Ron Roy Talks About Challenges of Getting Published

Don't become a writer if you expect to make a lot of money. Become a writer because you love to write.

That was but one of the nuggets that popular children's author Ron Roy provided a rapt audience of 70 parents and kids at the Granby Senior Center and Youth Services building on Wednesday evening.

"Only a tiny percentage of writers make any money at all," he said. "The only reason I chose writing as a career is because I love it."

Roy, a prolific writer, is responsible for three children's series: A to Z Mysteries, Capital Mysteries, and Calendar Mysteries.

But while he discouraged anyone expecting to be rewarded with riches from becoming a writer, money was the prevailing theme and motivator for Roy.

Indeed, after he completed all 26 books in the A to Z Mystery series, Roy provided a one-word answer for why he created the spin-off Calendar Mystery series.

"Money," he deadpanned to the audience, the members of which breaking out in laughter. "I said, 'OMG, what am I going to do now?'"

Roy, who taught third and fourth grade in the Rocky Hill school system for 10 years, also discussed the difficulties he had in getting one of his manuscripts published for the first time.

After being rejected by over 20 publishing houses, Random House finally said yes in the 1970s to "1,000 Pails of Water," a gentle story about a boy trying to save a whale.

Roy said that, unless you're J.K. Rowling or Maurice Sendak, writers don't make much off their first books.

"[Publishers] care more about your second book, your third book, your fourth book," Roy said. "Your first book gets you in the door. They want to know, 'Are you truly a writer?'"

Persistence is key, Roy said.

If an editor says that he or she likes the way you write, you better have another manuscript on hand to send to that person, Roy advised.

But once your accepted by a publisher, it's easier to sell manuscripts, Roy said.

"Suddenly, [the publisher says], 'We like you,'" Roy said. "For years you get a [rejection] card in the mail."

But the rewards can be great if a writer touches a nerve with the public.

Roy said that for every one of his books that is sold, he receives just 25 cents.

But with 9 million copies of his books in circulation, "that's a lot of quarters," he said.

"I earn a living because I have so many books out there," he said. "If you're smart, you write a series of books. ... Keep writing, keep writing, keep writing. ... It's hard work."

A parent during the question-and-answer part of the discussion touched on why his books are so popular.

"I like to read your books out loud," said Julie Hassler, who attended the talk with her son, Ben.

Roy revealed the secret to his success - he tries to appeal to adults first.

"Children don't buy books; editors, and parents and librarians buy books," he said. "I write for adults because they sign the checks."

Still, Roy said that a writer of children's books has to be able to write in the language of children, and not sounding too much like an adult.

"I taught third and fourth graders for 10 years, so I know how children talk," he said.

Roy first described how he writes his books and how a book's cover illustration is made and chosen.

When the discussion ended, Roy signed books that children brought with them.

At least one of his young fans, who anxiously wanted to get in line for the book signing, took away a positive message from the discussion.

"I think he gave very good advice," 9-year-old Chelsea Koss said. "I think it will inspire a lot of people."