Caroline Starr Rose

picture book and middle-grade author

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Getting Closer, But Not There Yet

15 Comments

Since spring, I’ve been re-working a picture book manuscript called OVER IN THE WETLANDS.  My agent and I are probably on round six at this point.

Each time I return the story to Agent Michelle, she sends back ideas to strengthen my work and always includes some variation of “your work is getting closer, but it’s not there yet.” It would be maddening if her comment weren’t right on target.
 
I am so fortunate to have someone working with me who only wants my best out there in the world. My writing reflects on both of us. She’s asked me to try directions I never would have imagined, and they’re working. My most recent breakthrough came in the middle of the night (thanks to a certain puppy), and Michelle agrees I’m onto something good. 
 
This weekend I sent WETLANDS back to Michelle. I’m hoping we’ve reached the end of our revision rounds. But if it ends up in my mailbox with “close but not there yet” attached, I’ll trust her judgement and get back to work.

Don’t forget: Today is the last day to enter to win a copy of Michaela MacColl’s PRISONERS IN THE PALACE.

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Filed Under: encouragement, Over in the Wetlands, publication, the writing life

Comments

  1. Christine Fonseca says

    October 20, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    Good luck, Caroline! You have a great partnership!!!

    Reply
  2. salarsenッ says

    October 20, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Best of luck with that. But you know, you are very fortunate to have her to work with. In time, I will. That time just hasn’t arrived yet. LOL

    Reply
  3. Jan Cline says

    October 20, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    That is what will make our market a success – authors and agents and editors working together. Even those with great gifts need guidance. I look forward to having that kind of relationship with an agent someday.

    Reply
  4. Sara B. Larson says

    October 20, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    That’s great to have such a trusting working relationship, that you trust her edits and that she believes in you. I hope this last revision will be the one!

    Reply
  5. SWK says

    October 20, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    I’m still noodling with revisions on a ms because I don’t feel like it’s quite ready to give to my agent. So, in a way, consider me jealous that you’re at the back-and-forth point! Hang in there–you’ll get it just right with all that hard work. – Stasia

    Reply
  6. Laurel says

    October 20, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Having that kind of trusting partnership is priceless. Here’s hoping this revision did the trick!

    Reply
  7. Elana Johnson says

    October 20, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    Here’s hoping this time is the time!

    Reply
  8. Liesl says

    October 20, 2010 at 7:15 pm

    Picture books are sooooo difficult. People always think they’re so simple because they’re short but I don’t think anyone can really appreciate the complications until they’ve tried. It takes a certain touch. I hope this times the winner!

    Reply
  9. Tere Kirkland says

    October 20, 2010 at 9:05 pm

    Wow, I don’t have the stamina for writing picture books, but I know you do. Fingers crossed that this revision will be the ONE!

    I do hope it happens for you because (among other more obvious reasons, lol) I think kids need to know more about the wetlands, so go YOU!

    Reply
  10. Jemi Fraser says

    October 20, 2010 at 10:31 pm

    Sounds like you’ve got a terrific relationship with your agent! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Bethany Mattingly says

    October 20, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Good luck!

    Reply
  12. A.L. Sonnichsen says

    October 21, 2010 at 4:18 am

    Good for you for sticking with it, Caroline! And yes, what a blessing to have a great agent. That’s priceless to have her professional opinion on your work. 🙂

    Amy

    Reply
  13. Tracy Loewer says

    October 21, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    It’s wonderful to have someone to push you to put forth the best story possible. *fingers crossed for this revision*

    Reply
  14. Amanda says

    October 22, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    It’s exciting (and frustrating) when revisions get so close…but aren’t quite there. Sounds like you have the right attitude. Best of luck!

    Reply
  15. Kristin says

    October 23, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    That is great she’s such a cheerleader! Sounds like you have a great relationship.

    Reply

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