Picture Book Database

Search for picture book titles by category in this database. 

http://dlp.lib.miamioh.edu/picturebook/

Agents and Sales

Just because you have an agent, that doesn't mean your manuscript will always sell. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/03/having-agent-does-not-mean-automatic.html

Writing Picture Books

Here are a few basic rules you may not know about writing picture books.

http://writetodone.com/six-best-tips-writing-childrens-picture-books/

Nonfiction Research

One of the challenges is deciding how much of your research gets into the book and how much remains for research only.

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-writer-as-archeologist.html

Historical Fiction

Authors of historical fiction give reasons why it's important.

http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/blog/radar/?p=856

Pinterest for Authors and Illustrators

How authors and illustrators can use Pinterest to market themselves and their books. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/03/14/pinterest-for-authors-and-illustrators-you-bet/

Diversity Within Diversity

When writing diverse characters, it's important to remember they're not all the same. 

http://avajae.blogspot.com/2014/01/on-diversity-within-diversity.html

Write the Whole Manuscript

Why you need to finish your book before looking for an agent or publisher. 

http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/write-the-whole-book/

Skype in the Classroom

Use Skype for a virtual school visit anywhere in the world. 

https://education.skype.com/

Sometimes It's Good to Be Rejected

Author Sarah Aronson looks back on a manuscript she's glad was rejected.

http://www.thewritingbarn.com/2014/03/10/rejecting-rejection-author-sarah-aronson/

Permissions

When do you need to seek permission for quoting material, and how to go about getting it. 

http://wolflit.com/how-and-when-to-seek-permissions-for-your-book/

Rhyming Picture Book Month

The first annual rhyming picture book month opens for registration of March 16, 2014. 

http://angiekarcher.wordpress.com/rhypibomo-countdown/

Author Platforms

What it means, and doesn't mean, when agents and editors talk about having a strong author platform. 

http://janefriedman.com/2012/03/13/author-platform-definition/

Strong Characters

What's the best way to create strong, believable characters? 

http://www.yavengers.com/2014/02/the-trick-gods-tricks-to-introducing.html

Prologues in Submissions

If the guidelines say to send the first x number of pages, should you send your prologues? 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/03/question-oft-maligned-prologue.html

Word Choice

By the judicious choice of words, you can save pages of world building text, whether your book is fantasy or realistic, historical or contemporary. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/03/craft-of-writing-secret-art-of-word.html

What to Look For In an Agent

You have to understand your own needs before you can decide whether or not an agent will be a good fit. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-to-look-for-in-agent.html

Getting Ready to Pitch

The secret to good pitches is being prepared. 

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2014/03/getting-ready-to-pitch.html

Edit Without Mercy

It's not enough to be a good writer--you also have to be a good reviser. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/01/craft-of-writing-edit-without-mercy-by.html

Is It Young Adult

If the main character is a kid, does that automatically make it young adult? 

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2014/01/question-my-main-character-is-kid-but.html

Fantasy Finales

Here's a list of fantasy series which have ended and are worth reading. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-parkin/12-young-adult-fantasy-book-finale_b_4794057.html

Protagonists and Antagonists

Every story needs a protagonists, but it doesn't always need an antagonist.

http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/2012/08/protagonist-vs-antagonist.html

Capstone YA Imprint

Capstone launches a new young adult imprint, Switch Press.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/02/prweb11583942.htm

Agent Questions

Links to posts about questions to ask a prospective agent. 

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/02/questions-to-ask-your-prospective.html

Middle-Grade Themes

Middle graders learn about these common literary themes in their language arts class. 

http://networkedblogs.com/U7o9l

Grammar No-Nos

Sometimes it's okay to break the grammar rules--just look at the writing of these famous authors. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/20/grammar-rules_n_4768485.html

How to Write YA

Here are a few simple "rules" about writing young adult novels. 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/61185-how-to-write-ya.html

The Heart of a Character

Questions to ask in order to truly understand your character. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/character-questionnaire-getting-to-the-guts-of-character/

When the Publishing Process Goes Awry

It's not always smooth sailing to publication, even if you have an agent. 

http://writerunboxed.com/2014/02/16/first-line-of-defense/

Giving and Receiving Critiques

Newbery Medal winner Linda Sue Park gives detailed information about the critiquing process. 

http://lindasuepark.com/writing/critique.html

YA Novels Everyone Should Read

Young adult novels aren't just for kids anymore. 

http://flavorwire.com/434697/25-ya-novels-everyone-even-adults-should-read/

Reading Like a Pro

Here are tips to make your school or bookstore reading professional.

http://blog.spalding.edu/mfainwriting/2013/07/02/reading-like-a-pro/

Character Wounds

Seven common themes for the psychological damage of characters. 

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2014/02/help-character-wounds-list-common-themes/