blogging

Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: How To Hook A Literary Agent’s Attention

Donna L

Beginning in the Fall of 2023, Story Catcher Publishing will provide support for new and established writers who want to expand into the indie industry. We will celebrate the relationships we build with the Kidlit community.

But what if, as a writer, you don’t want to step your toe into the hybrid publishing pool?

Then we still want to provide resources for writers focusing on hooking an agent to represent them because readers deserve all the lovely books we can create for them!

Here are some things to keep in mind as you go in search of the right agent for you…

POLISH YOUR MANUSCRIPTS

You can’t play baseball without the right equipment, and you can’t hook an agent without some polished manuscripts. And I don’t mean just one manuscript you just typed “the end” on. To show a potential agent you are a serious professional when it comes to writing, they will expect three to four high-quality completed stories to look at. Check your spelling. Double check your grammar. Triple check everything and make sure there has been plenty of revisions done to tighten those storylines. If you get a wink from a potential agent, you want to then dazzle them with stunning stories.

KNOW WHAT YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR

There are almost as many types of agents as there are writers. Take a moment to really think about the type of agent you are looking for. Want one for your picture books? Need someone to guide you through your chapter book series? In search of a partner to champion your young adult novels? Whatever type of agent you are looking for, DO YOUR RESEARCH! There is nothing more disrespectful to an agent than for them to have to dig through a slush pile of manuscripts that aren’t even genres they represent! Take the time to study the likes, dislikes, and preferences of each “dream” agent so your short list will only include the talent most suited to your writing style.

PREPARE YOUR QUERY LETTER

You have three or more polished manuscripts. You’ve done your research and have a list of potential agents who might be interested in your style of writing. Now you need to focus on creating the strongest introduction to your work that you can via a stellar query letter. Check out our blog on creating a strong query letter by clicking on this link… http://storycatcherpublishing.com/2023/02/22/story-catcher-publishing-expansion-creating-a-strong-query-letter/

IT’S TIME TO SUBMIT TO YOUR AGENT LIST

Choose the first four or five agents from your list and review their website submission requirements to make sure you understand what you need to submit to them. Some only want query letters. Others want a query letter and a full manuscript if you are submitting picture book stories. Still others want query letters, synopsis, and maybe first ten pages if submitting a chapter book or young adult novel. DO YOUR RESEARCH before you push that send button!

TRACK! TRACK! TRACK!

It doesn’t really matter what method you use to track your submissions. Some people use index cards. Other use an Excel spreadsheet. Many choose a program like Query Tracker (http://querytracker.net) which is free and is an excellent way to track your manuscript submissions to potential agents. Whichever method you choose, double check your agent websites to see the time frame allowed before you should send a polite follow up email to that agent. If you don’t get a response from an agent after the follow up email, realize they probably aren’t interested in your work and it’s time to move on to the next one.

The search for agent representation can be a long and tedious process. It can literally take years to finally hook an agent so make sure you have the patience and a thick enough skin to make it worth the effort!

************

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

.

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Whobert Whover, Owl Detective by Jason Gallaher

Donna L

TITLE: Whobert Whover, Owl Detective

AUTHOR: Jason Gallaher

ILLUSTRATOR: Jess Pauwels

PUBLISHER: Margaret K McElderry Books, 2017

SYNOPSIS: 

What happened to Perry the Possum? Whobert Whover, Owl Detective, is on the case!

Did Debbie the Duck whack Perry with her wicked wings?

Or did Freddie the Frog soak Perry in his sickening slime?

And what if the culprit is closer to home than Whobert expects?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Author Jason Gallaher has written such a fun ” who-dun-it” story to engage young readers. Whobert the owl stumbles across a seemingly dead Perry the possum. But who did him in? It’s Whobert to the rescue as he goes in search of a potential killer in his neck of the woods. I love all the twists and turns this detective tale takes until we arrive at the surprise ending. Illustrator Jess Pauwels’ cute artwork is also lovely to see. A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The Middle Child Blues by Kristyn Crow

Donna L

TITLE: The Middle-Child Blues

AUTHOR: Kristyn Crow

ILLUSTRATOR: David Catrow

PUBLISHER: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2009

SYNOPSIS: Lee has the low-down, big-frown, sulking-all-around town blues. His older brother gets all the big-kid privileges, and no one expects his little sister to do anything but be cute. And sometimes his family even leaves him behind! But when Lee breaks out his guitar and finally makes his voice be heard, he draws a big crowd. It turns out lots and lots of people share his middle-kid pain, and he loves how being stuck in the middle is making him the center of attention.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I’m the baby of my family so in that way, I can’t relate to what the main character of Ms. Crow’s book is going through. But every child (and a lot of adults) can certainly relate to feelings of self-doubt, frustration, or being left out of the loop. Young Lee struggles to find his own identity amongst the accomplishment of his older brother and the cute shenanigans of his younger sister. Award winning. illustrator, David Catrow adds his stunning artwork to this lovely rhyming picture book any young reader would enjoy reading. A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: 5 Easy Peasy Book Launch Party Tips

Donna L

When Story Catcher Publishing opens up this fall for submissions, we are hoping to be able to celebrate many new book launches with our authors. With that in mind, we wanted to share some easy peasy tips for having a book launch that is not only fun, but increases the chances of getting books sales off to a strong start.

PICK A THEME

Do you write mysteries? Are your picture book characters animals? Is fantasy your thing? Whatever the theme is, make it the focal point of the party. When your audience is caught up in the theme of the party, it’s only natural for them to drift to the book table for a signed copy of your party themed book!

SELECT A DATE

Is there something in your story that can be tied to a specific date? If I was doing a launch party for my HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams book about the Titanic, I might choose the maiden voyage date for my party. If your book has a specific holiday theme, maybe pick a date close to the holiday your book helps celebrate. If your target audience is teachers or librarians, maybe check the calendar for a day that is special to them and hitch your party to that wagon!

CHOOSE A VENUE

While bookstores are a great first choice when you’re thinking about where to have your book launch party, don’t overlook other possibilities as well. Check out places like bowling alleys, library meeting rooms, daycares, and even karate dojos like I’m contemplating using for the book launch of my latest chapter book, THE WARRIORS THREE, where three young boys try to raise money to attend a taekwondo tournament while still supporting a local library’s annual book drive. Look outside the box to find a really creative way to celebrate your book’s launch day.

GENERATE EXCITEMENT

Working hard to put a book launch party together won’t go far if you don’t advertise what’s about to happen. This is the time to work your social media, newsletters, venue websites, local newspapers and radio stations looking for feel good stories. If you plan to tie a portion of your sales to a local charity or other good cause, make sure to connect with them to have them share your good news as well.

SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT

While you want your party visitors to learn more about you as an author, you don’t want to hog the limelight. Try to have a photographer to take lots of pictures and videos of everyone having a good time. If you have a website, those book launch party pics and book signing photo ops will look great in your photo gallery.

Book launch parties can be large or small, costs hundreds of dollars or just pennies backed with a lot of creativity. What’s most important is to have fun while you are working the crowd and generating excitement about your latest book. Here are some links for more book launch party ideas…

http://writingcooperative.com/how-to-throw-a-successful-book-launch-party-43f91a842d71

http://www.smithpublicity.com/2018/01/bookbaby-blog-throw-book-launch-party-isnt-waste-time/?_vsrefdom=googleppc&gclid=CjwKCAjw_YShBhAiEiwAMomsENyMNOhyszHCQ2iUU8hOVWTDCwk4q0x3TKw6n2Oa2Cs-7fRGdNb9vhoCt3MQAvD_BwE
http://www.pinterest.com/princessdine/book-launch-party/
Check Out These 12 Creative Book Launch Ideas (2024)
Book Launch Parties: 15 Tips for the Best Party Ever!

***********

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEW: Watch Your Tongue Cecily Beasley by Lane Fredrickson

Donna L

TITLE: Watch Your Tongue, Cecily Beasley

AUTHOR: Lane Fredrickson

ILLUSTRATOR: Jon Davis

PUBLISHER: Sterling Children’s Books, 2012

SYNOPSIS: Cecily Beasley is never polite–she won’t say thank you, please, or goodnight. She slurps her food, refuses to share, and sticks her tongue out everywhere. But this rude little girl gets her comeuppance in this rambunctious, rhyming picture book that makes its point with irresistible humor. Every child has heard the words, “Don’t make that face. It might freeze that way!” Well, that’s exactly what happens to Cecily–and to make things worse, a bird builds a nest on her outstretched tongue! But only when the chicks hatch will Cecily finally learn a lesson she’ll never forget. 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : When I first starting reading this story, I immediately thought I was reading a Dr. Seuss story. Gorgeous lyrical verse and whimsical illustrations tease the reader into joining Cecily on her journey of discovery. Rudeness rules her world until her tongue gets stuck in an unexpected position. Not only does she have to learn patience, at the end of her journey, she learns kindness can take her further than having to watch her tongue. A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Cinco De Mouse-O! by Judy Cox

Donna L

TITLE: Cinco De Mouse-O!

AUTHOR: Judy Cox

ILLUSTRATOR: Jeffrey Ebbeler

PUBLISHER: Holiday House, 2010

SYNOPSIS: He follows his nose down the street to a Cinco de Mayo festival. High up in a tree he spies a piñata magnifica. If only Mouse could get just one piece of candy from it. But look out! Cat is on the prowl. He is planning a fiesta of his own, and Mouse is on the menu.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I’m not sure how I managed to overlook one of Judy Cox’s “Mouse” books. I LOVE her brave little mouse character. In this book, Mouse goes in search of what could be making such delicious smells when he discovers a Cinco de Mayo street celebration and decides to join in the fun! Illustrator Jeffrey Ebbeler returns once again to bring Mouse to life in this fast paced adventure young readers will enjoy. A great addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Dinotrux Dig The Beach by Chris Gall

Donna L

TITLE: Dinotrux Dig The Beach

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Chris Gail

PUBLISHER: Little Brown & Company, 2015

SYNOPSIS: Fed up with steamy summertime Jurassic jungles, the mighty monsters are getting hot and grumpy, and they need a vacation…. Time to roll on down to the beach! Tyrannosaurus Trux might be able to “hang ten” on his surfboard, but not all of the trux feel so at home near the water. Can they organize their skills to dig up the beach and build the best sandcastle ever? 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : To be completely honest, I struggled with my decision to select this book to review. I’m not a huge fan of “truck” books, but I AM a huge fan of dinosaurs so I picked it up.

I’m glad I did.

There are many things I love about this story. Author/illustrator Chris Gail does a wonderful job of creating a world of sand-loving dinosaur trucks taking a day off to spend at the beach. A whimsical, lyrical rhyming plot helps young readers to not only identify different construction equipment, but also use their imagination to join the dinotrux on their grand beach adventure! A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: A Couch for Llama by Leah Gilbert

Donna L

TITLE: A Couch for Llama

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Leah Gilbert

PUBLISHER: Sterling Childrens Books, 2018

The Lago family really loves their couch. It’s perfect for reading, snuggling, playing, and jumping. But all good things must come to an end, and, one day, the family realizes the time has come to replace it. As they drive home with their brand-new bright-red couch, though, it gets knocked off the top of their car into a field . . . where a llama tries to make sense of this new thing. At first confused—It doesn’t talk! It doesn’t taste good! It doesn’t budge!—the llama soon realizes how comfy the couch is and settles right in. Can the family get its furniture back—and keep llama happy, too?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I really enjoy reading picture books. Every so often I will come across a debut author and find their story so fascinating that I can’t wait to see what they write next! Author/illustrator Leah Gilbert wrote that kind of debut picture book. Her illustrations are a great compliment to this lyrical, whimsical story about what happens when llama discovers a mysterious object in the field. Is it hungry? Does it want to play? Young readers will love turning the pages to find out if Llama makes a new friend. A great addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Story Catcher Publishing Expansion: Word Count Matters!

Donna L

***My apologies for not releasing this post yesterday as planned. My computer is acting up a little and deleted part of the original post so I had to rewrite it this morning.***

For the past 50+ years I’ve spent my spare time writing words. Tons of words. Millions of words. And like the picture above says, words have power.

When Story Catcher Publishing opens up for submission in the Fall, we will be looking closely at all the words coming in those query letters. Studying them closely to see if some of those words capture our attention enough to make us ask for more. Then the truly hard work begins when the actual manuscripts start rolling in.

Newbie writers may not fully understand how important it is to carefully weigh each word they use in their stories. Generally speaking, the shorter the story, the more powerful each and every word becomes. Below is a general countdown to the word count for each genre Story Catcher Publishing will be looking at…

FICTION PICTURE BOOKS

Word count can be 50 to 1000 but industry sweet spot is between 300-500 words typically. Don’t use words that can be inferred through illustrations. Don’t use words far beyond the reading level of your target audience. Make sure those words weave a story with a strong beginning hook, engaging middle and a satisfying ending.

FICTION EARLY READER CHAPTER BOOKS

Word count can run anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 words. Most of the books Story Catcher Publishing has been releasing has been around 10,000 words. Early Reader Chapter Books challenge those new readers to expand their reading ability. This when writers can add an additional theme or even sub-characters storylines into their manuscripts. Early Reader Chapter Books typically still have some illustrations inside but not at the level you see in picture books.

FICTION MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS

Word count typically runs between 25,000 and 40,000 words. Industry sweet spot is around 35,000 words. Story Catcher Publishing hasn’t released any middle grade books at this time, so any writers who decide to work with us will have to have a very strong story to begin with. This genre of books have both stand alone and serial titles where readers will find deeper subject matter and sometimes even controversial topics not usually seen in picture books and early reader chapter books.

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

Word count will run anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 words with the sweet spot being around 75,000 words. Sub-genres can cover everything from steampunk to fantasy, science fiction to historical, and everything in between. Longer chapters with multiple storylines for the main and sub-characters. The worlds found in this genre range everywhere from real to others created within the writer’s own imagination. Young adult books might include magic, time travel, portals, mythical creatures, war torn landscapes, new worlds and everything in between. The sky is the limit with this genre and any creations/situations within the storyline must still fall within the range of “believable” to the target audiences.

SPECIALTY BOOKS

Word count for this category would vary widely depending on the type of manuscript. Story Catcher Publishing will be considering specialty books which could include low-content (coloring books or activity books), memoirs, journals, short stories, anthologies, etc. The subject matter will really have to capture our attention, but we are open to the possibility.

Do you write outside of these listed genres, but are still interested in talking to us about your story?

You are welcome to drop us a query letter when we open for submissions in the fall, but please realize Story Catcher Publishing probably won’t be the best partner for your project. We want to focus on the genres we are best qualified to help our authors achieve their goals of building a writing career. And the only way to do that is to focus on all those fabulous words coming our way later this year, because EACH WORD COUNTS!

***********

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt

Donna L

TITLE: Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt

AUTHOR: Judith St. George

ILLUSTRATOR: Britt Spencer

PUBLISHER: Philomel Books, 2007

Young Franklin Roosevelt grew up knowing the finer things in life— sailing, horseback riding, and foxhunts on his family’s large estate. Growing up wealthy meant he could live a gentleman’s life, like his beloved papa. Yet gentlemen weren’t supposed to go into politics, right? But why not? As young Franklin learns from a famous uncle and a famous mentor, there is more to the world than he thought. And about politics? Well, maybe there is more to that, too.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : When I wrote my HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Hunting Gris-Gris book about World War II, I did a lot of research on that time in US history. Naturally I read stories about the president during that time, but never did I read about what drove Franklin Delano Roosevelt to become the great, inspiring leader that he became. author, Judith St. George, does with her book is show a different side of this president that young readers may have never read. From a very pampered childhood to a solitary life at boarding school, we catch a glimpse into the soul of a man who later helped change how the world saw the US after World War II. A great addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927