In case you haven’t yet been introduced, I wanted to direct your attention to a great new kid lit blog called EMU’s Debuts. They are eight authors represented by the Erin Murphy Literary Agency who each have a book debuting in 2011, 2012, or 2013. Their blog is “an exploration of the winding path that lies between the book deal and the debut”. There are dozens of online resources that offer advice on or chronicle the journey to the book deal, but not as much comes to mind as far as resources that chronicle and advise on what comes after the book deal. And that’s what the Emu’s Debuts plan to do. One thing I especially like is their format. On Mondays one author posts on a topic of their choice about their publishing journey, and on Wednesday a second author posts their take on the topic. This gives the blog the feel of an ongoing conversation that you can either eavesdrop or chime in on, and the sense of community among these agentmates is evident and fun to follow.
Here’s a link to the first of two posts where every author shares their story about receiving “The Call”. I’m partial to my friend Jeannie Mobley‘s story because I lived part of her journey with her. I’ve long had a soft spot for her upcoming novel Magic Carp and when I got the news that it sold to Margaret K. McElderry Books I don’t think I could have been happier than if it happened for myself. Each author has a great story about getting “The Call” and it’s fascinating to read how varied the experiences were. Show EMU’s Debuts some love and check them out!
Thanks for the shout-out Jenn! We'll do our best to keep things both informative and entertaining.
Thanks, Jenn! I can't wait to read Jeannie's MAGIC CARP.
I recognize you from Verla's–always nice to put a face with a blog! 🙂
Hey Mike and Natalie! Thanks for stopping by here. I'm happy to spread the word about your blog. I'm really enjoying it so far! See you at Verla's and in the bloggy wilderness!
Thanks, Jenn! How fun to co-blog with each other!
Hi Jenn,
Love your blog! Thanks for you nice comment about Emus Debuts. The business world of publishing can be shrouded in mystery. I hope we can help demystify for other writers as we figure it all out ourselves.
Thanks, Jenn! I am so glad you have been part of the process on MAGIC CARP, and am glad you found my news exciting. Our discussion over on EMU's Debuts this week is exactly on that topic–how others react when a book deal comes through. It has been great for me to have a group of writing friends who have shared the journey and therefore can share the joy. I hope I will be returning the favor soon for a book deal on your manuscript! I'm betting, though, that you will be a *little* happier when it is your own 🙂
Hey, Jenn! Thanks so much for your very sweet blog post re: Emu's Debuts. I'm so glad that you are enjoying it and do hope that it serves as a resource/inspiration for others making the journey.
PS__I love the tile mosaic design as your header.
Lynda