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Writer's Room => Picture Books (PB) => Topic started by: JohnellDeWitt on March 08, 2013, 08:04 AM

Title: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: JohnellDeWitt on March 08, 2013, 08:04 AM

I've got back matter in a couple of PB manuscripts. Just short paragraphs explaining the animals, plants and setting in the book. Should I include it with my MS submission or just mention that it's available in the query? And, I don't include the back matter in the word count--is that right?

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: Alison A on March 08, 2013, 08:15 AM

Definitely include the back matter. This info may help make your PB more marketable to certain editors, given the current core standards.

I agree, you don't have to include the back matter in overall word count of your story.

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: Verla Kay on March 08, 2013, 09:28 AM

I agree with Alison about including the back matter with your manuscript. Make sure it is on a separate page and note in your cover letter that you have included extra information on a separate page that can be used in the book, if the publisher wants to include it. Put a separate word count on the top of the extra page so the total word count with the extra information included can be quickly and easily calculated by the editor or agent. Good luck!

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: TMarie on March 08, 2013, 05:16 PM

Thank you. This is helpful.

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: KateMessner on March 08, 2013, 06:29 PM

Agree - include it. Back matter is important for any kind of informational text - even more so now with Common Core Standards.

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: Bobi Martin on March 08, 2013, 09:22 PM

Echoing what others have said. I'm an elementary school librarian and we're in process of adding books that fit with the new Common Core Standards. Back matter that includes facts which augment the story could push a fence-sitting editor your way. And as Verla said, put the back matter material on its own page with a separate word count--it's like a sidebar.

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: JohnellDeWitt on March 09, 2013, 12:35 PM

Thanks. :goldstar

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: HaroldU on March 09, 2013, 03:13 PM

Confirming what others have said from an editor's POV. Back matter is important and we want to see it!

Title: Re: Back Matter in a PB--do I put it in my MS?
Post by: KatieC on March 11, 2013, 10:59 AM

Thank you thank you for asking this, and for everyone who has answered! Great info.