Getting a Book Deal

MYFOXNY.COM - Authors like J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, and Meg Cabot have made reading cool again for many teens and tweens. But what does it take to become an author and just how do you break into children's publishing? Fox 5's Christina Park set out to find out.

She spoke to Fox 5 writer Shani Petroff, who is also the author of Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel. It's published by Penguin and is about 13-year-old Angel Garrett who finds out her dad is the devil.

So what made Penguin buy this series and pass on others?

Publisher Francesco Sedita said the great voice, characters and story line drew him to the series. Senior editor Judy Goldschmidt agreed, saying voice is always the first thing she looks for.

Agent Jodi Reamer represents Shani along with many best selling authors including Stephenie Meyer of the Twilight saga. She says a key to getting published is sticking with it. She says writing is a skill you can hone, and the more you practice the better you get.

So what else can help your chances of getting a book deal?

In our MYFoxNY.com Web extra, Shani Petroff got some extra inside scoop from her publisher, editor, and agent.

Some tips included in the piece:

1. Write what you're passionate about.
2. Read what's out there--know the market and what's age appropriate.
3. Never stop trying to advance your writing.
4. The pitch doesn't matter if the writing doesn't live up to it.
5. Explore writers' workshops, conferences, classes.
6. Network.
7. Don't give up.

For more information on Bedeviled log on to ShaniPetroff.com . You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.