Question about publishers or agents dealing with young writers.

[CherokeeDem]

My cousin's 12 year old daughter has written a novel and while they have self-published some of her other stories, they are interested in finding a publisher or agent who specializes in young authors.

We are finding a lot who publish or work with young adult fiction but so far no one who works with young authors. If anyone knows of someone who does work with someone so young, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks so much!

[mojowork_n]

1. Try poking around miraslist.com ...the right side of the page

has links to different categories of information. I started to
look through the 'emerging writers' list but don't have time
right now.

Good luck.

http://www.miraslist.com/

The page is kind of in hibernation at the moment, but still has
a lot of info and resources for writers. You might find something
else -- grant or scholarship info, for instance, this one -- from the
"emerging writers" page:

http://www.elizabethgeorgeonline.com/foundation/index.htm

Some of the info is expired, listing info for 2012, for example, but
clicking some of those links will provide updated info....

[CherokeeDem]

2. Thanks!

I'll check those out... really appreciate it.

[TeamPooka]

3. Is it good? What's the novel about?

[CherokeeDem]

6. I have to admit...

I haven't read her novel yet. I've read some of her short stories...one very well done was about her newly adopted brother. My cousin and her husband have three kids and recently adopted an adorable little guy from Africa. Her story about his arrival and first days with them was quite touching and humorous. So, I am hoping her novel is as well done.

[TeamPooka]

8. that's the question lit agents ask "Is it good?" because referrals do matter to them.

So when you look for literary agents and such you have to be able to answer that question in the affirmative.
If the answer is "I haven't read it" they will think you are wasting their time.
Also if you haven't read it they think "Why should I if you haven't?"

Regarding Sheila's comment about not bringing up her age in an inquiry - I would only do that if the material reads years beyond her age.
But If it's a biographical story as you say of her making her new adopted brother welcome in his new home than highlighting the age of the author is a plus for authenticity for a children's/YA book, but again only if it's well written.

[CherokeeDem]

9. Thanks...

I won't be the one doing the query letter for her, she and her parents will be writing the letter. I do intend on reading her novel;
however, I have no doubts about it be well written. She is a gifted young writer. The story about her brother was published as a short story, the novel is about another subject.

Thanks so much for your help.

[SheilaT]

4. I'd say, seek out an agent without bringing up her age.

Send out the appropriate query letters to agents and wait for their response. They do not need to find out how old she is until they offer to represent her.

Think of it this way: If she were an adult, 21, or 35, or even 72, her age would not be the first thing of importance. It's the quality of her writing that matters the most, not age, gender, infirmity, or anything else. So go with that strength, the quality of her writing.

[CherokeeDem]

5. Thanks!

I think you are exactly correct. I have to call the Mom later today and I'll talk to her about it.

Willow, the 12 year old, is a very good writer...very mature for her age. Her parents are both college professors and both write but I think they wanted to highlight her age. I haven't read her novel yet, but my aunt says it's quite good.

Thanks for the advice!

[SheilaT]

7. The time to highlight her age is *after* she lands

and agent and/or a book contract.

Besides, by the time the book hits the bookstores, it will easily be a year or more from now. She'll still be quite young, but no longer 12.

[Lefty Nast]

10. agents

Getting an agent is almost harder than landing a publisher. Is she in any kind of critique group? How many times has the novel been drafted? I agree with the other folks. Don't advertise her age when submitting.