I was speaking at the Irish Pen ‘New Kids on the Block’ event last night, along with Svetlana for the Author Rights Agency, Siobhan Parkinson, new children’s editor at Little Island (New Island’s imprint for children and teens), and Paddy O’Doherty, new children’s editor at PUffin Ireland.

I will do a full report on the evening next week – but for now – the main points – ie what they are all looking for. Which is what everyone really wants to know!

Paddy – Puffin Ireland: Wants 7 to 9 fiction
but especially 8 to 12 fiction
She says ‘read Puffin books’ and see where the gaps in the list are – and try to fill the gaps!
she wants – animal and child stories like Charlotte’s Web
Humour for girls – Louise Rennison type books (she kindly mentioned my own Amy Green books as the type of thing she is looking for)
Fantasy
The books must be ‘well written, original ideas and voice, with a real sense of control’ – she wants to feel that the author knows what she (or he) is doing – a sense of authority
She has 80 submissions at the moment to go through, but is very keen on reading more manuscripts from new authors – all good news!

Siobhan – Little Islands: is looking for novels for age 9+ and teen novels
she is not a huge fantasty fan herself – she likes realistic novels
she wants – ‘originality, a strong voice, someone who is in control of their writing’

Svetlana – agent: is a big fan of fantasy and finds this sells best to international publishers
she as likes teenage/crossover fiction
universal stories are vital – and she is most interested in books that can travel

To find out more see: www.puffin.ie
or email siobhan at siobhan.parkinson@newisland.ie

Oh and I told people to read children’s books to get an idea of what works, and many other things – but I’ll type up my notes and publish them here asap.

I have a barby to cater for now – 30 of Ben’s work gang – and it’s pouring rain – oops!

Have a good weekend,

SarahXXX