Frequently Asked Questions
- July 2004 -

Q – When did you start writing children’s books?

A – Having read thousands of picture books as an elementary teacher, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.  I took a writing class about ten years ago from Ellen Stoll Walsh (Mouse Paint / Mouse Count) and that peaked my interest. I submitted my first manuscript, Dinosaur Hide and Seek in 1997.  After that I joined RACWI, Rochester Area Children’s Writers and Illustrators where I’ve been fortunate enough to have met many successful local authors and illustrators.  We get together once a month and I just love our meetings.  They are very informative and motivating.

Q – Was it difficult getting published?

A – The world of children’s books is extremely competitive. On average, only about 1% of work submitted by unpublished writers gets accepted.  Even after you’ve been published it’s no guarantee that your new work will be accepted.  You may get a quicker response than an unpublished author but unless you’re a celebrity there’s never a sure thing.  Publishers receive thousands of manuscripts each year and may only publish 10 – 15. 

Q – How long did the whole process take, from when you submitted your manuscript to when the book hit the shelves?

A – Every author will have a different answer for this question but for me it was a long process.  Picture books take longer than most books.  There are so many people that contribute to the book. I sent Dinosaur Hide and Seek off to several different houses in March 1997.  It was accepted in October 1998, and in 2002 they finally chose an illustrator for the book (Christopher Santoro). Because the artwork has to be done one year before the book is released, the book didn’t hit the shelves until June 2004. So I guess my answer to your question is that it took seven years!  People tell me they’re going to write a book when they retire.  I tell them sounds great, but if you want to actually see the book before you go to the “great beyond”, you may want to start writing it now.

Q – Do you have a say in who will illustrate your books?

A – Not really. That decision is usually made by the art director.  In fact, I may never meet or talk directly with any of the illustrators that have worked on my books.  I trust the publishers to choose the right person for the job and so far I feel very fortunate.  All three are award-winning illustrators and I love what each has done.

Q – How do you deal with rejection?

A – It doesn’t bother me. I have a day job.  Actually, rejection is something all writers will eventually have to deal with.  Dr. Suess was rejected 26 times for his first book.  There are a variety of reasons a publishing house may not want a particular story.  They may have just published a book like yours, so even though they liked your manuscript, they can’t use it for their “list.”  For a writer to get published they must have the 2 P’s, patience and perseverance.

Q – What is your favorite book that you’ve written?

A – It’s actually a book that hasn’t come out yet. Its called The Bubble Gum Kid and it won’t be released until 2006.  I love the humor in the story and the fact that I wrote most of it while performing jury duty (I had to wait around the courthouse all day but was never called to serve.)

Q – What are your plans for the future?

A – I don’t think I’ll ever stop teaching.   It’s a job I love and I actually get a lot of ideas working with kids.  Writing for me is more of a hobby.  I do think when I retire that I’ll travel across the country visiting schools and libraries and sharing my books.

Q – What advise would you give to people who are trying to get published?

A – Don’t take anyone else’s advice including my own. If I had listened to all the advice ever given to me, I would never have sold a thing. Write for yourself and not someone else.  Join a critique group, visit the library, and read, read, read…