Alison Weiss
@alioop7
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Consulting Editor at Alison Weiss Editorial. Causing all sorts of mayhem in the publishing world. Tweets are of my own dastardly devising.
Joined February 2009
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I am an editor who is a chronic over-achiever. Hear me when I say YOUR MANUSCRIPT DOESN'T NEED TO BE PERFECT TO BE SIGNED OR ACQUIRED. If it was perfect, I wouldn't have much of a job. Do your best. Get it as far as you can on your own. And then LEAP!
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I think there is a desperate need to fill the upper middle grade/young YA space.
I also think there's a desperate need for young middle grade that is much shorter to transition readers from chapter books to MG. I so rarely see subs in that space. We need to fix that.
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If you love a book:
-Write a review
-Request your library carry it
-Gift it to a friend
-Tell the socials
-See if the creator has other gems out or has anything coming
Be a book advocate this holiday season, and year-round.
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A reminder that pre-ordering a book can help an author a great deal. It can influence print runs & positioning. So if you can, consider it.
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Author confession time. Raise your hand if you've known there was a plot hole or point that didn't make sense, and you hoped that your CP, agent, or editor just wouldn't notice.
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Love a book? Best present you can give the author is to shout it to the world. Word of mouth sells books.
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In the face of this horror and uncertainty, you may feel like your book doesn't matter. But it does. Books are a safe escape, at least for a little while. They build empathy. They give us courage. They let us process. Books make us feel like we're not alone.
Keep going.
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Periodic reminder that requesting your library get a book is as powerful a tool as preordering yourself. The aim is to reach readers, and your request can help that reach beyond just you.
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Never underestimate the power of supporting a book by requesting it from your library. We love and need our librarians as much as our booksellers and educators. They are all integral parts of our book community.
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Middle grade is the formative place where I think a lot of people fall in love with reading. We should be fostering it. Encouraging that wonder and affirmation and excitement. If others aren't going to help with that journey, what can we do together? Pls add ideas to the thread!
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Why do I do this kidlit publishing thing? Kids need to see themselves in stories. They need places to escape. But in scary times like these, they need a refuge to recharge. They need hope. If their favorite characters can face down the monsters, maybe just maybe they can, too.
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I'm just an editor. Sitting in front of what remains of Twitter. Asking if anyone wants to do an
#askkidlit
session where they can really ask me just about anything about this wild industry.
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Creatives, non-creatives, anyone who feels shattered by the amount of work still stretching before them: You did good today. It is enough. You are enough.
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I cried twice reading a ms last night. I think we might have something. . . .
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@simone_kern_YA
For the record, Chicago Manual of Style (the go-to for most book publishing, at least) absolutely accepts singular they.
"a person’s stated preference for a specific pronoun should be respected.”
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Illustrator friends: I've been thoroughly embracing using Twitter to discover incredible potential talent for projects. But please PLEASE have a link to your portfolio in your profile. Make it easier for me to find you so I can hire you.
#publishingpsa
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Well, folks. I am very sad to say today was my last day at Pixel+Ink. I'm grateful for the fantastic colleagues, so many of whom have become dear friends. I am so proud of the series I've worked on over the last 4+ years. The authors and illustrators are extraordinary.
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Writers: Why are you opposed to page breaks? Why do so many of you insist on just hitting return a bunch of times. Can we please end this madness?
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I just found out my news is live! I got promoted to Senior Editor!!!!
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Olivia made me feel seen. I remember having this EXACT conversation with my dad when I was maybe 7?
Rest peacefully, Ian Falconer. May your memory be a blessing. It is to me. And thank you.
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Senator Patty Murray had me in tears this morning.
"If someone tells you you can't make a difference, it's usually because they are afraid that you will."
Senator Murray calls for women & men across the country to keep fighting and not get discouraged ahead of the final vote on Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination today:
FULL VIDEO:
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So the rioters breaching the Capitol--they're going to all be arrested and tried for rebellion and insurrection, right? That's a fine or up to 10 years in prison. or both I expect more than a wrap on the wrist.
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Caveat: I cannot tell you how many times I've sent edits or done a critique pointing at a problem and the writer's said to me, "Oh, yeah. I know. I was hoping you wouldn't spot that." If you know it's there, you should be trying to fix it. If you ignore it, it's not going away.
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I send this to SO MANY of my authors. Use this, my creators. Use this.
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📣 📣 AHEM!!! I edited, not one, but TWO of the glorious title ons
@KirkusReviews
's BEST MIDDLE GRADE list, which was announced today. Do you know how hard it was to keep this secret for MONTHS? 📣 📣
Best of 2023 | Kirkus Reviews
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I had 3 books come out today. 3 brand new books. I'm a very tired editor.
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This is
@broodingYAhero
's family tree. Clearly you see why you need all the insight in the world from him. He can solve all of your life's problems with his book. Or maybe just make you swoon. Same dif.
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Pull off these two things, and you're already leaps ahead in building a successful career:
1. Be kind and supportive to fellow creatives as you're finding your way.
2. As you achieve successes, remember how tough it was to get where you are, and support emerging voices.
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Considering all we do is talk about reboots, can we reboot WISHBONE?
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Things your book friends will love you for:
-Leave a review in all the places.
-Give a recommendation. Word of mouth is magic.
-Request their book at your library
-Order their book from your favorite indie. (The owner might buy another one for the store! Win-win!)
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Your publishing dreams are not silly, and they aren't a hobby. You need to treat you writing or illustrating like a job. (Yes, if you have a job [or jobs] to pay the bills you now have another one.)
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We couldn't survive without copy editors and proofreaders. They are the people who kindly whisper, "You have toilet paper on your shoe" in the bathroom before you go out and embarrass yourself in front of an audience of thousands. Be grateful for every single thing they catch.
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GUYS! My first
@PixelandInkBks
book (one that I acquired and is entirely and completely mine) hits shelves tomorrow, and I don't know what to do with myself!
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Forever reminder that supporting others' books is crucial if you want that support for your own.
Buy a book. Put in a request. Place a hold. Make a recommendation. Write a review.
Build and be an active member of our book world community.
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The next few weeks are likely going to be exceedingly frustrating for many in the kidlit community as award winners and honors get a big moment that feels like it stretches on forever.
I get it.
So I want to remind you: there are all sorts of books that matter in our world.
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Kids deserve so much more from publishing these days than they're getting. So much more. We're losing the next generation of readers.
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@simone_kern_YA
You managed this with such grace. As an editor, I'm frankly appalled.
In this sort of situation, an editor defers to author preference.
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I want to say to the
#kidlit
community here who are likely as tense as me: your work is so essential for the young readers of this country and the world. Whatever happens, KEEP writing. Keep giving them mirrors and escapes. Challenging them. Supporting them. Your work matters.
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It's the season of end-of-year lists and starred review wrap-ups and everyone yelling that these are this year's great books. And they are. But that doesn't mean your book isn't great, too. That kid over there suddenly excited about reading because of your book? You did that.
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My lovely author friends: when someone is telling you they are excited about your book, please don't downplay it. If you don't know what to say, a simple, "That's so kind, thanks!" will do the trick beautifully.
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Writers, I beg you. Learn how to show what's going on instead of going all internal analysis in the middle of a high octane scene. Dialogue, action, reaction, and emotion are your friends.
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KIdlit: We can do so much more to boost the array of talented voices. The award winners and perennial favorites, sure. But the debuts and new stories from old friends. The quiet books and the daring adventures that didn't get all the confetti and trumpets.
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Do you have a reader between the ages of 8-12 and you're despairing because they wont read? Hand them this.
Do you have a reader who you can't find enough books for? Hand them this. (And Book 2 comes out this summer.)
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Kidlit world: Our jobs are so much more important this morning. Reading forges empathy. It's time to get to work.
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Would anyone like an
#askkidlit
? Send all your publishing, book, writing, career, PB, MG, YA, etc. questions. If you'd rather DM, just let me know. And please don't be shy. This is a judgment-free zone.
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Hi lovely
#kidlit
people. My consultancy is open and I'm booking clients for the summer. If you're looking for professional help on your work in progress or query/synopsis or just looking for seasoned industry coaching, please reach out.
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Kidlit lovelies: You're doing great. One little bit at a time. You'll get there sooner or later. Just keep going.
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Psst, illustrator friends:
When an editor is commenting on how much they love your work on social media, you're now on their radar. Chances are they'll love other work, too. So if you're cooking something, you may want to considering adding them to your sub list.
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I feel like we need to see more capybaras and baby tapirs in kidlit. That is all.
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I've had this on my mind lately, so I'm going to put it out into the world.
To the young (and not so young) editors and agents (and whatever else you fine people are) out there: it's okay if you don't know things.
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"Open your mouth. Exhale. Did you just let out the breath you didn't know you were holding?" --
@broodingyahero
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There’s an indie opening in my hometown that’s only children’s and YA, and I am itching to become besties with the owner and let them know everything they need to stock.
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@sam_aye_ahm
“We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck.” FEED by M. T. Anderson.
I have a whole three-hour presentation on openings, so if you end up needing any ideas, feel free to hit me up! I love that you're doing this.
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Why is it that the tweets with the typos are the ones that take off?
Signed,
An editor who actually can edit most of the time. Well, sometimes. Well . . . who am I kidding?
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A reminder that as much as we celebrate the award winners today, you don't need to win an award for your book to transform your readers' lives. Your book is valuable, and you don't need a sticker or medal to prove it.
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My uncle called last night to tell me how much my little cousin loved the book I sent him, how important it was to him, and how excited he was to read it. I immediately called the author, because it would mean a lot to him, too. Books have BIG impacts. It's not just awards.
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Being a good member of the publishing community requires work. This is an industry that requires tooting your own horn, but that doesn't mean making others feel inadequate. Support your fellow creatives, celebrating their triumphs. Share the wealth. Pay it forward.
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As everyone's shouting their successes, it's easy to feel that you are just not good enough. Remember that we all project a constructed facade to the world--we want to look happy and successful. But everyone has periods of struggle. Most importantly, YOU ARE ENOUGH.
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A gentle tip for aspiring picture book writers: If your aim is to teach a lesson, my first instinct is don't. Think themes instead. But if you're intent on teaching that lesson, be sneaky about it.
You probably don't love being lectured to. Neither do kids. Avoid didacticism.
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@EmilyHoli13
DON'T GIVE UP! No work is wasted and you never know how close you are to that yes.
#askkidlit
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If you are in Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Washington, or Ohio-12, it's an election day, and it's important. Get off Twitter. Go to your polling place.
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As I made coffee this morning, I was thinking about how grateful I am to finally have books I acquired releasing into the world again, and how glad I am after almost 3 years with Pixel. It was not an easy journey getting back in. (Believe me. I just looked at the records.)
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I edited 2 full books today. Granted, they were both under 100 pages, but wow.
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Hey, lovelies. I'm doing a thing in April with
@SCBWI_MD_DE_WV
that I think A LOT of us in publishing need. I hope you'll consider joining us!
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I don't know if it helps to hold on to this, but editors and agents get rejected all the time, too. Someone decides to sign with someone else. We can't get approval on something. To this day, there are mss I was told no on and I don't know why.
#kidlitchat
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If Thomas Massie is your representative, he just said it's okay for governments to violate the laws of other nations because they aren't THEIR laws, and we all spy on each other. You really want him as your political voice?
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End of year lists . . . most anticipated lists . . . They're great, but there are a gazillion books not on those lists that are just as great. Readers will love your book. And that, my friends, is the real magic! So go support and share the books you love! Make someone's day.
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Okay, polls are closing. You're in line and they're telling you you have to go. NO. You're in line when the polls close, you get to vote. STAY IN LINE UNTIL YOU'VE VOTED. THEY HAVE TO LET YOU. Even if it takes hours. STAY IN LINE.
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If you want the current editorial take on this, YA has gotten ridiculously older, so everything else is now moving up. MG is getting more mature--upper MG 10-14 is very much a thing--much more sophisticated. What was young YA is basically gone.
#kidlitchat
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I'm not entirely sure of my next chapter. I'm reopening my consultancy, so if you're looking for a seasoned editorial eye, please consider me. And editor and agent friends, if you hear of openings you think I'd be a great fit for or need extra help, please reach out.
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And, perhaps it's egotistical of me, but I want to believe that maybe these stories I champion--that they can help engender empathy, and these young readers will bloom into adults who make better decisions than we seem to.
#kidlitchat
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End-of-year lists can be so hard, especially when it feels like that's all that anyone focuses on. Here's the truth: Those books are good to some, and not so great to others. There are SO MANY deserving books that don't make lists. They are still GREAT books.
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Creators, you get nervous around editors and agents. I want you to know we get nervous, too. I’ve been trying to figure out the best setup for an hour-and-a-half.
@scbwi
#SCBWIWinter22
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Authors, I'm begging you. Please stop having your characters "stop breathing" when in a tense moment.
Then they are dead. Book is over. Reader is unsatisfied.
You can do better. So do better.
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Hey, folks. Listen up! I want to talk about how we think about success in this industry. It's Wednesday (bestseller list drop day), so this seems like the right time to do it. Buckle up.
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A reminder, lovelies: If you're psyched for a book and want to support an author, pre-order the book or ask your library to order it.
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Ms formatting basics for submission: 12 point font. (I prefer Times New Roman, but something clean. Don't get fancy.} Double spaced.
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I value all the kind people not calling me out on my egregious Twitter typos that embarrass me to no end as an editor. I type too fast and I click post too quickly. But I really do appreciate the grace.
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Today is officially my 1-year anniversary with
@PixelandInkBks
full-time. I've worked on a lot of amazing projects already, and acquired many super secrets that will have to remain a secret a while longer. There have been so many highs and firsts, and we're just getting started.
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BOOK DEAL ALERT: Meet THE RECESS GENIUS, the irresistible collaboration of
@MsVerbose
and
@StacyEbert
! Regina is the new Eloise, and like all of us, she loves escaping into her books! So much thanks to
@LKGagency
and
@marchsoloway
for making this happen. Lucky
@PixelandInkBks
!
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Writing tip for the day: It's so easy to overwrite. To get in your character's head (or your head!) and spin line after line to explain the feeling in that precise moment. That's okay. But then go back in and cut most of that out. Leave the nugget that connects.
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Oh! Oops! I guess it's a balloon day. It's 2 years since I joined Pixel+Ink full-time.
So in love with all of the books I've worked on so far and so excited for all of the ones waiting in the future!
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In re: to that post making the rounds . . . Creators: You can ask your potential agent or editor as many questions as you like. ASK QUESTIONS. You won't look dumb or silly or uneducated about the industry. This is about your comfort and finding the right fit. ASK QUESTIONS.
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YOUR BOOK DOES NOT NEED TO WIN AWARDS OR MAKE LISTS TO MATTER.
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DEAL ALERT!
I am so SO excited to FINALLY get to announce the deal for MISSY AND MASON from the incredible team of
@pamvau
and
@ariellandyart
! This brother-daughter series is pure joy and personality and I can't wait to share it with all of you!
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Not bad for just over a year of publishing (but two-ish years of work).
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Why are you guys so worried about shouting to the moon how great your books are? It's not bragging. And even if it is, as long as you're part of the crew boosting others, it's okay to brag every once in a while.
#kidlitchat
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Come
#askkidlit
. I am an open book. No . . . I'm an editor who's been doing this for a pretty long time, and I like being helpful. If you'd rather DM, just let me know.
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A perpetual reminder that books make the best gifts and many of us are racking our brains for gift ideas this time of year.
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