Sometimes securing a book deal feels like mixing a potion. If you have all the right ingredients, in the right amounts, and a touch of magic, it all comes together. According to these debut kidlit authors, patience, persistence, revision, and writing what you love are all good measures for brewing something good.
1. ALEXANDRIA ROGERS—The Witch, the Sword, and the Cursed Knights (MG Fantasy, Little, Brown) “I first thought of this book on Christmas day, 2010. The first version of it flumped, so I wrote new books, worked on my craft, and didn’t rewrite it until 2019. I signed with a dream imprint and an editor who truly understood the heart of the story—it was worth the wait!”
— (YA Historical, Knopf/BFYR) “My critique partner was talking about my book to her agent. Her agent, the tables turned so fast. I ended up with three offers of representation!”
