Jay Asher: How to Sell a Book in Twelve Years...or Less!

Words affect people.  Remember that every time you write something.

In college, he wrote the text to two picture books.  He decided he wanted to write funny books for young kids.

Keep your mind open to trying new things.  It might be what you're the best at.

He joined SCBWI in 1999.

Jay got his first agent in 2000.  He also won the Sue Alexander award.

Promote yourself!

In 2003, he won a work-in-progress grant.

Won first prize in a Chris Crutcher contest in 2004.


At one point, he said he thought he was done writing.

There are different reasons for rejection.  Not all are bad.

Received multiple offers for 13 Reasons Why.

He wouldn't have had his writing journey happen any other way.