Thursday, March 31, 2016

Twitter for Writers

Using Twitter incorrectly will cause your marketing efforts to backfire.

https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/twitter-for-writers-eight-ways-to-nuke-your-brand/

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Author Platform

What do agents and editors actually mean when they say you should have an author platform.

https://janefriedman.com/author-platform-definition/

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Fictional Nonfiction

Can you still call a book nonfiction if it contains fictional elements?

http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/kid-lit-frenzy/2016/2/16/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday-fiction-in-childrens-nonfiction

Monday, March 28, 2016

Picture Book Publishers

This website features detailed descriptions of the types of picture books put out by different publishers.

http://pbpublishers101.blogspot.com/

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Books About Slavery

With all the current discussions about the depiction of slavery in picture books, it's important to read how other recent titles have handled the subject.

http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2016/01/27/recent-books-on-slavery-for-young-people/#_

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Don't Ask Agents These Questions

If you ask a prospective agent these very basic questions, it shows you're not read to get an agent.

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2016/02/some-questions-you-shouldnt-ask.html

Friday, March 25, 2016

Picture Book Extra Features

What's involved in writing a book with extra features, like gatefolds and diecuts?

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2016/02/inspiration-for-picture-books-with.html

Thursday, March 24, 2016

World Building

There are many things you need to decide when building a completely new world.

https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/02/01/being-god-101-the-basics-of-world-building/

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Don't be "That" Author

You want to be an author that agents and editors want to work with.

https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2014/08/10/agent-talk-7-ways-to-make-yourself-an-easy-author-to-work-with/

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Highlights Foundation Scholarship

Apply for a James Cross Giblin Scholarship to attend one of the many kidlit courses offered by the Highlights Foundation.

James Cross Giblin Scholarship

Monday, March 21, 2016

Freelance Editors

If you choose to hire an editor, make sure you find one who's right for you and your project.

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2016/02/how-to-find-and-work-with-freelance.html

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Series

If you're planning on a series, you need to plant plot hints along the way.

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2016/02/when-standalone-turns-into-series-by.html#.VtIiCfkrJlY

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Question and Answer Time

Sell more books simply by moving the question and answer period after the signing.

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/shelftalker/?p=18053

Friday, March 18, 2016

Reinventing Your Career

Even the most successful writers sometimes need to do a course correct on their career.

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2016/02/guest-post-linda-joy-singleton-on.html

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Pacing

Getting the pacing of your story right is a balancing act.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2016/02/19038/

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Children's Book Market

You need to pay attention to the market, but not write to the market.

http://kidlit.com/2016/02/22/writing-with-a-market-in-mind/

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Revision

Revising is more than changing a few words and moving some scenes around.

http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/blogateers/going-deeper-with-revision-by-audrey-couloumbis

Monday, March 14, 2016

Historical Fiction

Yes, it's fiction, but you still need to do your research.

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2016/02/guest-post-shawn-stout-on-historical.html

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Character Names

Here are some thoughts on choosing your characters' names.

http://bookendsliterary.com/index.php/2016/02/17/whats-in-a-name-the-art-of-naming-characters/

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Book Publicists

How to find and work with a book publicist.

https://janefriedman.com/find-book-publicist/

Friday, March 11, 2016

Nonfiction

There are many types of nonfiction in children's books.

http://christiewrightwild.blogspot.com/2016/02/types-of-nonfiction-in-childrens-books.html?spref=fb

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Publisher Rights

It's important to understand the rights in your contract that the publisher may want to keep.

http://writersinthestormblog.com/2016/02/what-rights-does-a-publisher-really-need-part-1/

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Writing Conferences

Get the most out of a writing conference by following these tips.

http://www.nikkiwoodsmedia.com/writing-conferences-reap-benefits-9-tips/

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Common Rejections

No one likes to receive rejections, but it's helpful to understand what the common ones are really trying to tell you.

http://taralazar.com/2016/02/02/common-rejections-and-what-they-mean/

Monday, March 7, 2016

Book Signings

Careful planning is the key to having a successful book signing.

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/successful-book-signing/

Researching with Twitter

Think of the Twitterverse as an introduction to experts in any field.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2016/02/twitter-for-research/

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Synopses

Here are nine tips to help you write the dreaded synopsis.

http://www.nownovel.com/blog/how-to-write-a-book-synopsis-tips/

Saturday, March 5, 2016

New Agent

New agent Stephanie Fretwell-Hill  represents everything from picture books to young adult.  

Friday, March 4, 2016

Interiority

How do you find the balance between too much and too little interiority?

http://kidlit.com/2016/02/01/how-much-interiority-should-i-use/

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Writing Tips

A writer shares what she wishes she had known when first starting out.

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2016/01/my-top-ten-writing-tips-lynne-garner.html

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Questions for Agents

During the excitement of "the call," don't forget to ask questions of your prospective agent.  

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Reader Empathy

You can increase your readers' empathy by showing the vulnerable side of your characters.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2016/01/build-empathy-making-protagonist-feel-vulnerable/