I consider myself predominantly a writer of middle
grade fiction (for ages 9 to 14). I have always found picture books (for much
younger readers) very difficult to write.
A couple of years back, when I was stuck while writing my middle grade
fiction, I attempted three picture books. They were my attempts at trying out a
picture book. I sent it to Scholastic India last year on a whim. I was
surprised when they accepted it. I had written those stories for the fun of it.
I was very sure no publisher would publish them.
Last year Scholastic confirmed that they would be
publishing it and asked me to include scientific snippets. The book ‘Lazy worm
goes on a journey’ was slated to go under the Early Science Category. After a
round of editing it was sent out for illustrations. This year I got a good
advance for it and the book hit the shelves last week. The book is in hard
cover (something I always wanted.) I have to go for some school visits (I will let
you all know how the visits go.)
It has been a good experience working with the
Scholastic managing editor Tina Narang. Tina is an angel in disguise. She has
patiently guided me every step of the way and answered all my questions regarding
the contract, advance and other stuff and kept me in the loop where the illustrations, publishing and marketing of the book was concerned.
I have a good news to share with you all. My critique
partner Mark Noce signed up with Rena Rossner of the The Deborah Harris LiteraryAgency (he has blogged about it). When I read the first chapter of Mark’s historical fiction ‘Between Two
Fires,’ I emailed him that this book would definitely get him an agent. After I
read the entire book I was sure of it. This was Mark’s third book I was
critiquing. And I was stunned at the gigantic leap he had taken. The book is simply amazing. I don’t mean to say that his other books were not
good, but this was by far his best (in every way). I am super excited and
elated for Mark.
Do you all have any good news to share with all of
us? Hope you all liked my book cover?
Congratulations on the book publication! The over is awesome. Yay for your crit partner getting an agent.
ReplyDeleteEllie Garratt
The cover. Not the over!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations yet again for this feat and a new feather in your cap Rachna! Hope to see your book sometime on my next visit to the bookstore:)
ReplyDeleteTwo great things in all this (aside from the obvious): (1)your crit partner's success is a good reflection on YOUR skill and talent too, and (2)your success shows the wisdom of "doing something else" when you find yourself just spinning your wheels. Congratulations! I hope you have a favorite pen for autographing copies of your book.
ReplyDeleteThe art work on the book cover looks good. The red color enhances it. All the best for book reading sessions in schools. I am sure kids will be excited :)
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Congratulations!! Love the cover of your book. And I can imagine it is a thrill to have it in hardcover. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats to Mark as well! So many good things going on in the blogosphere lately. :)
Congratulations! Cute cover.
ReplyDeleteWow, Rachna, how exciting. I'm so glad for you. Congratulations! It looks utterly charming. And that's good news about Mark as well.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Rachna! It looks awesome :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachna:) Now when can I buy your book? Looking forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Rachna!The book cover is attractive. Happy for you!
ReplyDeleteHi friends, hope you are all having a good weekend. I am looking forward to working on my current WIP, from Monday onwards.
ReplyDeleteOh, the book looks adorable! Big congrats.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachna,
ReplyDeleteGood news shared. Your book cover is adorable. I like it very much. Although Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar is not too thrilled :)
Good news shared about Mark. Excellent, upbeat post. Thank you.
Gary
Awesome news, Rachna and I am happy for you! The cover is cute and attractive. I can see why you were happy with it.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, congratulations to you on your publication and to Mark on securing an agent. Always good to hear good news. Love the cover :)
ReplyDeleteGood news all around! Congratulations Rachna! I’ll try and get my little one to read it! She’s 6 and has very little attention span for reading! Congrats to Mark as well!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. We query and submit and it's a great and hard-won surprise to see acceptance. The cover looks great. Congrats to Mark too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book! That's a wonderful publishing story, and I love the cover!!!
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you would like to have an interview or do some kind of promotion at my blog - late August through the fall are fairly open times for my blog at this point and I would love to help you promote your book. :)