Want to get your manuscript noticed by publishing professionals? In WriteMentor’s new blog series, we invite leading literary agents to answer quick-fire questions about publishing and submissions, to give children’s writers insights and advice about the querying process.
We‘re starting with Joanna Moult of Skylark Literary.
Current hot publishing trend…
Joanna: Stories that transport us to happier places/times/emotions! Editors and readers in general are really looking to fiction to escape to and lift their mood.
Submission turn on…
Joanna: A really compelling first paragraph – something so gripping I can’t stop reading. This is always something that really excites me when I find it in a submission. Whether it’s the voice, the setting or the action, I want to be pulled straight in.
Submission turn off…
Joanna: ‘Dear Sirs…’ We are more than happy to take time to read your submission but please take two minutes to google our company and establish it is run by two women!
Current children’s read…
Joanna: Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Tom de Freston. Stunning in so many ways.
Biggest submission wish…
Joanna: I’m looking for outstanding writing voice for children from first readers up to YA – whether it’s funny, snappy, lyrical or quirky – something that stops me in my tracks! I’d love some warm, funny middle grade fiction or a beautifully crafted young adult romance with a fresh twist. But most importantly of all I want something that just makes me want to read and read and read it.
