Our first year in NYC we lived in Manhattan and Sophia was just months old. During her afternoon naps I would climb the ladder, crawl into our queen-sized loft bed and write. During this time I wrote a book for Sophia. The book was a compilation of dreams I have for her. It is an alphabet book with each letter representing a profession she could choose when she grows up.
I researched different publishing houses and ended up sending my manuscript to 15 or so different publishers. Gradually over the next few months I received rejection after rejection. It was all very disappointing. Basically since I didn’t have an agent and wasn’t already published, I had no chance. And so I gave up.
Fast forward a couple years and I found myself living in Brooklyn and befriending someone with connections. She put me in contact with her agent who put me in contact with another. Eventually I was having brunch with a woman who wanted to be MY agent. Really? I felt totally cool. By this time I had several manuscripts and I gave them all to her. She was mostly interested in the alphabet book but said she would be happy to take the others.
And then the rejections began to come again. My agent was apparently fairly new to the children’s lit world and was surprised at how much trouble she was having getting any bites. After another year of nothing, I came to terms with the fact that my book was not going to make it to the printer.
But then my family took a road trip. On that long, long, long drive, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I decided that I would finish the project I started and illustrate and publish this book myself. Even if I only ever made one copy, for Sophia.
Thus began my special fieldtrips with my daughter. So far we have visited 8 different people at their workplace and interviewed them about their job. Before we arrive, we talk about what questions we are going to ask the person and brainstorm about what things we might see. She is getting more and more confident in asking the questions. It is so cool to witness.
Last week we got to go behind the scenes of a Broadway show. Our friend, Jonathan, is one of the leads in Avenue Q. Although I won’t be taking Sophia to see this show anytime soon (it’s hilarious but for an adult audience) she has seen a couple other Broadway shows and knows the thrill of witnessing one.
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check it « CCFB Blog - Joe C. Hays // May 2, 2008 at 10:16 am
[...] Laura and Sophia had another cool fieldtrip the other day. Laura wrote about it on her blog. Check it here. [...]
krister // May 2, 2008 at 10:49 am
My wife Tobin is also interested in publishing - mostly children’s books - but she has been concerned about the whole process of submitting manuscripts and the requisite rejection letters agent-less authors often receive. I’ll let her know that she is in good company. Great idea on the occupational field trips!
Marysa // May 2, 2008 at 1:07 pm
We are a bookbinding and printing establishment who specialise in small run publishing and book binding. We are small and family run, based in the UK. If we can help even if to print and bind just one copy for you, let us know.
Dana // May 2, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Joe talked about this project on his blog quite some time ago. I think it’s such a cool idea for an alphabet book. It must be really fun to see a piece of your dream come to fruition as you experience making this with Sophia.
I’ve studied all over the publishing industry, and the idea of trying to submit something is still so daunting to me. I’m glad that you haven’t given up on your project, though.
Jodi's Lori // May 2, 2008 at 7:10 pm
The best things you ever make end up being those things that are for you and your loves. Ignore the push to publish for awhile and focus on your project because it’s smart and good.
And visit me again!
greeneyes // May 2, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I think your ideas are awesome! Good luck with the book , love the new ideas.
I hope you sell a million
The kids look wonderful ,thanks for sharing the pics
have a great weekend
Tiffany // May 3, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I have a drawer full of rejection letters as well, Laura! They’re great for writing phone numbers, notes and doodles down on!
Regardless, I’m sure Sophia prefers that things worked out this way, at least for now. Have fun on your occupation dates; they sound like a blast!
Zeb // May 4, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Hey Laura,
In the last month I have doubled the number of blogs I read. Granted, Joe’s has been the only blog i’ve ever really read, but now that you’re blogging, I read a whopping two!— and let me tell you- it has been a pleasure. I enjoy hearing about your kids and your perspective on this life… (and Little Sophia has quite the eye for photography!)
thanks for sharing your life with us…
zeb
Holly // May 5, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I found your husband’s web site through a friend of a friend and have enjoyed reading it for awhile now. Glad to see you started one of your own! I’m a crazy blogger myself - like yours, mine is mostly about my kids. ANYWAY, I am making a book of our blog by year, and I’m using Blurb.com. So far it’s been great. You download the free software and then upload your book to have it printed and delivered to you. I have my first book ready to order, so I haven’t actually seen the print quality. Just thought I’d share.
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