Malchats, you’re right that children’s books are a lot more than picture books. My answer was very carelessly phrased. I had two different points in mind: Scylla would be good at the kind of funky avant-garde writing which seems to happen mostly in picture books (e.g. Stinky Cheese Man); and possibly the shorter format of children’s books in general (not just picture books) would accord with the way he’s happiest writing, since it doesn’t require extending an idea for a long time after you’re tired of it.
To answer your question: picture books tend to be higher profile because they sell more, especially in hardcover and in bookstores. However at the moment a lot of editors are actually looking particularly eagerly for early chapter books because that’s the age the mini baby boom is now reaching. And people who can write a book long and complex enough for a school-age child yet easy enough for a not-very-experienced reader are hard to find.
(I have a feeling that using the SDMB for “trolling for manuscripts” would be frowned on, but certainly I am always on the lookout for manuscripts, and anyone who wants is welcome to email me.)
Alto, I hear what you’re saying about picture books. I guess it makes sense that they would sell more; anything with more of a visual component would sell more these days, as we live in a very graphically oriented culture.
The crack about trolling for manuscripts was just that–a bit of wiseass. I’m sure you would never abuse your SDMB priveleges so grossly. But I may take you up on your kind words and send you a synopsis; any feedback is always welcome.
Back to Scylla: I caught some of your story in the latest Teemings, about the marathon. What I was able to read–before being called away–was interesting and well-written, though I think a tighter focus might have helped. (You were writing about running in the wind, then suddenly you were listing your diet. I thought you were getting away from the core of your story there.) It looks like you’re good at that sort of anecdotal nonfiction piece; perhaps that can be your focus? I suspect that it’s best to “get your foot in the door” with a certain brand of writing–that in which you are strongest–and then expand your work into different genres once you are “established.” Something to think about.
There’s some good advice here, and thank you for the replies. I had an attack of real life today, but I appreciate the thoughts and will try to reply as they deserve when real life goes away again.
I was thinking along these lines as well and was going to suggest that if Scylla wants quick results, he might look into the area Indie newspaper. Our local Indie paper is always looking for new writers, good ones, and from what I’ve read of your stuff Scylla, you’re excellent. The blimp story was so tight I would never have imagined that you didn’t have at least some training.
I understand what you’re going thru Scylla. I’m in school and for a long time I was in school in pursuit of some career that would afford me the time and comfort to write later in life. It suddenly dawned on me last year that I should just pursue what I loved, which was writing and now I’ll be done in a year. I’m already exploring avenues to publication, including a story I’m submitting to out local Indie paper about a local starling/Peregrine falcon issue. In the meantime, I’ve been taking a look at the market to see where I might best fit in, or break in, as the case may be. Ideally, I would like to write fiction, but I’m aware that it might be helpful to take chances in several genres.
I also think hedra offers excellent advice, especially about seeking a critiquing audience. I can’t tell you enough how helpful the workshop medium has been for me. In fact, I can’t emphasis enough how active pursuit of craft has made an incredible difference in my writing.
On second though Scylla, I think you may have killed my Dopers in the Mist post. I was hoping for good things to come of that one too. Two posts from you and it dies without any hope of salvation.
