Today I wanted to share something special with you. It’s the first book that I’ve read from
the Class of 2k12. I loved Caroline Starr Rose’s MG novel in verse and want to give you a sneak peek into the life of May B. Here is a little bit about the book taken right off of
Caroline’s web site.Coming January 2012!
MAY B.
Schwartz and Wade (Random House Children’s Books), January 2012
I watch the wagon
until I see nothing on the open plain.
For the first time ever,
I am alone.
May is helping out on a neighbor’s homestead—just until Christmas, her pa promises. But when a terrible turn of events leaves her all alone, she must try to find food and fuel—and courage—to make it through the approaching winter.
This gorgeous novel in verse by Caroline Starr Rose will transport you to the Kansas prairie—to the endless grassland, and to the suffocating closeness of the sod house where May is stranded.
May’s eloquent yet straightforward voice, and her bravery, determination, and willingness to risk it all will capture your heart.
May B. has also received wonderful reviews. There is more on Caroline’s website, but here is my favorite and of course mine…
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011
As unforgiving as the western Kansas prairies, this extraordinary verse novel—Rose’s debut—paints a gritty picture of late-19th-century frontier life from the perspective of a 12-year-old dyslexic girl named Mavis Elizabeth Betterly… May B. for short.
If May is a brave, stubborn fighter, the short, free-verse lines are one-two punches in this Laura Ingalls Wilder–inspired ode to the human spirit. (Historical fiction. 9-14)
Reviewed by Kimberly Sabatini, October 21, 2011
May B is the perfect mix of Laurie Halse Anderson’s historical fiction, Ellen Hopkins’ seamless and moving poetry and the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I instantly connected with the character of May, but I fell in love with the book when I realized that May was dyslexic. As a mom of a child with dyslexia, I have to say that Caroline Starr Rose got it right. This book, in conjunction with Rose’s additional information available for teachers, should easily make this book a fixture on teacher’s lesson plans and on classroom book shelves. May B is a quiet book that is an exciting read–an amazing combination. Don’t miss this one.
Above I mention that Caroline has created additional materials for teachers to use in the classroom. You can find these on the For Teachers section of her web site. Additionally, you still have time to sign up for this amazing May B. contest…
* May B. Book Club Kit Giveaway *
Enter to win a May B. Book Club Kit. One classroom, library, or reading circle will win the following:
•10 copies of May B.
•discussion questions
•background on the storyline and setting
•10 copies of Where in the World Are We Reading (see For Teachers section)
•ideas for social studies and poetry tie-ins (if applicable)
•bookmarks
•May B. book trailer on CD
•interactive Skype visit
All groups to enter will receive bookmarks for their readers.
Please contact me at
caroline@carolinestarrrose.com.
Tell me about your readers and why you’d like to win. That’s it! This contest is open to readers internationally and will close November 1, 2011.
You can find additional information about Caroline Starr Rose and May B. on…
Caroline Starr Rose is a children’s author represented by the fabulous Michelle Humphrey (International Creative Management). Her debut middle-grade novel, MAY B., will be released January 2012 by Schwartz and Wade, an imprint of Random House.
In my last post, I talked a little bit about Marketing Your Unborn Book. Today I wanted to follow up with a similar topic. Word of mouth. This is very closely related to what I previously talked about. When you make genuine connections with people, there is a good chance that those people will support you. That’s what friends do. It’s also what smart people do–they don’t bite the hand that feeds them. And if you’ve been doing a good job marketing your unborn book, it means that you have invested a lot of time and energy into supporting your peers the way you would like to be cared for when it is your turn to sell a book. The cool thing about the kid lit community is that this is a group of people who was born with the “do-for-others gene.” They are writing to help kids for goodness sake.
So, how do we really sell our books? I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the best way is by word of mouth.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are lots of things that you can do to stack the deck in your favor. I’m doing things like compiling lists of school librarians so that I can send them out a post card with my information on it. It never hurts to put the effort in. Sending out a post card is a lot more personal than hoping, wishing and praying that a librarian or a bookseller accidentally stumble upon TOUCHING THE SURFACE. But, at the end of the day, think about who you listen to when you want a book recommendation.
I can tell you what I do…
*I watch what people I trust tweet about on twitter. If my agent or editor recommends a book, I’m sold. If Kiersten White, my agency sister is singing the praises of an author, I believe her. If the kid lit community rallies around someone like Lauren Myracle, I will read that book and hand sell that puppy until someone puts a restraining order out on me.
*I ask my friends and family what they’re reading. I trust them.
*I check out the staff recommendations at the bookstore. These folks may or may not be my “friends” but they are talking up a book that they feel passionately about. Yes, they are selling books, but they’re selling ALL the books in the store. So it means something when they talk about a book that resonates with them.
I HAVE NEVER READ A BOOK THAT SOMEONE HAS SPAMMED ME WITH–EVEN IF YOU HAVE OFFERED IT FOR FREE.
That’s the truth.
I’ll leave you with a little story that shows you the true power of word of mouth…
The other day my boys and I were talking about graphic novel/cartoon characters. Who we liked and what super powers we’d like to have. If you have boys, you’ve probably had this conversation many times LOL! I happened to reveal to my kids that when I was their age, I had a secret super hero identity. I put on my dark and powerful cartoon narrator’s voice and told them…
Out of the dark regions of the universe, comes a super crime fighting hero…Captain Apple!
They thought that this was hysterical. They wanted to know all about Captain Apple. I can’t remember much about how it started. I may have been apple picking with the girl scouts or something, but for some reason I have always remembered Captain Apple. I forgot all about our talk until a few days later, when my middle son got my attention at dinner.
Him: “Do you remember that day we were talking about Captain Apple?”
Me: “Uh huh.” Nods in his direction while making dinner and pulling back packs apart.
Him: “Yeah, well it’s kind of cool because all my friends are playing Captain Apple in school.”
Me: Drops stuff and gives middle child my full attention. “What do you mean?”
Him: “I though Captain Apple was cool so I told my friends about it. They thought it was cool too. So we’ve been playing Captain Apple on the playground and making up our own comics.”
Me: Stands up straight and smooths hair. “They really liked it?”
Him: “Yeah, mom–he’s pretty cool.”
Me: “Think you can finish dinner by yourselves boys? I’ve got a new idea for a book that I’d like to fiddle with…”
Okay–maybe that last line wasn’t exactly true. And yes, I will sue you if you steal my Captain Apple book idea. You won’t though–that would make you rotten to the core. *scribbles notes that that would make a great line in the book* But you get the picture. Word of mouth can sell things that aren’t even for sale…yet. My best advice for selling your book or your future book is to go out and sell someone else’s book. How cool is that?
And one final warning…negative news travels by mouth a gazillion times faster than good news. It’s the pits *jots down more notes* but its a law of the universe. So, my final recommendation for you is to remember to use your words wisely. And get a cool cape.
Tags: Captain Apple, Kiersten White, Kimberly Sabatini, Lauren Myracle, Librarians
Today I’m going to talk a little bit about how to market your book before you get a publishing deal or possibly before you even finish writing it. It’s a little like preparing for the birth of an unborn child but without the shower. There are a ton of great similarities but not everything is sugar and spice or puppy dog tails. You are going to get the same funny looks from people when you start marketing yourself as a “pre-published” author, as you will when you announce that your top baby name choices are Petunia and Atlas.
But, if you’re serious about being a professional writer, you have to develop your platform at the same rate that you are developing your writing. This is not you being vain. It’s a vital component to being a successful writer in today’s day and age. You work to improve your writing without a guarantee of publication–you must also grow your knowledge and presence in social media the same way.
A lot of people cringe at the thought. I know, it seems pretentious. But I promise, it’s only awkward if you’re attempting to act like you’re JK Rowling or Stephanie Meyer. Yes, this will be a turn off to–everyone. What I’m asking you to do is to build a platform a group of friends, peers and resources. You are working to become a vital part of a community of your peers, your future employers, your friends and your potential readers. The way that you go about this is actually by being a genuine friend to people. Here is a real life example of what I mean.
Several years ago I attended a SCBWI Conference and met the uber amazing
Molly O’Neill from Harper Collins. I really wanted to submit
TOUCHING THE SURFACE to her, so I came home and immediately started to
stalk follow her on FB. In the process of watching and listening to the information that Molly provided to her followers, I noticed that a colleague of hers was a debut MG novelist. Molly raved about this author and her book. So I bought it. I loved the book and became a fan. Then this author had a second book come out. Just a tiny little book called…
I was already a fan and a cyber friend. I talked to Nova across multiple forms of on-line media. I was excited for her next book and shared my excitement with my friends and family. I loved the book when I read it and continued to support Nova. Then I got a chance to attend my very first LA SCBWI Conference. Guess who I got to meet in person…
That’s Mike Dangerpants Jung, Nova and myself. Mike is another one of my amazing cyber friendships, but I’ll save that story for another day. And by the way–it was awesome to meet them both. I now consider them “real” friends, not just cyber friends.
Right after I got home from the conference, Nova was scheduled to have an IMAGINARY GIRLS book signing at one of my local indie bookstores–Oblong Books. I packed up the hubby and the kids and we went up for the book signing. I was so excited to let my family meet Nova. It was such a wonderful experience. One giant love fest–books, author, friends, family, indie and mini-cupcakes.
I continue to support Nova because I’m a fan and because I’m a friend. I can’t say if or how Nova will support me and my book in the future. And I can honestly say it doesn’t matter. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with her. I learned a ton, enjoyed myself and felt great along the way. I didn’t do it to get something out of it. I did it to get someone out of it. And she was worth the time and effort it took to build the friendship.
What I will tell you is that when my editor at Simon Pulse, Anica Rissi, officially announced my book in her Fall 2012 line-up, Nova tweeted to Anica and myself that she was so excited to read it. And that felt like winning a million bucks.
Have I spent years marketing my unborn book? Absolutely. But, I’d like to think I’ve gone about it in a way that has been not only painless for everyone involved, but beneficial and even fun. You don’t have to be a spam bot to market your book. You have to be the same kind of emotionally connected person that it took to write the book in the first place.
I’m going to take back my earlier statement about an unborn book not getting a shower. If you are the kind of person who is a good friend to those around you, I have a feeling you will get showered with love, attention and support. And really, there is no better way to bring your new “baby” into the world.
I’d also like to draw your attention to two books by Kristen Lamb. They are WE ARE NOT ALONE THE WRITERS GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA EBOOK and ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, WRITER. They give you an amazing step-by step break down on how to go about marketing yourself in this very effective fashion. Plus a ton of other information. I highly recommend both books and subscribing to Kristen’s blog.
If you have any specific questions I’d be more than happy to try and answer them. And if you have any great tips on marketing your book that you’d love to share I would love to hear them. Success stories and marketing bloopers welcome. :o)
Tags: Anica Rissi, Imaginary Girls, Kimberly Sabatini, Kristin Lamb, Mike Jung, Molly O' Neill, Nova Ren Suma, Oblong Books, Simon and Schuster, Simon Pulse
Woo hoo!!!! It’s that time of year again–registration for the the NY SCBWI Conference opens today (October 17th at 10am PDT otherwise known as 1pm on the east coast) And I’m really excited because I didn’t think I’d be going to the Intensives this year. It’s a wonderful day of Round Table Critiques with Editors, but this year the SCBWI has added a Pro Track Marketing Workshop for Published Members. Lucky me!!! But I should have expected that from something called…
I hope you’re thinking about attending. We always have such a great time and I would love to hang out with you. If you’re not sure exactly what the conference is like, here are some links to my previous NY SCBWI Conference blogs.
*
NY SCBWI 2009 (You have to shoot on over to Live Journal for the 2009 blogs)You can also follow
the SCBWI Conference Blog for more information and don’t forget to join the conversation on twitter–just use the hashtag #NY12SCBWI. The thread should be buzzing tomorrow.
The NY Conference is not the only Lucky 13 I’m excited for. Many of you have heard me mention the Apocalypsies–the amazing group of 2012 debut children’s authors that I get to hang with. Because the process of publishing a book can average at about two years from sale to publication, it has become the trend for debut authors to ban together at an early date. We do this in order to support each other through the crazy process, to assists each other with marketing and to just get to know some really amazing new people. Our predecessor is the
Elevensies. Our class is called
The Apocalypsies and we got our name because of all the speculation of the world ending in 2012. Our motto is
read them like there’s no tomorrow. This does not bode well for the class of 2013 but hey, it may have it’s advantages if I never finish book #2 *grin*
I’ve been with the Apocalypsies since shortly after I sold TOUCHING THE SURFACE in February. And even though my book isn’t coming out until September 4, 2012…I’m no longer the new kid on the block. Give a warm welcome to…
The Lucky 13’s–The 2013 Debut Kidlit Authors!!!! They aren’t afraid of post apocalyptic publishing–they are fierce! I can’t wait ti read all of their books. (((hugs)))
Talking about all these Lucky 13’s has made me think about the things that are not so lucky. I must admit, I’ve never been overly superstitious. I’ve eagerly put my mom’s back a risk every time I stepped on a crack. I won’t give a broken mirror a minute of my time. I don’t throw salt over my shoulder and I’ll bravely flip up an umbrella in the house any day of the week. Not afraid of ladders either. But is there a superstition that I won’t mess with? I always knock on wood. I think it’s the power of words for me. When you put it out to the universe…you never know what’s going to happen. No wood around? Yeah, I always thump the top of my head. Maybe the universe appreciates self-depricating humor.
What superstition has it’s hold on you?
Tags: Elevensies, Kimberly Sabatini, NY12SCBWI, The Lucky 13's
Last night I was a little burnt out when I remembered sat down to write this blog post. I’d written 1,500 words for GRAVITY during the day. Yay! It was late and I was hungry so I thought that a quick and easy post would be the way to go.
Secret admission…I’ve been secretly envious of all those uber funny and talented vloggers, like the YA Rebels and Jackson Pearce. So, I thought it would was time to throw together a quick vlog about a topic that I could talk about in my sleep. Then I could high-jack Caroline Starr Rose‘s blog information about the same topic. Presto! Easy and fun blog post. Little did I know I could have written a classic in the time it’s taken me to fiddle with a vlog. *head thunk*
Grrrr… Snafu is today’s word of the day. Not even mentioning the “difficulties” of taping the blog, I also couldn’t get all the videos to load correctly. As I’m writing this…at 7:22am I still can’t get the last video loaded–but maybe it’s the universes way of saying you’ve had enough embarrassment for one day. So without further delay, here is my pilfered material and below that, my first vlog and several, but not all the out takes. Sit back and enjoy the show although, I’m not even sure it’s going to work anyway. Here it goes…Yeah, don’t laugh to hard.
It’s finally here! The Class of 2k12 is a group of twenty middle-grade and young adult debut novelists working in concert to promote our books and reading, and we’re ready to begin.
Feel free to pop over and visit us at any of our links and learn more about the 2k12 books, authors and events…
Tags: Caroline Starr Rose, Kimberly Sabatini, vlog, website, YA Rebels. Jackson Pearce
