“What are you doing?” Martha hissed beside him.
He didn’t turn to look at her. He couldn’t bear seeing the reproachful look in her eyes. “We have time now. I’m not going to waste it by just sitting here when one of these writers who didn’t get a chance to snag an appointment with us might have the manuscript we’re looking for.”
“That’s not what I meant, and I think you know it.”
He did. She wanted to know why he was treating all their appointments without much kindness or consideration for their feelings. He wished he could say Jessica Baker had been the first person he’d cut off in the middle of their allotted time, but she wasn’t. There had been the writer who’d said her book was one of a kind and that there wasn’t a single comparative title to match it. He’d tried to shoo her along, but Marthawouldn’t let her go without first gently informing her that her manuscript was in fact similar to bothThe Goldfish Boyby Lisa Thompson andThe London Eye Mysteryby Siobhan Dowd. And that, in her opinion, her proposal would be stronger if it included comparables since there were rarely ever real trailblazers in children’s fiction anymore.
“You’re not acting like yourself,” Martha pressed.
Julien ignored her, standing and holding out his hand to the man he’d waved over. “Hello. Julien King from Squire, and this is Martha Aldridge.”
“Henry Tuttle.” He shook Julien’s hand with a firm grip.
Julien smoothed down his suit jacket as he resumed his seat. “Well, Henry. Why don’t you tell us about your work?”
Henry cleared his throat as he extracted a piece of paper and handed it over. “As you can see from my one-sheet there, I write historical fiction. I’m currently writing a series from the point-of-view of working dogs throughout history during some of the world’s most significant events.”
Julien peeked at Martha out of the side of his eye to gauge her reaction. She nodded along, her gaze scanning the paper between them.
“Dog books are pretty popular. Ellen Mills has had a lot of success with her PuppyPlaceseries as well as Kate Klimo with DogDiaries. Kate Klimo’s books are also written from the canine’s POV.” She glanced up and peered at Henry. “What makes your series stand out in a crowded market?”
“Great question. I’d say my series is what you’d get if you combined both the DogDiariesseries andSoldier Dog. As far as what makes my books stand out, I’d say it’s the audience I have in mind. Most animal books such as the two series you mentioned are targeted to younger readers between the ages of seven to ten with a reading level of about second to fifth grade.”
He paused, and both Julien and Martha nodded.
“There’s a need, however, for those young readers who have accelerated reading levels. Too often the books that are on their advanced level of reading are not appropriate for their age and maturity. They’re left with books that are too easy for them and don’t let them grow from more challenging language while still being content-appropriate. My series will fill that need.”
Martha’s eyes shone with excitement. It was plain to see that she loved the idea. If Julien had to guess, she probably even had a few young library patrons in mind to give such a book to. He wasn’t sold, however.
“Sounds like a niche market when compared to the market as a whole,” he pointed out.
Henry dipped his head in concession. “Perhaps, but needed nonetheless.”
“I agree,” Martha quickly concurred.
True or not, reaching a handful of readers wasn’t going to preserve the legacy his dad was willing to risk his life for. Julien needed a book for the masses, not one that catered to a handful of gifted kids.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think—”
“We’d be interested in reading a sample of your work,” Martha said at the same time.
Both of them turned to stare at the other. Henry looked between them, but it wasn’t surprising when he chose to answer Martha instead of accepting Julien’s dismissal.
“The first three books are complete.”
Martha reached for one of Julien’s business cards that he’d stacked on the table. “We’d love to read your work. Please email us the manuscript of the series starter, if you will.”
Henry beamed. “Oh wow. Thank you so much.” He took the business card and made a hasty retreat as if he were afraid Julien would rescind the request for a full manuscript.
“A series like that isn’t what we’re looking for,” Julien saidthrough clenched teeth. “You’ve only given the man false hope. Squire isn’t going to publish his books.”
“It should.”
“Do you honestly think his narrowed audience reach is going to bring Squire into the black?”
“No.” She turned to look up at him, her combative gaze transforming into one of beseeching. “But I do honestly believe books like that are needed as well as books from the other end of the spectrum—easier to read but with an older age bracket of children in mind for the reluctant readers. Do you know how many parents in both camps come into the library looking for books for their kids and leave disappointed because most publishers think like you?”
“I get it.” Julien steeled himself against the entreating way she was looking at him. He had to stay the course, no giving in. “But that isn’t our objective, so I’d appreciate it if you stayed focused.”
