Agent Workshop: Steven Malk w/Writer's House - 6/3/08

Enjoy!

Log file opened at: 6/3/08 5:39:18 PM
*** Topic for #Kidlit: Welcome! Agent Workshop here tonight with Steven Malk of Writer's House
*** Steven_Malk has joined channel #Kidlit
Verla: there he is!
Verla: you may all greet Steven now while I'm getting the rest of the stuff ready for the workshop to begin
llehn: hi steven welcome
FutureDoct: welcome, steven!
Steven_Mal: Hi!
WriterRoss: Steve is here... Welcome {}
BoniA: Hi
tragedyfay: hello
ally: Hi Steven
Mindy_Alys: Hi Steve
llehn: chocolate, steve?
kimita: hi
LindaJoyS: Hey, Steve
CS: Hi Steve, thanks for coming
Lissy: hi Steve
Verla: HI Steven!
Steven_Mal: Sounds good to me...
PatEsden: Welcome Steven
kiteflyer: welcome steve
Kim_Kasch: Cheers
Stone_Writ: hi steve, thanks for coming
Lila_Guzma: Hi, Steven.
llehn: thanks again verla!
Cathie: Hi, Steve, thanks for being here for us
Steven_Mal: Thanks for having me!
KellyMilne: Hey Steve, how's it going?
FutureDoct: Steve, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. I'm really looking forward to tonight!
WriterRoss: So nice to see you again, Steve Malk. Not many agents are as brave as you are. ;>
tracyh: Thanks for coming, Steve
Verla: Okay... let's get started
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Welcome! Agent Workshop IN PROGRESS with Steven Malk of Writer's House
Verla: Workshop in session. Do not talk yet! Post one question mark if you have a question to ask. Then type your question but WAIT to post until you are told it is your turn. Then you may post your question.
Verla: Please do not ask personal questions about a manuscript you have sent or want to send to Steven Malk. "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, 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: Our workshop leader tonight is Agent Steven Malk with Writer's House...
Verla: Welcome Steven!
Steven_Mal: Thanks, Verla.
Verla: (clapping and welcomes are allowed here)
llehn: Claps
tragedyfay: claps
JetGirl: claps
kimita: claps
Steven_Mal: It's great to be here again...I always enjoy the questions.
krw3b: *clap8s
kiteflyer: cheers
Mindy_Alys: Welcome
Verla: I'm going to post Steven's bio... so you will all know what a wonderful agent he is:

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.
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, Kadir Nelson, Cynthia Rylant, Marla Frazee, Brett Helquist, Sara Pennypacker, Karma Wilson, Elise Primavera, Jennifer Donnelly, Ken Oppel, Adam Rex, Lisa Wheeler, Sonya Sones, Frank Portman, AM Jenkins, Stephanie Hemphill, and Melinda Long.
In addition, Writers House also represents bestselling and award-winning authors such as Stephenie Meyer, Sharon Creech, Laurie Halse Anderson, Christopher Paolini, Barbara Park, Andrew Clements, Neil Gaiman, Jack Gantos, Cynthia Voigt, and Robin McKinley.  You can find out more about Writers House at http://www.writershouse.com

Submission Information:

Verla: Just so I don't forget to include it, here's the contact information for those that want to submit to Steven after the workshop:
Steven Malk
Writer’s House
3368 Governor Dr. Suite 224F
San Diego, CA 92122

Steven_Mal: Thanks again for having me...I'm really glad to be here and look forward to answering your questions.
Steven_Mal: And thanks to Verla for setting this up.
Verla: Okay. Here we go!
FutureDoct: Would you consider representing someone with only one picture book and no other work or do you look for the entire package?
Steven_Mal: Hi FutureDoctor...
Steven_Mal: I would certainly consider one picture book. As long as I connect with the particular project, it doesn't matter to me what it is.
FutureDoct: Thank you, that helps a lot.
Steven_Mal: No problem!
dlan: Would you please give us a sneak peek into your LA talk..What steps do successful writers take to ensure longevity?
Steven_Mal: Hi dlan. That's sort of a big topic, but I think one of the biggst things is to really take a step back and look at your career as just that -- a career...(more to come)
Steven_Mal: I find that many writers are in a rush and make short-sighted decisions that don't serve them well in the long run. It's more important than ever these days to really make smart, educated decisions about who you work with, what you choose to submit, etc...
Steven_Mal: It's crucial to educate yourself as much as possible, read as much as you can, etc.
dlan: That was very helpful. Thank you!
Steven_Mal: I could go on a lot more (and will at the conference).
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
andracill: What do most agents look for when they make revision suggestions? Are they wanting to see the writer follow the ideas exactly, or is it more of a general feel for how the writer handles such suggestions?
Steven_Mal: Hi andracill...
Steven_Mal: I'm sure that it varies from agent to agent, but I think that ideally, we like to see a writer take our suggestions and use them as a springboard...
Steven_Mal: We don't necessarily expect our letters to be followed exactly, or for the writer to use the letter as a checklist -- you hope that someone will dig deeper and really go above and beyond; that the suggestions inspire them...
Steven_Mal: It's also always interesting to see what sort of reviser someone is, as that's a big part of being successful in this business. And, as I was saying in response to the previous question, it's so important to take your time with a revision...
Steven_Mal: Also, keep in mind that agents won't make revisons suggestions unless we're genuinely interested...we're simply to busy to do so otherwise. If an agent gives you detailed comments and asks to see the manuscript again, that's something to be taken seriously, because the agent wouldn't invest the time otherwise.
andracill: I like how you put that 'inspire them' -- which is what such suggestions usually do for me. Thank you very much!
tragedyfay: I've heard that agents hate seeing a "dream" in the first chapter. Should the dream be edited out or maybe used as a prolgue instead?
Steven_Mal: You're welcome...thanks.
Steven_Mal: Hi Tragedyfay...it's hard to say without knowing more...
Steven_Mal: I'm always hesitant to subscribe to any general rules like that as I think that every book is different and it all depends on how it's handled.
tracyh: Welcome! How often do you take new clients without asking them to revise first?
Steven_Mal: You're welcome...sorry for the vague answer. That's a tough one.
Steven_Mal: Hi tracyh...
tracyh: That wasn't the best way to say that...
Steven_Mal: it's definitely been known to happen. But, again, if we spend the time to make extensive editorial comments, it's because we're genuinely interested.
Kim_Kasch: Thanks for taking my ?, What type[s] of genre[s], specific age level[s], and/or type[s] of story lines would be on your wish list right now?
Steven_Mal: Hi Kim...I'm always open this way. I appreciate just about anything if it's done well. I wish I could be more specific, but that's a tough one, as I'm really open in that regard. I love seeing a voice that I haven't read before, or seeing a voice that harkens back to something else but puts a new, fresh spin on it.
Kim_Kasch: I appreciate the insights into the other side of the desk. :-)
Steven_Mal: No problem!
Verla: The next question is from Amarillys. She had to leave and asked me to ask it for her: How do agents feel about working with people who have busy "other" careers. Do they ever shy away from working with doctors, laywers, etc. knowing that such writers might have difficulty working meeting deadlines?
Steven_Mal: I would never shy away from working with someone who has a busy full-time job. I do think that it's important to meet deadlines, so you just have to be extra careful about setting you due dates with the publisher.
llen: Hi Steven (waves from Singapore). What are some of the recent PBs / YA urban fantasies that youÆve enjoyed? Thanks.
Steven_Mal: Hi llen...
Steven_Mal: That's a good question...it's always so hard to think of books on the spot that aren't by my clients...
llen: heh heh
Steven_Mal: Let me get back to this one in a little bit, if that's okay, because otherwise I'll type in 2 or 3 and immediately think of 3 or 4 more in a couple of minutes.
llen: Ok
llen: thanks
Mindy_Alys: What are your favorite and least favorite books (which can include clients), and can you tell us why each one stands out to you?
Verla: You may remind him in about five or ten minutes, llen
llen: Ok
Steven_Mal: Hi Mindy_Alyse...
Steven_Mal: I can't really cite least favorite books, but I can talk for a long time about favorites...
Steven_Mal: Are you talking recent books or all-time?
Mindy_Alys: all-time
Steven_Mal: Wow...that makes it even harder...
Steven_Mal: I'm not going to include books by my clients...
Steven_Mal: Anything by Barbara Cooney. I just love her artwork and her stories and the feeling that they evoke...
Steven_Mal: I'LL FIX ANTHONY by Judith Viorst is a real favorite. It's hilarious and it didn't hurt that I have an older brother named Anthony...
Steven_Mal: I've talked before about THE WESTING GAME but I just think it's a brilliant mystery with quirk, charm, and wonderful characters...
Steven_Mal: I think CHARLOTTE'S WEB is an absolute masterpiece in every single respect and can stand up against any novel for any age...
Steven_Mal: There are so many more...
Steven_Mal: I'll rattle off a few more a bit later after the questions, if that's okay.
Mindy_Alys: Thank you, Steven.
Mindy_Alys: That would be great.
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
WriterRoss: While I hope great writing will always be welcome and will always have a seat at the table, are you noticing any connection re: editors and what they purchase and this economically skittish moment in time? P.S. I cannot believe this English major is asking a Business Question <g> and P.P.S. A little financial hardship is not going to scare me away from following my dreams. <g>--Pamela and.. Go ahead and... thanks, as always.
Steven_Mal: Hi Pamela...good to see you...
Steven_Mal: I do think it's a somewhat challenging time in our business and for the economy in general, but I still believe that publishers are as excited as ever -- if not more so -- to find new talent and that special manuscript.
WriterRoss: "If not more so..." because?
PatEsden: What is the level of interaction between Writers House agents? Do they give each other advice?
WriterRoss: (Oops)
Verla: LOL you can ask that for your next question, pamela
Steven_Mal: No problem...I just think many editors are really on the lookout for the next great writer....I hear it all the time.
PatEsden: Hi nice to have you here
Steven_Mal: All of the agents at Writers House have a great relationship and we talk a lot, have meetings, and often ask each other for advice. It's very rare that a day goes by where I don't email or talk to another agent at Writers House.
ally: Would you address some of the reasons why certain (agented) books sell almost immediately, while others might take a year or even two?
PatEsden: Thank you very much! I've wanted to know that for some time.
Steven_Mal: No problem. I'm lucky to work with such great people.
ally: And Hey Steve :)
Steven_Mal: Hi ally...
Steven_Mal: But I'll say this...just because one book sells in 24 hours and another takes 18 months to sell, it doesn't mean that the one that sold quickly will do better when the books are actually published. I know everyone wants the quick sale, but, again, it's all about the long term and finding the right fit.
ally: thank you :)
Steven_Mal: You're welcome!
skvnzt: What strikes you most about a manuscript when you first open and read it?
Steven_Mal: Hi skvnzt...it's all about the voice for me. No question.
skvnzt: Thanks, good to know.
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
Verla: I know "voice" was one of the most confusing things to me when I first started writing, Steven....
Verla: can you talk a bit about what "voice" is to you?
Steven_Mal: Yes, "voice" can be hard to define, but you certainly know it when you see it...
Steven_Mal: or read it, I should say.
Verla: lol
NOTE: lol (or LOL) = Laughing Out Loud
Verla: I came to the conclusion that it's like recognizing a good singer out a crowd of singers
Verla: when you hear their voice you know immediately that they are singing the song
Steven_Mal: You're suddenly reading a voice that's truly distinct/unique and authentic, whether that voice is funny, sad, scary, etc. People have different opinions about THE CATCHER IN THE RYE, but I still think it's an amazing example of a strong voice.
Verla: writing voice to me is a lot like that... it's how you put the words together to make the story unique and "your own"... I guess what I want to know is does that fit your criteria of voice?
Steven_Mal: Yes, I would say so...it's all about being distinct so that it's very much your own and couldn't belong to anyone else.
Verla: yay
Verla: thanks!
llen: Hi Steve, have you thought anymore about the recent PBs and YA Urban fantasy that you've enjoyed?
Steven_Mal: I'm compiling the list in my head!
llen: OK
Verla: lol Steven. You need to get it out of your head and out here... don't worry if you think of more later. We'll allow you to add them in as you think of them
Verla: I don't think anyone will be upset if you throw a few extra things in every so often
Steven_Mal: You're welcome!
Stone_Writ: how important is a book's marketability when it comes to acquiring a book from an unproven writer? i know great writing is great writing, but doesn't the market have to factor in as well, especially for less-proven agents? and yes, Salinger is just terrific overall. Buddy Glass is one of my all-time favorite characters in literature
Steven_Mal: Hi Stone_Writer...personally, I'm after an amazing voice, great characters and wonderful writing. Obviously, certain types of manuscripts are more overtly marketable than others, but, again, publishers love nothing more than to discover a new talent with a great voice, and that will go a lot further than you'd imagine.
Stone_Writ: great, thanks
joanclr: Hi Steven, thanks for being here
joanclr: Do you think that being published with several different houses can hurt a writerÆs career? How can a writer make a situation like this work to their advantage? (For example, if someone has received offers from multiple housesùis it acceptable to go with this, or will it work against the writerÆs career as a whole?)
Steven_Mal: Hi joanclr...that's a tough question to answer without knowing the specifics of the situation. Ideally, you'd love to really build a list with one house, but there are certainly situations where more than one house is needed. I hate to be vague, but it's hard to be more specific without knowing more...
Steven_Mal: You just want to be sure that there's an overall plan and strategy at work.
joanclr: Thanks!
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
skvnzt: Steven, are there any overdone premises that agents and editors just really don't want to see?
Steven_Mal: Hi skvnzt...I don't think so, necessarily. It's just a matter of having a fresh take. Obviously, there are some things that have been done a lot lately, so you have to make sure that you're bringing something new to the table.
FutureDoct: As a 14-year-old writer, I sometimes have trouble with editors and agents taking me seriously. Are many people in the publishing business hesitant to take on someone so young, even though I have plenty of previous magazine credits?
Steven_Mal: Hi FutureDoctor. Wow, 14! That's amazing. I certainly wasn't writing books when I was 14...I'm impressed. I don't think you should have a problem getting people to take you seriously as an author. It should really be about the work and if they like the work, the rest should take care of itself.
sue: Hi Steven, How many authors/manuscripts do you juggle simultaneously? How many do you currently have active? What's your limit?
Steven_Mal: Thank you...keep writing!
Steven_Mal: Hi Sue...I don't know if there's a limit, per se...it's hard to put a number on these things, but I try to be very selective about what I take on and what I send out.
sue: Thanks!
LMT: Steven: Thank you for taking time to chat with us this evening. I understand that many agents expect a pitch at the beginning of a query letter. I&Mac245;ve also heard that a pitch turns off many agents. Do you have a preference?
Steven_Mal: You're welcome!
Steven_Mal: Hi LMT...glad to be here...
Steven_Mal: Personally, I think the most important thing to show in the query letter is that you're a professional who's serious about what you do...
Steven_Mal: show that you've done your homework etc. It's always nice to see that an author has a clear grasp on his/her work and where it fits in to the market. A pitch can be a good thing if it's done right, but it's not essential.
KellyMilne: Steve, it seems very few agents are willing to rep nonfiction. Why is that, and how can we find agents willing to sell nonfiction projects?
LMT: Thank you!
Steven_Mal: No problem...good question.
Steven_Mal: Hi Kelly!
KellyMilne: Hi Steven. : )
Steven_Mal: That could be because some of the larger trade houses don't do a lot of non-fiction, but I do think that it has its place and it can actually do very well. Ken Wright at Writers House published a lot of the best non-fiction for many years at Scholastic and I know that he's actively looking for it.
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
SMozer: Hi Steven. Thank you for doing this. Is there something specific that you look for in a query that would make you ask for a partial? And on the other side, is there something that makes you reject immediately?
Steven_Mal: Hi SMozer...
Steven_Mal: Again, I just really appreciate when someone has done his/her homework and really taken the time to write a very thoughtful, targeted letter. It happens less than you'd imagine...
Steven_Mal: That means a lot to me...
SMozer: Thanks.
Kim_Kasch: What about prologues? Are these an immediate turn off?
Steven_Mal: Ultimately, it's always about the work, but in terms of rejecting immediately, it certainly doesn't help a writer's case if he/she spells my name wrong, doesn't personalize a query, or sends it to me along with 50 other agents at the same time (with all of our names in the "to" field)...and, yes, that happens a lot!
SMozer: LOL
tragedyfay: Do agents not like the concept of a Young Adult Fantasy novel taking place in a made-up world? ( EX: Lord of the Rings)?
Steven_Mal: Hi tragedyfay...I think that some fantasy along those lines can feel a little more "genre" sometimes and not as broadly appealing, so you could run into some resistance, but great writing is great writing.
tragedyfay: thanks
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
Verla: Here's a question we missed...
Verla: Kim_Kasch: What about prologues? Are these an immediate turn off?
tracyh: ?
Steven_Mal: Oh sorry...didn't see that. I don't think prologues are an immediate turn off at all, at least not to me!
dlan: What should writers know about..
dlan: their own communication/work style before signing with an agent?
Steven_Mal: Hi dlan...good question...
Kim_Kasch: Thanks
Steven_Mal: I think it's important to think about what sort of person you are in that regard...how often do you want to be in touch with your agent? Are you moe comfortable with phone or email or does it not matter...
Steven_Mal: Do you want to know about every pass that comes in or do you like a more general update at a specified time etc...
Steven_Mal: The author/agent relationship isn't unlike any relationship in the sense that good, clear communication is crucial, and it's helpful for you to have a clear sense about you're looking for going in.
llen: How do you answer your queries / requested materials û by the order they come in or according to what grabs you? Thanks.
dlan: Good food for thought. Thanks.
Steven_Mal: No problem.
Steven_Mal: Hi llen...we generally try to answer them in the order they come in, but that might not always be the case. Sometimes some thing require more thought/consideration...
Steven_Mal: One sort of recent picture book that I loved was The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers...I love his work...
llen: Oooh yes!
Steven_Mal: As for urban fantasy...I do think that Melissa Marr is great and I'm very happy for her and her agent Rachel Vater, who's a good friend...
Steven_Mal: I also think that my colleague Dan Lazar's client Ingrid Law wrote a truly amazing first novel in SAVVY.
Mindy_Alys: I've heard that edgy book titles, with words like bra and cleavage are currently difficult to get into bookstores and libraries. Do you see this? If so--how long do you believe it will continue?
Kimberly: Thanks Steve. Feel free to post more later.
Steven_Mal: Hi Mindy_Alyse...
Steven_Mal: I haven't noticed that...censorship is an unfortunate thing, if that's what's behind it. My client Sonya Sones has had a couple of her books banned. She's very proud of it! But I don't think that publishers are shying away from those kinds of books at all, at least not from anything I've seen.
Mindy_Alys: Thanks!
Verla: galahad, It's now your turn to ask your question. Please post it now. Thank you.
galahad: Do you think a picture book like Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present--witty, but not full of nonstop physical action--could be published and successful today?
Steven_Mal: Hi galahad...
Steven_Mal: I love Charlotte Zolotow...I don't think people appreciate her as much as they should...
galahad: She's also at the very end and bottom of the picture book section.
Steven_Mal: I do agree that certain picture books would have a much tougher time in today's market...I think that's true, unfortunately...
Steven_Mal: But I've been noticing that some editors are hungry for picture books that harken back to some of the classics but put a fresh spin on them. I think that was a lot of the appeal behind OLIVIA (aside from amazing art and an adorable character, of course).
ally: I'm curious to know if you perceive any issues regarding length in ya novels? For example, would you be more leery/hesitant about requesting an 85k contemporary novel versus a fantasy/urban fantasy of the same length?
galahad: Thanks.
Steven_Mal: Hi ally...I don't tend to pay a lot of attention to length. It shouldn't matter too much, although if someone mentions a manuscript that's 267,000 words, I might hesitate. And, yes, this happened recently!

ally: lol, thanks, Steve :)
Verla: yoiks!
Verla: that's a LONG novel!
MysteryWriter: i'm currently interning at a literary agency. do you have any advice for someone thinking about a career as an agent?
Steven_Mal: You're welcome!
Steven_Mal: Hi MysteryWriter...you're not interning in my office, are you? : )
MysteryWriter: not that i know of
Steven_Mal: Ha...
Steven_Mal: It's a lot like being a writer in the sense that what's going to really carry you through is a love for the business, the people you work with and the work that you represent...
Steven_Mal: I feel like the people who make it in this business have a genuine passion for what they do...
Steven_Mal: And I love being around people like that...
ally: Claps!
Steven_Mal: The business can be hard at times and it's a long road, but if you're truly committed to it and really love it, you'll make it...that's really my advice...I know it sounds odd...but I've seen a lot of very smart people leave the business, not because they weren't talented, but because their heart wasn't ultimately in it...
Steven_Mal: I feel like Al Pacino at the end of Scent Of A Woman giving the speech in front of the school.
MysteryWriter: ho ha
Verla: LOL LOL Steven!
MysteryWriter: great steve, thanks so much. and don't worry, next time your coffee will have cream and sugar like you originally asked
Verla: (for anyone who doesn't know... LOL is Laughing Out Loud)
Steven_Mal: Thanks...make it a green tea...straight up.
MysteryWriter: deal
Verla has some green Emperor's Tea brought back from China...
Steven_Mal: Wow...very nice!
Verla passes tea around to everyone... (it's awesome tea!)
Steven_Mal: I drink no less than 8 cups of green or oolong tea a day!
Steven_Mal: We have an amazing Zojirushi tea dispenser in our office...I love that thing.
FutureDoct: Do you try to shy away from picture books that teach a lesson like a few other agents and publishers in the industry?
Steven_Mal: Hi FutureDoctor...I don't like books that hit you over the head with a lesson or are didactic...
Steven_Mal: But a subtle, understated lesson, or even one that's subverted in some way can be nice. I'm lucky enough to work with the amazing, inimitable Florence Parry Heide, and she has many books that teach lessons in the funniest most unexpected ways.
FutureDoct: Thank you Steven
kbaccellia: What do you think of authors who query who's first novel was epublished with a small press?
kbaccellia: Do you frown on this?
Steven_Mal: Hi kbaccellia...
Steven_Mal: It's all about the particular project that's being proposed -- that's what's most important to me.
kbaccellia: so past projects don't matter?
Steven_Mal: It depends, obviously...but they wouldn't prevent me from taking on someone new.
kbaccellia: Thank you, Steven!
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
sue: Steven, as long as it's THAT scene in Scent of a Woman....BTW, LOVE Jeffers' Lost and Found...but my question is: If you represent an author who has sold a pb on his/her own, is it then harder for you to represent and sell that author's first novel, or easier?
Steven_Mal: Hi Sue...
Steven_Mal: That wouldn't be a bad thing at all, and it could be a very good thing. But, again, ultimately, it's all about the new book. I have to really love the current book that's being proposed.
sue: thanks!
dina: Hi Steven -- are there certain circumstances when you will definitely ask for a 2-book deal up front when an editor puts in an offer for one book, and times when you definitely will not ask for a 2-book deal? Can you explain? Thanks!!!!
Steven_Mal: Hi Dina...
Steven_Mal: I have a cat named Dinah who's sitting next to me, by the way...
Steven_Mal: Named after Dinah Washington...
Steven_Mal: To the question...
dina: I wish I had a cat. Allergic manpanion in the house....
Steven_Mal: The question of multi-book deals vs single-book deals is a complicated one and it's hard to answer it in a general way...
Steven_Mal: Sometimes, when a publisher is taking on a new author, they want to buy more than one book...
Steven_Mal: Some writers love that commitment from the publisher and the security that comes with it, while others find it very daunting...
Steven_Mal: It's sort of a personal thing. I would say that if you write very slowly and think it might take years to complete the second book, you might want to hold off. And, if it's going to make you feel pressured rather than secure, that's not a good thing, either...
Steven_Mal: But, again, every situation is different. I hope that's sort of helpful.
dina: Yes, thanks! If nothing else it shows just how there's no one right answer for every author.
Steven_Mal: That's absolutely true.
JetGirl: Hi, Steven. :) It seems like the majority of new YA books are urban and/or edgy. Is it harder to break into the YA market right now with sweet or folktale-ish stories, like Sharon Shinn's Safe-Keeper series?
Steven_Mal: Hi JetGirl...
Steven_Mal: I don't think so...in fact, you could argue that publishers are more interested in finding more traditional stories because there's been so much edgy work. That said, sweeter stories generally have an easier time in middle-grade than YA.
kiteflyer: Hello, Steven. I always have trouble when I try personalizing my query letters. I want my query to be sincere and not sounding like a brown-nose. Any thoughts on personalizing querys?
Steven_Mal: Hi kiteflyer...
Steven_Mal: It's always nice to do as much research as you can on the particular agent you're approaching. Think about why you're writing to that specific agent and try to make that clear in the letter. Also, the more that you can show a firm grasp on your work, the better.
kiteflyer: Thanks
Steven_Mal: kiteflyer -- you're welcome.
tamigirl: Recently someone posted on the boards about finding out an agent they'd queried but hadn't yet signed with had contacted editors and discussed specifics about his or her manuscript. Is this "done" or is it a weird situation?
Steven_Mal: Hi tamigirl...that sounds odd to me...
Steven_Mal: It's one thing if an agent was casually saying to an editor "I was just reading this great fantasy manuscript before I met you for lunch," but it's another to be pitching something around without actually representing it and signing the author.
tamigirl: thanks I thought it was strange too
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
Kimberly: Hi, I was in private chat with sciencelady we're having tornado warnings in central OH & her question is: How do you feel about sort of scary stories for young children?
Steven_Mal: Hi Kimberly...I hope sciencelady is okay...
Steven_Mal: Depends on how scary, obviously, but given that I represent Gris Grimly, it's fair to say that I certainly don't have an aversion to them!
Kimberly: thanks
Steven_Mal: You're welcome.
tracyh: I asked my question backwards before :). Revision being important, do you almost always ask for a revision before you sign someone? To see if they're good at it?
Steven_Mal: Hi again tracyh...I'd say that we ask for one more often than not...not necessarily as a "test" to see if they're good, but really more because we want to send out work that's as polished and clean as it can be in order to put our clients in the best possible position with the publisher...to get the best deal possible and the right editor. We have many stories of people we've taken through...
Steven_Mal: the revision process who have gone on to get great deals...
Steven_Mal: I should add that when I say "we," I'm often talking about me and Lindsay Davis, who works with me here on the West Coast. Lindsay's amazing and definitely has the passion for the business that I was talking about above...
tracyh: thanks!
Steven_Mal: That's what struck me about her when we first met and her commitment to the business is very genuine...in fact, I think she's still in the office now...
Steven_Mal: She's actively looking for clients and building her list.
tracyh: thanks again!
Steven_Mal: No problem, tracyh.
WriterRoss: In light of the earlier question re: agent/author relationship, what about a writer's relationship with editors? Are you hands-on when the editor and author are e-mailing back and forth re: revisions, requests for more, etc? If more than one editor is interested in a writer's work (not yet pubbed), how do we (you, agent and me, writer) decide where to go with what? (I know. Too much interest. That should be our worst problem.) ;}--
Steven_Mal: Hi Pamela...let me see...
Steven_Mal: Are you talking before a contract?
WriterRoss: Hhhm, had not differentiated but... whatever is easier for you to discuss
WriterRoss: I'd say if the book was accepted for the first part of the Q
Steven_Mal: Once there's a contract in hand, I do think it's important to honor the author/editor relationship and not get in the middle of it, but rather try to facilitate it when necessary. I'm always informed but don't want to stand in the way and insert myself where it's not necessary...
Steven_Mal: In terms of interest from multiple houses, it's just a matter of trying to figure out where the best fit is...sometimes it's not obvious. I often remind writers in these situations that there's not usually a "wrong" decision...it's about what feels right, based on various factors, and which of those factors are most important to the author.
WriterRoss: I appreciate both responses. And they were good ones. Thanks again. {}
Steven_Mal: Anytime!
tragedyfay: If there is a death toward the beginning of a YA manuscript, does that turn an agent off? Even if it is part of the plot/ emotional conflict of the Main Character?
Steven_Mal: Hi tragedyfay...no, I wouldn't see that as a problem, as long as it's organic to the story and well-handled.
tragedyfay: Great! Thanks!
llen: What would a typical day be like for you? How do you find time to get through queries / fulls and still find the time to read whatÆs currently out there? Thanks.
Steven_Mal: Hi again llen...a typical day involves time on the phone with clients and editors, following up on submissions or contracts, negotiating contracts etc. No day is exactly the same, which I like...
Steven_Mal: I never read at work...it's always something that I do at home. I do love reading what's out there in my spare time...I try to keep up as much as I can, but, like everyone, I have a lot of things that I want to read but haven't been able to yet.
llen: Thanks, Steven
SMozer: What kind of info are you looking for in an unpublished writer's bio? Do you care about their graduate school, SCBWI membership, blogs, things like founding a writers group, etc?
SMozer: Children, job...
Steven_Mal: Hi SMozer...that's all useful info -- absolutely!
SMozer: Thanks again Steven.
Steven_Mal: No problem!
ally: What's your take on cycles in the industry? Perhaps not entire genres, per se, but with respect to sub-genres/topics/settings within YA: Will we see a tapering off of vampire/faery/chick-lit/Hollywood/Gossip-Girl type novels and then, in a few years, a resurgence or will it take a much longer span to cycle back around, if at all? Thank you for spending time with us and sharing your insights!
Steven_Mal: Hi again ally...
ally: heh
Steven_Mal: I'm glad to here...the questions are great and it's fun...
Dori: sciencelady is ok, she says thanks.
Steven_Mal: I agree that the business is nothing if not cyclical...
Verla: oh yay, dori!
Verla: thanks for letting us know
FutureDoct: Thank you for the update, Dori!
Verla: tell her for me that her question was the VERY next one I was calling when she left the room
Steven_Mal: Publishers tend to jump all over something when it becomes popular, and sometimes they over-publish it, which tends to make it taper off...
Verla: she "almost" got to ask it herself...
Steven_Mal: That's one of the reasons why I think it's crucial to write what you want to write and what's organic to you as opposed to chasing a trend...
Steven_Mal: I never think that's a good idea.
Steven_Mal: Glad to hear that she's okay!
Mindy_Alys: What advice do you have for someone who writes in several children's genres? Do you believe that a few books should be published in one genre before branching out into another one?
k Steven_Mal: Hi again Mindy...
ally: thank you, Steve!
Steven_Mal: It all depends...I represent Cynthia Rylant who writes in many different genres, so it can be done...although I think it can be hard for new authors to do that these days...
Steven_Mal: You want to be sure that it doesn't make you look unfocused to an agent or publisher.
Mindy_Alys: Thank you so much, Steve. I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with us.
Steven_Mal: It's always great...glad to be here.
Kimberly: When you receive a query are you anticipating to hear the writer's voice in it?
Steven_Mal: Hey Kimberly...it's great to see a voice come through in a query, but I wouldn't say that I expect it.
dina: Will you be at any upcoming SCBWI/etc conferences/events? (And do you get a lot out of meeting authors/illustrators at these events?)
Verla: he's going to be at the LA SCBWI conference... and he IS going to make time to meet with me and my roommates. Aren't you Steven?
Steven_Mal: Hi Dina...I'll be speaking at the national SCBWI conference in August. I met Sonya Sones, Bruce Hale, and Stephanie Hemphill at that conference, so it's been very productive for me, as well as just being a great time, in general...
dina: Oh fab! I WILL have to make it to the LA con some time!!!
Steven_Mal: I highly recommend the conference if you can make it.
Verla: yep. me too
Steven_Mal: Yes Verla -- I will see you there!
Verla: yay!
WriterRoss: Is Stephanie Hemphill your client? Oy. Love her.
dina: OK, I expect pics, Verla!
Kimberly: Thanks ever so much, Steve!
tracyh: What is the market looking for right now?
LJoy: I look forward to hearing you, Steve at Nationals
Steven_Mal: She is...I still remember critiquing her at that conference.
WriterRoss: That is a success story. Very sweet to hear this.
Steven_Mal: Hey tracyh...hard to say...if you ask most editors, I think they'd say "great writing...an amazing voice" which I know is generic, but I think it's the truth.
tracyh: middle grades, ya?
NOTE: ya = Young Adult novels
Steven_Mal: Both...I think literary middle-grades are always a good thing.
stephblake: .
tracyh: woot!
tracyh: thanks for your time tonight!
Steven_Mal: It's my pleasure...thanks for coming!
tragedyfay: claps!
llen: yay
Verla: It's now eight oclock... and this workshop is officially at an end. Thanks SOOOOO much for giving us all this time tonight, Steven. We REALLY appreciated it!
els: it is not, it's 11pm
PatEsden: Thank you, Steven and Verla. This was wonderful!
JetGirl: claps
Kim_Kasch: Thanks for the W.H.onderful evening!
SMozer: Ditto
BoniA: Thanks, Steve!

Stone_Writ: yes, thanks to steve and verla
tamigirl: thanks Verla and Steve
Steven_Mal: Thanks for having me...how about a hand for Verla?
els: thanks Steve!
krw3b: claps
stephblake: see you in LA
sbk: no, it's 9!
RebeccaL-G: Thanks!
FutureDoct: Thanks so much for taking time with us tonight, Steven! I can't wait to query you!
dina: Woo hoo to the fab Verla and Steven for their time!!!
galahad: Thanks Steve and Verla!
Kimberly: *WOO HOO!
llen: Thanks for being here, Steven. (Sending a tray of Cadbury your way). I hope you got all the bobble heads you're looking for.
Kim_Kasch: Cheers to Verla!
SMozer: claps!!
Verla: (it's eight for steven and I!)
Mindy_Alys: Thanks Steven and Verla. This was such a great chat!
sbk: thanks so much Steven! That was great
dlan: Many thanks - see you in LA!
tracyh: Yay Verla!!
els: :^P
lorim: thanks verla and Steven Malk!
FutureDoct: And thanks very much for running it, Verla!
Steven_Mal: I did add an Archie bobble-head to my collection recently.
* WriterRoss: Steve: your thoughts and commentary are always so informative and helpful.
Dori: :-)
Steven_Mal: I already had jughead.
CS: Thank you Steven and Verla!
JetGirl: Thanks so much!
FutureDoct: Will you be heading out or staying after, Steven?
llen: Who else are you looking for?
kiteflyer: thanks
Lila_Guzma: Thanks, Steven and Verla
WriterRoss: Okay, it begs the question: Betty or Veronica? ;}
Steven_Mal: I'm happy to answer a few more questions...
tracyh: My teen loves Archie comics
tragedyfay: This was a wonderful experience and great information! That you for your time!
WriterRoss: (And major bows to Verla for her hosting talents extraordinaire)
tragedyfay: *thank you
Steven_Mal: I don't have Betty or Veronica yet...but I'm keeping my eyes peeled.
Mindy_Alys: Well, if you don't mind...what made you decide to become an agent?
Dori: sciencelady said tornado touched down 2 miles away. Whew!
FutureDoct: It was really nice to see you here, everyone!
Verla: thanks, everyone. Now my work REALLY begins. I have to edit out all those <.> posts you all made!
Verla: LOL
WriterRoss: If you tell me you already have Mr. Weatherbee... ;>
WriterRoss: Good Q, Mindy {}
FutureDoct: Verla, we really appreciate everything you do to make these chats run smoothly. Thanks again.
Verla: and all the so-and-so entered the chat room and so-and-so left the chat room... along with all my instructions to everyone
Verla: and leave just the questions and answers...
Steven_Mal: Mindy...it really brought all of my interests together...getting to work with amazing authors and illustrators so closely...getting to be involved in both the creative and business side of things.
llen: OK. Then, I'll shoot off one more. What do you consider to be the attributes of a dream client? Thanks.
llen: Thanks Verla!
els: oops, meant to private chat that... booch
Kimberly: Thanks everyone. I will do it tonight
Kimberly: *Clapping
Verla: I know just how now... I've had a lot of experience at it. <grin>
* Mindy_Alys: That's great, Steven.
FutureDoct: And one more, if you don't mind...
LJoy: Thanks Steve--I always enjoy your chats
FutureDoct: What educational background is needed to become a literary agent?
Steven_Mal: Hi llen...someone with a great voice, diverse influences, an appreciation for the history of the business, a passion for what they do, and the desire and drive to succeed.
tragedyfay: Do you always rely on the synopsis when deciding if you want to read more than a partial?
Verla: oh... Steven... by the way, I went back and looked at your earlier transcripts, and I think I'd like to leave them up. Each one is filled with good basic info about agent/client relationships, etc.
Steven_Mal: No problem, Verla!
llen: Thanks Steven
Steven_Mal: tragedyfay -- we can usually tell based on the partial and the synopsis.
SMozer: I had a question about classifying your novel. If your main character is in seventh grade, would you call that middle grade, tween, ya, or does it matter?
LJoy: Steven--I just thought of a question...is INSIDE TREE ever coming out?
Verla: by the way, Steve who is now visitor_2894 You can change your nick to one that isn't registered by typing this: /nick Steve_345 (or whatever number you want to add there)
Steven_Mal: SMozer...it sort of depends on the subject matter and the voice. Most likely middle-grade.
SMozer: Thanks.
Verla: for those that don't know... Inside Tree is Linda Smith's very first accepted book.
Steven_Mal: Linda -- it is, finally. Not sure of the exact pub date, but I saw a couple of pieces of art and they looked great.
LJoy: It's been a decade now
els: I've been wondering the same thing about Inside Tree!
Verla: Linda was a very close friend of ours who died years ago after selling 5 books... but never saw any of them in print
tragedyfay: Thanks for this great opportunity Verla and Steven! It's time for me to "bow out"!
WriterRoss: "Tragedy" is the right word :{
Stone_Writ: wow, what a shame
Steven_Mal: Yes, she was one of the most talented writers I've ever seen.
Verla: ya... it was a very sad thing for all of us
FutureDoct: She had a fantastic query
FutureDoct: i mean tragedyfay
Verla: not only talented, but one of the Nicest and most FUN people I've ever known
FutureDoct: sorry
llen: I love When Moon Fell Down!
WriterRoss: Could it be...8 years already? Noooo.
LJoy: But Marle Frazee won an award for one of Linda's books -- and it's great knowing her words are out there
Verla: Mrs. Biddlebox
Steven_Mal: Absolutely...she left some amazing work behind. No question.
els: I think Mrs. Biddlebox was my favorite
WriterRoss: I LOVE MRS BIDDLEBOX.
Steven_Mal: Thanks for coming!
Verla: I still remember when Linda called me and talked to me about that story. She was falling out of her computer chair while she wrote it... couldn't stay in it from being so sick from the chemo treatments
tracyh: I love Mrs. Biddlebox!
Verla: and she told me she'd just had the worst day of her life, and somehow she HAD to get rid of that day, so she wrote Mrs Biddlebox to get rid of the day
llen: I remember the workshop transcript when she was still around
WriterRoss: I loved your support for the "literary middle grade," Steve. I won't ask you to name names but I hope a lot of those out there stem from your clients. And the world needs more of them (we can only hope) ;>
Verla: what an incredible story it is
Verla: and every time I read it, I cry at the end when she opens up the doors and lets the night in...
tracyh: i'd love to hear of some semi recent to recent favorites
Steven_Mal: She was definitely one of a kind...I'm lucky to have known her and to have had the opportunity to work with her.
llen: Steve, if you think of anymore PB / YA please send the list to Verla so that she can post them. Thanks.
Verla: well, folks... I'm off to edit this transcript!
Stone_Writ: thanks again, verla!
Steven_Mal: I will...
els: okie doke, Verla
Verla: happy chatting all
Mindy_Alys: Thanks again, Verla!
dlan: Thanks, Verla!
Steven_Mal: Thanks again, Verla.
tracyh: night Verla
FutureDoct: Steve, I am off to bed now but I just wanted to thank you again for taking the time to be here.
LJoy: So Steve, any recent books you've sold or have coming out you'd care to share?
Verla: oh.. did anyone notice the highest number of people we had in the room tonight?
FutureDoct: I am really looking forward to sending my query to you soon.
FutureDoct: Verla, I saw 52
Verla: I noticed at one point we had 54 in the room...
llen: Verla ... I think it was 53
tracyh: 54
Steven_Mal: I think there were 53.
JetGirl: I think it was 54.
Verla: and we sat at a steady 45 all night long
Verla: nice crowd!
FutureDoct: Many were idle
Stone_Writ: is this like the price is right? closest without going over?
FutureDoct: yes
Verla: well I KNOW we had as many as 54 at least at one time
Steven_Mal: You do such a great job...it always goes off without a hitch.
Verla: Awwww, Thanks, Steven!
Log file closed at: 6/3/08 8:13:29 PM