Hi,

I'm another new kid on this writers' block and I was hoping some of you might be able to offer some advice.

At the moment I'm trying to do the almost impossible by getting a collection of children's poems published.
I have over 50 completed that I'm happy with (they are mostly about monkeys...you gotta love monkeys) and over half of these have already been illustrated by a professional illustrator.
After doing a few readings at local primary schools I chose half a dozen or so based on the reaction of the kids, a bit of personal favouritism and the strength of the illustration to send off to publishers.

I've submitted to one publisher and had one rejection so far. The letter was pretty extensive (hints on where to look for agents etc) and very positive (the words 'funny' AND 'original' were used...bless 'em...but unfortunately it didn't quite fit into their catalogue.

The thing is, and this is my query, the poetry happened completely by accident and writing is really what I want to be doing. So, as I have started my first kids novel, do you think I should send off a selection of poems with my first few chapters (once they are ready) or look for different agents/publishers for both.
My thinking was that by sending off both at once it will hopefully show that I'm not a one trick pony or someone who might not make too much money (ie an unkown poet).
Sorry if something like this has been covered before but I had a look through the forum to avoid repeating any questions.
Thanks and good luck to you all

Dear Ally

Sounds like a wonderful project! And well done on getting a reply from a publisher, and such a helpful one too. I'm afraid I'm not a children's writer - you might want to join the Children's writers group - I think there is one on site - and ask there.

What I would say though is keep on submitting your poems to as many publishers as you can - go into your nearest bookshop, browse through the children's poetry section and write down all the publishers represented. Then send the work to them. And keep on sending - it can be a long haul.

As for the fiction, it depends whether the book you're writing has a space for the poetry in it - only you can decide. If they don't belong together, then I would be reluctant to send two submissions to the same publisher at the same time - they're easily confused and may think that you don't know where your metier lies? - I could be wrong here though, and those who know the children's market need to set us right.

Hope this goes some way towards helping, but do ask someone who knows your genre also.

Good luck!

LoL

A
xxx


PS Poetry IS writing too!!! )

Hello Ali
Don't submit poetry and first chapters of novel in same submission. Normally different editor deals with each in most agencies etc. Keep the two separate. I too write poetry and have had some published. The best advice is buy the current Artists & Writers Yearbook and check submission guidelines. Whilst both genres are writing, one is not the other and two entirely different crafts.
Hope helps
Fubsy

Hi,
Thanks for that Holly and Fubsy. What I was planning on doing was sending the manuscripts as two seperate submissions (book of poetry and a novel) so it makes sense not to send them both to an already (probably) disgruntled agent.

Would you know what would be the best magazines to try and get kids poems published Holly?

I also didn't realise there was a children's section on here until you pointed it so I'll shuffle along there and leave you guys in peace :-)

Thanks again and all the best.

Ooh, Ally - I'm afraid I know nothing about children's mags - maybe the children's section can help??

Best of luck with it!

LoL

A
xxx