Category: picture book pitch

Would You Read It #93 – The Chase (PB) PLUS Straight From The Editor and The May Pitch Pick Winner!

40 Comments

We’ve got a busy day, so I hope you ate your Wheaties!

Except, when you think about it, Wheaties aren’t chocolate, so they are really not an appropriate choice for Wednesday.

I know!  How about some chocolate cereal?

Okay, no.

That will simply not do at all.

I’m sorry.  It looks like dog kibble.  And much as I love my dogs I do not wish to share their breakfast.  Not to mention, that doesn’t look anything like real chocolate should look.

I tried to go the truly healthy route with cereal, but I just can’t do it.

Put that away and let’s break out the Snickers 🙂

Ah!  That’s MUCH better.  Now we’re ready to get down to business!

First, Straight From The Editor for our April winner, Pam.

You will recall her pitch:

Flood Dogs (Picture Book ages 5-8)Based on a true story, FLOOD DOGS tells of a girl, her two dogs, and the flood that comes between them. As Cadence fears the fate of her dogs, she must also face the devastation of her town and home.  When she finally reconnects with her beloved pups, Cadence is overjoyed to discover just how much she still has.

And here are editor Erin Molta’s comments:

I am intrigued by the pitch for your story.
I offer just a few minor tweaks and I suggest thinking about a pithier title. Since Katrina and the Hurricane Sandy flooding, there are a lot of stories such as this coming in and something a tad catchier might help pull this one up from the pile. Also the last sentence would probably work better if you were more specific. Instead of how much she has—what about something like how much love, how much XXX she still has . . .
I wish you the best of luck with this!

As always, I find her insight very helpful!

Next, I am happy to announce the winner of the May Pitch Pick.

And the winner is…

… SIAN with her pitch for Thirsty For Words (which was originally The Word Thief.)

Congratulations, Sian!!!  Your pitch has already been sent to Erin for her thoughts.  And congratulations to all our other pitchers for great story ideas, wonderful pitches, and thoughtful improvements based on reader feedback.  You all did an excellent job.  Good luck with your stories!

Now, onto today’s Would You Read It.  Phew!  Anyone need another Snickers?

Today’s pitch comes to us from the lovely Elaine, who we met in April with her pitch for  Giant At The Gym.  In case you don’t remember her, Elaine is a Mom of two, wife of one, mom to three furry kids and second grade school teacher.

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: The Chase
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 4-7)
The Pitch:  A bored little boy stares at the moon, moaning about being bored while missing the stunning excitement that’s unfolding around him – pirate cows, zombie ice skaters, mummy librarians… If only he’d look down instead of UP. THE CHASE is a humorous picture book that explores the common childhood experience of what appears like the moon is following them, and turns it on its head.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Elaine improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in August which isn’t that far away, so we’re about ready for some new pitches!  Send yours for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Elaine is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to being able to take my daughter to the airport at the crack of dawn on Friday without feeling guilty for not paying attention to Perfect Picture Books, since we are now on summer hiatus.  I will also take this opportunity to let you know that I will be mostly away from my computer next week, so don’t be shocked if the blog is a little bare and I’m not around visiting you all.  But don’t worry!  Would You Read It will still be up next Wednesday… assuming I write the post before I leave 🙂

Have a lovely Wednesday, everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #86 – Day Dreamer (YA Sci-Fi) PLUS The April Pitch Pick

60 Comments

Happy May Day, Everyone!

Isn’t it so appropriate that the birthstone for May is emerald?  May is so beautifully green!

And in the spirit of spring, I’m going to go hog wild and serve strawberry shortcake this morning.  I know it isn’t chocolate, but YUM anyway! 🙂  Please!  Help yourselves 🙂

Now then.  A teensy item of business before we get to the pitch pick and today’s Would You Read It pitch.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I did not detect the usual level of enthusiasm for my most recent hare-brained scheme contest.  I have decided this is my fault.  I thought it would be totally fun to see what you clever folks came up with – you always amaze me with your creativity!  But I can see how maybe it’s more fun for me than it is for you, even though there are prizes.  And far be it from me to force anything on you that you don’t think is fun!

So please let your opinion be known below.  Would anyone like to try the contest?  Or shall I make it easy – points for Face Book posting, Tweeting, or blogging about the ebook on May 7-9 or something – and lower the prize quality accordingly?  Ready set vote! (By 9PM EDT tomorrow, Thursday May 2)

Phew!  Now that’s out of the way, let’s do the April Pitch Pick.  Here are the newly improved and updated pitches from our intrepid pitchers thanks to your excellent feedback.

#1 Pam
Flood Dogs (Picture Book ages 5-8)
Based on a true story, FLOOD DOGS tells of a girl, her two dogs, and the flood that comes between them. As Cadence fears the fate of her dogs, she must also face the devastation of her town and home.  When she finally reconnects with her dogs, Cadence is overjoyed to discover just how much she still has.

#2 Elaine
Giant At The Gym (Picture Book ages 3-7)
When Giant works out at the 24-hour Animal Fitness Gym, he discovers that the weights are too light. Grabbing treadmill runners, stationary bike riders and bench pressers, Giant soon has animals of all kinds hanging from his barbells. Yet the barbells are still too light! Will Giant find the right amount of weight before he runs out of gym-goers or will Elephant put him over the top?

#3 Deborah
Hurricane Enrique (Picture Book ages 4-7)
Every Friday afternoon, Molly takes care of her best friend’s yippy, nippy little Chihuahua, Carlos.  When a tropical storm strikes, Molly finds that rescuing Carlos isn’t easy, but friends are friends.

#4 Cynthia
A Noise In The Dark (Picture Book ages 4-8)
Nicky knows he’ll never get to sleep unless he finds out what is making so much noise in this closet, but it’s dark and he is scared and all he really wants to do is hide under his covers. When Nicky gets no help from mom he realizes he must find the courage to face his fears so he could finally get some sleep.

Please vote for the pitch you think deserves a read by editor Erin Molta by Friday May 3 at 11:59 PM EDT.  Thank you!

Now then!  Onto today’s pitch which comes to us from Jesse.  Jesse says, “I am an ad copy and commercial writer by trade. I am a husband and father of two (ages 3 and 6). I have tried my hand at writing stories for my children. I am in the process of self publishing a picture book entitled, “That’s Not How Mommy Does It” and recently I began writing the Day Dreamer novel for young adults. I would love the aid of the writing community as well as the backing of an agent and publisher. I have also had multiple articles published in an Apple related business magazine, i.Business.

Here is a link to a facebook community that I started, ‘The Indie and Self Publishing Forum’. It has been accepted warmly by the writing community: http://www.facebook.com/groups/480809531948228/
And this is my personal facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jesse.lee.71697
And this is my Commercial Writing and Marketing Blog: www.realnichemarketing.com

Here is Jesse’s pitch:

Working Title: Day Dreamer
Age/Genre: YA Science Fiction
The Pitch: What causes Deja Vu? No one has been able to scientifically prove the cause. But, Neurologist Dr. Edwin Wallace has found the answer. And the answer gives a clue to his visions. But as his visions fade with his age, a new and exceptionally gifted 17 year old Day Dreamer, Jackson Cooper could unlock the secret to harness their premonitions for the good of mankind. But when Jackson is taken by a secret government agency hoping to use his gift for military purposes, he will have to fight his way back home with the help of a group of gifted youths that he will meet along the way. This exciting and highly realistic science fiction drama presents a believable explanation to how a person could accurately see the future.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Jesse improve his pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in June so you have a little time to polish your pitch for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Jesse is looking forward to your thoughts on his pitch!  I am looking forward to finding out what you really think about the jingle contest so I can come up with a new plan if need be!

Have a lovely day, everyone! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday #85 – A Noise In The Dark (PB)

56 Comments

You know, there is always adventure around here! 🙂

I went for my annual haircut.

Now just hold your horses!  How do you know haircuts aren’t an adventure?  I haven’t told it yet!

AS I was saying…!  I went for my annual haircut.

I know.  Once a year might be more than is strictly necessary here in the boondocks, but I like to keep somewhat properly groomed so the bears don’t think I’m one of them.

But the lovely salon girl and I seem to have had a breakdown in communication.

I said, “Shoulder length so I can still put it in a ponytail when I go running.”

She apparently heard, “Earlobe length, or even a little higher if you feel like it.”

An easy mistake.  Anyone could make it.

Shoulder-length.  Temple fringe.

They sound practically the same.

Not.

So, yeah, my hair is pretty short, and not by any feat of brushing, combing or hair product is it going to be in a ponytail for a while 🙂

Luckily hair grows 🙂  eventually 🙂

Also luckily, an unexpected haircut outcome is nothing a little Something Chocolate can’t fix! 🙂  Hmm… what should we have today?  How about…

YUM!

MILKSHAKES!  I, of course, opt for chocolate, but for those of you who have trouble facing it at this hour of the morning (Julie R-Z! :)) I’m offering strawberry as well, which is made of fruit and that’s good for you 🙂

Now then, let’s get comfy for Would You Read It.

Today’s pitch comes to us from Cynthia who says, “I’m a writer, a mother and an animal lover on the road to publication. I write poems, young adult and picture books. Visit my website at Random Thought at    www.randomthoughts-myblog.blogspot.com   You can find me there every Tuesday. “

Here is her pitch:

Working Title: A Noise In The Dark
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 5 and up)
The Pitch: Nicky’s closet is making so much noise that it’s scaring him half to death.  So much so that he’s clutching at his chest.  His mother says its just a branch against a window pane, but Nicky knows what lurks beyond is so much more then rain.  Come with Nicky into the dark, and tame the fears that are hidden in the heart.

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Cynthia improve her pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in June so you have time to polish your pitch for your chance to be read by editor Erin Molta!

Cynthia is looking forward to your thoughts on her pitch!  I am looking forward to my hair growing.  That’s probably like watching a pot of water and waiting for it to boil, though…  🙂

Have a great day, everyone… you know, whatever blows your hair back! 🙂

Would You Read It Wednesday – The 51st Pitch!

53 Comments

Good Morning, my friends!  I hope you are all feeling happy and well today, and full of inspiration and creativity!

I, personally, am back in the car with Jo-Jilly with whom I am not on speaking terms because she decided to give me the silent treatment as I approached our nation’s capitol last week.  If you have ever driven in those horrifying belt loops or whatever they call it (especially if, like me, you are not familiar with the area) let me assure you that you do not want to be there without guidance.  Especially at night. In the rain.  When you have been driving for many hours…  So now of course she’s all, “In .2 miles turn right into Pennsylvania.”  Like that’s going to win me back!  But I’ve been up since 4:30 AM and I’m not feeling that forgiving just yet.  Maybe after I stop at Dunkin’ for some coffee (where, by the way, I think I should have a dedicated parking space with my name on it – or maybe Princess Blue Kitty’s – since I spend so much time there lately) maybe if she manages to stay civil about departing from the route I’ll consider letting her back into my good graces then…  We’ll just see…! 🙂

I think negotiating with your GPS should be an Olympic sport.

Meanwhile, we have important things to do here!  It’s time for Something Chocolate (I don’t think there’s any pretending I won’t be having chocolate donuts this morning… I love those little chocolate munchkins :))

O
in case you are wondering, this is my drawing of a chocolate donut since I have no photos!
and Would You Read It!

Today’s pitch comes to us from the very talented Randy, who blogs over at Randy Lindsay – Author In Training.  Any of you who aren’t familiar with his blog should hop over and take a peek.  He has great writing prompts and often posts samples of his work which are inspiring to read.  He is incredibly creative and has a great sense of humor!  He was my “partner” in Kerri Cuevas’s Choose Your Own Adventure last year.  He is also the father of NINE (9)!  Yes.  Really! 🙂

And come to think of it, he may be only the third person of his gender who has been brave enough to stand up for Would You Read It, so let’s give him a round of applause just for that! 🙂  In addition, he freely admits that picture books are not in his usual wheelhouse…

And now, here’s Randy’s pitch:

Working Title: Charlie The Chimney Mouse
Age/Genre: Picture Book (ages 6-10)
The Pitch: Charlie is looking forward to the holiday season when the unthinkable happens. His human family moves away. He does his best to celebrate the holidays on his own, but discovers that it isn’t the songs, feasts, and parties that make this time of year special . . . it’s the people you share it with. 

So what do you think?  Would You Read It?  YES, MAYBE or NO?

If your answer is YES, please feel free to tell us what you particularly liked and why the pitch piqued your interest.  If your answer is MAYBE or NO, please feel free to tell us what you think could be better in the spirit of helping Randy improve his pitch.  Helpful examples of possible alternate wordings are welcome.  (However, I must ask that comments be constructive and respectful.  I reserve the right not to publish comments that are mean because that is not what this is about.)
Please send YOUR pitches for the coming weeks!  For rules and where to submit, click on this link Would You Read It or on the Would You Read It tab in the bar above.  There are openings in August, which is not very far away at all at this point, so we could really use some new pitches!!
Randy is looking forward to your thoughts on his pitch!
And I am looking forward to finding Ohio, with or without that Jill.  Honestly, it’s fairly large.  I should be able to spot it! 🙂
Have a wonderful day!