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*************** advertisements from this
month's sponsors****************
1. The Big List o' Free
Stuff!
2. Our Birthday Extravaganza Rolls On....
3. Links & Tips from the Web
4. Conference News
5. Here's What's in May's Children's Book Insider...
6. Featured Children's Lit Blog: Six
Figure Writing
7. Children's Authors' Bootcamp: Only 3
Spots Left for Colorado!
8. Feature Article: Seven
Steps to Success
Try Children's Book Insider with No Risk. Click Here!
>> ITEM 1 -
The Big List o' Free Stuff!
OK, so last issue I told you all about how our little
company was born 18 years ago in a Jersey City apartment, and how, against
all odds, it's paid our mortgage, put food in our dog's dishes and
baseball cards in our son's pockets. If we've learned anything about
building a business during this time, it's this:
Be generous with people, and
people will be generous in return.
I didn't always buy into that notion. When we first
put our website up (way back in 1995) it seemed crazy to give away so much
information and I had to be dragged along kicking and screaming.
But, wow, I'm sure glad I got on board. Since that time, we've given
away a lot of stuff, asking only goodwill in return. I have no doubt
it's one of the big reasons we are where we are today. If
you're struggling to make it as a writer, I urge you to consider a similar
path. Give of your talents, help others who need it and be a mentor
-- and the big wheel o' karma will surely spin your way.
Right. Time to get off the soapbox and give you what
you came for -- free stuff! We've got all kinds of goodies scattered
around the web site and they can be tough to find. I bet, for
example, you didn't know that we have a free ebook called Robert Louis
Stevenson on the Art of Writing. It's really an outstanding read and
it's waiting for you, along with a bunch of other things that won't cost
you a dime.
Here's where to go to browse and take: http://write4kids.com/freestuff.html
Enjoy!
>> ITEM 2 - Our Birthday
Extravaganza Rolls On....
If you're new to the Update, in the last issue we
announced a very special sale to celebrate our 18th Anniversary of
publishing Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers:
Order a Children's Book Insider subscription and get 18
months for the price of 12.
Paper or electronic, your choice. And the price --
the same as it was in May of 1990! (And even less for the electronic
edition!)
Response has been overwhelming. This offer is for a
very limited time, so do not delay. Here are the links:
18
Months of the Paper (by mail) edition of Children's Book Insider (US
residents ONLY).....$29.95
(alternate link: http://tinyurl.com/5hxhmj
)
18
Months of the Electronic Edition (anywhere in the world).....$26.95
(alternate link: http://tinyurl.com/69zyrj
)
PS: Many of you
have taken the time to send a congratulatory note on our anniversary.
Thanks to each of you -- your thoughts mean a great deal to us!
>> ITEM 3 - Tidbits
from the Internet
-
Big Universe - Online
children's bookshop where you can read and purchase electronic picture
books, or create your own for online publication. Their URL is http://www.biguniverse.com
Here's a
recent piece from Publisher's Weekly about the site.
-
JacketFlap - Terrific social
networking site for children's book writers, illustrators, librarians
and publishing professionals. Free and very easy to use.
Highly recommended. http://jacketflap.com
(And, after you sign up, visit our
JacketFlap page to become added as one of our friends.)
-
drop.io - Awesome free tool
that allows you fax any document from your computer - without fax
software. Lots of other neat ways to share files, too. http://drop.io/
-
Authonomy - A new site, now in
beta testing, from HarperCollins that has industry folks buzzing.
It will be a social network site that will allow writers to upload
manuscripts, which will be read and judged by other members of the
network. The site will use "the public’s recommendations
to search out the cream of the crop – and showcase those titles to
the book world at large". The actual site will be at http://www.authonomy.com/
There's a company blog up now
which addresses common questions. Here's some
of what the rest of the blogosphere is saying.
-
Snopes - Every day I get a
forwarded message from some well-meaning person. Bill Gates is
giving money away...Barack Obama is this....John McCain is that....a
new computer virus will suck your soul out of your body. It
usually takes me all of 3 seconds to determine that it's a hoax,
thanks to the venerable Snopes.com database of urban myths. If
you get a forwarded message, before you drop your entire address
book's contents into the CC: section and hit send, please, please,
please check it out on Snopes first. (Also, for writers, the
site is a hoot -- filled with all kinds of wildly imaginative stuff
that you can you use to spark your own ideas. Just be sure to
put them in your next book rather than your next mass e-mail!) http://www.snopes.com
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>> ITEM 4 -
Conference News
Robert Quackenbush's Children's Book Writing
and Illustrating Summer Workshops. A new workshop has been
added to author/artist Robert Quackenbush's summer programs that meet at
his Manhattan studio. The new workshop is held on August 25-28, 2008. The
focus of this extensive four-day workshop for beginning and advanced
writers and/or illustrators is on developing picture books and middle
grade readers from start to finish and ready for submission to publishers.
Registration is limited to 10. Cost of the workshop is $750. Attendees are
responsible for arranging for their own hotel and meals. For a
brochure or further information e-mail: Rqstudios@aol.com
or visit www.rquackenbush.com
Asian Children's Writers and Illustrators
Conference 2008. Held in Singapore June 5-7, this major
event features authors and publishing professionals from throughout the
region. Full details at http://www.bookcouncil.sg/acwic.htm
Southampton Children's Literature Conference.
A new conference for 2008, this event will feature a range of
workshops for authors and illustrators. The conference takes place
July 9-13 at the Stony Brook Southampton campus on Long Island, NY.
Details at http://www.sunysb.edu/writers/children/
>> ITEM 5 -
Here's What's in May's Children's Book
Insider...
"I won a
subscription to CBI at a conference few years ago. I've been renewing ever
since -- 450
magazine and 4
book credits later! Thanks for the best
information published. I rely on your newsletter!" Lorri
Cardwell-Casey
"Thank you so much! I can't imagine not subscribing to CBI and still
taking myself seriously." Lynnmarie
May
If you're new to the Update, you may not know that we
publish a monthly subscription-only newsletter for aspiring and working
children's book writers that's jam-packed with market leads, advice,
inside info and much more. It's called Children's
Book Insider, and we've been sharing it with subscribers across
the globe since May, 1990!
Here's a look at what's in the May issue of Children's
Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers:
* Activity Magazine Seeks Submissions
* Publisher Seeks Middle Grade Fiction
* Christian Nature Magazine Accepting Submissions
* New Imprints Make Their Debuts
* Publisher Seeks Multicultural Picture Books
* Agent or Attorney: Which is Right for You?
* Writing Humor for Children
* How to Write Great Poems for Children
* Getting the Word Out on the Web
* What You Can Learn from a Trip to Barnes & Noble
........................and lots more!
If you enjoy the information offered in this e-mail update,
wait 'til you see what we've got in store for you each month in the
pages of CBI! A one year subscription to CBI costs as little as $26.95
and includes a special bonus gift.
For more information, go to http://write4kids.com/aboutcbi.html
And to take advantage of our special "18
Months for the Price of 12" offer, go to:
18
Months of the Paper (by mail) edition of Children's Book Insider (US
residents ONLY).....$29.95
18
Months of the Electronic Edition (anywhere in the world).....$26.95
"If
you are "thinking" about subscribing, DON'T!!! Just do it. I
waited for almost 2 years before I did, now I'm wondering why I waited
so long" Frederick
Claus
>>
ITEM 6 - Featured Children's Lit Blog:
Six Figure Writing
In the past couple of years, there's
been an explosion in wonderful blogs about children's books and the
writing process. Now, in each issue of the Update, we'll
profile a unique and helpful blog.
This issue, we highlight a blog that
isn't specifically about children's lit, but is certainly useful to all
children's writers. Six Figure Writing is a no-nonsense blog that
deals strictly with the business end of making a living as a writer.
They're currently offering a free PDF report featuring the best places
to sell your work online.
http://www.sixfigurewriting.com/blog/
PS: If you have or know of a
blog that should be featured in the Update, drop Jon a line at jon@write4kids.com
Also, if you happen to come across a children's writing blog or site
that doesn't list the Children's Writing Update or Write4Kids.com
among its links or resources, why not send a friendly note telling them
about us? We'd really appreciate it!
We've Got Solutions to Aid Your
Resolutions!
-
Care to hear --
first-hand -- the best advice superstar authors have to give for
aspiring children's writers? In
Their Own Words offers exclusive insight from Lois Lowry,
Judy Blume, R.L. Stine, Chris Crutcher and many, many more. This
is pure gold and available nowhere else. http://write4kids.com/itow.html
And there's more. For a full listing, just go to http://write4kids.com/collect.html
>> ITEM 7 -
Children's Author's Bootcamp News: Only
3 Spots Left for Colorado!
Children’s Authors’
Bootcamp was the most worthwhile investment I’ve made in my writing
career. No single class or workshop I’ve attended has offered as much
concrete, usable information. Thank you, Linda and Laura!
Lisa McCourt, bestselling children’s book author
Bootcamp is the best workshop I've ever
attended. I came to this conference hoping I would learn more about
writing magazine stories for children. I never imagined I would come
away with an outline for a middle grade book -- and solid ideas on how
to write it! Thank you! You've exceeded my expectations and given me
hope for a children's writing career.
Jeni Bell
You've saved me years of
sending stories that wouldn't have been looked at by publishers. I feel
privileged to have attended.
Jill Moore
Two incredible days of fun,
inspiration and learning from a couple of real children's writing pros
-- it's the acclaimed Children's Author's Bootcamp. Omama is still
up in the air, but the Colorado Bootcamp is still happening -- and boy
is it happening!
The Bootcamp is all but sold out.
As I write this, there are 3 spaces available. Beautiful Colorado
in June and the best, most inspiring children's writing workshop around?
No, you don't want to miss out....
-
June 7 and 8 at the Centerra Promenade in Northern
Colorado. It's right off I-25 and easy to reach for
anyone in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Cheyenne,
Loveland and Greeley. And it's only 45 minutes from Denver
International Airport and has many lodging options.
Children's Author's Bootcamp is a
children's writing weekend you'll never forget -- a step-by-step
journey to children's writing success that's fun, fast-paced and packed
with advice you'll never hear anywhere else!
Join Laura Backes, Publisher of Children's
Book Insider, and Linda Arms White, Christopher Award-winning author
of Too Many Pumpkins, Comes a Wind and many other great
children's books, for the ultimate children's writing workshop:
June 7 and 8
at the Centerra
Promenade, Loveland, Colorado (right off Interstate 25)
CAB features two full exciting days of world-class instruction
and exercises on writing fiction for children of all ages, with emphasis
on character and plot development, dialogue, descriptive writing, point
of view, writing strong beginnings, editing your own work and submitting
manuscripts to publishers. If your dream of writing children's books
needs a shot of adrenaline, this is the place to get it.
Because it's a step-by-step
program, CAB is great for
beginners! No previous experience is needed to benefit from this
workshop, and you'll leave on Sunday with everything you need to know to
write your masterpiece!
For a complete class outline and
registration information (including information on booking hotel rooms),
see WeMakeWriters.com,
or contact Linda White at (303) 747-1014, or CABootcamp@msn.com.
Reserve
Your Spot Now!
Visit
WeMakeWriters.com
for all the details.
The
Children's Writers Big Book of "How To"
The Children's Writer's Big Book of
"How To" has the solution to more than 100 of the
trickiest issues faced by children's authors. From coming up with great
ideas right through signing the contract, this amazing volume is packed
with insight. Visit http://write4kids.com/bigbook.html
to view then entire table of contents!
>>
ITEM 8 - Feature Article: Seven
Steps to Success By Laura Backes,
Publisher of Children's
Book Insider
Feeling a bit discouraged? Burned out? Overwhelmed?
Time to take a step back and recommit
to your success. Here are seven things you can start doing now to
help get you over the hump:
-
Write on a regular basis. I'm
not going to tell you to write every day, though that's great if you
can make it work. But what's more important is to find a schedule
you can stick to. If you set the bar too high, it will be easy to
give up. So think about what's realistic for your life: three
evenings a week, all day on Fridays, every Sunday afternoon. Then do
it.
-
Read trade journals once a month. Keeping
up with the publishing industry is an important part of developing a
writing career. Set aside one afternoon a month to visit the library
and browse through Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, School Library
Journal and other trade magazines. Note which books are getting
the most attention from reviewers, or are placed prominently in
publishers' ads. Also read reviews of books similar to what you'd
like to write. If you can't make it to the library, most trade
journals have feature articles posted on their web sites, where you
can do a search for anything related to children's book publishing.
-
Read newsletters and publishers'
catalogs. It's easy to get behind with reading your
subscription newsletters or keeping up with catalogs from
publishers. Try leaving a stack of reading material on the table
where you eat breakfast, and take 10 minutes a day to read while
you're eating. If you commute to work, carry the current issue of Children's
Book Insider, The Society of Children's Book Writers &
Illustrators Bulletin, or a few publishing catalogs instead of
the daily newspaper to look at on the bus or during your lunch hour.
You can also spend an afternoon once a month in the library studying
catalogs from children's book publishers (ask the children's
librarian to show you where they're stored).
-
Read at least one new well-reviewed or
award-winning children's book a month. Study the books
that are getting attention, especially if they're for the same age
group for which you want to write. Focus on the plot structure in
fiction titles or the presentation of information in nonfiction, as
well as character development, dialogue and writing style. After
you've read the book, pick it apart. How many characters did the
author need to tell the story? Where did the author choose to end
each chapter? How many words are on each page of a picture book? How
much description did the author include, and what was left up to the
illustrator? Note which elements you'd like to incorporate into your
own writing, as well as what you didn't like about the book.
-
Plan to attend one writer's conference
this year. Writing conferences are terrific places to
meet editors and agents, learn about new markets and trends, and
network with other writers. Many conferences also offer one-on-one
manuscript critiques. For conferences in your area, check out the
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (www.scbwi.org),
or the conference listings in Children's Writer's &
Illustrator's Market (Writer's Digest Books).
-
Enroll in at least one writing workshop
this year. Writing workshops or classes differ from
conferences in that they give intensive, focused instruction on the
writing process. Many classes include writing exercises and the
chance to have your work critiqued during the sessions. For classes
in your area, check with your local community college, continuing
education center, or public library. Also visit www.WeMakeWriters.com
for information on Children's Authors' Bootcamp workshops held
around the country.
-
Join (or recommit to) a critique group. Meeting
regularly with a critique group can be invaluable to writers of any
level. Try to find a group of people who are all working on
children's books and who are familiar enough with the children's
market to be able to give you useful feedback on the quality of your
writing. Inquire with your local SCBWI chapter, information desk at
the library, or nearby book stores for existing groups in your area.
Attending a critique group regularly (even if you don't always have
a manuscript to read) will sharpen your editing skills. It also
doesn't hurt to have a community of writers to commiserate with when
the rejections come, and to help celebrate those hard-earned sales.
From
Our Sponsors:
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writers featuring tips, tricks and ideas for selling what you write. Get
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Celebrate I Love To Write Day.
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.......................................................................
See You Next Time!
Jon and Laura
Children's Book Insider, LLC
Fort Collins, Colorado
http://www.write4kids.com
PS: Remember, you can view a complete listing of our success tools for
children's writers at http://write4kids.com/collect.html
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responsibility for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or
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