Avoiding Scams

Remember, money flows to the author, not from the author. 

http://myplace.frontier.com/~mfinke/Beware.htm#beware

The Elusive Voice

What do editors mean when they say they are looking for a strong, unique voice? 

http://www.bobbimillerbooks.com/on_voice.html

Writing in Meter

It's not as easy as it seems to keeping your rhythm consistent.

http://writeoncon.com/2010/08/meter-meter-sleep-depleter-by-author-tiffany-strelitz/

Book Trailers

Now that you've made your book trailer, what should you do with it? 

http://redroom.com/member/karen-dionne/blog/what-can-you-do-with-a-book-trailer

Holding Back Information

When you're pitching or querying, don't leave any surprises. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2012/12/thre-can-be-no-surprises-in-pitches-and.html

Tension on Every Page

Here are some tips to put tension, even if only a little bit, on each page of your manuscript. 

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.ca/2012/12/ten-techniques-for-getting-tension-on.html

Series Pitfalls

Even if you're writing a series, each book has to stand on its own. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2012/12/potential-pitfalls-of-writing-series.html

Submission Guidelines

This incredibly useful site provides links to the submission guidelines for Children's Book Council publishers. 

http://www.rillart.com/rCube/Pages/PublishersList.htm

YA/Middle-Grade Best of Awards

From The Atlantic Wire comes a best-of list by categories. 

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/12/best-young-adult-books-2012/59641/

Picture Book Biographies and Story Arcs

Not all picture book biographies fit neatly into the standard story arc structure. 

http://donnabowmanbratton.blogspot.com/2011/07/do-nonfiction-picture-books-always-have.html

Action and Reaction

Your story is a chain of actions and reactions, each leading to the next one. 

http://jamigold.com/2012/11/actions-and-reactions-the-end-all-be-all-of-storytelling/

Common Core Standards

What are the standards and which states have adopted them? 

http://www.corestandards.org/

How Many Books to Pitch

Only pitch one book, your best one, in a query. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/12/why-you-should-pitch-a-single-book/

Royalty Calculations

You need to look past the percentage. 

http://www.ivanhoffman.com/royalties.html

Free Indirect Discourse

How do you give your character's thoughts, even when you're writing in third person. 

http://litreactor.com/columns/the-benefits-of-free-indirect-discourse

Writing Rules of Thumb

You need to know the rules before you can decide if you want to break any of them. 

http://metteharrison.livejournal.com/385718.html

Visual Editing

Break out your colored highlighters/crayons/markers before you revise. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/12/visual-editing-color-coding-your-way-to.html

Creative Nonfiction

How does creative nonfiction differ from nonfiction and historical fiction? 

http://donnabowmanbratton.blogspot.com/2010/08/nonfiction-vs-creative-nonfiction-vs.html

Nonfiction Mistakes

It always helps to have someone else's mistakes to learn from. 

http://www.throughthetollbooth.com/2012/11/26/nonfiction-mistakes-ive-made-and-ways-to-avoid-them/

Momentum

There are many ways to speed up or slow down your book's pace. 

http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.ca/2012/11/increasing-your-books-momentum-by.html

Facebook Profiles, Fan Pages, and Groups

What are the different types of Facebook pages and when should you use each type? 

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/53-FE2-Facebook.html

Proposals

When you query longer nonfiction, you're usually asked to submit a proposal. 

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/how-to-write-a-proposal/

Fruit and Vegetable Idioms

Make your writing more interesting by using these idioms based on fruits and vegetables. 

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-idioms-about-fruits-and-vegetables/

Reference Books

Seven reference resources for writers. 

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/7-reference-resources-for-writers-and-editors/

Ticking Clock

One of the best ways to increase suspense in a novel is to add a deadline. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/11/using-ticking-clock-to-add-suspense.html

Word Choices

How to choose the best word(s) to say what you mean. 

http://www.writingforward.com/writing-tips/writing-tips-every-word-matters

Turning Down a Contract

It takes courage, but sometimes it's in your best interest to reject an offer. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/11/guest-blog-post-mustering-courage-to.html

Make Your Story Great

Use these tips to make your good story even better. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/7-simple-ways-to-make-a-good-story-great?et_mid=563087&rid=3025656

Twitter Etiquette

Make sure your tweets project a professional image. 

Loglines

This one-line summary boils down your book into a simple statement that can be easily understood.

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/11/writing-a-one-sentence-summary/

Great Openings

To write a great opening, don't do these. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-donts-of-great-openings-guest-post.html

Contract Negotiations

Use these tips to help you negotiate several typical contract clauses. 

http://www.authorsguild.org/services/legal-services/improving-your-book-contract/

Daily Writing Tips

Take a few minutes each day to read these great daily tips. 

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/

What Not to Blog About

There are some things which you shouldn't announce to the world on your blog. 

http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/what-not-to-blog-about/

Subplots

Don't let your minor plots lead your story astray. 

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/03/stay-on-target.html

Getting Past Rejection

Kelly Light shows one you shouldn't give up. 

http://taralazar.com/2012/11/09/piboidmo-day-9-kelly-light/

Foreign Language Words

Five tips on how and when to use foreign language in your manuscript. 

http://www.adamheine.com/2012/10/5-tips-for-using-foreign-language.html

Submission Tips

An intern from a children's books agency gives her top submission tips to be noticed.

http://henandinkblots.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/mima-tipper-mfa-advises-be-the-lemon-square-top-submission-tips-from-my-internship-with-kid-lit-super-agent-c/

Literary Contracts

What are the many things to look at in your book contract. 

http://www.copylaw.com/new_articles/final.three.html

Character Brainstorming

Author Martina Boone shares her worksheet for thinking about characters. 

http://www.martinaboone.com/resources/character_brainstorming_worksheet.pdf

Epilogues

When you should and should not add an epilogue to your book. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2012/10/30/after-the-end-the-epilogue/

Obnoxious Marketing Techniques

How not to market your book. 

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.ca/2012/10/5-obnoxious-marketing-techniques.html

Third Person: Omniscient vs. Limited

When you use the third person point of view, you have some decisions to make.

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2012/11/third-person-omniscient-vs-third-person.html?

The Ever Elusive Voice

There are many paths to creating a great voice. 

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2010/05/how-to-craft-great-voice.html

Flashbacks

When should you use flashbacks and how should you incorporate them into your writing?

http://kidlit.com/2012/10/31/using-flashbacks-in-writing/

Nonfiction

What do editors look for in a nonfiction project? 

http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/10-things-editors-look-for-in-non-fiction/

Word Counts

Most of us know the approximate word counts for different genres of kidlit, but this post also gives the "sweet spot."

http://literaticat.blogspot.ca/2011/05/wordcount-dracula.html

Too Didactic

There's a limited market for issue books and even these should never be preachy. 

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-d-word.html

Giveaways

Contests and other giveaways are a book-marketing tool. 

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/10/quick-tips-for-contests-giveaways/

Writing Prompts

How writing prompts can help you improve your craft. 

http://janefriedman.com/2012/10/22/3-steps-prompts/

Author Spots

Promote your school visits by creating mini-videos to be shown to the students before you arrive. 

http://jeanreidy.blogspot.com/2012/10/author-spots-for-schools.html

Blog Photos

Photos are copyrighted, so you can't just copy them from other blogs and websites. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/finding-photos/

Editorial Letters

After you sell your book comes the wait for your editorial letter. 

http://emusdebuts.wordpress.com/2012/10/17/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-an-editorial-letter/

Should You Blog

Here are some points to help you decide if blogging is for you. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/10/should-all-authors-blog/

Terrible First Drafts

If you assume your first draft is going to be dreadful, you won't be disappointed. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/10/always-write-terrible-first-drafts.html

School Workshops

Suggested sequences and timings for various length school visits. 

http://schoolvisitexperts.com/?p=575

Foreign Settings

Whether your setting is far away or just unfamiliar, you need to do your research. 

http://www.jenncrowell.com/blog/2012/10/4/seven-surefire-ways-to-write-about-foreign-settings.html

Chapter Breaks

Choose your chapter breaks so your reader won't be able to put down your book.

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/2012/10/chapter-breaks-and-cliffhangers.html

Trilogies

Here's a three-part series about writing the three books of a trilogy. 

http://elanajohnson.blogspot.ca/2012/10/writing-trilogy-part-three-book-three.html

Bullying

Publishers Weekly's list of books with a bullying theme. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/54460-bullying-resources-a-selected-listing.html

Boilerplate Contracts

There can be many pitfalls in a standard publisher's contract. 

http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2012/10/if-you-remember-one-thing-it-should-be.html

Picture Book Biographies

Kathi Appelt shares her thoughts about writing picture book biographies. 

http://thru-the-booth.livejournal.com/36542.html

Agent Querying

Some suggestion for querying from a reader of many agent queries. 

http://henandinkblots.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/mima-tipper-mfa-advises-be-the-lemon-square-top-submission-tips-from-my-internship-with-kid-lit-super-agent-c/

Foreshadowing

You don't want to telegraph the future to your reader when you're foreshadowing. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/10/writing-craft-foreshadowing/

YA Agents

If you write YA, you'll want to check out this list of agents who rep young adult books.

http://sirragirl.blogspot.ca/2011/05/200-yaadult-agency-list-w-links.html

Kindergarten Books

Here are the must-read titles for the Kindergarten set. 

http://www.edexcellence.net/commentary/education-gadfly-daily/flypaper/2012/the-kindergarten-canon.html

Sensory Details

Use all five senses to make your writing jump off the page.

http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.ca/2012/10/using-5-senses-to-make-our-stories-jump.html

How Not to Get a Book Deal

Don't do the things on this list if you ever want to get an agent or be published. 

http://www.kimcurran.co.uk/2012/10/10-things-not-to-do-to-get-a-book-deal-and-beyond/

First Drafts

Some hints for writing a quick and dirty first draft. 

http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/writing-a-quick-first-draft/

Novels in Verse

Here's a list of novels written in verse, from middle grade to adult. 

http://pinterest.com/ingridsundberg/story-structure-charts/

Story Structure Charts

There's more than one way to tell a story. 

http://pinterest.com/ingridsundberg/story-structure-charts/

Launching a Book

A few do's and don'ts for getting your book out in the world. 

http://acrowesnest.blogspot.com/2012/10/dianne-dos-and-donts-of-launching-book.html

Co-Authoring

What are the pros and cons of writing with a partner? 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/10/co-authoring-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

Photos and Copyrights

Make sure you don't do these common mistakes when using other people's photos on your blog. 

http://publicityhound.net/10-worst-mistakes-bloggers-make-when-using-photos/

Finding Author's You Might Like

After you put in the name of a favorite author, you'll see a map of other authors you might like. 

http://www.literature-map.com/

Map Your Setting

Drawing a map of your settings will help you keep everything in the correct place. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.ca/2012/10/wow-wednesday-lynne-kelly-on-mapping.html

Editors at Conferences

Going to a writing conference is a wonderful way to make a personal connection with and have the opportunity to submit to editors. 

http://vonnacarter.com/wordpress/?page_id=6213

Show, Don't Tell

Here's a new way to determine if you are telling instead of showing.

http://www.adventuresinagentland.com/2012/09/let-your-reader-be-doctor-on-showing-vs.html

Picture Book or Short Story

They may be the same number of words, but they're not the same. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws06/pborzine.shtml

SCBWI Events

Listing, by month, of SCBWI regional events around the world. 

http://www.scbwi.org/Regional-Events.aspx

Acknowledgements

You're not always doing someone a favor when you include his/her name in your acknowledgements. 

http://www.katemessner.com/think-before-you-thank-writers-acknowledgments/

Book Contracts

Ten key points to consider in your book contract. 

http://www.ivanhoffman.com/points.html

Writers' Organizations

National and international writers' organizations by state. 

http://www.squidoo.com/localwritersassociationsbystate

Heinlein's Rules for Writing

Rule One: You must write. 

http://www.sfwriter.com/ow05.htm

Book Festivals

Some hints to make your appearance at a book festival go more smoothly.

http://www.hilarytsmith.com/2012/09/how-not-to-be-awkward-at-book-festivals.html

Magazine Markets

Author Evelyn Christensen provides links to submission guidelines for children's magazines.  

highlights.com/contributor-guidelines

Conflict

How to integrate conflict into the overall structure of your novel. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/09/building-deep-conflict-into-novel.html

Pseudonyms

In this age of social media, are pseudonyms a relic of the past? 

http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/rethink-pseudonyms/

Tighten Your Writing

Some simple tips to eliminate unneeded words and phrases from your manuscript. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/09/write-tighter-write-smarter.html

Reasons for Rejection

What are the biggest reasons editors and agents say no?

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2012/09/clarity-in-queries-biggest-reason.html

Propaganda

Don't try to push your own agenda in your writing.

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/are-you-writing-propaganda/

Great Pitches

The secrets to a great pitch lies in answering these questions.

http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/secrets-of-a-great-pitch/

Work for Hire

What you need to know about taking on a work for hire job. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws06/work4hire.shtml

Complete Rewrites

Revising your book is more than just changing a word here and there. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-art-of-complete-rewrite.html

Promoting Your Book Apps

How to help people hear about and find your book app. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/01/guest-post-elizabeth-o-dulemba-on.html

Book Trailers

Eleven tips to making a good trailer for your book. 

http://www.rabblewriters.com/2012/09/eleven-book-trailer-tips.html

New YA Imprint

Poisoned Pen's new imprint, Poisoned Pencil, is looking for YA mysteries. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/54082-poisoned-pen-press-creates-ya-imprint.html

New MG/YA Imprint

Kathy Dawson Books, a new imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, will publish  "emotionally driven" MG and YA titles. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/54035-kathy-dawson-gets-imprint-at-penguin-young-readers.html

Conflict

Reasons why the conflict in your manuscript may not be working.

http://www.hilarytsmith.com/2012/09/gas-in-trunk-why-your-conflict-isnt_13.html

Agent-Requested Revisions

Agent Joan Paquette discusses why and when an agent might ask for a revision. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2010/04/agent-requested-revisions-interview.html

New Children's Imprint

McSweeny's has a new imprint dedicated to books for children -- McMullen's. 

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/books#category4

Agent Plagarism

There are many things in this life to worry about, but having an agent plagarize your work isn't one of them. 

http://kidlit.com/2010/06/09/copyrighting-submissions-and-agent-plagiarism/

Managing Social Media

How to participate in social media while still have to time to write. 

http://gobsmackedwriter.blogspot.com/2012/08/part-iii-managing-social-media-vals.html

YA Publisher

Spencer Hill Press specializes in urban fantasy, sci fi, and paranormal romance for young adults. 

http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/

The Editorial Bug

What do editors think about as they are editing a manuscript? 

http://chavelaque.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-editorial-process-step-by-step.html

Agents are Good for Authors

Even if you're not agented, you benefit from the work agents do on behalf of their clients.

http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/how-do-authors-benefit-from-agents/

Rhyming Rules

The "Meter Maids" give ways to improve your rhyming manuscripts.

http://www.themetermaids.blogspot.com/

Write with Urgency

Ways to make your nonfiction (and your fiction, too) more interesting. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/08/13-ways-to-write-with-urgency/

Revising Means Re-visioning

If you're only making small changes here and there, you're not revising, you're copy editing. 

http://metteharrison.livejournal.com/369255.html

Choosing a Writers' Conference

How do you decide whether a particular conference is worth it? 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/08/lets-play-is-it-worth-it-writers.html

Storybook Apps

If you want to write an app, you need to read and play apps already out there. 

http://www.juliehedlund.com/2012/08/27/the-one-thing-you-must-do-if-you-want-to-write-storybook-apps/

Publishers Accepting Children's Books

These three incredibly useful web pages list publishers accepting children's books submissions along with a link to their guidelines.

http://myperfectpitch.com/picture-book-publishers/

http://myperfectpitch.com/childrens-book-publishers-usa/

http://myperfectpitch.com/young-adult-book-publishers/

Breaking Into Nonfiction

An interview with author Jennifer Reed discusses how to get started writing nonfiction. 

http://www.ochiltreebooks.com/BREAKING-INTO-THE-NONFICTION-MARKET~81.aspx

Picture Book Month

For those of us who love picture books, let's celebrate in November. 

http://picturebookmonth.com/

Finding Time to Write

No, these hints won't give you more hours in a day, but they might help you carve out some writing time. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/08/guest-post-giveaway-mette-ivie-harrison.html

Query Letter No-nos

Don't do these things in your query letter. 

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/2012/08/dear-agent-extract-5-what-not-to-say.html

Opening Scenes

Five reasons why your opening scene is like a blind date. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/08/5-reasons-why-your-opening-scene-is.html

New MG/YA Publisher

In addition to books for adults, Jolly Fish Press accepts middle grade and young adult novels. 

http://www.jollyfishpress.com/

Comp Titles

In your nonfiction book proposal, you should include titles of similar books. 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2012/08/comp-titles.html

Blog Designers

Some things to think about before you hire someone to set up a blog for you.

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/08/hiring-a-blog-designer/

Tips for a Better Blog

Thirteen simple tips to make your blog better. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/08/simple-tips-for-a-better-blog/

First Page Concepts

What are some common things editors see in first pages? 

http://chavelaque.blogspot.com/2012/08/some-lists-about-first-pages.html

What takes so long?

What is it about publishing that makes it take year(s) before your book comes out?

http://chavelaque.blogspot.com/2012/08/six-reasons-why-everything-in.html

Ending a Blog

Five things to consider before you pull the plug on your blog. 

http://carmenoliver.livejournal.com/45183.html

Is Your Manuscript Ready to Query?

Here's a checklist to make sure your manuscript is all sparkly and ready to go. 

http://writeoncon.com/2012/08/knowing-when-your-ms-is-ready-to-query-by-literary-agent-lara-perkins/

When to Outline

Even if you don't make an outline before you write, it helps to do so after each draft. 

http://www.bethrevis.blogspot.com/2012/08/writing-wednesday-when-to-outline.html

picture book titles

Two things to avoid when you're titling your picture book. 

http://kidlit.com/2012/08/20/picture-book-titles-to-avoid/

Quiet Books

Even if your book is quiet, it still needs to be interesting. 

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/2012/08/dear-crabbit-my-book-is-too-quiet-and.html

Writing Contest Scams

Watch out for these red flags before entering a writing contest. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/08/guest-blog-post-red-flags-of-writing.html

Best-Ever Teen Fiction

NPR (National Public Radio) conducted a poll to choose the 100 best young adult novels. 

http://www.npr.org/2012/08/07/157795366/your-favorites-100-best-ever-teen-novels

21 Plot Shapes

There are many more ways  plot shapes than what you learned in school.

http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=mette_ivie_harrison&article=046

Character Names

Some tips for choosing appropriate names for your characters. 

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/2012/08/whats-in-name-naming-your.html

Small Presses

What are the pros and cons of publishing with a small press? 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/08/pros-and-cons-of-small-presses/

Synopses

How to write a synopsis, using The Wizard of Oz as an example. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2012/08/synopsis-writing-101.html

Dialogue Punctuation

Using the correct punctuation makes your dialogue more readable. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/wt03/punctuating.shtml

Getting Critiqued

Give yourself enough time to think about a comment before you dismiss it.

http://beckylevine.com/2012/07/24/critique-comments-remembering-to-give-them-time/

Research

If you're writing nonfiction, and often fiction, you need to do research. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/wt06/getstarted.shtml

Writer's Resume

Every once in a while, a publisher will ask you for your writer's resume. Here's how to do it. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws07/resume.shtml

Dialogue Mistakes

Here are eight to avoid. 

http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/8-dialogue-mistakes-to-avoid/

Boy Readers

They don't just want to see boy protagonists. 

http://kidswriterjfox.blogspot.com/2012/07/guest-post-andy-sherrod-on-boy-readers.html

After Publication

You thought your work was done after your book was published. Wrong.

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2012/08/getting-book-published-is-not-end-its.html

Multiple Critiques

How do you synthesize the feedback from multiple sources? 

http://kidlit.com/2012/07/23/synthesizing-feedback/

Beautiful Picture Books

Which picture books have the most beautiful artwork?

http://www.flavorwire.com/306958/the-20-most-beautiful-childrens-books-of-all-time

Strengthen Your Novel

Thirty one-minute tips to make your novel stronger. 

http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/30-days-to-a-stronger-novel/

20 Best-Selling Children's Books

Be prepared for some surprises. 

http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/arts/literature/20-best-selling-childrens-books.htm/printable

Children's Fiction Sales Rising

Children's Fiction had the strongest performance of any trade segment in 2011.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/53088-new-stats-show-great-gains-in-children-s-fiction-in-2011.html

Common Core

What the common core educational standards mean to publishers. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/53002-what-common-core-means-for-publishers.html

What are E-Books?

The answer is not as simple as you might think. 

http://stroppyauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/how-to-speak-publisher-e-is-for-e-books.html

New MG/YA Publisher

Month9 Books will specialize in speculative fiction for tweens and teens. 

http://www.month9books.com/

Waiting for Your Contract

Why does it take so long after acceptance to get your contract? 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/07/publisher-contract/

Believable Fantasy

Seven trips for writing a fantasy your readers will buy into. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/07/7-tips-for-crafting-believable-fantasy.html

New MG/YA Agent

Kathryn Patten, a new agent with Sherre Bykofsky Associates, is interested in acquiring middle grade and YA novels.


http://advicefromacaterpillar.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/new-agent-open-to-mg-and-ya-queries/

New Children's Imprint

Seven Stories has a new children's imprint, Triangle Square Books for Young Readers. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/53206-seven-stories-launches-children-s-imprint.html

Series

Even if you're envisioning a series, each book still needs to stand alone. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/07/engineering-fiction-series.html

Library Purchasing

How libraries choose which books to publish and how you can increase the possibility yours will be picked up. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2010/04/guest-blog-post-how-libraries-choose.html

Inexpensive Book Promotion

Free and almost free ways to promote your book. 

http://blog.bookbaby.com/2012/06/promote-your-book-on-a-budget/

Formatting Your Manuscript

Here's a refresher on proper manuscript formatting. 

http://hollylisle.com/how-to-format-a-manuscript/

YA Trends

What subjects are we seeing now in YA novels? 

http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2012/07/12/upcoming-trends-more-mermaids-psychological-thrillers-human-experimentation-and-more/

Multi-layered Characters

Make your characters more interesting by adding more layers. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/06/crafting-multi-layered-characters.html

Introverts

Even introverts can participate in promoting their books. 

http://www.writersfunzone.com/blog/2012/06/15/book-promotion-5-tips-for-introverts/

Hemingway

Writing tips to take away from the writings of Ernest Hemingway. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/07/6-things-to-learn-from-hemingway/

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Market

What you need to write for the bilingual children's market. 

http://www.myspace.com/write4kids/blog/384855570

Outliners and Pantsers

Why you should be both--an outliner for your plot and a pantser for your characters.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/07/going-both-ways-outlines-for-plot.html

Blog Tour

What is a blog tour and how does it work. 

http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2012/06/tips-on-thursday-blog-tours.html

Quiet Books

How to make sure your quiet book is still interesting. 

http://www.throughthetollbooth.com/2012/06/25/finding-the-power-in-quiet-books-or-how-to-write-compelling-fiction-when-nothing-blows-up/

Starred Reviews

Publishers Weekly provides a list of the starred reviewed children's books for 2012 so far. 

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/shelftalker/?p=8248

Make Your Blog Work

Here are many tips to improve the odds of people reading your blog. 

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/blogging-for-writers-make-your-blog.html

Prologues

Agent Kristen gives three reasons why prologues don't work. 

http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2012/06/fridays-with-agent-kristin-episode-8.html

Pitching an Unfinished Novel

Don't approach agents or publishers with until your novel is finished and polished. 

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/2012/06/dear-crabbit-can-i-pitch-unfinished.html

Mysteries

Eight tips for writing a mystery novel. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/07/8-tips-for-unlocking-secrets-of-mystery.html

Fantasy World Building

A website for YA fantasy authors to learn about building worlds. 

http://yafantasyworldbuilding.wikispaces.com/

Rights vs. Copyright

What you need to know about them and the difference. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/07/rights-vs-copyright.html

Polishing Your Manuscript

Some simple tips to help your manuscript shine.

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/07/polishing-your-writing-until-it-shines.html

Do Book Trailers Work?

Here's an article from the Chicago Tribune about why book trailers fail to help sell books. 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/books/ct-prj-0708-book-trailers-20120706,0,1514308,full.story

Interesting Nonfiction for Kids

The I.N.K. blog covers all things nonfiction in children's books. 

http://www.inkrethink.blogspot.com/

Editorial Letters

What to do after you receive an editorial letter. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2012/06/26/how-to-tackle-critique-notes/

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Publishers

Spanglish Baby offers a list of publishers who put out books in Spanish and English. 

http://spanglishbaby.com/resources/bilingual-publishing-houses/

Make Your Blog Work

How to get more people to read and comment on your blog. 

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/blogging-for-writers-make-your-blog.html

Online Reference Desk

Hundred of links to fast fact sites, such as almanacs, magazines, organizations, etc.

http://www.refdesk.com/fastfact.html

Reading Level

Find out the reading level for many titles. 

http://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx

Nonfiction for Kids

If you write nonfiction, you'll want to join the Yahoo group, NF for Kids. 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NFforKids/

Book Packagers

A question and answer with Dori Butler about working with book packagers. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/tr01/revised_dori_butler.shtml

Literary Contests

How to tell whether a literary contest is legit or just out to take your money. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2010/12/some-tips-on-evaluating-literary.html

Villains

Your villains still need to be well-rounded characters. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/06/3-myths-about-villains.html

Writing Resources

An exhaustive list of resources for writers on the internet. 

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/writers.htm

Revise and Resubmit Requests

Editors and agents don't want you to rewrite your story into something you don't want.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2012/06/understanding-revisions-what-you-get.html

School Visits

Detailed advice from author Susan Uhlig and getting, planning, and doing school visits. 

http://www.susanuhlig.com/2012/03/going-back-to-school.html

Biographies

A question and answer chat with author Joanne Mattern about writing biographies for children. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/tr01/joannemattern2012.shtml

Business Expenses

Author David L. Harrison explains what does and does not qualify as a writing business expense. 

http://davidlharrison.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/expenses-of-being-a-writer/

New Agency

Joanna Stampfel-Volpe, has formed a new agency, New Leaf Literary & Media .

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/deals/article/52633-stampfel-volpe-forms-new-leaf-literary.html

Are You About to Land an Agent?

Here are five signs that you are about to become agented.

http://internspills.blogspot.com/2012/06/five-signs-youre-about-to-land-agent.html

Book Proposals

If you're thinking of writing a nonfiction book, you need to know how to write a book proposal.

http://www.prlit.com/bookproposal.htm

Setting as a Character

There are many ways to let your setting also work as a character in your novel. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/06/using-setting-as-a-character-a-tip-for-novelists/

Children's Publishers

Links to many publishers, large and small, of children's literature. 

http://www.acqweb.org/pubr/child.html

M.F.A. Programs in Children's Literature

Here's a cheat sheet to help you decide which program is best for you. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/06/mfa-cheat-sheet.html

Sound Words

An onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like a sound. 

http://www.writtensound.com/index.php

What do Agents Do?

Agents do much more than submit your manuscript. 

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/09/what-do-literary-agents-do.html

Editor and Publisher Interviews

Author Cynthia Leitich Smith interviews editors and publishers.

http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/for_writers/links/editors_publishers.html

Conflict

Without conflict, you don't have a story.

http://henandinkblots.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/upping-the-ante-conflict-in-childrens-novels/

Agents for Jewish-Themed Books

These agents have shown interest in children's books with a Jewish theme. 

http://thewholemegillah.wordpress.com/category/agents/

Writing Mistakes

Common mistakes of new (and sometimes veteran) children's book writers. 

http://www.absolutewrite.com/specialty_writing/top_ten.htm

Talking Animals

What are the "rules" for having talking animals in your story? 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/wt02/tkganimals.shtml

Word Count

Here are is the range of word counts for the various genres of children's books.

http://kidlit.com/2009/11/13/manuscript-length/

Work for Hire

Here are some great links to get you started in the world of work for hire. 

http://www.vijayabodach.com/Handout%20Work-for-Hire.htm

Picture Book Apps

Five reasons why picture book writers should stay the course. 

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2011/11/tamson-weston-what-about-apps-five.html

The Call

Questions to ask when you receive "the call" from a prospective agent. 

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2010/02/call-or-what-to-ask-literary-agent-when.html

Reader Age

Some hints to make sure your writing fits the age of your reader. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws05/agerange.shtml

Publishing Contracts

What are the typical things a publishing contract contains? 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/what-does-a-publishing-contract-cover/

Ideas

Some ways to help you never run out of ideas. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/never-run-out-of-ideas/

Character Names

Some things to think about when you're naming your characters. 

http://www.jeffcarney.net/blog/?p=120

Email Lists

Strategies to expand the email list you use for promoting your book. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/michael-hyatt-platform/

Advances

How do advances work and are they negotiable? 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/all-about-advances/

CBC Diversity

The aim of this Children's Book Council is to promote and celebrate diversity in children's literature. 

http://www.cbcdiversity.com/

Grounding Your Reader

You don't want your characters to be just talking heads. 

http://kidlit.com/2010/08/04/grounding-the-reader/

Conference Critiques

How to get the most out of your professional manuscript critique. 

http://www.writingforchildrenandteens.com/agents/making-the-most-out-of-your-conference-critique/

Novels in Verse

Here's a list of middle grade and young adult novels written in verse. 

http://www.sarahtregay.com/novelsinverse.html

Writing a Series

Maybe you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket.

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-not-to-write-series-or-dont-put-all.html

Editing Clauses

How to protect yourself from having your work edited without your approval. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/05/editing-clauses-in-publishing-contracts.html

Mass Market vs. Trade

What's the difference between mass market and trade books? 

http://onceuponasketch.com/2012/05/childrens-market-terms-and-terminology-1/

Querying an Agent

Don't make these mistakes.  

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/16/literary-agent-mistakes_n_1521434.html

Revise and Resubmit

What should you do after you receive a revise and resubmit request from an agent or editor?

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/05/reviseresubmit-requests.html

GLBT Books

Look on the left column on Lee Wind's blog for a list of books with gay teen themes and/or characters.

http://www.leewind.org/

Looking for an Agent

How to search for an agent and what questions to ask when he/she calls. 

http://donnabowmanbratton.blogspot.com/2012/05/questions-to-ask-potential-agent.html

The Perfect Plot

Author Linda Joy Singleton tells how to create the perfect plot. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/05/guest-post-linda-joy-singleton-on.html

Dystopian

What makes a good YA dystopian novel? 

http://www.hbook.com/2012/04/choosing-books/recommended-books/what-makes-a-good-ya-dystopian-novel/

Independent Editors

How to choose an independent editor and avoid getting scammed. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/05/vetting-independent-editor.html

Manuscript Blindness

You need to let your manuscript rest before you revise, or you'll miss changes that need to be made. 

http://brianyansky.blogspot.com/2012/05/manuscript-blindness.html

Creative Writing Degrees

How to you choose the best BFA/MFA program? 

http://www.danutakean.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-creative-writing-degree-course/

Humor in Multi-cultural Books

Why aren't there more funny multi-cultural books? 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws06/whatisit.shtml

Picture Book or Magazine Story

What's the difference and how to tell which one you've written. 

http://www.institutechildrenslit.com/rx/ws06/whatisit.shtml

Outwit Writer's Block

Or how to get out of a rut.

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/9-ways-to-outwit-writers-block/

Next Books

What if your agent doesn't like your next book? 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/what-if-my-agent-doesnt-like-my-next-book-2/

Tips for Bookstore Events

Tip #1: Don't be a jerk.

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2012/05/protips-for-published-authors-pt-2.html

Tightening Your Manuscript

Simple tips to cut thousands of words.

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/04/how-to-cut-thousands-of-words/

Legal Information

The Publishing Law Center site provides legal information for the publishing community. 

http://www.publaw.com/

New Publisher

Creston Books will publish their debut list in Fall 2012. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/51472-bay-area-author-kickstarts-new-children-s-publishing-venture.html

Read Aloud Books

Here's a list of books (plus another list of ones missing from the first list) you should read to children by the age of 10. 

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/67-books-for-kids/?pid=1185&viewall=true

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/67-books-for-kids/?pid=1185&viewall=true

Twitter Tools

Here are four (out of over a million) useful Twitter tools. 

http://blog.kissmetrics.com/million-twitter-tools/

Popular Names

Search the social security database for popular first names by year of birth.

Perfected Your First Page

Here are three exercises to make your first page shine. 

http://janefriedman.com/2012/04/23/perfecting-your-first-page/

Reversion Clauses

It's important that you have a non-ambiguous reversion of rights clause in your contract. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/04/importance-of-reversion-clauses-in-book.html

Guest Posts

Writing guest posts on other peoples' blogs may be the most effect social media effort you can do to sell more books. 

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/2012/04/one-thing-you-should-do-to-sell-more.html

Conference Mistakes

Avoid making these common mistakes at your next writers' conference. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/how-to-avoid-10-common-conference-mistakes-that-writers-make

Exclusive Queries

Should you give an agent an exclusive on a query? 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/04/exclusive-query.html

New MG/YA Agent

Michelle Witte of Mansion Street Literary is looking for mg and ya.  

http://michellewittebooks.com/agent/

New Imprint

Capstone is launching a new trade imprint in Fall 2012.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/51683-capstone-launches-new-trade-line.html

100 Greatest Kids' Books

USA Today lists the 100 greatest books for children.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/story/2012-02-14/100-greatest-books-for-kids/53095042/1

Illustration Notes

Should you include illustration notes in your picture book manuscript? 

http://kidlit.com/2010/11/17/should-you-include-illustration-notes-in-your-picture-book/

What is Young Adult?

What's the history of the YA genre and what does it mean now?

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/04/what-does-young-adult-mean/51316/

Picture Book Apps

What makes a good picture book app?

http://www.hbook.com/2012/02/using-books/what-makes-a-good-picture-book-app/

Value of Blogging/Tweeting

Does blogging and/or tweeting help a book's success? 

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/2012/04/blogtweet-success-chicken-or-egg.html

Picture Book Sequels

They're different than novel sequels. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/04/guest-post-kate-hosford-on-writing.html

Conference Expectations

If you sign up for a conference critique, expect to get a professional assessment of your manuscript, not a book contract. 

http://kidlit.com/2012/04/18/adjusting-expectations-for-conferences-and-critiques/

blog tours

Tips on how to plan a blog tour for your book.

http://marielamba.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/blog-tour-tips-on-planning-your-journey/

Nonfiction Picture Books

Nonfiction picture books aimed at older readers often have bigger word counts. 

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1016917725611909564#allposts

Racism and Sexism

How to check for racism and sexism in your manuscript. 

http://www.osi.hu/iep/Workshops/anti_bias/ten_ways.htm

Why Small Publishers Fail

If you're thinking of submitting to a smaller publisher, read this post first. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2012/04/guest-blog-post-why-small-publishers.html

Balancing Story and Prose

How do you find the sweet spot between story and prose at the macro and the micro level. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/04/balancing-story-and-prose/

editing someone else's work

Some hints from Nathan Bransford about critiquing other people's work. 

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2012/04/ten-commandments-for-editing-someones.html

Longer Picture Books

Even though picture book word counts are getting shorter, for older readers you might be able to include more. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2012/04/guest-post-mara-rockliff-on-writing.html

Author Websites

Avoid these common mistakes.

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/03/the-5-most-common-author-website-mistakes/

Multicultural Blogs

Blogs to help you become more familiar with multicultural books and customs. 

http://www.rascofromrif.org/?p=22453

Press Coverage

How to get exposure for you and your manuscript. 

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/92-ways-to-get-and-maximize-press-coverage

Blogging Mistakes

If you have a blog, avoid these mistakes. 

http://www.jeffbullas.com/2010/05/17/12-blogging-mistakes-to-avoid/

Net Profit Royalty

Watch out for this contract red flag. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2011/05/contract-red-flag-net-profit-royalties.html

New Facebook Page

How to use the changes in Facebook to your advantage.

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/publishing-insiders-wrap-up-special-guest-amy-porterfield-the-new-facebook-page/

Narrative and Transition

How to maintain forward momentum in your manuscript. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/03/goodreads-8-things-writers-should-know/

Goodreads

Eight things you should know about Goodreads. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/03/goodreads-8-things-writers-should-know/

Why Your Book Isn't Selling

What you can do to boost your sales. 

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/why-your-book-isnt-selling-3/

Publishing Terms

Some resources and advice about publishing terms and contracts.

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1016917725611909564#allposts

Event Planning

Tips for authors doing events.

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/2012/03/crabbits-tips-8-authors-doing-events.html

Ending a Chapter

You don't want your readers to put down your book at the end of the chapter. 

http://kidlit.com/2012/03/26/how-to-button-a-chapter/

Children's Writers Forum

If you write for children, you should be looking at the Verla Kay Blue Boards. 

http://evelynchristensen.com/mags.html

Free Social Media Tools

50 free tools you can use to increase your social media presence. 

Children's Magazines

Here's a new site with information of children's magazines. 

http://evelynchristensen.com/mags.html

Writing Funny

What makes for a funny situation?

http://acrowesnest.blogspot.com/2012/03/kim-humor-for-writers.html

Don't Overshare

Some things to think about when using social media. 

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2012/01/fine-art-of-zipping-it-or-xyz-pdq.html

Tips on Your Publishing Journey

Author Natalie Whipple shares what she would have done differently. 

http://betweenfactandfiction.blogspot.com/2012/02/10-things-i-wish-i-would-have-done.html

Pinterest

Things you should know about Pinterest. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/03/pinterest-things-writers-should-know/

School Visits

Some tips from author Debbie Dadey on how to make them less horrifying. 

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/tips-on-avoid-horror-story-school-visits/

Revision and Rewriting

Revising is more than just polishing your writing. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/03/wow-wednesday-talia-vance-on-when.html

Author-Agent Agreements

Here are a few things to look for in your agreement. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/03/whats-an-author-agent-agreement/

Everything You Wanted to Know About Middle Grade Books

Editor Molly O'Neil talks about what makes a book a middle grade.

http://www.dystel.com/2012/03/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-middle-gradeand-were-willing-to-ask/

Picture Book Agents

Not all agents represent picture books. Here's a list of some that do.

http://frolickingthroughcyberspace.blogspot.com/p/monster-list-of-picture-book-agents.html

How to Annoy Your Reader

Don't do these things or you'll pull the reader out of the story.

http://theeditorsblog.net/2012/02/28/inner-dialogue-writing-character-thoughts/

Automatic Manuscript Rejections

If you do any of the following, you risk having your manuscript immediately rejected.

http://www.darkangelwritingtools.com/2011/05/17-reasons-book-manuscripts-are.html

Contracts

Questions to ask about your author contract (three posts).

http://chipmacgregor.typepad.com/main/2012/02/what-does-an-author-need-to-ask-about-book-contracts-part-1.html

Genre Novel Names and Nouns

Here's some great advice about naming characters and other nouns in your world-built novel.

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/how-to-invent-names-for-your-genre-novel/

After Signing Your Contract

Do these things right away, while you have time and before you forget. 

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2012/02/9-things-you-must-do-after-signing-book.html

Rewriting vs. Revising

Is it enough to just change a word here and there or should you be typing material in from scratch?

http://sdwriters.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/revising-equals-rewriting/

Radio Interviews

Practical suggestions for making the most of a radio or podcast interview. 

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/2012/02/radio-interviews.html

How to Pitch

Simple advice on how to approach and editor/agent pitch at a conference. 

http://www.genreality.net/writers-conferences-editor-agent-appointments

Inner Thoughts

How do you punctuate inner dialog and what tense should you use?

http://theeditorsblog.net/2012/02/28/inner-dialogue-writing-character-thoughts/

Agent Follow-Ups

Should your agent follow-up on submissions to editors?

http://editorialass.blogspot.com/2009/08/agent-follow-ups.html

Editorial Process

A quick peek at what happens editorially after your manuscript is acquired. 

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2012/02/editorial-process-my-experience-vs-my.html

Categorized Picture Books

Are you looking for a picture book on a specific topic?

http://www.readingwritingmoments.com/BookList2012.pdf

Questions From Agents

What might an agent want to know about you when he/she makes the call. 

http://kidlit.com/2012/02/20/questions-you-might-be-asked-when-offered-representation/

Selling Poetry

Advice on how to sell poetry. 

http://www.sff.net/people/neile/how.to.sell.poetry.htp

Editors' Jobs

Myths about what editors do. 

http://romanceuniversity.org/2012/02/17/ten-myths-about-editors-theresa-stevens/

Competition

Especially with nonfiction, you may be asked to give a competitive titles.

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/02/know-your-competition/

Blog Analytics

How to figure out who is reading your blog. 

http://www.mackcollier.com/beginner-blog-analytics/

Prologues

Reasons not to have a prologue. 

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/the-seven-deadly-sins-of-prologues/

How to Impress an Agent

Thirteen tips to put your best foot forward. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/02/13-ways-to-impress-an-agent/

Book Trailer

How to make your own book trailer. 

http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/02/how-to-make-your-own-book-trailer/

Effective pitches

The book title is half your pitch. 

http://lydiasharp.blogspot.com/2012/02/back-to-basics-writing-query-slash.html

Questions to Ask a Prospective Agent

When you get "the call," what questions should you ask an agent? 

http://kidlit.com/2012/02/15/10-questions-to-ask-when-offered-representation/

Sentence Fragments

What are some situations where it might be appropriate to use sentence fragments? 

http://www.magicalwords.net/aj-hartley/breaking-grammar-rules-sentence-fragments/

Twitter Hashtags

Loreen Leedy's list of twitter hashtags to follow for: children's books, writing, publishing, and education.

http://loreenleedybooks.blogspot.com/2010/10/twitter-hashtags-about-childrens-books.html

100 Greatest Kids' Books

Parent and Child Magazine picks the 100 greatest children's books. 

http://www.scholastic.com/100books/

Sentence Structure

25 dependent clauses you can use to vary your sentence structure.

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/25-subordinating-conjunctions/

Children's Book Apps

What are they and how do you create one? 

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/publishing-insiders-wrap-up-secrets-to-creating-childrens-book-apps/

What Does Your Character Know?

How to keep track of your characters' knowledge. 

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/02/what-do-they-know-keeping-track-of.html

Concept Critique Groups

An interesting alternative (or addition) to the traditional critique group. 

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/a-new-approach-to-a-traditional-group-the-concept-critique/

Author Photos

http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/2012/02/tips-for-author-photos.htmlHow to get the best possible business photo. 

Google+ Profile

Five mistakes you need to fix in your Google+ profile. 

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/why-your-google-profile-matters_b46821

Conflicting Advice

Is it really conflicting or is something else the problem? 

http://adventuresinagentland.blogspot.com/2012/02/conflicting-advice-and-what-to-do-with.html

Framing

How eliminating the frame makes your writing stronger. 

http://kidlit.com/2012/02/08/eliminating-the-frame/

Updated Publishing Terms Dictionary

Terms you need to know about the publishing industry. 

http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2012/02/updated-publishing-dictionary.html

Freelance Editors

How to find a good freelance editor for your manuscript.

http://janefriedman.com/2012/01/30/4-ways-to-find-the-right-freelance-editor/

Crafting a 90-second pitch

These hints work whether you're pitching in person or in a query letter.

http://girlswithpens.com/2012/01/30/crafting-your-90-second-pitch/

Words for Facial Expressions

Don't limit yourself to a standard few descriptions of facial expressions. 

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/100-words-for-facial-expressions/

Cutting Scenes

How to decide which scenes can and should go when you revise. 

http://notenoughwords.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/project-2012-scene-selection-what-to-throw-and-what-to-keep/

Small Presses

Should you consider publishing with a smaller press? 

http://harrypotterforwriters.blogspot.com/2012/01/guest-post-why-small-press.html

Make Your Characters Interesting

Are your characters boring? Here's some help.

http://www.superheronation.com/2012/01/02/ideas-for-how-to-make-a-boring-character-interesting/

Loglines

How to craft a short storyline to use when asked what your book is about. 

http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/blog/2010/03/17/the-curious-case-of-carries-characters/

Tighten Your Writing

These specific suggestions will help you trim the fat from your manuscript.

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/8-steps-to-more-concise-writing/

Author Talks

Tips to make your talks go better.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/01/guest-author-diana-nadin-10-top-tips.html

Ideas for Choosing a Title

What makes a good title and how to choose one.

http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/titles.shtml

Fast First Drafts

Why should you speed through your first draft.

http://lyndaryoung.blogspot.com/2012/01/advantages-of-writing-fast-first-draft.html

Discussion and Activity Guides

Should you be making a curricular guide for your books?

http://throughthetollbooth.com/2012/01/26/self-marketing-part-ii-discussion-and-activity-guides/

Word a Day

Build your vocabulary.

http://wordsmith.org/awad/index.html

Fix Your Opening

Openings that might cause your manuscript to be rejected and how to fix them.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/04/seven-deadly-sins-if-youre-first.html

Status Queries

An agent gives good and bad examples of how to find out what's happening with your submission.

http://agencygatekeeper.blogspot.com/2009/11/on-checking-in.html

Crafting the Perfect Title

Here are a few simple suggestions for creating a great title.

http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/write-first-chapter-get-started/7-tips-to-nail-the-perfect-title

Monitor Twitter

How to keep up with twitter posts of interest while still having a life. 

http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/how-to-monitor-twitter-for-businesses-of-all-sizes_b136

Query Mistakes

The most common query mistakes according to a survey of agents.

http://www.jmtohline.com/2010/12/biggest-mistakes-writers-make-when.html

Reverse Dictionary

http://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml

When you know the definition, but can't think of the word, you need a reverse dictionary. 

Formatting No-nos

Make sure you've taken care of these formatting problems before you submit. 

http://behlerblog.com/2012/01/16/reminders-to-basic-manuscript-formatting/

Too Much Promotion?

How to promote your book without annoying people.

http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-much-promotion-is-too-much.html

New Publishers

How to evaluate the risks of accepting an offer from a new publisher. 

http://behlerblog.com/2012/01/06/just-because-they-offered-you-a-contract-doesnt-mean-you-need-to-take-it/

List of Character Traits

Which one(s) describe your characters?

http://www.superheronation.com/2008/06/04/list-of-characteristics/

Editors are Different Than Your Critique Group

Here are some reasons why.

http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com/2012/01/editors-passed-on-same-book-critique.html

Cross-Cultural Writing

Stacy Whitman of Tu Books gives advice on how to write about a culture other than your own. 

http://www.omnivoracious.com/2012/01/stacy-whitman-on-writing-cross-culturally-.html#more

Internal Dialogue

How do you balance internal dialogue with showing visceral responses?

http://paranormalpointofview.blogspot.com/2012/01/internal-dialogue.html

Hooks, Loglines, and Pitches

What's the difference between them and examples from The Wizard of Oz.

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2012/01/hooks-loglines-and-pitches-what-every.html

Author Marketing Tips

Twelve marketing tips for 2012. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/your-top-12-author-marketing-moves-for-2012

New MG/YA Agent

Rachael Dugas of Talcott Notch Literary is looking for mg and ya, including historical fiction.

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/new-agent-alert-rachael-dugas-of-talcott-notch-literary

phrases to avoid

Tighten your writing by avoiding these redundant phrases. 

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-redundant-phrases-to-avoid/

Is Your Manuscript Ready to Submit?

Ask yourself these forty questions.

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/01/writers-pre-flight-checklist.html

Scene Checklist

What to look for to make sure every scene has tension and conflict. 

http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/06/scene-conflict-worksheet.html

Skype School Visits

Some points to consider when you're planning a Skype school visit.

http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/skype-tips/

Too Much Dialogue

How to tell if your manuscript is dialogue-heavy and what to do about it.

http://theeditorsblog.net/2011/10/25/dialogue-my-characters-talk-too-much/

Breaking Your Contract

Here are some suggestions from Writer Beware.

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2011/06/getting-out-of-your-book-contract-maybe.html

Is Your Agent Any Good

Here are some things to look for. 

http://janefriedman.com/2012/01/03/how-do-you-know-if-your-agent-is-any-good/

YA Dystopian

Dystopian titles by decade of publication.

http://eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com/383211.html

Books to Film

What happens to your manuscript if you send it to Hollywood?
http://www.fromthewriteangle.com/2011/12/what-happens-to-your-manuscript-in.html
http://www.fromthewriteangle.com/2011/12/what-happens-to-your-manuscript-in_16.html
http://www.fromthewriteangle.com/2011/12/what-happens-to-your-manuscript-in_18.html

Press Releases

How to make your press release one that's read. 

http://janefriedman.com/2011/10/28/i-hate-press-releases/

Dialogue Tips

Simple advice to improve your dialogue.

http://writetodone.com/2011/12/12/10-easy-ways-to-improve-your-dialogue/

Platform

Five worksheets to help you brainstorm and inventory your author platform. 


http://janefriedman.com/2011/08/02/platform-worksheets/

Idea Theft

Are you afraid someone will steal your work? 

http://janefriedman.com/2011/10/19/idea-theft/

Children's Poetry in 2011

Poetry books published in 2011 by category. 

http://poetryadvocates.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/year-end-feature-childrens-poetry-titles-published-in-2011/

North American Book Awards

Annotated list of nationally sponsored children's book awards. 

http://www.thereadingtub.com/pdfs/national+book+awards.pdf

2012 Picture Book Writing Challenge

Write 12 picture book drafts in 12 months in 2012.

http://writeupmylife.com/2011/11/30/12-x-12-in-2012-picture-book-writing-challenge/

Google+

Use Google+ to connect with like-minded people. 

http://www.amarketingexpert.com/publishing-insiders-wrap-up-special-guest-chris-brogan-on-google/