A lot of stuff can happen in a matter of weeks. I got a new job teaching an after school enrichment program two days a week, had a birthday, went to see a Broadway play (my second) up close and personal, got a little more comfortable navigating New York public transportation and had my portfolio reviewed by four major children's publishers.

To the uninitiated a portfolio drop-off is when you leave your portfolio with the art director for a day for him and her to look at and tell you what they think. Pre- internet this was the best way to guarantee your work was seen.

I found this beautiful site the gives you all of the drop-off days for most major publishers, names and contact information and their preferences. (It is not always up-to date, always double check) I culled my list to 4 publishers who accepted portfolios on days when I would be in NY, and whose lists I thought would be a good match for me. ( I only have two portfolios and honestly navigating your way around Manhattan before the appointed times is a bit traumatic, so I limited my chances.)

I also scored a meeting with JoAnn Hill from Clarion. This was great, I got to hear her honest reaction to my work and she gave me some advice which has been swimming in my head but I was in severe denial about. I need to work on settings, expressions and my favorite part was that I don't have to force myself to draw kids. Of course, following that, she said I would need to write my own stories to get published. Which I really want to do but seriously need to work on my writing skills.

The other drop-offs were at Scholastic (the coolest office, but almost couldn't get in to pick up my portfolio), Dial and GP Putnam. Dial and Scholastic gave me simple form rejections while I got a detailed rejection from GP. The AD there listed many of the same things as Ms. Hill. So, I am at the point where I have to completely re-do my portfolio. Yep, completely. Not necessarily re-do the same pieces (though we all know how fond I am of that) but just make some major improvements and work my tukus off. I was quite dejected at first but now am looking at it as a mission. I was stuck in a rut and this was just the thing I needed to give me guidance and a good kick in the rear.