Kari-Lynn Winter's Story

Week of August 5, 2012—Odds and Ends

Monday, August 6—Kari-Lynn Winter’s Story

Kari-Lynn Winters

Picture Book Author, Drama Educator, and Researcher

(And my fellow on-line critique group member)

www.kariwinters.com

After spending two years writing and editing my first picture book manuscript— Jeffrey’s Wor(l)d Meets Sloth (a hideous title, but at the time I thought it was clever)—I was ready to submit! I researched several publishing companies and decided on a mid-size Canadian publisher, Orca Book Publishers.

In my mind, everything was moving along smoothly: the manuscript was ready, the cover letter was written, the publisher was chosen. The only problem was that I didn’t want my work to simply sit in Orca’s slush pile. So I decided to be strategic. I decided that in addition to submitting my manuscript, I would also pitch the editor — in person! But how?

I started paying attention to upcoming children’s literature conferences, particularly the events where my editor was scheduled to present. Once I found the conference that was right for me, I signed up as a volunteer. Next, I purchased some of the books that she had edited and authored (I figured that each book would give me a few more minutes to chat with her) and I rehearsed my pitch. Then, two months before the conference I submitted the manuscript, guaranteeing that it would be on her desk by the time the conference began. Finally, I asked a friend (who happened to be one of her authors) to interrupt our conversation with unbounded, exuberant praise for my manuscript.

The actual pitch played out like this:

1^st—I approached the editor with books for her to sign.

2^nd—As she signed I delivered my  pitch, trying to sound as though I was delivering it spontaneously (she seemed mildly interested).

3^rd—My friend (her author) approached us, introduced us formally, and raved about my manuscript (the editor now seemed genuinely interested).

4^th—The editor asked me to send the manuscript to her. I replied with a smile, “It is already on your desk!” (The editor now seemed extremely interested.)

The following Wednesday (just days after the conference), I received a call from my editor. She told me that she loved the manuscript and that she was bringing it to the next acquisitions meeting. The manuscript was officially accepted a few months later. My first submission was a success! I jumped and danced. I remember shaking with excitement when I told my family.

Jeffrey and Sloth, illustrated by Ben Hodson and published by Orca Book Publisher in 2007, was nominated for several prestigious book awards, and recently became a Canadian best-seller.

Note from Rob: Kari-Lynn’s story makes me smile. It shows how each writer can realize his/her publishing dreams in a different way. If you know the charismatic Kari-Lynn, this story is so-o-o her! J