Sunday, February 28, 2021

Ten Principles Guiding the Improbable Career of a Children’s Nonfiction Author

By Vicki Cobb

I never planned to be a writer. I had graduated college at 19 as a biology major and went directly to grad school from which I emerged with an MA in science teaching. I had written a grand total of two papers during my entire higher education. I married at 21 and promptly went to work as a science teacher so my husband could earn his PhD. My first son was born when I was 25 and our intentions were that I be a stay-at-home mother. 

But we still needed money and I needed something interesting to do at home. I saw an ad in the NY Times for teachers to write educational materials. Hmmm! I figured that after several years of teaching of talking about science, I could probably write about it. Not so fast, said the world.

Principle #1: Attributed to Dolly Parton, who said, “Never quit trying, never try quitting.”

I pursued the ad and after three revisions of the first chapter to make it “sound simple,” I received my first contract for a high school chemistry book. I got paid but the book didn’t get published. Found another publisher; wrote two more titles, Molecular Biology and Biological Measurement for a publisher who went bankrupt.  

Through networking, I was invited to lunch by an editor (who drank three martinis while the clock ticked for my babysitter.) I showed him my three unpublished books. “Vicki, you have to write a book for us.”  “Fine,” I replied. “How about The First Book of Logic?” (I had had one course in logic in college.) “Okay,” he said, “You give me an outline, I’ll give you a contract.  How long before the outline?”  “Six weeks,” I said, figuring I could learn enough logic in six weeks to write the outline; after that I would worry about the book.

Principle #2:  When opportunity knocks, think of these three things:

  • I might learn something.
  • It might lead someplace.
  • It pays well.

Two out of three and I grabbed it. Also, one very useful phrase is, “Let me think about it.”

My son was five years old when my first book was published. I was on my way.

I got a contract to write a book called Making Sense of Money for a multi-author series. My editor was a formidable older woman, Lillian McClintock. After I turned in my manuscript, she wrote me I letter that said, in part: “Writing for children is a serious endeavor. This work is entirely unsuitable. You have no business becoming a part of our profession.” Wow! Devastation! My husband said I should tell her to do something with the script that is anatomically impossible.

Principle #3: Don’t hesitate to bite the bullet when necessary.  I wrote Lillian by return mail: “Thank you for your comments.  [She had them all over the manuscript.] I hope my next attempt comes closer to your expectations.”

I couldn’t look at it for three weeks but then worked through it. It was published and I wrote another three books for her series. I read some of the other authors who worked for her; we all sounded alike. 

Principle #4: Stand your ground when forced to work against your nature.  My biggest hit, which established me, is Science Experiments You Can Eat. Its editor, who had moved to a different publisher, commissioned me to write Lots of Rot. The opening sentences went like this: “Want to smell something rotten?  Take a deep breath by a garbage can. If it’s rotten your nose knows. All it takes is one sniff. Yuck!”

The heavily blue-penciled manuscript by a junior editor had changed the language thus:

“Have you ever smelled something rotten? You probably have if you’ve taken a deep breath by a garbage can."  No “Yuck;” no play on words. I felt as if I’d been kicked in the stomach. I requested a meeting with publisher and editor. I prepared a document, “In Defense of Lots of Rot.” I bought a new suit.  I pled my case. Three days later they told my then agent, “If Vicki won’t write the book the way we want it, we won’t publish it.” Anticipating this, I had another publisher lined up. So, I told my agent to pull it. And it had a run of 25 years with the second publisher along with a couple of other books in the same vein. 

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink was a touchstone book for me. It defined the three most important things we all crave to find fulfillment in our work after procuring a livelihood.  It led to the next principle.

Principle #5:  There are four goals to having a happy working writer’s life:

  • Source of a livelihood.  (If you are not bankrolled by a spouse, do not underestimate what financial necessity does to productivity.)
  •  Autonomy
  •  Mastery
  • Purpose

Now, I’m going to sum up five more principles that don’t need lengthy anecdotal embellishment:

#6.  Don’t be a diva.  Meet deadlines. Indeed, be early.

#7.  During times when cash flow become a trickle, do something every single day that could potentially a lead to money. Keep asking yourself “What CAN I do?” Then do it.

#8.  Regard your agent as a partner in your career.  My second agent, who came into my life more than 20 years ago, hounded me to obtain rights reversions. Never knew so much work could be sold again and again.

#9.  Refine your brand.  What do you, as a human being, bring to your work that is distinctive? Mine is in my logo.

#10.  NOTHING IS WASTED!  Proposals that didn’t sell, dreams that were not realized, don’t reflect badly on you. The most elusive aspect of a hit is timing. Mine has been off for most of my career. 

 

ACTIVITY AND PRIZE

Write a short paragraph on a principle you may be struggling with. Send the paragraph to email@vickicobb.com. Vicki will  select ten people to attend a free Zoom conference to discuss these issues with her.   

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vicki Cobb is the acclaimed author of 95+ nonfiction books for children, including Science Experiments You Can Eat. Her numerous awards include a Sibert Honor and a Lifetime Achievement Prize from the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2012. Currently, Vicki is president/founder of INK Think Tank, Inc, a nonprofit that promotes the use of nonfiction literature in the classroom. Check out her websites: www.vickicobb.com, www.inkthinktank.org, and www.nonfictionminute.org.

 

 

73 comments:

  1. Fantastic read. I love #2. I was once told by a boss I couldn't do something and I went out and did it better. So it is really beautiful to read that you went on to write 3 more in her series.

    Crazy how our toughest critics know how to say what we need to, but don't want to, hear.

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  2. Wonderful post on how your career development and the principles you stood by . Thanks so much

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  3. This last post of the month was the one that made me laugh (although if I had received that note from Lillian McClintock, I would have cried!). I hadn't thought in terms of guiding principles, but I sure am now. Great post — Thanks!

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    1. Thanks for your comment. One thing I left out was an adage I picked up in a novel by Robert Anderson:

      Expect nothing.
      Blame nobody
      Do something.

      It the mantra for my life

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    2. If you're interested in attending my Zoom meeting. Write me with your email address.

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  4. Thank you for the post and your perfect 10 principles. All 10 are great, but #10 is an excellent reminder that no time spent writing is wasted. While it may not be the right time for a particular manuscript, keeping them all saved will be beneficial when the right time arrives. I love that your sons worked with you on your book Light Action! Amazing Experiments in Optics. Congratulations on your success!

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  5. Thank you for sharing your perspective, Vicki! It is helpful to keep that big picture in mind, especially for those of us who are just beginning our careers as writers.

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  6. Impressive and inspiring, Vicki! I love your opening lines of Lots of Rot. And I especially appreciate the reminder that no writing is wasted.

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  7. Thank you got writing about principles to stand by and I loved #3 and 8 about leaning on your agent.

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  8. Fascinating story and terrific information! I really learned a lot. I write mostly historical nonfiction, which relates.

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  9. Great post! I've been rejected over a hundred times, but nothing as nasty as your old woman editor. I think your terrific sense of humor kept you going too.

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  10. Thank you for your keep on keeping on principles. What always keeps me going is #2 -- I always learn something from research, writing, and pressing send. It's also amazing how, over time, one one thing leads to another.

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  11. What a perfect way to wrap up a great month of NF Fest! Thank you!

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  12. Oh man. This was terrific! I'm at the beginning, still trying to figure out my place in this whole nonfiction writing business. The mantra you wrote in the comments is priceless:

    Expect nothing.
    Blame nobody
    Do something.

    I'm doing a little something each day, so I must be getting somewhere. I just might not be able to see the exact destination yet.

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  13. Great advice! Thank you for your post!

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  14. Thanks for sharing the lessons you've learned over the years. It has underscored for me the value of persistence.

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  15. Great advice! Thank you for your post!

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  16. What I wonderful post on your writing principles. I immediately put 10 of you books on hold from my public library and look forward to learning and laughing!

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  17. Great post! Great words to write by! Never quit trying is my #1 mantra.

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  18. Vicki Cobb, I love your gutsy move with the decision to pull your manuscript, Lots of Rot, and have it put in the hands of another that became your bit hit! All of your Principals are spot on. Looking forward to reading and sharing your many books with my grands! Thank you for sharing your tips with us.

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    1. Glad I readed you with me words. Let me know if you want to come to my Zoom meeting. I need your contact info.

      Vicki

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    2. oh my, YES, PLEASE!! my contact info is: debscasa.deb@gmail.com, www.debbartschillustration.com. thank you!

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  19. Totally agree about the being early with deadlines!!

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  20. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Vicki!

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  21. This is jam packed with such wise advice. I love your moxie.

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  22. Thanks. Very perceptive of you. I have a small idea of where it comes from. Let me know if you'd like to join my Zoom meeting. I will need your contact info.

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  24. FABULOUS! Applies to all writers, not just nonfiction. And folks in the creative fields in general. (Typo in earlier comment... writing too fast. Mistake #43 ;-)))

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  25. And to expand upon Vicki's #6. Don't be high maintenance. Make your editor happy to hear from you, not respond with a sigh or a "here we go again." They are very busy people! Usually, if you have a question, you will figure it out yourself with a little time.

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  26. Great insights into your long and productive career, and great tips too!

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  27. Thanks so much, Vicki! It helps to hear about the realities of the writing life!

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  28. You are so wise, Vicki! I will email you.

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  29. What a great voyage for you! You seemed to have the right mindset from the start, as well as the perseverance necessary to keep you moving forward. Congratulations on so much success. And thanks for the tips!

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  30. Vicki, what a great way to end the month! I love your mantra in the comments and the turn of phrase - never try quitting. Thank you for an inspiring and motivating post!

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  31. Vicki, thank you for your humor and no-nonsense advice! I have printed your post and I know I will refer to it often. I also put Robert Anderson's "expect nothing" advice on a post-it on my desk. Best wishes to you and your family!

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  32. What a great post! Thank you for sharing all of this. It's very helpful and inspiring.

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  33. Vicki-Love the strength and power of your post. I'm going to channel Principle #1 as I send out those submissions and toss those rejections. Thank you for the inspiration and advice.

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  34. Thank you for sharing your writing journey. I will refer often to your sage advice in this post as I try to forge my creative life. And the quote from Bill Parcells mentioned in your comments speaks so many truths.

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  35. This post is chock full of great advice! Good for you for standing your ground...and for having another publisher already lined up!

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  36. What a wealth of encouragement! Thank-you

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  37. You had me at your post's title especially the word, "improbable". I love your let-no-one-take-you-prisoner approach to getting published and appreciate your ten guiding principles. I especially like #9 Refine Your Brand; your logo is unique, catchy, and very marketable! Did you develop your logo before you were published? At what point in the writing process do you suggest getting marketing ideas together? Thank you!

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  38. What a prolific writing journey you'be traveled! And what an inspiration for the rest of us...

    Great post!

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  39. Thanks for sharing your writing journey.

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  40. Thank you, Vicki Cobb!! I have long admired your work! Thank you for such thoughtful advice and information. I have printed it out so I can refer back to it often!

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  41. Great post, Vicki! And you didn't let that early negativity thrown at you inhibit you in the least--we can turn that around and use it as motivation--when I got married, the profs wrote me off with a shrug--she got married--she'll never finish. So I finished before all the others and had two babies along the way. So there!

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  42. Thank you for these great words of wisdom!

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  43. What a wonderful blog to end an amazing NF Fest! Thanks for sharing, Vicki!

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  44. Vicky, opportunity seized is never wasted!😊

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  45. Great advice. Rocking logo. Wonderful quotes. Uplifting and inspiring.

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  46. Vicki, you have contributed so much to the fun of being a life-long learner. Thank you for that and for this glimpse at your writing life. Your gracious response to that early, harsh rejection speaks volumes of what you bring to your work. Brava, you!

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  47. Vicki, you have contributed so much to the fun of being a life-long learner. Thank you for that and for this glimpse at your writing life. Your gracious response to that early, harsh rejection speaks volumes of what you bring to your work. Brava, you!

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  48. Really enjoyed! Thank you, Vicki, I will be able to deal with rejections a little easier now.

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  49. Funny enough, I've been trying to impress some of these principles on some young folk I know who are not necessarily aspiring writers but rather aspiring anythings, and of course finding the leap into their professional lives difficult in these challenging times -- I'm always saying "don't complain -- do anything!" I started my (illustration) career out of financial necessity and in the long run felt lucky for the drive to find opportunities. Thank you.

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  50. I needed to read this today. Thank you.

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  51. Thank you so much.This helps. A lot.

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  52. Loved reading this! And there is so much good advice here! Thanks for sharing, Vicki!

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  53. This is exactly what I need to read every time I feel like....well, every time I feel like! I will print this post and read it over and over. This was the "page turn" I needed to end this month of NFFest. Thank you so much Vicki. After I read this again I'll email you.

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  54. Thank you, Vicki, for sharing your ten principles.

    Suzy Leopold

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  55. Wonderful post, Vicki. I am reenergized. So much to remember as I think about a new project that will demand lots of new learning for me.

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  56. Becoming a published writer takes guts, which you have in abundance. Thanks for telling it like it was and is, and for inspiring so many people.

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  58. Exactly what I've needed to hear. Thank you SO much for your insights.

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  59. What a fantastic post filled with concrete gems and inspiration. Thank you!

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  60. Refining my brand is the flashing light in the sky.

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  61. Those are really terrific principles to live by! I'm very good about #6 but all the other ones I need to do at least a bit of work on.

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  62. Thank you for a wonderful post, Vicki!

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  63. Very informative! I think I will be focusing on Principle #5; will need angel investors, I think... Thanks!

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  64. Vicki, I totally endorse your writers motto,
    Expect nothing.
    Blame nobody
    Do something.
    Mine is: No matter what don't give up.
    Sue

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  65. Bless you, Vicki! What an encouraging post about the power of perseverance! I love your motto. Great advice for taking responsibility for getting to where you want to go.

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