Where the Women Are: Tough Questions About the Gender Disparities in Children’s Publishing
We’re celebrating Women’s History month with 31 days of posts focused on improving the climate for social and gender equality in the children’s and teens’ literature community. Join in the conversation on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kidlitwomen or Twitter #kidlitwomen Recently a group of children’s lit colleagues and I (all women) did some head-scratching about our industry’s gender disconnect. […]
Am I Writing a Picture Book?
Not every children’s book with illustrations qualifies as a picture book. Picture book is a unique format, distinct from chapter books or illustrated novels. Picture books are designed for pre-schoolers and elementary school readers, and while the latter may be able to read independently, these books are intended to be read aloud — which is a unique craft challenge, meaning […]
The #1 Best Resource for Picture Book Authors
If you’re a working or aspiring picture book writer, this post is for YOU. The single best resource that I know of for picture book writers is – for a VERY limited time – accepting new registrations. My friend and colleague Julie’ Hedlund’s 12 x 12 picture book writing challenge is a powerful and inspiring writing […]
Are You Ready to Crack the Picture Book Query?
For writers seeking representation, the query has to do a lot of heavy lifting: It’s your first impression to an agent or editor. It has to make the agent feel like you’ve done your homework. It has to be intriguing enough to get someone to read your manuscript without giving away the whole plot. It has to show […]
Back to School for Writers
Now that the kids have gone back to school, why don’t you? If you find yourself filled with ideas for children’s books and would love to write picture books, middle grade or young adult novels – what’s holding you back? Do you have a manuscript in the works, but you’re not sure if you’re helping […]
School Visit Wizard is here!
Do you know the #1 way to build an audience of loyal readers AND boost your author income exponentially? By doing school visits. It’s true. School author visits are the single best way to connect with young readers, teachers, librarians and parents…AND they’re a wonderful way to earn additional income. But I’m always amazed by how few of my colleagues, […]
How Far in Advance Do Schools Book Author Visits?
Authors interested in doing school visits often wonder when they should contact schools to cultivate bookings. The answer is: as far in advance as possible. Many – if not most – schools plan their budgets and schedules anywhere from six months to a year ahead. So if you’re interested in getting booked in the 2015-2016 calendar year, […]
Free Video Training Series on School Visits
For those of you who write children’s books and are interested in school visits, here’s some great news! I ran a survey several months ago asking you to tell me your biggest question (or fear) about school visits. So many of you responded and shared your concerns and questions, that I’ve decided to provide a FREE Video Training Series […]
What’s Your Biggest Question About Doing School Visits?
I’m putting the final touches on School Visit Wizard, a step-by-step, customizable kit to help authors book, plan and deliver A+ author visits in schools. I want to make sure I’ve covered everything, so if you’re willing to help by answering one quick question, I’ll send you a FREE report outlining The 7 Essential Documents […]
Free Video Series Answering Your Picture Book Submission Questions
For those of you who write picture books, here’s some great news! My friend and colleague Julie Hedlund and I recently ran a survey asking for questions about picture book submissions. We received SO MANY great questions – literally, hundreds – and we were amazed by how many people asked the same questions. Julie and I are both dedicated to […]
