To Prologue or Not to Prologue

Each one of my books in The Chillwane Chronicles trilogy opens with a prologue. In my mind, a prologue provides upfront information not directly revealed in the first 50 pages; it weaves an element of continuity through the three books; and, frankly, it provides an instant tinge of mood. Now, I don't pen lengthy prologues. I figure (and this is just me) that if I can't say it in a page or less, then it needs to be part of the exposition or wiggled into the conflict.

Minju Chang, an agent with BookStop Literary Agency since 2006, disagrees. There are few times when a prologue is needed, she says. When she looked over the opening pages of my manuscript, she asked pointed questions about the purpose of the prologue. To my credit, I think I defended its existance adequately enough. But I can't thank her enough for her willingness to be that difficult combination of sharply critical and graciously kind.

Because, ultimately, the prologue didn't matter. I tucked my tail, sidled into my study, and took a good, long, hard look at each one of the prologues. And deleted them. Even though I had initially thought them integral to the story, each was entirely dispensible. Minju was right. And thanks to her insight, I have a stronger beginning: more solid, more impact.

BookStop Literary Agency & What They're Looking For

Looking for an agent? The BookStop Literary Agency specializes in children's books (picture and up), middle grade, and young adult. Both founder Kendra Marcus and agent Minju Chang are interested in hyphenated American characters, specifically Asian- and African- and Hispanic or Latino, and anything quirky, unique, or 'smart' will land you their attention.

When Ms. Marcus says, "BookStop is always thrilled to find manuscripts with unforgettable and vivid voices," she means it. They've published a poop book and another about a baby crocodile who just wants to eat a child.

In a nutshell: Kendra knows the voice she's looking for and she's very specific about it. If your story doesn't "sound" like the child in her head, she'll make no bones about it...and spare no feelings. Minju, on the other hand, is soft-spoken and kind, almost apologetic about not wanting to see your work. Although I didn't find anyone at the PNWA conference who had their work requested by BookStop Literary Agency, it doesn't mean they're not "actively seeking." And, after all, I didn't have the chance to talk to everyone regarding his/her experience with this agency.