Publishing with a Small Press: Interview with Author Carmela Martino ~by Julie Phend

 

SMALL PRESS: BIG DECISION

Interview with Carmela Martino

 

Carmela Martino

For writers today, there are many paths to publication. I’ve asked children’s book author and speaker Carmela Martino to share her insights on publishing with a small press. Carmela is the author of two award-winning historical novels and recently presented a webinar for SCBWI Illinois called Small Press, BIG Decision.

 

DIFFERENT PATHS TO PUBLICATION

Julie: Welcome, Carmela. Tell us a little about your books and their different paths to publication.

 

Carmela: My middle-grade novel, Rosa, Sola, began as a short story based on events from my own childhood, written for an assignment in my MFA program at Vermont College. My classmates and teachers convinced me to expand the story into a novel. After graduation, I finished the novel and began submitting. Rosa, Sola was eventually published by Candlewick Press, a large independent press.

My second novel, Playing by Heart, was inspired by two sisters who lived in 18th-century Milan: mathematician Maria Gaetana Agnesi and composer Maria Teresa Agnesi. These amazing women were far ahead of their time, and I wanted others to know their story. Though my Candlewick editor suggested writing it for middle-graders, the story didn’t work for me until I wrote it as young adult.

 

What I didn’t realize was that YA historicals don’t usually sell well unless they have an unusual hook, such as a murder mystery or fantasy elements. But Playing by Heart was grounded in reality—the extensive research nearly did me in. When I sent the finished manuscript to Candlewick, they rejected it. So did every other publisher and agent I sent it to. Frustrated, I put the manuscript in the proverbial drawer and moved on to other things.

 

SMALL PRESS PUBLICATION

Julie: How did Playing by Heart reach publication?

 

Carmela: More than a year went by, and the manuscript still called to me. I considered self-publishing because I knew authors who were having great success with self-published YA fantasy. Unfortunately, self-published realistic YA historicals were not selling well. I feared I wouldn’t have the marketing reach to attract teen readers on my own.

 

Then I attended an online writing conference where several small publishers were hearing pitches, so I gave it a shot. An editor from Vinspire Publishing invited me to submit. When she offered a contract a few months later, I accepted, reasoning that if the book was published by a small press and garnered favorable reviews, libraries would buy it. And the publisher, though small, would have marketing resources to supplement my efforts.

 

ADVANTAGES OF A SMALL PRESS

 

Julie: Are there advantages to publishing with a small press?

 

Carmela: Based on my experience and interviews with other authors, there are three main advantages:

 

• Small presses are often better than large publishers at reaching niche markets—books where the subject appeals to a narrow or unique audience; for example, something of interest in a specific geographic region.

• Many small presses accept submissions without an agent. This might be crucial for some books, since it is often harder to find an agent than a publisher.

• Small presses tend to keep books in print longer and support their backlist, unlike many big publishers.

 

SOME DISADVANTAGES

 

Julie: And the disadvantages?

 

Carmela: The disadvantages vary depending on the type of book, but the issues authors mention most fall into three categories:

 

• Small presses typically have small budgets and small staffs. This can affect every aspect of a book’s production, from editorial quality to cover design and marketing. In other words, books from small presses may not look as professional as those from larger houses. Budget restrictions also mean many small presses don’t pay advances, only royalties.

• Small presses have a hard time getting reviews in major trade journals—with limited space, journals are more likely to review books from major publishing houses. And some small presses don’t know how/when to get their books to reviewers. Journal reviews can make or break library sales, especially for nonfiction children’s books. I felt reviews were important for Playing by Heart, since it was inspired by real people and based on extensive research. So, I investigated the review process and nagged my publisher into getting review copies out on time. My work paid off with a lovely review in Booklist (the journal of the American Library Association.)

• Small presses may not have access to the same distribution channels as larger houses, which can affect whether libraries or bookstores will order copies. Distribution issues may keep a bookstore from hosting a signing or even stocking a local author’s book.

 

MARKETING

 

Julie: We’ve heard about the marketing challenges when you publish with a small press. What are the most successful things you’ve done to market your book?

 

Carmela: My push to get Playing by Heart reviewed in trade journals certainly helped, but not as much as I’d hoped. Few libraries bought the book on their own. However, thanks to the favorable review in Booklist, if a cardholder asked their library to purchase Playing by Heart, most libraries did. To make that happen, I shared memes on social media encouraging readers to request the book at their libraries.

 

When I signed the contract for Playing by Heart, my publisher recommended I follow Tim Grahl’s marketing suggestions at booklaunch.com/book-marketing-resources. Another list of marketing tips I used can be found at www.writehacked.com/productivity/self-published-book-marketing-plan/ . That list is aimed at self-published authors, but much of it also applies to books published with small presses.

 

My editor pushed me to garner at least 50 Amazon reviews because that was a requirement to run ads in certain influential newsletters. Getting that many online reviews was no small feat! But it paid off in other ways, too, due to Amazon’s algorithms for recommending titles. Personally, I do my best to support independent booksellers, but as an author, it’s hard to ignore Amazon’s influence. Having over 50 reviews and an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars has certainly helped the book reach more readers.

 

RESOURCES        

 

Julie: Can you give us some resources to locate and research smaller publishers?

 

Carmela: When I presented the webinar Small Press, BIG Decision, I created a list of related resources on my website. www.carmelamartino.com/blog/posts/39973 The list includes links for finding small presses along with resources for vetting them and questions to ask before signing a contract.

 

Some of the authors I interviewed who had published with small presses were very happy, but others regretted the decision. That’s why I encourage authors to do their due diligence before signing with a small press.

 

Julie: Thank you, Carmela. You’ve given us a lot to think about. What’s next for you?

 

Carmela: I’ve returned to my first love: writing poetry. I have three poems out this year in anthologies for children and teens and a poem in an anthology for adults scheduled for 2023. I’m also working on several picture book projects. I continue to teach and blog, and I’d be happy to present my webinar again for other groups.

                                                                                                                        

Be sure to check out Carmela’s informative website: https://www.carmelamartino.com/

 

Take a Look Around - What Inspires You?

Most writers and illustrators spend an incredible amount of solitary time in one key  location—whether it's their office, studio space, or a favorite out-of-the-way nook. While lost in thought when we're digging deep—and inevitably searching for a bit of inspiration—what do we look at? What does our gaze settle on?

A piece of beautiful art or a memorable photo? 

A knickknack with an important back-story? 

A meaningful quote?  

What fills us up and nudges us on? Friends in my creative community shared their thoughts with me.

Carmela Martino glances at an opaque blue-gray egg that was a gift during the time she worked on her M.F.A. at Vermont College. At the end of a semester and a period of working closely together, her mentor presented her with the glass egg. She noted it was a symbol of Carmela's yet unborn stories still waiting to be shared. Simply holding or rubbing the smooth, cool glass egg in her hands helps Carmela seek out inspiration.

Looking at a beautiful piece of art and remembering the story associated with the piece plays a central role for many of us. Julie Phend's husband bought her a piece of woodcut art from Costa Rica entitled "El Escribidor," which means The Writer. She noted "it reminds me that I am indeed a writer, and I have a responsibility to develop my skills."  And what a lovely show of support from her husband.

Michelle Schaub studies a postcard she picked up when she signed up for her first Highlights poetry workshop.

At the program, she worked on polishing a manuscript that would later become her first book sale. She didn't know at the time how attending the workshop would boost that project. "I went for the experience, and I met so many amazing people who have become mentors and supporters," she noted. "It reminds me to say 'yes' to opportunities because you don't know where they will lead. And to enjoy the journey as much as the destination."

Dana Easley hangs watercolors in her office so she is surrounded by creativity while she works on her writing projects. (Cool fact—she actually created this art, too, which I think is pretty amazing!) Who wouldn't be energized and inspired looking at beautiful florals as you ponder a first draft or tackle a challenging revision. It's a reminder that our own creativity knows no bounds.

Dana also has a large quote displayed on one of her office walls that says "Books turn Muggles into Wizards." It reminds her of the joy and value of books. (Created from a vinyl adhesive decal  ordered online—you simply rub it on the wall surface.) I love Dana's example of a big quote on the wall of your office. How cool is that?  I'm going  to have to think about how I can use this awesome idea.

Patty Toht has a few favorite quotes that help her move forward. There are two that she keeps taped to her computer . . . "Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere."—Anne Lamont, Bird by Bird. (I need to remember that as I start my awful first drafts . . .) And then there's this one, "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."—Thomas Edison. I love both of these!

When Christy Mihaly was out for a nature walk, she spotted this hand-painted stone. Who painted it? And who took the time to leave it as a sweet surprise for someone to find and brighten their day? An unsolved mystery. It reminds Christy to take notice, be present—and yes, to take joy! (Plus it makes her smile—and a happy writer is usually a productive writer.)

Suzy Leopold finds inspiration from a beautiful hand-quilted creation made by her mom. Displayed right next to her writing desk, gazing at the lovely quilt reminds Suzy of her mother's love as well as her supportive and encouraging words: read, write and create every day. (Bonus—on a cold winter's day Suzy can also use the quilt for an extra layer of warmth to chase away the chill!)

Sherri Rivers surveys the Word Bird art perched on her bookcase and reflects on the amazing experience she had at a Highlights Nonfiction Workshop. During the conference, attendees bid on items as a small fundraiser and this cute piece caught her eye. After winning the bid, her workshop leader would not let her pay for it and bought it for her! Whenever she looks at this little treasure, she remembers the joy of attending the conference, the kindness and generosity of her workshop leader—and the kidlit community in general. Sherri knows that words count and can change lives!

I have one favorite object that speaks to me.  I keep a heavy, round paperweight in a prominent spot on my desk. It's right next to my computer monitor, so I see it whenever I sit down to work. It reads: "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." When I'm done with my umpteenth draft of a picture book project and think it just might be across the finish line . . . this paperweight serves as a nice braking mechanism. It encourages me to have patience and set high standards for this work-in-progress. It reminds me to use my critique groups for input. It sends a message to gather and listen to the feedback from industry professionals at conferences. And most importantly,  it signals to give my project more effort before sharing it with a key decision-maker. (Besides, it looks a lot nicer than a big red STOP sign!)

Take a look around. What inspires YOU in your favorite workspace? 

Celebrating the Successful Critique Group: I Couldn’t Have Done it Without You! by Julie Phend

 

No matter where you are in your writing journey, the COVID-19 pandemic has put roadblocks in your path. Maybe it’s hard to find time to write with kids at home or you’re distracted by concern for loved ones. Perhaps you have a new book that has to be promoted entirely online. These are added challenges to an already difficult job. But writers are a resilient group. We may stumble on the stones thrown in our path, but we pick ourselves up and keep on traveling.

We need not travel alone. The support of others is crucial to our journey. And one of the best ways to find support is through a good critique group. I belong to two groups, one that used to meet in person and another that has always critiqued online. Now, due to the pandemic, both groups meet on Zoom. Through these tough months, we have encouraged and pushed each other. We’ve continued to be productive because we know others are counting on us. The pandemic has actually brought us closer, and I believe both groups are stronger than ever. 

So I want to give a shout-out to critique groups everywhere and explore what makes them work.

What is a Critique Group?

A critique group is a group of writers who share their work on a regular basis for the purpose of exchanging feedback and improving craft.

 

Why are critique groups important for a writer?

I posed this question to Terry Jennings, who facilitates critique groups for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) MidAtlantic chapter. 

She said, “A critique group serves as a sounding board for your writing. Critique groups can tell you what you’re doing well, as well as what is confusing about your piece. You can use the group to talk through a problem and get ideas about how to solve it. A critique group also provides validation of your work. It pushes you to write and teaches you to meet deadlines. And by critiquing others, you learn what works. You grow as a writer.”

What are the important elements of a successful critique group?

I asked this question of number of writers involved in critique groups. The answers were surprisingly consistent.

• Respect: It is crucial to respect each member’s work, their personality, and their process. Remember, they are entrusting you with their creative baby—treat that gift with care.

• Generosity: Members genuinely want to help each other find the best path for telling their stories. They applaud what works and make suggestions for improvement.

• Honesty: Critique partners must be honest about what is confusing or doesn’t work. Oftentimes, discussion leads to insight, and insight leads to the best fix.

• Commitment: When you join a critique group, you are making a commitment to yourself as well as fellow members. Giving thoughtful feedback takes time. Meet deadlines. Carve out the time needed.

How Do Critique Groups Work?

This varies from one group to another. Both of my groups exchange manuscripts for written feedback prior to meeting. However, one group sends comments before the meeting while the other sends them afterward. Some groups read a submission aloud during the meeting, organize their responses, and then discuss. Still other groups exchange feedback entirely through written comments without ever actually meeting.  

Groups vary in size, the most workable being 4-6 members. Meetings vary from weekly to monthly and last about two hours. What’s important is to meet regularly, set guidelines for number of pages and rules for discussion, and follow them. Every writer should get equal time. A timer is crucial for this purpose.

What are my responsibilities in critiquing others?

Meet deadlines. Take time to read your partners’ work carefully and give thoughtful comments both on what works and what doesn’t. When possible, suggest a fix. Be specific, but don’t rewrite it yourself. Always remember, it’s the author’s story. Confidentiality is important, too. Don’t talk about your critique partners’ work to others. It’s their decision when and how much they want to share about their projects.

What are my responsibilities when my work is critiqued?

Listen openly and attentively. Take notes and ask questions if you don’t understand something, without interrupting or becoming defensive. Don’t dismiss what others are saying—upon reflection, you will often see the wisdom of their comments. At the same time, remember it’s your story. Know your story so you aren’t unduly influenced.

 

Other Insights from the Writers I Interviewed:

• Go into it with a spirit of collaboration, not competition. Celebrate each other’s successes, large and small. Be cheerleaders for each other! Since writing is such a solitary endeavor, camaraderie and support can be as important as the actual critique.

• A good group needs to concentrate on both the big picture and the nitty-gritty. It’s more than proofreading.

• A good fit is crucial. Look for a group that writes for the same audience or genre as you. Join on a trial basis and see if you feel comfortable. Do you like the members’ work? Does their feedback meet your needs? “It’s like a relationship,” says critique member Joyana McMahon. “You’re not only choosing each other; you’re choosing to commit and foster each other’s growth over time.”

Joyana McMahon, Julie Phend, JoAnn Sanchez Kenyon, Amy Thernstrom on Zoom

 

Like any good relationship, your group will have its ups and downs. The make-up of your group may change over time, but your commitment will stand. There is no better feeling than having one of your group members publish a new book and knowing you helped it on its journey.

This sounds wonderful! How can I find a group?

There are many resources online. SCBWI offers resources. A local chapter can put you in touch with people who live near you. (SCBWI MidAtlantic maintains a list of writers looking for critique groups in its member pages.) Other writers’ organizations offer similar services. Put out a request on their Facebook pages and on your own. Check out the writing community on Twitter. Talk to other writers at conferences. 

Let people know you’re looking for a group, and you will find one. Then give it your best, and you will reap the rewards!

 

Fab Five Critique Group: Eileen Meyer, Carmela Martino, Dana Easley, Natalie Rompella, Julie Phend

Resources:

For more insight on critique groups, check out the following related Grog blog posts:

https://groggorg.blogspot.com/2017/12/critique-groups-critique-partners-we.html?fbclid=IwAR2mvpDyvY4uPGvLrgyaTJoBBY_qeEWLd_f2X8oTVKb0KbNPETkxlmfFVOc

 

https://groggorg.blogspot.com/2015/08/rx-for-your-critique-group-by-patricia.html?fbclid=IwAR3vqRbTz_HUIPMgIEkQtxVmao6aL9_3HxuJLe52-PiNfo8yk_MJITo2-sU

 

https://groggorg.blogspot.com/2018/01/critique-groups-part-2-by-kathy-halsey.html?fbclid=IwAR3MfQ9fs11oY-GAi-UWYJhkV8TIJl5gOHx9Lr6sBe2kuqwsPapLVTA_jt4

Another helpful resource is THE WRITING GROUP BOOK: CREATING AND SUSTAINING A SUCCESSFUL WRITING GROUP Edited by Lisa Rosenthall

 

 

Meet author Eileen R. Meyer ~ by Patricia Toht

This woman is one of the most diligent writers I know:

While I often sheepishly show up to critique group with nothing in hand, she consistently crafts and revises. This spring marks the birth of her third book, and I think she's someone you might like to know. Welcome to the GROG, Eileen R. Meyer!

How long have you been writing for children?

Eileen: I joined SCBWI and took an introductory class from local author/teacher, Carmela Martino, when my twins were in preschool. Last fall, they left home for college – so it’s been almost 15 years since I started down this path!

When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?

Eileen in second grade.

Eileen: I’m a bit of a late bloomer. I grew up in a big, noisy family. Books provided escape – I was hooked on reading from a young age. But, I never thought about writing as a profession. 

The three adorable Meyer boys
(from left - Mitchell, William, Christian).

Fast forward a few decades, and I found myself once again in the children’s department of the library with my three young sons. All were born within a two-year period so I had my own toddler reading circle! We lugged home 20 - 30 new books each week and read story after story. I began to think more about writing for children, so I signed up for Carmela’s class.  Today, my sons still love to read books, and in this digital world, I consider that one of my best accomplishments!

Your new picture book, Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals: A Story of Sleep, combines nonfiction and poetry (my favorite combination!). How long does it take to research a picture book? Any tips?

Eileen: Each project is unique. Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals showcases fourteen animals in a lyrical bedtime story about the unusual ways that animals sleep. 

Natural history notes explain how each one sleeps, from the frigatebird that naps while flying to the walrus that sleeps with its tusks anchored in floating ice. This book took about three months to research and write. But a different manuscript (about a famous historical figure) has taken well over a year to painstakingly research and write. The complexity of the subject matter can dictate how long a project may take. 

As for research tips, I think everyone has their own methods. Being open-minded when a lead takes you down a completely different path is important. Your manuscript may end up being quite different than you first intended!

What inspires you to write? How do you come up with your ideas?

Eileen: I love the process of working on a new manuscript! Each project is an exploration -- a challenge to learn something new and share it with young readers. Choosing a potential topic is great fun, and inspiration is all around:

1) Keep a journal. Something you read in a newspaper or hear on the news may spur an idea.

2) Write a book that should be available. My first book was about animals and their respective speeds, from slow movers to speed demons. Existing books compared only fast animals or focused on one particular animal in detail. So my first book, Who’s Faster? Animals on the Move, filled a void in the marketplace.

3) Work with a topic that complements part of your life. My second book, Ballpark, was written during the time that my sons played Little League. We toured ballparks all over the U.S. – so I was immersed in all-things baseball.

Eileen's poem, "Fossils"
© Highlights Magazine
November, 2007

What do you like most about writing poetry?

Eileen: I enjoy the challenge –  each poem is a puzzle. Before I sit down to write, I think about what I’m trying to achieve. Will the poem be humorous? Should there be a twist at the end? Free-flowing in style or clipped and terse? Informative? Silly?  Once I have an idea, the challenge is then to write a great poem. It’s all a learning process.

What do you like least?

Eileen: The fact that the finished product can be a very hard sell. Many editors don’t want to see poetry collections or picture books written in verse, and agents don’t seem too keen on poetry either.

You sold your first three books without an agent. Well done! Do you have any advice for writers who are submitting their own work?

Eileen:

1) Send only your best work. Share your text with a critique group and revise, revise, REVISE! Make every word in your PB manuscript perfect. Sending your best work is the only way I know to rise to the top of the slush pile. 

2) Consider submitting to smaller publishing houses. Many have open submissions policies and are supportive of publishing new voices.  My first picture book sale was to a smaller house and they’ve been great to work with. I sold another book to them a few years later.

3) To gain access to closed houses, attend writing conferences. Take note when editors identify what they’re looking for or what would “make their day”. I sold my second book this way – an editor said she was interested in picture books about sports, so I submitted Ballpark. Months later she asked for revisions (which I gladly did!) and they offered me a contract. Ballpark was published in 2014, is now in paperback, and is offered in Scholastic Book Club and Book Fairs.

When you do school visits, what do you find resonates well with students?

Eileen: HUMOR! I try to introduce some funny elements at the beginning of my programs. When students know we’re going to have fun, they loosen up.  Also, BE PREPARED. It takes a lot of advance work to make things look “effortless” the day of your program!

Here’s a question that we love to ask: If you could invite any author or illustrator to dinner, who would it be?

One of Douglas Florian's
many books.

Eileen: Tough question! I have to choose just one? I think it would be author/illustrator, Douglas Florian. I adore his poetry collections. His work is quirky and insightful; he’s distinctive and approaches each topic in a unique fashion.  I also admire his spare, simple verse, which is quite difficult to write.

Are you working on something new?

Eileen: I am almost finished with a poetry collection about an important figure in American history. I’m revising it to submit for a critique at the SCBWI LA conference this summer. (Can’t wait – I’m a first time attendee at this event!) I’m also researching a picture book biography of a sports figure. I began it years ago, but couldn’t figure out the right framework and set it aside. Now, five years later, I have an idea of how to write it. I need to revisit my research, digging deeper into the person’s life and experiences.

Where can we find you on social media?

Eileen: My website is www.eileenmeyerbooks.com.

More information about my new picture book, Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals: A Story of Sleep, can be found here. Purchase it here or here. 

Find me (and "Like Me"!) on Facebook here.

Thanks, Eileen!