SCBWI France publishes interviews
both in the SCBWI France Expression newsletter
and on-line. These interviews offer an insider's
view of the international children’s
publishing market.
Caitlyn
Dlouhy
Interview
with Caitlyn Dlouhy, Senior
Editor, Atheneum Books for Young
Readers, 1230 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, NY 10020
USA. Caitlyn will be a faculty
member of the SCBWI France Writers
on May 27, 2000.
1.
Erzsi Deak: Please tell us a little about
your background. Caitlyn Dlouhy: I am a senior editor
with Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an
imprint of Simon & Schuster Publishers.
Prior to that, I was a senior editor at Laura
Geringer Books, an imprint of HarperCollins
Publishers. I began my book publishing career
at HarperCollins seven years ago, starting
as Laura Geringer's assistant editor. I've
also worked in magazine and newspaper writing,
and have an M.F.A. in fiction writing.
2. E.D.: What
are some recent titles you’re particularly
proud of? C.D.:
The Wolfbay Wings hockey series by Bruce Brooks;
If You Give a Pig a Pancake, by Laura Numeroff/Felicia
Bond; The Leaf Men and Santa Calls by William
Joyce; BUZ by Richard Egielski; The Sky Is
Always in the Sky by Karla Kuskin.
3.
E.D.: What are the features that grab your
attention in a manuscript for children aged
2-7? C.D.: A manuscript that sends my mind
off already imagining illustrations, even
an illustrator, is a strong sign that I'm
reading something with real potential. Humor
is always an appeal, but stories that touch
a soft spot are also welcome. Strong characters
are a must. Really, it's very subjective.
4. E.D.: What
is your definition of the dividing line between
middle grade and YA? C.D.:
To me it becomes a matter of subject matter
and tone.
5.E.D.:
What are your needs for middle-grade novels?
YA? Are you interested in series? C.D.:
I'm always looking for strong middle grade
and YA, but I'm generally not looking for
a series.
6.
E.D.: What are the features of a well-written
middle-grade novel that catch your eye? For
a YA? C.D.:
Three strong features I look for in both YA
and middle grade are compelling, vivid characters,
unique voices and points of view, and a richly
worked plot. Sweet Valley High books are not
my forte!
7.
E.D.: What does your ideal cover letter include? C.D.:
A cover letter should be short, to the point,
and discuss the story. I do not need to know
that you were once a teacher, or that you've
read your manuscript to your daughter’s
class and all the children love it. Try and
give a sense of your voice and style in the
composition of your letter.
8.
E.D.: Do you accept simultaneous submissions? C.D.:
Yes, but only two or three.
9.
E.D.: How do you feel about receiving more
than one manuscript in the same envelope? C.D.:
Not more than two.
10.
E.D.: What are some common mistakes that authors
could avoid when submitting? C.D.:
Don't send nonfiction to a fiction editor
(I only publish fiction), or vice-versa. Check
a company's recent publications to ensure
you aren't sending a story that's already
been done in another form.
11.
E.D.: Are you willing to read a French manuscript? C.D.:
I would need a full translation of a French
manuscript in order to consider it.
12.E.D.:
What are your illustration needs at this time? C.D.: I'm always looking for new illustrators.
They should send samples directly to me.
