AN INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE JACKOB GORDON AND JUDITH ROSS ENDERLE OF WRITER'S INK

Stephanie Gordon and Judith Enderle are both accomplished editors and authors (from picture books to young adult novels), as well as SCBWI board members. Together they run Writer's Ink, a by-mail critique service. They provide all writers (it doesn't make a difference whether you're a beginner or a published author) with clear direction and practical advice on how to tighten and improve a manuscript.

The following mini-interview was conducted for an article that appeared in the NJSCBWI August 2000 newsletter. We thought it might be beneficial to post it in its entirety.

1. How did Writer's Ink get started?

Why was Writers Ink started? Because we saw a need. Other children's book writers helped us when we were starting out by showing us how to cut and tighten a manuscript, how to find a good story beginning, how to pace, and how to dummy a picture book. We know a writer can get surrounded by his/her own words and not see where the story has strayed. We looked around to see what was available in critique services and found that there were many out there, but few affordable. We decided to start one.

2. How many manuscripts do you review on a given year (approx.)?

We receive 200-250 manuscripts a year, some for second reads; we have a number of repeat clients. Writers can send up to eleven pages for our minimum fee of $35, which means that many submit three picture book manuscripts at a time.

3. What are some of the benefits your critique offers writers? What do you hope they get from the experience?

The more polished your manuscript is when you submit it, the better chance of that story moving closer to the decision-maker's desk. We hope our clients learn how to edit their own work and write tighter manuscripts. It's also important to understand not to get too attached to your words or your titles; sometimes your favorite things have to go to make the story stronger.

4. Would you share a success story or two? Have manuscripts you critiqued been sold?

Our clients have sold to many different publishers, including Random House, Cricket, Holt, and educational publishers. One person who sent us her manuscript had been trying to sell her story for over three years and after working with us made a sale. Most of our business comes to us through word of mouth.

5. Is Writer's Ink available for beginning and advanced writers?

We work with writers at all levels.

6. Do you critique stories in verse?

We will critique stories in verse, but have to say we rarely see ones with really good rhyme. Too many writers force the rhyme, reversing sentences, using improper grammar, etc. to get the end sound. We recommend rhythmic prose over rhyme. Poor rhyme will detract from the best plot.

7. When you critique a manuscript, what cries out "rank amateur" to you?

Improper manuscript form, misspellings, and a cover letter that says that children NEED this story. The same things that tell the editors at a publishing house you haven't done your homework. Even the best story can be lost because of a sloppy presentation. No one wakes up and decides to be a brain surgeon that day. It works the same way with writing. Good writing, for children requires study and hard work.

8. Is there anything you'd like to add?

We want to help writers, but can't guarantee a sale; though we'd love to do that, too, we don't have a crystal ball. We will work to help improve your writing, to look more professional, and if your manuscript is close to being ready to market, we'll suggest possible publishers. When our clients celebrate a personal letter from an editor or a sale, we celebrate, too. We know how much hard work goes into writing a good story-how much of your heart can be covered in ink.

Writer's Ink charges $4.00 per page with a minimum charge of $50. Their service includes a written critique with manuscript notations, suggestions for marketing (when appropriate) and a 50% discount off the original charge for having the same manuscript read a second or subsequent times. Turn around time is approximately four to six weeks.

Typed, double space manuscripts may be sent with a SASE to: Writer's Ink, 4671 Templeton Street, Ventura CA 93003. They can also be reached at 805 644 3354, judink@aol.com.

Please note: a manuscript critique is no guarantee of a sale. It is often a step in the right direction, though.