HERE'S THE INFO YOU REQUESTED ABOUT WRITING FOR CHILDREN. WE'VE GOT A LOT OF GREAT THINGS TO TELL YOU ABOUT, SO YOU MIGHT WANT TO PRINT THE ENTIRE CATALOG FOR EASE OF VIEWING! *************************************************************************** ************************************ CHILDREN'S BOOK INSIDER, LLC 1-800-807-1916 (orders only) 1-970-495-0056 (questions & info) mail@write4kids.com 901 Columbia Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Visit the Children's Writing Resource Center on the Web: http://www.write4kids.com CBI is a family-owned business based in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado. The Children's Book Insider newsletter was founded in 1990 by former New York literary agent Laura Backes and has since grown into the leading independent publication for children's writers & illustrators in America. Whether you're a published author, or someone who has only daydreamed of seeing your name in print, you've come to the right place. You're about to find out how easy, affordable and fun it can be to learn what you need to become a successful children's author. We hope you enjoy our catalog and that you choose to join us as a subscriber, a purchaser of our products...or both!! Please feel free to call, write or e-mail with any questions. All the best, Jon & Laura *** Children's Book Insider Presents: *** THE CBI COLLECTION Books & Tools for Children's Writers & Illustrators Great Affordable Information For Pros, Beginners and Those Who Dream of Writing For Kids Let's daydream for a moment. You walk into Barnes & Noble and see your book on the shelf. You're at the mall when a starstruck young child asks for your autograph. You open the day's mail to find a letter from a mother telling you how much your book has meant to her family. Fantasy? Not for many of our customers. They've been published as a direct result of the information we've provided them. We specialize in providing new and experienced children's writers with inside secrets about the world of publishing that give them a huge edge over the competition. We won't tell you how to organize your desk drawers, or reach out to your inner child. But we will tell you how to find and approach a publisher, how to determine what types of stories are selling, and how to avoid the common writing mistakes that sink most fledgling writers' chances of ever getting published. One more thing: our newsletter and all our products are backed by a no-questions-asked money back guarantee. Either you love 'em (and you will!) or we'll refund your money. It's that simple. So stop daydreaming about becoming a children's writer...and do something about it! ##################################################################### ITEM 1. ** CHILDREN'S BOOK INSIDER - YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO SUCCESS! ** If you haven't yet done so, now's a great time to subscribe to Children's Book Insider, America's #1 independent publication for children's writers and illustrators. Up-to-the-minute exclusive market news...advice from top editors, authors and illustrators...writing tips...great legal and accounting advice...in-depth looks at self-promotion and self-publishing... illustration workshops...comprehensive discussions of every aspect of the submissions process...and much, much more. Here's what subscriber Anastasia Suen of Plano, Texas says about CBI: "Yesterday's mail brought copies of Hodgepodge with my poem on the back page, and an acceptance letter from Babybug! My poems in Shoofly will be out in April. ALL these leads came from CBI. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!" Legendary children's author Patricia Reilly Giff says "CBI is the best newsletter around for anyone who wants to write children's books. I highly recommend it." Anne LeMieux, best-selling author of The TV Guidance Counselor and the Super Snoop Sam Snout easy reader series raves "In a tough market, a writer needs an edge. CBI is the best tool I've come across for sharpening that edge, for both aspiring and professional writers. It's succinct, lucid and information-packed." Beginner or pro: If you're serious about becoming successful in children's literature, you need CBI. It's that simple. ** Limited time offer -- more than $4 off our regular rate! ** CHILDREN'S BOOK INSIDER, 1 year (12 issues)..........................$29.95 Plus-- order your CBI subscription today and receive our special free report "THE CBI HOTLIST: The 10 Publishers & Magazines Most Receptive To New Authors." This is exclusive, inside info based on our own research that will tell you where to turn first to get published! PS: Want to get an idea of what we cover each month in CBI? Take a look at the decriptions for some of our recent back issues at the end of the catalog. ########################################################################### ITEM 2. ** CAREER STARTER - THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE FOR NON-MILLIONAIRES! ** Recently, a new writer told us what the "study-by-mail" people were charging for their children's writing course. We were flabbergasted when she said $700. You read right -- $700 to learn the basics of children's writing. Look, there's plenty that a writer needs to know to make it big, but let's face it -- this isn't brain surgery. So there's no reason it should cost as much. Here comes CBI to the rescue. Now, for $19.95, you can learn everything you need to know to get started as a children's writer. From the most basic aspects of writing for kids all the way through the intricacies of the submissions process, Career Starter is packed with solid, up-to-date information. Prepared by the editors of Children's Book Insider, Career Starter: -- tells, in detail, how magazine articles and books get published -- answers the questions "Do I need an agent?" and "Do I need an illustrator?" -- offers a comprehensive look at point of view, dialogue, theme, plot, humor and setting, and a complete glossary of common publishing terms -- gives an in-depth look at picture books, easy readers, middle grade, young adult, nonfiction and every other kids' book genre -- guides you through the submissions process, and tells you exactly how to prepare your manuscript for publishers -- gives great writing exercises that will improve your work dramatically -- provides up-to-the-minute address lists of top publishers, magazines and organizations...and much, much more. So much information -- and you don't even need to take out a second mortgage to afford it! Career Starter is available in book format or as an electronic book for Windows compatible computers. (To download a free demo of the Windows version, go to http://www.write4kids.com/download.html) CAREER STARTER (book or 3.5" disk)....................................$19.95 ########################################################################### # ITEM 3. ** Author To Editor - Query Letter Secrets of the Pros** You're visiting the office of a very successful children's author. As you glance at the file cabinet, you notice one drawer under lock and key. It's marked "QUERY LETTERS THAT WORKED". There they are -- only a few feet away from you -- the actual letters that led to book contracts. Think you can convince the author to unlock the drawer and share these top-secret files? We did. Edited by well-known children's author Linda Arms White, Author to Editor offers something quite extraordinary -- actual contract-generating query letters, cover letters and book proposals from successful children's authors. This is it -- the Real Deal. You'll see the complete letter or proposal, along with the author's analysis of why it was successful. Aloong the way, you'll pick up invaluable inside tips and secrets. Author to Editor also provides outstanding instructional chapters, written by Ms. White, that make getting started on the perfect cover letter, query letter or book proposal a breeze. One more thing -- while there are some very general books about writing query letters, Author to Editor deals only with children's writing. It provides the specific info you need, and an unprecendented glimpse at the secrets of the children's writing pros. AUTHOR TO EDITOR.................... $24.95 ########################################################################### # ITEM 4. ** 2000 CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS MARKET** The bible of the children's writing industry, CWIM features more than 800 listings of magazines, book publishers, multimedia producers and just about anyone else who buys children's stories. Easy to use, with lots of informative articles and advice, CWIM is simply a "must have" for any children's writers. CWIM features more than 350 pages of vital info. ^^ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! ^^ Children's Book Insider is now the Official Update Source For CWIM! Like any annual directory, CWIM can go out of date even when it's brand new, thanks to the constant opening and closing of publishers, movement of editors from one house to another, etc. Every three months, the editors of CWIM will prepare -- just for Children's Book insider subscribers -- a list of changes, updates and additions to the book, including specific page references. It will be easy to keep your CWIM up to date throughout the year. Imagine what an edge that can give you in submitting your work! CWIM & a subscription to CBI: a very powerful team. CHILDREN'S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS MARKET DIRECTORY..............$19.95 ########################################################################### # ITEM 5. ** HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR CHILDREN'S BOOK ON A SHOESTRING ** We regret to inform you of this, but unless your name is John Grisham, Stephen King or Anne Rice, the amount of help you can expect from your publisher in promoting your new book can be summed up with one word: zilch. Yep, you're on your own. Whether you've been published by a major house, or you've self-published your book on your kitchen table, your success will be as a result of your own hard work, not a multi-million dollar ad campaign. Well, here's the good news: There are lots of things you can do to promote your book. They're effective, creative and, best of all, cheap! Nancy Bentley and Donna Guthrie are masters of self-promotion, and have compiled all their secrets into one unique book -- How To Promote Your Children's Book On A Shoestring. Nancy and Donna will tell you how to create your own press packet and set up media interviews without hiring an outside public relations firm...how to arrange high-visibility book sales and autograph parties...how to plan an exciting school presentation that will leave kids screaming for more...how to deal wisely with bookstores, librarians, teachers...and much, much more. How To Promote Your Children's Book On A Shoestring is a gold mine of never-before-published tips, tricks and common-sense advice that can help any published or self-published author take a giant leap ahead of the competition. You'll sell more books than you ever thought possible, and you'll have a great time doing it. As a special bonus, you'll get four pages of ready-to-use clip art along with pages of sample bookmarks, postcards, flyers, bio sheets, press releases, order forms, letters of agreement and other promotional items. Everything you need to start self-promoting is included in Nancy Bentley and Donna Guthrie's How To Promote Your Children's Book On A Shoestring...and it's offered exclusively by CBI. HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR CHILDREN'S BOOK ON A SHOESTRING.................$13.95 ########################################################################## ITEMS 6,7,8: ** CBI IN-DEPTH -- BRING THE POWER OF GREAT WORKSHOPS HOME! ** Sure, writing workshops are great. They give you terrific detailed information that can really help move your writing to the next level. But boy, can they be expensive! The registration fees...the travel back and forth...maybe even the cost of a hotel room for the night. Before you know it, you've spent a hundred dollars or more for the day. Well here's something you're sure to like. It's CBI's new series CBI In-Depth. Its purpose -- to give intermediate and advanced writers the same intensive instruction that can be found at writing workshops -- but at a fraction of the price! Our plan: develop reasonably priced workbooks packed with exercises, worksheets, checklists, charts and plenty of direct instruction. No nonsense, no filler. In other words, it's exactly the type of information intermediate and advanced writers need to take their work to a higher level in a very short period of time. The first three entries in the CBI In-Depth series are by writer, self-publisher and workshop pro Katherine Ploeger, and they deal with three of the most important -- and least understood -- aspects of the children's book: plot, character and story development. ** PLOT WORKSHOP ** How do you develop a truly interesting and unique story? In this workbook, Katherine tells you how to: use obstacles to develop a more compelling plot; set up a mystery; create tension; teach lessons through plot; develop conflicts, problems, and friendships...and much, much more. Plot Workshop is densely packed with scores of specific suggestions, checklists and exercises. Work alone at your own pace, or share these exercises with your writing group. You won't believe how much better you'll be at developing great plots! ** CHARACTER WORKSHOP** It's no secret. The basis for any book is the quality of its characters. With Character Workshop,you'll get a crash course in such vital concerns as: setting; motivation; goals; character change; physical appearance; speech patterns; family interaction; character likes and dislikes; psychological issues...and much more. Once again, you'll find an abundance of exercises, checklists and great ideas. It would take a week-long workshop to even approach the breadth and scope of this or any CBI In-Depth workbook! ** BRAINSTORMING WORKSHOP** Come up with fresh new story ideas that will blow editors away. Here's how to unlock your creativity to create memorable books that sell! Filled with ideas, exercises, activities, checklists and more. The first and only book of its kind. Plus, the books come with a series of logs, calendars and charts that will allow you to lay out your story as you learn. You'll literally see your story come together before your eyes! CBI In-Depth -- the low-cost answer for in-depth instruction! PLOT WORKSHOP, by Katherine Ploeger...................$ 13.95 CHARACTER WORKSHOP, by Katherine Ploeger.......$ 13.95 BRAINSTORMING WORKSHOP, by Katherine Ploeger.......$ 13.95 ########################################################################### ITEM 9. **INSIDER SECRETS FOR CHILDREN’S WRITERS** Info-Packed Audiotape From The Editors of Children’s Book Insider In one power-packed audiotape, the editors of CBI give you their best advice about developing story ideas, putting them on paper and getting them published. Laura Backes and Jon Bard have kept track of the most commonly asked questions from newcomers to the children’s writing field, and, in Insider Secrets for Children’s Writers, provide concise, to-the-point answers that can really make a difference in your efforts to build a successful career. INSIDER SECRETS FOR CHILDREN’S WRITERS ............$8.95 ########################################################################### ITEM 10. **ONRAMP TO THE INTERNET: A WRITER'S GUIDE TO GETTING ONLINE** Whether writing is your hobby or your business, the world of the Internet and online services offers a rich bounty of information, opportunity and companionship. If you've been intimidated by all the techno-babble surrounding the Internet, and you're convinced that you're destined to be Information Superhighway roadkill, think again. Mary Bowman-Kruhm and Claudine Wirths aren't technical wizards or computer nerds. They're successful writers who have discovered the joys of the online world. In this terrific book, they'll help you gently merge onto the Highway of the future -- a road that's truly paved with gold for those who love words and writing. Filled with hands-on step-by-step instruction, ONRAMP will have you surfing like a pro in no time! ONRAMP TO THE INTERNET.............................................$8.95 ########################################################################### # ITEM 11. **2000 GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS** Looking for a literary agent? Here’s the ultimate guide to finding the right agent and making the most of this valuable relationship. The 2000 Guide To Literary Agents lists more than 500 agents, covering every genre of writing. You’ll learn which agents accept work "over the transom", what commissions they charge, what type of work they handle, and whether a reading fee is expected. Agency contacts and addresses are provided, as well as guidelines for queries and submissions. Each listing in the new edition has been verified and updated, putting the most current information at your fingertips. Also included: a host of informative articles that are sure to add to your success. A first-rate guide, and indispensable reading for all writers considering hiring a literary agent. 2000 GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS..................................$ 19.95 ########################################################################### # ITEM 12. **HOW TO WRITE & SELL CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS** In this no-nonsense, highly readable book, Jean Karl explores the ins and outs of the picture book. From developing your story idea all the way through formatting and submitting your manuscript, Karl makes the process of creating a bestselling picture book easy to understand. This is a book we here at CBI have admired for a long time, so it's our pleasure to present it for the first time as part of our CBI Collection. Plus, we're making it available at a special low CBI price! HOW TO WRITE AND SELL CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS .....................$15.95 ########################################################################### # ITEM 13. ** I Couldn't Do It Without My Group: Secrets of Starting and Running A Successful Writers' Group ** Many successful writers say they would never have been published without the help of their critique groups. Now, Richard and Janet Graber have written the first-ever guide to forming and running these ultra-valuable groups. You'll learn, step-by-step, how to: * find other writers in your area who want to form a group * set up procedures so each meeting runs smoothly * offer constructive criticism * make the most of your time together with dynamite writing exercises * and much, much more! A great, truly unique book. I COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT MY GROUP................................$ 8.95 ########################################################################### # ITEM 14. ** CHILDREN'S BOOK INSIDER: BACK ISSUES ** New to CBI? Well here's your chance to catch up on what you're missing! We've listed just a few of the highlights from our recent issues (we've been publishing since May, 1990) to help you decide. Use the space at the bottom of the order form to list the issues you'd like to receive. 8/95 Writing Stories From other Cultures All About Electronic Rights Brainstorm with Freewriting 9/95 The Fine Art of Illustrating For Kids Poetry and Rhyming Stories Writing for a Book Packager 10/95 How to Write a Rebus Researching on the Internet Author Interview: Debbie Duncan 11/95 Barbara Seuling on Middle Grade Fiction The Hero's Journey in Children's Literature How To Find a Writers' Group 12/95 Editor Profile: Kate C. Bradford Tips for Writing a Multimedia CD-ROM Working With Your Art Director 1/96 Elements of a Successful Series Author Profile: Charles Ferry The Pivotal Points of Fiction 2/96 Writing Exercises That Develop Characters Author Profile: Dian Curtis Regan Creating "How-To" Info for Kids 3/96 Selling Books to Schools, pt 1 Editor Profile: Paula Morrow of Ladybug Head "Down Under" for Success 4/96 Selling Books to Schools, pt 2 Submission Secrets From the Pros Moonlight as a Freelance Reader 5/96 Exclusive Interview with Gary Paulsen Writing for the Nature Market Submitting Artwork Through The Mail 6/96 Author Martin Hall on Fantasy Stories for Kids Characters: Building Blocks of Fiction Squeezing Writing into an Overbooked Life 7/96 Theme Lists from Top Magazines Writing Picture Books That Sell An Agent's Advice on Selling your Artwork 8/96 Tax Tips: Claim Those Expenses! The Multimedia Market pt 2 (continued from 7/96) Editor Profile: Terry Harshman of Children's Playmate 9/96 Writing Science Books for Kids Author Interview: South African Writer Margaret Sacks Characters & Point of View 10/96 A Shape-Up Plan for Flabby Manuscripts Cause & Effect in Writing Editor Profile: Alix Reid of HarperCollins 11/96 Common Writing Mistakes YA Books Tear Down Barriers in China Editor Profile: Beth Wolfsberger Singer of Planet Dexter 12/96 Breaking the Storytelling Mold Self-Published Author Shares Secrets of Success Internet Resources for Writers 1/97 Nonfiction Storytelling Techniques Making Science and History Cool Ride The Roller Coaster of Fiction 2/97 Writing Mysteries Finding Your Voice Writing Across Cultures 3/97 Tips for Revising Your Manuscript Getting Published in Cyberspace Adding Conflict to Fiction 4/97 Do I Need An Agent? Tips for Writing Poetry Turning Personal Struggles into Stories 5/97 Writing Inspirational Stories The Meaning of Myth How to "Show" Character 6/97 Picture Book Workshop: Balancing Words & Pictures Writing Children's Series Teaching Morals Through Stories 7/97 Writing About Disabled Kids Middle Grade vs Young Adult Great Writing Exercises 8/97 Writing Poetry for Children's Magazines Illustrators: Submitting Your Portfolio Writing About Disabled Kids, Pt 2 9/97 Writing History for Ages 10 and Up New Classics of Young Adult Fiction Adding Conflict to your Picture Book 10/97 The Facts About Copyright Writing Board Books for Toddlers Advice from the Pros 11/97 Legends & Folktales At A Glance: Picture Books for Ages 4-8 The Secrets of Successful Series 12/97 Middle Grade Biographies Contemporary Christian Fiction Interview: Author Chris Crutcher 1/98 Writing Christian Nonfiction Bridging the Gap Between Yesterday & Today Working with Independent Booksellers 2/98 Writing the Easy-To-Read Retelling Traditional Folktales Writing Jewish Nonfiction 3/98 Using Magazine Theme Lists Agent Andrea Brown on the State of Publishing Updates to the 1998 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market directory 4/98 How to Make a Picture Book Dummy Writing for Christian Magazines Interview: Author Dandi Mackall 5/98 Showing Your Illustrations to Art Directors Self-Promotion for the Children's Book Author The Art of Descriptive Writing 6/98 Developing an Original Voice Ages & Stages in Children's Books Updates to the 1998 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market directory 7/98 Interview: Author Francess Lantz Portfolios for Writers Starting a Small Press 8/98 Electronic Publishing: Protecting Your Rights Puzzle Your Way Into Print Verla Kay on Picture Books with "Cryptic Rhyme" 9/98 Understanding the Copyright Page Science & Nature Books for Young Children Updates to the 1998 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market directory 10/98 Promoting your Book on the Internet Writing for School Curriculum A Look at Current Trends 11/98 Creating Young Adult Characters Understanding "fair Use" Three Act Structure & the Chidlren's Book 12/98 Presenting your Work to Art Directors Work-for-Hire Plot vs. Theme 1/99 Children's Magazine Fiction Writing in Today's Most Popular Genres Using Trademarks Correctly 2/99 Frequently Asked Questions about Picture Books Secrets for Unlocking Newspaper Publicity Tips for Traveling Through Time 3/99 Obtaining Photo Releases Science & Social Studies Nonfiction Updates to the 1999 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market directory 4/99 Industry Insider Tips Science & Social Studies Nonfiction, Part 2 Plot: The What & Why of a Story 5/99 Writing to Save Our Children Interview: Claire Rudolf Murphy Easy Readers vs. Chapter Books 6/99 Throwing Obstacles at Your Characters Developing Great Ideas Updates to the 1999 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market directory 7/99 Writing Science Fiction Fiction for Ages 3-5 New Magazine Markets 8/99 Writing Cover & Query Letters School Visit Tips Remembering Shel Silverstein 9/99 Exercising Your Creative Muscle Writing Picture Book Biographies Updates to the 1999 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market directory 10/99 Selling to Magazines All About E-Books Characters: The Building Blocks of a Series 11/99 Fantasy Well Done: A Look at Harry Potter The Writer as Editor A Look at Current Trends 12/99 Writing In Rhyme Blocking Out The Censors How to Market A Book Yourself 1/00 Talking Animal Do's and Don'ts Interview: Betsy Hearne Updates to the 1999 Children's Writers & Illustrator's Market directory 2/00 The Five Patterns of Plot Working With Illustrators More current Trends 3/00 Tips for the First-Time Author David L. Harrison on Poetry Internet Research Tips 4/00 How to Master the Market The Ultimate Editing Checklist - A CBI Exclusive Restarting a Stalled Career 5/00 Great Fiction Comes From Writing Lightly Mining Gold From Publishers' Catalogs Publishing Your Own E-Book ######################################################################## ******************** ORDERING IS EASY!! ******************** Use your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express to order any item in this catalog! ******************** Call Toll-Free 1-800-807-1916 ******************* Ordering hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mountain Time. This number for orders only. You can also e-mail your credit card order to MAIL@WRITE4KIDS.COM or fax your order to 970/493-1810. For information or questions, please call 970/495-0056. ******COMPLETE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!******* If you'd rather order by mail with check, money order or credit card, use this handy order form: Name __________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ City ____________________________ State _____ Zip __________ Phone __________________________________________________ Price Quantity Total Children's Book Insider $29.95 X _____ = ______ ($34.95US for Canada, $42.95US other countries) Career Starter disk $19.95 X _____ = ______ Career Starter book $19.95 X _____ = ______ Author to Editor $24.95 X _____ = ______ Childrens Writers Market $19.95 X _____ = ______ Promote on a Shoestring $13.95 X _____ = ______ CBI In-Depth: Character Workshop $13.95 X _____ = ______ CBI In-Depth: Plot Workshop $13.95 X _____ = ______ CBI In-Depth: Brainstorm Workshop $13.95 X _____ = ______ Insider Secrets Tape $ 8.95 X _____ = ______ Onramp To The Internet $ 8.95 X _____ = ______ 2000 Literary Agents Guide $19.95 X _____ = ______ Write & Sell Picture Books $15.95 X _____ = ______ Writing Group Book $ 8.95 X _____ = ______ CBI Back Issues (list below) $ 3.25 X _____ = ______ Subtotal ______ Shipping (add $3 per book or disk. $5/book - Canada $8/book - Europe $10/book - elsewhere) No ship. charge on CBI subscription or back issues. ______ CO residents add 3% sales tax ______ TOTAL ______ Make checks or money orders payable to CBI. International customers, please use Postal Money Orders in US funds or credit cards. For credit card orders: card type (circle) VISA MASTERCARD AMEX DISCOVER name as it appears on card ___________________________________ card number _______________________________ expires ________ cardholder signature _________________________________________ Your money back on any CBI product if not delighted! Send To: CHILDREN'S BOOK INSIDER, LLC 901 COLUMBIA ROAD FORT COLLINS, CO 80525-1838 or call 1-800-807-1916 List the CBI Back Issues you wish to order: (Note: photocopies of entire back issues may be substituted if originals are no longer available.) __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________