One of the most anxiety-inducing parts of writing a query letter—especially for new writers—is the dreaded author bio. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard some version of: "But I don’t have any publishing credits. What do I even say about myself?" The good news? Agents...
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You’ve done your research. You’ve identified a list of agents who seem like a good fit for your work. You’ve polished your...
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If you’re revising a children’s book manuscript and wondering, “Is it really ready to submit?”—this is for you. I’m thrilled to announce a...
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"How do I know if/when my manuscript is ready to submit?" As a children's book author, editor, and educator, this is one...
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One of the questions I’m asked most often by students, editing clients, and fellow picture book creators alike, is: Do I really...
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"I want to write/publish a children's book, but where do I even start?" As a children’s book author, professor of children’s literature,...
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One of the most valuable assets a writer can cultivate is a unique and recognizable voice. But what exactly is “voice,” and...
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Voice is one of the most defining aspects of a picture book, and understanding the three key types—character, narrative, and authorial—can help...
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A critical component of writing strong dialogue—and something that editors are particularly meticulous about—is the dialogue tag, also known as a speech...
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In picture books, dialogue is often sparse—but every word counts. The way your characters speak should reflect their personality, age, and emotions....
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