
lindsey: Sportscenter doesn't count as TV. It's too educational
SMalk: I'm more of a coconut person, but I don't know if I would eat food that came with a submission. You never know who's out there!
SMalk: I like VH1 classic quite a lot also
SMalk: And the Food Network. That Alton Brown is great.
lindsey: but you would accept a bobblehead, right?
Brenda: hmmm coconut cookies, I am famous for mine here in Maine <g>
shelly: LOL, lindsey
Verla: NO BRIBING the agent, lindsey
Verla: tsk tsk
SMalk: A bobblehead, yes, especially if you can find Burt Reynolds, circa The Cannonball Run.
Verla: (sorry Steve. I know I'm ruining your fun)
lindsey: Sorry, sorry. Just have all these bobble heads sitting around. Trying to get rid of them...
SMalk: It's okay, I don't think I have any more room on my shelves.
SMalk: I've been listening to Gillian Welch during this workshop. Any fans in here?
SMalk: Not usually my thing, but her voice is something else.
Verla: uh... I think our workshop has ended and we are now on personal topics.
SMalk: Oh, yes, my book lists...
SMalk: Picture books -- anything by Barbara Cooney, she's the best
Jen_: and to add on to the list of faves: do you have any guilty pleasure books?
Brenda: Thanks a lot Steve,
SMalk: Thank you everyone!
shelly: thank you steven!
SMalk: The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg
SMalk: The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
SMalk: Miss Nelson Is Missing by Harry Allard/James Marshall
SMalk: The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
SMalk: The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
SMalk: Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
SMalk: Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
SMalk: I'll Fix Anthony by Judith Viorst
shelly: steven, could you choose a couple of those and tell us what it is you love about them?
SMalk: Olivia by Ian Falconer
SMalk: Tops And Bottoms by Janet Stevens
SMalk: The Shrinking Of Treehorn by Florence Parry Heide
SMalk: Donald Has A Difficulty by Pete Neumeyer
SMalk: (the last two are both illustrated by Edward Gorey)
SMalk: Dr Desoto by William Steig
SMalk: Others I love: Sendak, Rosemary Wells, Silverstein, David Shannon, Daniel Pinkwater, Helen Oxenbury, David Shannon,Bill Peet, Marc Simont
SMalk: there are more, but that's a start for picture books
SMalk: Shelly -- I love them all for different reasons
shelly: what a great list!
lindsey: What about David Shannon?
SMalk: he's on the list
SMalk: oh oops!
Brenda: No David No!
Verla: He's on the list TWICE, actually.
shelly: curious, what your favorite pinkwater pb is
Verla: I LOVE No, David, NO!
SMalk: I guess that means I really like him!
SMalk: Okay...
SMalk: Novels...
Brenda: I love no david no, it reminds me of my brother david actually
lindsey: I was just teasing. HE's my favorite.
SMalk: Anything by Roald Dahl
SMalk: he's the best
SMalk: can't be matched
Brenda: The BFG
Verla: I also love Jules' ... Bark George, too
Brenda: I love the BFG
SMalk: anything by Beverly Cleary
shelly: oh yes, verla, that's a good one!
SMalk: Charlotte's Web by EB White
Brenda: classic
SMalk: Bridge By Teribithia by Katherine Paterson
SMalk: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
shelly: ooh, LOVED the westing game
SMalk: Number The Stars by Lois Lowry
SMalk: The Giver by Lois Lowry
SMalk: The Moves Make The Man by Bruce Brooks
SMalk: The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
SMalk: I Am The Cheese by Robert Cormier
SMalk: From The Mixed Up Files Of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler by EL Konigsburg
SMalk: Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhigh
SMalk: Fitzhugh, that is
SMalk: Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
guest821: _Jacob Have I Loved_ is one to check out
SMalk: The Mrs Piggle Wiggle series by Betty MacDonald
SMalk: that's a great book
lindsey: What's your favorite book to come out in the last year? The last 2?
SMalk: Holes by Louis Sachar
SMalk: Mr Popper's Penguing by Richard Atwater
SMalk: Lindsey, that's a tough one
SMalk: By the way, I don't include my clients' books in any of these lists
lindsey: I know. Maybe I should go into investigative journalism
elle: you should!
Brenda: but you must have favorites from your clients
elle: include your clients, that is
lindsey: That's like choosing between your children!
SMalk: exactly
lifeonmars: Do you have any favorites that you think are highly underrated; that a lot of people haven't heard of?
Brenda: like Kelly's I love Liberty's Journey, Lisa's sixteen cows, the late Linda Smith, There was an Old woman who lived in a boot.
Brenda: incredibly incredible gifted writers.
SMalk: I think a lot of the books on that list are very underrated. there are some very famous ones, but some that aren't nearly as famous as they should be.
SMalk: I think it's sad that more people haven't heard of Bill Peet.
SMalk: Or that more of Barbara Cooney's books aren't popular.
Brenda: He drew for Disney didn't he.
Brenda: 101 dalmations comes to mind
lifeonmars: that's true, bill peet is pretty underrated. I remember reading his illustrated autobiography many times as a kid.
SMalk: that's a great book!
lifeonmars: Do you have any autobiographies you'd recommend? While on the topic...
SMalk: The Bill Peet one is great, so is Boy by Roald Dahl
SMalk: And, of course, Dear Genius by Ursula Nordstrom. not an autobiography, but an amazing collection of letters
lifeonmars: I stumbled across a copy of that at my used bookstore recently--that was great. (Dear Genius that is.)
SMalk: it should be required reading for anyone in this business
lindsey: I'm adding it my amazon list. Time to take out a second mortage
lindsey: If I had a mortgage
elle: lol
lifeonmars: One question leads to another for me, here...is there anything else you think should be required reading for this business besides that?
lindsey: great question
SMalk: Most of the books on my list. I just think that writers need to read as much as possible. I had an advantage since my parents owned a bookstore, but I think writers need to make a point of reading all of the classics (old and new) as well as staying on top of what's being published
SMalk: by my list, i mean the ones i listed above -- that i consider classics
elle: for such an avid reader, do you like to write?
lindsey: What recent books do you think will be the next classics?
SMalk: Nope, I don't write.
SMalk: Olivia will definitely be a classic
SMalk: Click Clack Moo
julie: yes
SMalk: Holes
SMalk: any last questions?
lindsey: what about YA?
SMalk: I think Blankets will be a classic
SMalk: Ditto for The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
Verla: I just want to say again how MUCH we all appreciated all of the time you have given us to come here and do this workshop with us, Steve
guest821: night, steve! thanks
shelly: ditto what verla said!
SMalk: Thank you, I always have a great time and appreciate the thoughtful, intelligent questions
Jen: Thank you, Steve!
elle: yes! thank you for being so generous!
Guest963: thank you
lifeonmars: Yes, thanks again!
lindsey: Thanks Steve. Have fun with your bobbleheads! You've been very helpful
Jule: Thank you so much. Loved your book lists
Brenda: Thank you Steve, I learned so much!
julie: Goodnight Steve, thanks you So much!
SMalk: Thanks everyone!
Verla: I will leave the book lists in the transcript
Verla: Thanks again, Steve!
Verla waves
julie: Thanks Verla too
Brenda: Thanks Verla,
elle: thank you Verla
shelly: thanks, verla!
SMalk: Verla -- can you add a note that I didn't include any books by my clients in those lists
guest821: thank you. verla.
Jule: yes, thank you, too, Verla
Verla: sure, Steve. Did you want to include your own client's books?
SMalk: and that they're incomplete...there are many more that I didn't list
Verla: maybe email them to me to add to the list?
SMalk: no, as someone else said, that would be like choosing between my children
SMalk: I think you can add the ones i listed. if i need you to add anything, ill email you.
Verla: you bet. I'll add these comments of yours to the workshop before I post it.
Verla: okay
Verla: will do
SMalk: thanks!
julie: Verla, you are amazing the way you run these- "the hostess with the mostest"
Verla: Awwww, thanks, julie
Verla: but it wouldn't be anything without our wonderful workshop leader
elle: This probably is obvious, but I loved all the book talk this time. I JUST read I am the cheese
elle: after someone mentioned Invisible on the board.
julie: definitely
lindsey: It's refreshing to see how passionate an agent is about books. This business seems so cold sometimes, but it helps to see we all have a common goal
guest821: good night, everyone. thanks for having me; it was fun.
Brenda: goodnight
SMalk: I stepped away, but I'm back just to say that I'm signing off. Thanks again for having me. And thanks to Verla for always doing such a great job moderating so that everything runs so smoothly.
SMalk: Take care.
Brenda: Good night all, it is 11:10 here in Maine
Jen_: that was a nice surprise... I wandered in here completely unawares and found a workshop going on
julie: Wow- I just couldn't leave!- 10am till past 1pm seems such a decedent time to be online. My FIL is staying,,,better go find my floors!
Verla: sorry, julie. But Workshop nights are busy nights!
Verla: specially with Steven. He's so incredibly generous with his time for us
elle: he is!
elle: he seems so nice
lindsey: I can't believe he talked that long about books
Verla: he is a nice guy.
julie: No, don't be sorry it was so great I COULD NOT LEAVE didn't want to miss a word
Amishka: augh
Amishka: man that must have been a great workshop
Amishka: I missed the whole thing
julie: poor mish
elle: it'll be up soon!
Amishka: popped in just in time to see Verla ask if I had a question and I didn't have a clue what had been asked
Amishka: so I didn't then I got called away again
Amishka: geeze louise
elle: aw
elle: hugs
Verla: oh phooey, ami
Amishka: It's alright.
Amishka: I don't need an agent. I have one
Verla: Heather Delabre with Cricket will be here Oct 11th
Verla: doing a workshop on mag sales
Amishka: cool
Amishka: I could use a few more of those
Verla: plus we have our ProTalk Discussions on Tues nights in between
elle: thanks verla
Verla: Heather will only be here for one hour
Verla: so the Q&A will have to be very fast and/or very short
Verla: night all*** Verla has set the topic on channel #kidlit to Writers & Illustrators of Children's Literature Meet Here Nightly - Welcome!