Doing Our Homework

We may not be experts, but we have been doing our homework. We ordered, studied, and highlighted the Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market 2020. We received some great query writing tips from a friend (and former cubicle mate) who recently published her first novel. And some smart watch-outs from a witty writer and buddy who is very involved in the kidlit space.

 
Google Sheets have become our best friend. Which isn’t sad at all.
 

Our first step? Creating one Google spreadsheet to rule them all.

And while a spreadsheet may seem trivial, it’s been hugely helpful for Devon and I. For those interested, here’s how we organized the document:

  • Agent

  • Agency

  • Submission Guidelines

  • Email

  • Date Queried

  • Materials Sent

  • Date Followed Up

  • Response

  • Additional Materials Requested

  • Date Additional Materials Sent

  • Notes

This tracking tool is more than an excuse to be organizational hobbyists. It helps us clearly outline where we’ve been and where we’re going. Which is especially helpful in a process that can quickly feel ambiguous and overwhelming.

Tanner Rogers-Goode