The Logline: Kidlit Guide - Picking Project Priorities

How does one decide what to do?

Whether you’re still querying agents, you’ve just launched your debut, or you’ve been published for years, it’s hard to decide what projects to prioritize. Do you work on the one that seems most marketable? Or the manuscript that seems more fun?

So Logliners…

How do you choose which manuscript to work on? What do you consider when prioritizing a project?

Melissa: This is a great question. I generally like to have multiple different WIPs going at the same time (usually in very different stages of development) so that depending on my mood and muses, I have options. There are so many variables at play here, but priority is always going to go to an editor R&R, connection or invitation to see more; a #MSWL nugget that might be a good fit; or the manuscript I feel has the most catnip (hooks, etc.) for a particular house, imprint or editor based on their acquisitions and tastes. Other than that, it’s sometimes purely whim.

Robyn: I’ll echo Melissa here, I like to keep multiple WIPs on deck so I’m ready whenever creativity strikes. That usually includes both a nonfiction and a fiction manuscript. I do, however, get pulled off course when I have edits due for my editor or when my agent sends feedback on a recent submission. I’ve also found that critiquing the Logliners’ work really gets my own creative juices flowing, so I enjoy making time for that. And I try not to let “what’s marketable” dictate my writing. If I focus too much on that, the work starts to feel forced, instead of like something I genuinely want to put on the page.

Lindsay: For me, it’s whichever project is shouting the loudest at me in my head. I often have multiple ideas I’m working on, which I think is pretty typical. I like to jump from one to the other or my brain will get stale and my work will suffer. Sometimes I have way too many projects I’m interested in working on and they are all screaming at me and my time is limited because of marketing a current book, so I have to force myself to pick. When that happens, I put the ideas on the chopping block — which one is more fully formed in my head, marketability, will my agent see potential. It’s a good, creative problem to have.

Anne: Similar to Lindsay, I go with the one I’m most excited to work on. It does help to have several ideas so you can move back and forth between them. But my goal is always to zero in on a single idea and stick with it until I finish or until I decide it’s not going to work out.

Meghan: I have a hard time toggling between projects, so I try to pick something I’m excited about and stick with it until it’s finished. I’d love to learn how to be better about letting that go since sometimes the timing of the industry requires that we work on a few things at a time!

Kari: My brain naturally beep-boop-beeps around to different ideas, but this year really challenged me with contracted work on picture books, board books, and middle grade projects. When I’m researching, I find I’m pretty focused and in learning mode. When I’m in between projects, I work on whatever is hollering the loudest at me. Marketing interest rarely enters my mind (mostly because I have no idea what’s marketable - and really, does anyone?).

Let us know how you choose your projects in the comments below!

News & Updates & Events:

Hey, Dallas/Fort Worth friends: Lindsay and Kari have availability for an author visit on January 22nd. Contact us if you’re interested!

At NCTE, check out Kari’s panels and signings:

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