Oliver Jeffers at Work
I’ve always liked Oliver Jeffers – both the man and his wonderful picture books. I first met him almost ten years ago, just after his first book, How to Catch a Star was published. It was at a Children’s Books Ireland conference in Dublin and from the start I loved his passion and his enthusiasm for his work.
The weekend before last I had the good luck to catch him not once but twice at Offset, a wonderful conference held in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin which celebrates design and illustration. He spoke to a crowd of thousands about his painting and his picture books. Afterwards he gave a very honest and inspiring public interview to one of the Offset organisers.
During this he spoke about ‘people who do things and people who talk about doing things’. Oliver works on a huge amount of different projects – often simultaneously – exhibitions of his paintings, exhibitions of his drawings, picture books, illustrating other people’s novels, book covers. He only takes on projects that he truly loves and he works HARD. His work has to mean something – to him. If it means something to him, then he figures that maybe it will mean something to other people too.
There is no secret to his success – yes, he’s talented and driven but most of all he simply ‘does things’.
He believes in his work. He believes that his work is important, yet approaches it with a sense of fun and play. Are YOU a doer or a talker? Do you believe in your work? Do you approach it with a sense of fun and play? It’s worth thinking about. We all have a lot to learn from Oliver Jeffers.
Yours in writing,
Sarah
Biography
Born in Dublin, Oisín McGann spent his childhood there and in Drogheda, County Louth. He studied at Ballyfermot Senior College and Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design, and went on to work in illustration, design and film animation, later moving to London to work as an art director and copy writer in advertising.
He now lives back in Ireland and works full time as an author and illustrator. He has written and illustrated numerous books for all ages of reader, including the Mad Grandad series, The Forbidden Files series, and eight novels, including The Gods And Their Machines, Small-Minded Giants, and his steampunk trilogy, The Wildenstern Saga. His new novel for readers of 10 years and upwards, Rat Runners, has just been published.
Oisin, can you tell us about your latest book, Rat Runners, and where the idea came from?
The core idea that sparked the story was based on a very simple premise: we’re observed by surveillance cameras every day now, but what if there was a person standing there, staring at you instead? Then I took it further and thought: what if they had the means, not just to observe you, but to examine you in detail? …
Biography
Born in Dublin, Oisín McGann spent his childhood there and in Drogheda, County Louth. He studied at Ballyfermot Senior College and Dun Laoghaire School of Art and Design, and went on to work in illustration, design and film animation, later moving to London to work as an art director and copy writer in advertising.
He now lives back in Ireland and works full time as an author and illustrator. He has written and illustrated numerous books for all ages of reader, including the Mad Grandad series, The Forbidden Files series, and eight novels, including The Gods And Their Machines, Small-Minded Giants, and his steampunk trilogy, The Wildenstern Saga. His new novel for readers of 10 years and upwards, Rat Runners, has just been published.
Oisin, can you tell us about your latest book, Rat Runners, and where the idea came from?
The core idea that sparked the story was based on a very simple premise: we’re observed by surveillance cameras every day now, but what if there was a person standing there, staring at you instead? Then I took it further and thought: what if they had the means, not just to observe you, but to examine you in detail? That’s where the Safe-Guards came from. I was originally going to have it as a fantasy story, with these figures like you’d see in a Terry Gilliam film, with contraptions on their heads holding loads of lenses. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to bring it closer to home.
The Safe-Guards have sophisticated cameras and sensors that can study you with X-rays, thermal vision, check your identity with facial recognition, they can listen with highly sensitive mikes and use chemical analyzers to check out your smell. All of this technology is based on equipment that’s already in use.
Once I had this surveillance society, as an environment, run by an organization known as WatchWorld, it made sense to have the kids as experts at evading this surveillance – young professional criminals, but ones who work for some very serious villains. This triggered a whole load of ideas about the characters, what type of people they were, and the kind of mystery they’d become involved in solving. It all starts with a murder, then the search for a mysterious box, all while trying to avoid being watched by the system. The situation means that even just getting from place to place becomes a challenge.
How long did it take you to write?
From the point where I wrote the first line, I think it took a little under six months, which is about typical. I had a lot of other stuff going on, so it came together very well. I normally take between four and six months to write a novel.
How do you organise your writing day? For example, where do you write?
In an ideal situation, I’d work from late morning and into the evening. I have an office/studio where I work normally, but sometimes I’ll sit down at the kitchen table with the notebook, or pace around. I do a lot of pacing. But I have a very varied schedule, doing a lot of events, running courses and all the other bits and pieces you have to do when you’re self-employed. I rarely write for more then three or four hours in a day, but I plan things out pretty thoroughly, so by the time I start typing it out, I get straight to the point.
And at what time of the day are you at your writing best?
I think evening is the best time, but it’s a bit antisocial if you have a family. I can write any time when the house is quiet – which doesn’t seem to be that often these days!
Do you use a computer or write long hand?
I plan with my notebook, making copious notes, but once I start writing, I like to be at my desk, typing it straight in.
Do you edit as you go along? Or at the end of the first draft? Do you find rewriting difficult?
I do edit as I go. Whenever I sit down to write, I’ll read what I wrote last. I also make some changes after the first draft, but then normally I hand it round to friends and family who make suggestions before I send it to my agent. I don’t find rewriting difficult – it can be very satisfying to tighten up the story, but at some point you have to choose to finish.
Do you use the internet for research? Do you find it useful? What other research tips can you give writers?
I do absolutely use the web for research, it’s fantastic, but it can also be treacherous. For anything important or anything I’m in doubt about, I’d make sure I’m checking more than one source – three or four is best. For the legends I’ve rewritten, I found at least seven or eight versions of each before getting started.
As far as the use of research goes, it’s vital that you sound like you know what you’re talking about, but never put in more information than the story demands. A lot of writers fall in love with their research, assuming that if they love this subject then their readers will too. The information, the detail, should carry the story forward, not weigh it down with excessive detail. You can also end up doing far more reading than you do writing, which is an excellent way to avoid finishing your book. The other hazard with research, is that you focus on the things that interest you, but neglect the things that don’t. It’s something I’m always trying to pull myself up on.
Are there any books or websites you would particularly recommend for writers?
Anybody who wants to get published should get themselves a copy of The Writers & Artists’ Yearbook. It comes out every year. Children’s Books Ireland also have a section called cb-info on their site (http://www.childrensbooksireland.ie/resources/cbinfo/), which is really useful generally, but particularly for the Irish market. Writing.ie has a lot of good stuff too.
How did you get your first book published? Was it difficult?
It didn’t happen quite the way I planned! I’d been pitching my first novel, The Harvest Tide Project to agents in the UK when I lived in London, but then I moved back to Ireland and started looking for work as an illustrator. The O’Brien Press liked one of the styles I worked in, wanting to use it in their Flyers range, but they didn’t have any stories at that point. So I pitched three stories to them, and they took two – the first two Mad Grandad books. Then they asked if I’d ever considered writing a novel. By that time, I’d finished The Gods and Their Machines, so I slapped the manuscripts for that and Harvest Tide on the table. They contracted for those and a sequel to The Harvest Tide Project, which became Under Fragile Stone.
Have you always written for children? Have you ever written anything for adults?
I consider all my books suitable for everyone, and a lot of adults read my YA stuff. I think that’s the definition of Young Adult; it’s something both young and adult readers can enjoy. I’ve written one other novel that’s aimed at older teenage and above, but it’s a step away from my normal stuff, and I’ve never pitched it to anyone. Not yet anyway.
Do you have an agent? And if so, how did you find her?
Having pitched to a number of agents early on, when I was living in London, I actually got published with O’Brien without one. But when I wanted to pitch my books in the UK, I knew I needed an agent. At that time, Eoin Colfer was probably the biggest name in children’s books in the UK after JK Rowling. He’d given me a great endorsement for The Gods and Their Machines, so I thought, why settle for less than the best? I sent her copies of my books with an introduction letter and the manuscript for Small-Minded Giants, telling her what I planned for the future. I met her when she came to Dublin not long after that and we signed up together.
Oisin, you have three children. How do you juggle being a dad with being a writer? Do you find it difficult?
It is very difficult at times, though it was harder when the girls were first born (they’re two and four, and my stepson is now twelve), especially when we moved into a new house that had to be renovated just weeks after our second daughter was born! Apart from all the practical stuff, having kids really increases the pressure to make a decent living, which increases the stress you already feel at being a parent of young kids (Am I doing this right? Oh, my God, who put me in charge of the lives of three little human beings?!). They’re great craic, but they’re also exhausting! It takes so much out of you, but I laugh more since I had children. You’re also tempted to write down everything they say, because you think it’s all brilliant.
What type of books do you like to read? What books are on your bedside table at the moment? Do you have a favourite book?
I don’t have a favourite book – it’s hard to even choose some of my favourites. As for what type of books I like to read, I’ll try anything really. I’ve just finished Ursula le Guin’s second Earthsea book, The Tombs of Atuan (I read the first one years ago), and I’ll probably go on to read the third one now. I’ve recently got into Lee Child’s books, they’re cracking page-turners. Other stories I’ve thoroughly enjoyed recently would include Mailer’s The Naked and the Dead (that one took me ages!) and Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan trilogy. At different points in my life, I’ve been into crime, horror, fantasy and sci-fi, Westerns, war stories, historical fiction . . . almost everything. Romance, not so much, but I’d never rule it out.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
Doing what you love. I always look forward to work when I get up in the morning. Even after all these years, work still has the potential to thrill me.
The worst?
The financial insecurity can be tough, particularly when you make the leap into full-time writing, or when you go through quiet periods, as the majority of writers do. It’s a very wayward career, with no clear path laid out for you, so you have to be very disciplined, and as most self-employed people know, you can be your own worst boss. I’m not good at taking holidays, but my wife, Maedhbh, is good at forcing me. The promotional work can really take it out of you as well, but it can be a real buzz too.
And finally, do you have any advice or tips for writers?
Keep at it and never quit. Learn the trade-skills and get to know the industry, but write what you genuinely enjoy writing, the kind of thing you’d take with you on holiday to read, so you’ll write it for free until you get paid to do it. Don’t write to impress. Write for fun first – all the rest will come in time.
Thank you, Oisin, for sharing your writing life with us.
Find out more about Oisin here:
Website: www.oisinmcgann.com
Blog: http://www.oisinmcgann.com/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oisin.mcgann.7
Twitter: @OisinMcGann
CBI Children’s Book Awards 2013 (for books published in 2012)
In early March the shortlist for the CBI (Children’s Books Ireland) Book Awards will be announced. Every year I make my predictions, or as Kim Harte puts it I become ‘Mystic Web’. Yes, I am on the Board of CBI but I am not on the judging panel and these are my opinions only.
Who do YOU think will win? It’s a hard one to call as there is no clear winner this year, but my money is on Sarah Crossan or Derek Landy.
Here are my predictions for this year’s shortlist:
(There are usually 9 or 10 books on the shortlist – I’ll go for 10)
1/ Sarah Crossan for The Weight of Water
Sarah’s book is masterful. The tale of a young Polish girl and her new life in London, it’s beautifully written and the voice is perfectly pitched. If she doesn’t win the Eilís Dillon (first book), I’ll be very surprised. In fact, she could win the overall award.
2/ Oh, No George by Chris Haughton
Another strong picture book from the previous winner of the award.
3/ The Great Explorer by Chris Judge
Chris’s strong, graphic …
CBI Children’s Book Awards 2013 (for books published in 2012)
In early March the shortlist for the CBI (Children’s Books Ireland) Book Awards will be announced. Every year I make my predictions, or as Kim Harte puts it I become ‘Mystic Web’. Yes, I am on the Board of CBI but I am not on the judging panel and these are my opinions only.
Who do YOU think will win? It’s a hard one to call as there is no clear winner this year, but my money is on Sarah Crossan or Derek Landy.
Here are my predictions for this year’s shortlist:
(There are usually 9 or 10 books on the shortlist – I’ll go for 10)
1/ Sarah Crossan for The Weight of Water
Sarah’s book is masterful. The tale of a young Polish girl and her new life in London, it’s beautifully written and the voice is perfectly pitched. If she doesn’t win the Eilís Dillon (first book), I’ll be very surprised. In fact, she could win the overall award.
2/ Oh, No George by Chris Haughton
Another strong picture book from the previous winner of the award.
3/ The Great Explorer by Chris Judge
Chris’s strong, graphic style is a real winner and his new book (out in March), The Brave Beast is fantastic. He’s just getting better and better.
4/ An tOllamh Gorm (as there is generally an Irish language book on the shortlist) by Gabriel Rosenstock is certainly in the running.
5/ This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers
Great book, but my favourites remain The Heart and the Bottle and Lost and Found.
6/ Tatyana Feeny’s Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket might be a sneaky one. A very talented young Irish illustrator.
7/ Will Patricia Forde and Steve Simpson get a nomination for Mise Agus an Dragún? Or will he be nominated for his artwork on Cáca don Rí (wonderful illustrations)? He’s certainly another one to watch.
8/ John Boyne’s The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket is a definite contender. I thought Cave of Secrets by Morgan Llywelyn was excellent and deserves a nomination. And Dark Warning by Marie-Louise Fitzgerald may also impress the judges. Grounded by Sheena Wilkinson is a possibility also.
I’ll hedge my bets and say Morgan or John, but maybe Marie-Louise or Sheena. Cheating, I know!
10/ This year they must surely put DEREK LANDY on the shortlist. Yes, his books are hugely popular but Kingdom of the Wicked is genius – cracking dialogue, brilliant plot, amazing voice. Surely it’s his year?
10 and 1/2/ And finally – it’s about time that Michael Emberley got a nod too! I’m a huge fan of his work.
Books that are unlikely to be nominated (but you never know) are:
Now there has never been a board book on the list – and I would put Mary Murphy’s Slow Snail on the shortlist as it’s the perfect blend of image and text for a very young child – but it’s unlikely to be on the actual list.
Love, Lucie by Marita Conlon-McKenna
Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer
Friend Forever: Double Trouble by Judi Curtin (and her Eva book)
Michael Scott’s Enchantress
Ask Amy Green: Dancing Daze (amazing book! 
)
And Darren Shan’s Brothers to the Death
A quick round up of the books I am looking forward to in 2013 for the children’s book fans out there. For some reason my picture downloader isn’t behaving, apologies for the lack of book covers. I’ll add them when I can.
It’s looking like a good spring so far, with some strong debuts from Irish writers and some interesting picture books also.
Jan/Feb
Curse of Kings by Alex Barclay
A very good historical fantasy – which I’ve just reviewed for the Irish Independent – once the review is published I will post it here. I liked it very much.
The book is out in late January.
Captain Underpants Number 10
Yeah, the great Captain is back.
If you child loves the Wimpy Kid, try these – they are excellent and so funny.
Queenie by Jacqueline Wilson
Set in a 1950s children’s hospital, my daughter (and I) are very excited about this one.
Back to Blackbrick by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald
I haven’t read this one yet, but my friend in children’s books, the lovely Kim Harte rates it highly and I look forward to reading it.
Darren Shan has about 200 Zom-B books out this year – the first in January. (It’s actually 4 I think. Maybe 6.)
March/April
Bye, Bye Baby by Sheena Dempsey
Conor Hackett from Walker Books says the finished edition looks ‘beautiful’ and I can’t wait to see this debut picture book from a highly talented Irish picture book maker.
Brave Beast by Chris Judge
Chris is back with a fab new Beast quest.
Ask Eve by Judi Curtin
A special World Book Day book featuring Judi’s much loved new character. Apparently there are not one but two new stories in this book – excellent!
Derek Landy is sneaking in a Skulduggery Pleasant 7.5:
Tanith Low in the Maleficent Seven (28th March)
And Eoin Colfer’s brand new series, WARP is out on 11th April. I’m very much looking forward to reading that one.
May/June/July
Magic Ink by Steve Cole
I’m a big fan of Steve’s and this looks like a great one for age 7+.
Stormbringers by Philippa Gregory
The second of her historical YAs – the first was excellent.
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen, in which Emeline struggles to balance the value of what she has against the allure of the wider world. I adore Sarah Dessen. I found this on an American website, so the publication date may be for the USA.
August/September
Patrick Ness has a new children’s novel out in Sept – title to be confirmed – I adore Patrick’s books.
Ask Amy Green: Wedding Belles – by Sarah Webb
Yes, the very last in the series – book 6 – is published in September – the end of an era for me!
And there will hopefully be a brand new Judi Curtin also in September.
Happy reading!
Sarah XXX
(This was first posted in 2010)
According to my Oxford Concise a manifesto is ‘a public declaration of a policy and aims’.
I’m currently planning a tour in October for 3 teen/tween writers – 3 days, 3 cities, 3 remarkable writers – title yet to be decided, but we have some pretty nifty names already. The writers involved are Judi Curtin, writer of the fab Alice and Megan series, Sophia Bennett, writer of the equally fab Threads series set in the London fashion world, and moi!
And I came up with a tongue in cheek manifesto:
No vampires
No werewolves
No boys that go bump in the night
Real girls
Real drama
Really amazing stories straight from the heart
We all write books for age 9/10+ with characters who are in their early teens. We all deal with real life issues – family drama, friendship problems, bullying – hence the no vampires, no werewolves bit.
So it got me thinking – maybe I should have my own writing manifesto, a Writer’s Manifesto. A ‘public declaration’ of my writing intentions.
So here goes:
I guess my most important aim is to entertain.
The first commandment of popular fiction of any kind or for any age is (as the lovely Claudia Carroll once said): Thou shalt not bore. Quite right too.
Second aim – to say something.
I know this sounds a little vague but sometimes I read books that don’t actually say anything. They just potter along, telling a nice story, but don’t really going anywhere. I think books should have something solid rooted at the heart of them – a theme if you like.
Sometimes that theme doesn’t make itself fully known until you finish the 1st or 2nd or even the 3rd draft, but it’s often bubbling away under the surface of your words, slowly rising to the surface.
For example in the first Amy Green book I wanted to tell readers that it’s OK to be yourself. In fact it’s pretty darn cool to be yourself. It’s a theme that runs through all the Amy Green books.
My third aim is to write with passion and with confidence.
I’ve been writing for many years now and I’ve started to understand what both of these things really mean and how important they are. Write without passion and you’re doomed. The confidence bit – that can be learned over time. But if you can write with both passion and confidence – then you might just have a pretty good book on your hands.
So there you have it – three aims for my own personal manifesto.
What are your aims when you write?
Do you have a writing manifesto?
Yours in writing,
Sarah XXX
My Latest Book (Sept UK)
Welcome to week seven of Write That Book. If you’ve just stumbled upon this blog, weeks one to six, covering getting started, characters, plot and editing may also be of use to you.
Once you’ve finished your manuscript and have rewritten it many, many times and copy-edited it meticulously, you will need to find an agent or a publisher. I’ll deal with why you need an agent below (and in some cases you don’t), but first, titles.
Book Titles
Book titles are very important. They say a lot about a book. Some writers find titles easy, for others it’s like pulling teeth. And it can differ with every book.
In the world of popular fiction/romantic comedy, I’ve always liked Katie Fforde’s titles: Thyme Out, Practically Perfect, Highland Fling. Maeve Binchy’s titles are also excellent – simple and catchy – Tara Road, Nights of Rain and Stars, Circle of Friends.
On the children’s side, I’ve always loved the quirky Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret as a title. It shouldn’t work, but it does. How to Train Your Dragon, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Under the Hawthorne Tree, Ballet Shoes, Skulduggery Pleasant, Artemis Fowl – all fantastic, memorable titles. It’s hard to define what makes a good title. It must be simple and catchy, but it must also say something about the book.
So spend time getting your title right.
Writing a Proposal for an Agent
So you’ve finished your book, made it as perfect as you can (after many, many edits and rewrites) and you’re finally ready for the journey to publication. Some publishers will accept unsolicited manuscripts, but many of the larger publishers only accept submissions from agents.
If your book is a local history of Dublin, you can send it directly to an Irish publisher, and we’ll talk more about this, along with self-publishing, next week. If your book is a novel, and you’d like to see it published in the UK, all over Europe and the US, as well as in Ireland, you will need an agent.
Preparing your manuscript
Presentation is so important. Your manuscript must look professional. Make sure the pages are freshly printed out and look pristine. Make sure your covering letter is clear and polite. Include any personal details that you think are relevant and interesting – your experience living in an exotic country where the book is set from for example, working in the circus in your teens, your years as a ballerina/ballet teacher – but keep it brief and succinct.
Make sure your manuscript is neatly printed on plain white A4 paper, using double spaces and easy to read (eg Times New Roman) 12 point type; and make sure every page is numbered. Put your name, address and telephone number clearly on the title page, as well as the title of the book, and place a large elastic band around the pages. Don’t staple the pages together and don’t bind your manuscript – agents like to be able to read manuscripts on the train and in bed.
Some agents prefer a synopsis and a few sample chapters first, check with each agent for details before sending anything to them. Place the whole lot in a jiffy bag, and cross your fingers.
These days, some agents read most of their submissions on their Kindle or iPad, make sure to ring or email and ask how they like submissions before you send anything off. Be warned – sometimes you will ring an agent’s office and they will answer the phone themselves. And they may ask you to tell them about your book right then and there. Be prepared! This happened to me once and I was caught completely on the hop. I didn’t have my notes in front of me and I was hideously tongue tied. (In my case it didn’t actually matter – but it could have!)
This is what you will need to send an agent:
A brief, polite and informative covering letter
A brief biog – especially anything exciting or book related. Are you a librarian, bookseller, teacher, bee keeper, lion tamer?
A brief blurb (like you’d find on the back of a book – sell your book to the agent in 3 or 4 lines)
A synopsis of the whole novel – 2 to 3 pages
Character biographies of your main characters – to show you know who they are (I’m not sure if this is standard, but I always do it)
The first few chapters depending on their length – about 30 to 50 pages – ask how many chapters/pages the agent would like to see.
Most agents ask for the first few chapters; if they like them, they will request the entire manuscript. So you’d better make those first few chapters REALLY, REALLY GOOD. Never say in your letter ‘These aren’t the strongest chapters, it does get much better later on’. Never send an extract from the middle of the book.
And finally all agents want career writers, people who want to write lots of books, not just one book. So it’s a good idea to tell them what other book ideas you have, or what other books you have also written.
They want writers they feel they can work with, who are professional, hard working and in control of their work. They want writers who know what they are doing and have confidence in their own work, writers who aren’t afraid of rewrites, who take the business of writing seriously. Is that you?
Why Do I Need an Agent?
People often me ask this and I tell them the following:
The Irish publishing world is quite small and very few writers could survive writing only for the home market. This is where agents come in – to find international publishers for Irish writers, and to sell foreign rights.
There are many reasons why agents are useful:
1/ An agent can advise you on your manuscript and on how to make it more attractive to a publisher. Some of them, like my wonderful agents (I have two agents – in the same agency – one for my children’s books, another for my books for grown-ups) will act as unofficial ‘editors’ to their clients, or can, at the very least, suggest changes or improvements. Many are in fact ex-editors and are highly qualified for this work.
2/ An agent can find the right publisher for your work. Good agents will know what kind of areas particular publishers are looking to publish in at the moment. And they can sell your UK, US and other foreign rights.
3/ Agents deal with the difficult and technical area of contracts. They are also experts in digital rights and ebooks, which is an area that is becoming more and more important for writers.
4/ Money – they can chase up your royalties and talk to your publishers about outstanding monies owed to you.
5/ Good agents make you want to up your game – they make you want to write better books. Which is always a good thing! Ditto good editors – more on that next week.
Agents can be found in the Writers and Artists’ Yearbook. It can take a while for them to get back to you (up to 3 months). It used to be good practice to approach them one at a time, but these days it is perfectly acceptable to approach several at the same time. Of course, if you get an agent, do let other agents you have sent submissions to know, it’s only good manners and you don’t want to waste their time.
There are only a few literary agents in Ireland, the main ones being Jonathan Williams, Faith O’Grady and Marianne Gunn O’Connor (Details below or in the Writers and Artists’ Yearbook as above – or google them). Many Irish authors are with UK agents.
Contact the chosen agent and find out what they would like to see – for some it’s a few chapters, for others it’s the whole manuscript, plus news cuttings, reviews, biog, photo – anything relevant. Even the top agencies are always looking for new talent so don’t be put off by the fact that they represent Cecelia Ahern, JK Rowling or Marian Keyes.
See below for a list of recommended children’s agents and popular fiction agents. And finally I will leave you with some tips from the experienced Irish agent, Faith O’Grady:
Top Tips from Faith O’Grady, Literary Agent at the Lisa Richards Agency
1. Do some research on the literary agency before submitting your work to
find out if they handle your particular genre. It is worth making a brief
phone call or looking up the agency website to find out what their
requirements for submission are. Agencies have different submission policies
so it is worth finding out what they are looking for.
2. Write a cover letter which is clear and concise, giving a brief
description of your book and of yourself. Don’t exaggerate or oversell yourself or the book as this is quite off-putting.
3. Include an sae if you would like your work returned. And don’t expect an
immediate response as most agencies are inundated with unsolicited
manuscripts.
And next week - the final week – we will deal with publishers and self publishing . . .
Who Represents Who?
The Agents Who Represent the Most Successful Irish Children’s Writers (with Contact Details)
Remember to check each agent’s website for submission guidelines before you send anything out. Or ring the agency for details – I know it’s daunting but they are always happy to advise you on how (or if) to submit. Be warned – you may get the agent herself/himself on the phone. Be prepared!
Eoin Colfer is represented by Sophie Hicks.
sophie@edvictor.com
0044 (0) 2073044100
Derek Landy is represented by Michelle Kass
(Who also represents the wonderful Patrick Ness)
office@michellekass.co.uk
0044 (0) 207 74391624
Darren Shan is represented by Christopher Little
Christopher Little Literary Agency
10 Eel Brook Studios
125 Moore Park Road
London SW6 4PS
Tel: +44 (0) 207 736 4455
Fax: +44 (0) 207 736 4490
For general enquiries please email: info@christopherlittle.net
Sarah Webb (moi!) is represented by Philippa Milnes Smith at LAW
Contact: All submissions should be sent, in hard copy, by post to:
LAW, 14 Vernon Street, London, W14 0RJ
www.lawagency.co.uk
Cathy Cassidy is represented by Darley Anderson (Spends a lot of time in Ireland and a lovely woman so I’ve included her!)
Contact: Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency
Estelle House
11 Eustace Road
London SW6 1JB
Tel: 00 44 (0)20 7385 6652
Fax:00 44 (0)20 7386 5571
Email: enquiries@darleyanderson.com
Judi Curtin and Marita Conlon McKenna are represented by Caroline Sheldon
Contact via:
www.carolinesheldon.co.uk
71 Hillgate Place, London W8 7SS
Other Recommended Children’s Agents:
Julia Churchill
Greenhouse Literary Agency
If you want to make a submission, we take e-queries only, please.
To Julia at submissions@greenhouseliterary.com. Check our submission guidelines on this site for full information before querying. Please note, we no longer accept snail-mail queries or email attachments.
We are sorry that we cannot take (or return) phone queries regarding submissions.
Eve White, Eve White Literary Agency
(represents Andy ‘Mr Gum’ Stanton)
eve@evewhite.co.uk
00 44 (0) 207 6301155
Veronique Baxter at David Higham
Contact: David Higham Associates
5–8 Lower John Street
Golden Square
London W1F 9HA
Switchboard: 00 44 (0)20 7434 5900
Fax: 044 (0)20 7437 1072
E-mail: dha@davidhigham.co.uk
Who Represents Who?
Irish Popular Fiction Writers and Their Agents with Contact Details
Remember to check each agent’s website before you send anything out for submission guidelines.
Maeve Binchy is represented by Christine Green
Contact: 0044 (0) 20 7401 8844
info@christinegreen.co.uk
Christine Green Authors’ Agent
6 Whitehorse Mews
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7QD
Marian Keyes, Cathy Kelly and Monica McInerney are all represented by Jonathan Lloyd (also CEO of Curtis Brown)
Contact: 0044 (0)20 7393 4418
lucia@curtisbrown.co.uk
www.curtisbrown.co.uk
Sheila O’Flanagan is represented by Carole Blake
Contact: Blake Friedmann Literary, Film & TV Agency
122 Arlington Road
London NW1 7HP
Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7284 0408
Fax: 00 44 (0) 20 7284 0442
email: info@blakefriedmann.co.uk
Cecelia Ahern is represented by Marianne Gunn O’Connor
Marianne also represents Claudia Carroll, Anita Notaro and Sinead Moriarty
Contact: Marianne Gunn O’Connor Literary Agency
Morrison Chambers, Suite 17
32 Nassau Street, Dublin 2
mgoclitagency@eircom.net
Melissa Hill is represented by Sheila Crowley
Sheila also represents Colette Caddle, Emma Hannigan and Sarah Harte
Contact: 00 44 (0)20 7393 4492
crowleyoffice@curtisbrown.co.uk
Sarah Webb is represented by Peta Nightingale at LAW
(LAW also represent Sophie Kinsella – Irish name, but not actually Irish!)
Contact: All submissions should be sent, in hard copy, by post to:
LAW, 14 Vernon Street, London, W14 0RJ
www.lawagency.co.uk
Clare Dowling is represented by Darley Anderson
Contact: Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency
Estelle House
11 Eustace Road
London SW6 1JB
Tel: 00 44 (0)20 7385 6652
Fax:00 44 (0)20 7386 5571
Email: enquiries@darleyanderson.com
Marita Conlon McKenna is represented by Caroline Sheldon
Contact via:
www.carolinesheldon.co.uk
71 Hillgate Place, London W8 7SS
Patricia Scanlan is represented by Lutyens & Rubenstein Literary Agency
Contact via: www.lutyensrubinstein.co.uk
21 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU
Other Recommended Popular Fiction Agents:
Madeleine Buston at Darley Anderson
Contact: Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency
Estelle House
11 Eustace Road
London SW6 1JB
Tel: 0 44 (0)20 7385 6652
Fax: 0 44 (0)20 7386 5571
Email: enquiries@darleyanderson.com
Lizzie Kremer at David Higham
Contact: David Higham Associates
5–8 Lower John Street
Golden Square
London W1F 9HA
Switchboard: 00 44 (0)20 7434 5900
Fax: 044 (0)20 7437 1072
E-mail: dha@davidhigham.co.uk
Books I’m Looking Forward to in 2012:
Picture Books
Oliver Jeffers has not one but two new titles in 2012 – The New Jumper in the spring, and another picture book in the autumn
Chris Haughton’s Oh, No George is brilliant (out in March) – I’ve seen a proof and loved it. Fantastic vibrant colours and very funny.
Chris Judge also has a new title out – based on a young explorer which is also fantastic. Arthur’s Boat by Polly Dunbar also looks great, and Irish newbie Sheena Dempsey’s debut picture book, Ruby and Oliver looks wonderful.
And finally, The Frank Show by David Mackintosh is also coming in the spring – I love his work and I’m REALLY looking forward to this one.
Younger Readers
More Penny Dreadful by Jo Nadin – Penny is a very, very funny character!
And more Marco the Bear – Marco: Master of Disguise from Gerry Boland – very touching and well written tales about a boy and his friend, a grizzly bear.
Age 9+
More Skulduggery Pleasant of course! Can the Landy do no wrong?
Zom-B by Darren Shan – a brand new series that sounds fantastic
Two more from Judi Curtin – book 2 in her time travel series, Friends Forever and also a brand new Eva book in the autumn I hope. Eva’s Holiday was so funny and warm and sweet.
Summer’s Dream by Cathy Cassidy – out in July – it’s about ballet and I love ballet books. My next Amy Green is called Dancing Daze (out autumn 2012) and is also about dance. Go the ballet girls!
And Soonchild by Russel Hoban is so lyrical and magical - with fantastic illustrations by Alexis Deacon – a really special book.
YA Novels
and from this list, 2012 is an ultra-strong YA year already!
New for 2012
The Hunger Games movie is out in March, so prepare for the onslaught of all things Hunger. And do read the books first – they are fantastic.
I’m not reading any more dystopian novels unless they are highly recommended by a friend in books. Enough with the dystopia already!
A book that I certainly will be reading is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. He’s a remarkable writer and this sounds wonderful – very punchy and honest – about a teenage girl with cancer. And if you haven’t read it yet, Will Grayson, Will Grayson is amazing too (out and available on Amazon through the US – no Irish or UK edition as yet – I live in hope!).
Wonder by R J Palacino – I’ve heard Wonder-ful things about this one too! It’s about a boy with a disfigured face and is fantastic apparently.
Someone Else’s Life by Katie Dale – how can you face your future when your past is a lie? Sounds great.
Saving Daisy by Phil Earle – more grit and greatness from the super newish writer of Being Billy.
The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg – a clever book about a teenage girl who has just died and is looking back over the relationship that literally broke her heart. Nicely written.
Fever by Dee Shulman – I’m reading this at the moment and it’s very clever and readable. It features a modern teenage girl and a teen Roman gladiator. Time travelling historical romance – and it works really well!
The Look by Sophia Bennett – Sophia is the author of the Threads books and this looks smashing – about a teen model and her sister. She writes wonderfully.
Eighteen Kisses by Laura Jane Cassidy – her last one was excellent.
Team Human by Sarah Rees Brennan & Justine Larbalestier – Sounds brilliant – very twisty and cool.
The Treachery of Beautiful Things by Ruth Frances Long – Debut fantasy novel by another Irish author with a fantastic cover.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer – a new series of fairy tales set in the future with feisty female lead roles.
Adult Books (I do read some adult fiction!)
Smart Popular Fiction by Some of My Favourite Authors
Mercy Close by Marian Keyes – another book about the brilliant Walsh sisters, Helen this time. Can’t wait! I’m a huge fan.
And Saved by Cake: Over 80 Ways to Bake Yourself Happy, also by Marian which is coming in February and is all about baking – sounds fantastic too.
I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella – I love her writing voice, funny, funny, funny!
The Shoestring Club by Sarah Webb – Yes, my book! I really can’t wait for this one to be published. I’m at that nail biting pre-publication stage at the moment. Out in February in Ireland and September in the UK.
Out Feb 2012
Nine Uses for an Ex-Boyfriend by Sarra Manning – a very witty writer indeed.
A Message to Your Heart by Niamh Greene – This one sounds fantastic – a literary agent’s life goes crazy!
And Finally – Other Novels
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach – I adore books about sport, which is odd as I don’t watch or play sport. I sail and kayak, I guess. Does that count? But any sport movie or book, I’m in there! This one is about a college baseball player and sounds fantastic.
There was an interesting conference today in Dublin all about writing classes/workshops which I’ve been following on Twitter. A question came up – why do writers teach creative writing? Is it for the money? Book sales? To find material.
And it got me thinking. Why do I teach?
In fact I was teaching only last night – Writing for Children at the Irish Writer’s Centre. We talked about what makes a good children’s book – unforgettable characters, beautiful writing, a cracking plot, emotion, drama . . . ? We talked about memory and using our past to shape fictional characters. And above all, it was fun. I learned a lot and I hope the other writers did too!
And that’s the main reason I teach: because it’s fun. Writing is a lonely old business, and now and again it’s very healthy to step out from behind the desk and meet ‘real people’. I also teach because I believe in passing things on. I’ve been very lucky in my writing life, many, many people have been very kind and helpful to me. And if I can help someone else, even in a small way, I believe it’s my duty to do so.
I’ve been involved in the book world as a writer and a bookseller for nearly twenty years now, and I like passing on what I know about the business to people who are interested. Plus I adore talking about books, and as most writers are also huge readers, the book chat in workshops is always fascinating.
To answer the question posed on Twitter (and above): I genuinely don’t do it for the money. Depending on the organisation, I don’t always charge for workshops or talks. I don’t do it for book sales – I’m not sure 15 sales (the max number I like to take in a class) would make the slightest bit of difference overall. To find material? If this means being wowed by the amazing people in the class and their life stories, then yes, often they do inspire me. I love meeting new people and, like most writers, I’m always curious about what makes or made them who they are. But their writing doesn’t give me material as such, no. Writers have to find their own obsessions to write about, and my passion for Hungarian ballet probably isn’t your passion for example!
For me the answer really is: I teach because 1/ I have something to share with other writers, and 2/ it’s fun. Teaching children can be the most fun of all, but that’s a blog for another day. Young writers can teach us oldies so much about writing.
Yours in writing,
Sarah XXX
PS The best writing talk I’ve ever heard was given by Patrick Ness who told the audience to ‘write with joy’. If he’s in Dublin again soon, check him out! He’s a remarkable speaker.
