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Seven quick things about S.V.T.
- Everyone sees S.V.T. as a “boy book.” I agree that it is, especially since I know the boys who inspired it, but it’s still been a little startling to hear folks so unabashedly say so. There’s clearly a hunger for books that boys in particular will want to read again and again.
- Gail was onto something when she commented, “Selling a second book may actually be more satisfying than selling the first. You sell the first book and you think, Could this be a fluke?” Yes, indeed. My last sale was nearly 2 1/2 years ago, and it’s getting close to two years since I started this blog — frankly, I was starting to get a little self-conscious about not having had an announcement like this to make sooner.
- The acquiring editor is someone I’ve been submitting manuscripts to for over five years now. Thank you, persistence.
- Since the year began, three houses expressed a strong interest in this manuscript, but one of them ultimately did not make an offer due to a bit of internal turmoil. I wonder how often that happens.
- I hated saying no to the other editor who did make a bid. Hated it. I have not worked this hard and this long only to decline editors’ kind offers to give me money in exchange for my writing, and it just felt weird.
- My agent did not think much of my suggestion that, to spare any hurt feelings, we sell S.V.T. to both editors. But I figure that — as long the two versions came out in the same season, and nobody at either house read the reviews too closely, and I didn’t somehow mistakenly invite both editors and their respective illustrators to my country estate for the same weekend, thus setting the scene for much door-slamming farcical hilarity — my plan would work just fine.
- I’m just delighted by all the (wrong, wrong, wrong!) guesses about what S.V.T. stands for and by the thoughtfulness of Don, Gregory K., Fuse #8, and Tim in spreading my good news. [Edited to thank Chicken Spaghetti, Jen Robinson, and Cynsations, too. And the Cybils! And Book Moot! Mitali’s Fire Escape, too!] Say, has anyone ever told you people that the kidlitosphere is the place to be?
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