[ljmoz]

Hi All,

Term clarification note:
When using terminology that may not be common to all, (e.g. fish runs, two hook spreader) should a note be included in the manuscript? Or, left for the illustrator to research if need be?  :

Author note:
During a conference critique, an editor suggested I add an Author Note when submitting that particular story. Typically, where should such a note be presented when submitting? (I should of asked where to place it, but I didn't )


Art note (email submission):
I have two art notes that are necessary to include in my manuscript. What is the least intrusive way to present when submitting via email?

Ciao,
 
Lori Mozdzierz

[Anne Marie Posts: 3,034 Status: Offline VAMPIRINA has arrived on Disney Junior! WWW]

I don't know about the first question.

Author note:  I'd put it wherever you think it would go in the finished book, either at the front or the end.

Art note:  Just put it in parentheses or brackets, like this, at the place in the text where the reader needs the information:  [art note:  Joey's sword is a fish.]  I actually use the term "illo note" but I'm sure either is clear.

AM

[Artemesia Posts: 4,527 Status: Offline WWW]

For your first question, illustrators do visual reference research anyway, so I'd be inclined to leave it and let them look it up. I write and illustrate, so I'm not 100% sure about illustrating someone else's text, but as long as you have the proper term required for them to find what they need to illustrate it, you're probably safe.

[ljmoz]

Thanks, Ann Marie and Artemesia!

Ciao,

Lori

[Julia K. Posts: 142 Status: Offline WWW]

that is a lot of notes for a picturebook manuscript you are trying to get someone interested in- can any of them wait til you have a deal- and then be something you share with your editor before they find an illustrator- can you make a clarification in the cover letter instead of in the manuscript?- I'd not include 3 notes in a manuscript, 2 is pushing it, 1 is okay, none is better to get that sell -

[Artemesia Posts: 4,527 Status: Offline WWW]

I think two art notes is fine if they are necessary, it's notes dictating artistic direction that are to be avoided, and if an editor thought this particular story needed an author note, you could always just have it ready. Are you submitting this to the editor you met at a conference? If so, I'd include the author note. If you are submitting to agents, maybe just keep it ready and if there is interest you can let them know the ed's suggestion and that you have one and go from there. People get a little crazy sometimes about art notes and berate authors for using them, but if they are necessary to understand the ms, then they should be included. I know of authors on these boards who have been asked for them by editors because the story needed clarification. Two is not too many.

[ljmoz]

Julie, My questions on the three note types do not pertain to one manuscript. Yikes! That may have my MC and gang in file 13 in no time flat! 

Artemesia, Re: Author Note: No, my submission is not to the conference editor. Wish is was as I would love to work with her!

[Betsy Posts: 2,502 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

I usually put Author's Notes at the end of the manuscript for folk tales or nonfiction.  The editor will decide where it goes in the text.  I use the following for illos. notes:

**NOTE TO ILLUSTRATOR:  The "little house" is a dovecote. This is sometimes necessary when the point of view character is a child or an animal. No one's ever objected.

First question:  Try to include a short explanation in the text if you can:

"Bats make high frequency sounds that are too high for adult human ears to hear."
"She had become a selkie, a magical creature who could change shapes whenever she wanted."

The rule for picture books is:  Keep it simple.

[mirandapaulbooks]

When you say that you put the author's note at the end of the manuscript, do you mean you put it on the same page when submitting (or a page break, separate page when printed?).

I've written a fictional PB but am choosing to write an author's note (one paragraph) about the cultural art within the story.  I am also planning on including a bibliography (two sources) and an expert review for that note and the work as a whole.  Do you think that's too much info for a submission, or right on target?