Sandi Greene » SCBWI

Books and Thoughts on Form Letters

Sandi Greene — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:33:56 +0000

A Couple of Recommendations
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I apologize for the font on this page. I only recently realized it’s gray and a little small. So I’m working on getting it fixed.
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Books first.
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I am reading a ton of YA right now because I’m judging a contest. I can’t say which one, but it’s keeping me busy. So all my other YA to-read books are temporarily shelved. However, I did manage to finish my first Ellen Hopkins book “Crank” (in one sitting). I have to say that woman is an absolute genius. (And she is super nice…I got to meet her last year at the SCBWI conference). I will read every book she’s ever written or will write. Very powerful stuff. Pick one up if you haven’t already.
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I also finished “Lipstick Apology,” which I loved, mainly because it reminded me of the type of writing I do—contemporary romance, but with a unique hook. Nice reason to love it, huh? But really, I would suggest this debut author as well.
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Thoughts on Form Letters
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Last week I received a request for my full manuscript from an agent. The difference from all the others I’ve ever received, however, was that it was very personal. The agent took the time to be very specific in what she liked about my book. In the past, not only have I gotten form rejections, but I’ve gotten form “request for more” emails. Even if this agent doesn’t end up taking me on, her email made my day (and my week, and month, maybe year!).
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Since I teach hundreds of online students at any given time, I know the value of a form email. I understand from an agent’s perspective—who is getting hundreds of submissions a day—why a form response is necessary. And I would definitely rather receive a form response than no response at all.
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But I do notice a huge difference from my students when I use a personal response. They are grateful, and it seems to make a difference in their attitude. It’s during those times that I realize how valuable a personal response can be.
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Of course I get that this isn’t always realistic. For those of us whose jobs include dealing with mass quantities of individuals, giving personal responses to everyone would be a joke—we’d never get anything done.
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But I do think that once in a while we should consider that we are not robots nor are the individuals on the other side of the computer robots, and personal responses can make a world of difference in their lives. While it’s not always possible, we should strive to make it happen when our gut tells us we should.

Just some thoughts for you today
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Have a great week!

Don’t Over Share

Sandi Greene — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 05:16:03 +0000

I was sitting around yesterday, trying to figure out what in the world I’m going to blog about in the next few weeks, and I realized, duh, I just got back from a writer’s conference and should have plenty to talk about. When I was at the SCBWI conference, I took only a few notes. I used to be an over-the-top, write-every-single-detail-down note-taker, but I’m not any more. (Maybe it reminds me too much of college or something). So I’ll do the best I can on this with what I have. (And my roomie and a friend I made both took excellent notes that they’ve allowed me to share).

So (I promise this has to do with today’s topic) I’m so excited because I am getting a new website! My blog and website will be in one place, and an awesome designer named Dineen Miller is going to make the design similar to my business cards (you can see the cards she did for me here…just scroll down about half way). Hopefully it will launch in another month or two.

Anyway, one of the speakers I really enjoyed was Delacorte Executive Editor Wendy Loggia. In her session she noted how important it is to watch what you say on the Internet because editors look you up sometimes! As soon as she said this, my mind started to reel through my website, my Facebook, my Twitter, my MySpace, and so forth, wondering if all my content is appropriate.

She said that editors don’t want to work with certain types of people – and I’m sure you can figure out those types. Rude, self-centered, gossipy, etc… So she will actually check author’s pages before signing them on. This served as a good reminder that you should be careful what you put out there, what you say, and how you say it. Don’t talk bad about other agents, publishers, authors, etc… Just be nice. It could make a difference in whether an editor picks you up or not.

Some pics to share of me at the conference (hopefully this isn’t over sharing! HA!):

Yep, me and my Starbucks in the lobby of the hotel. Every writer has to be a coffee drinker.

Writer’s conferences are so much fun! You have to try one if you haven’t already!

Me and my new and very cool friend Romina at the Blue Moon Ball

Me and my awesome roomy Stephanie at the Blue Moon Ball

Me and some new friends I made at the wine and cheese reception.

Thoughts from SCBWI 2009

Sandi Greene — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:28:40 +0000

I attended my first Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrator’s conference in Los Angles last week and I loved it. It was nice going to a writer’s conference where workshop choices focus specifically on YA. I heard a lot about the industry, most of which was surprisingly positive. Despite the economy, agents are still doing deals (some of them said this is their best year yet) and houses are still looking for books.

The most constant thing I heard is that they are looking for fresh voices. Of course, you have to have compelling characters and plot as well, but they want fresh, interesting voices. The best way to find your own voice is to read a lot of YA. They also said over and over to write your heart rather than write to trends.

I really enjoyed speeches by Sherman Alexie (he’s just always funny), Ellen Hopkins (it was great seeing how hard she worked for many years to reach the top), and Elizabeth Law (editor at Egmont who had a great personality).

I met a lot of fun agents, editors, authors, and those aspiring. I had even more fun watching some of those “professionals” get a little tipsy and dance. (Especially since one of them was my regional advisor. Love you, Michelle!)

The best part for me personally was that Jay Asher nominated my book for the Sue Alexander award. So now Jay is officially my favorite author of all-time and just bumped Sarah Dessen down a notch

If you ever get a chance to go to this conference, I would highly recommend it. If you have any questions for me about it, I’d be happy to answer them.