Nonfiction Picture Books

What's involved in writing and getting published a nonfiction picture book? 

http://www.juliehedlund.com/melissa-stewart-12-x-12-featured-author-august-2014/

New Agent

Rich Richter has joined the Zachary Shuster Harmsworth Agency and represents picture books through new adult.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/63934-rick-richter-joins-zachary-shuster-harmsworth-agency.html

Being Professional

What writing mistakes will signal to an agent or editor you're not professional? 

http://fromsarahwithjoy.blogspot.com/2014/09/top-7-mistakes-that-make-your-writing.html

Pantser of Planner?

Do you plan out your novels in advance or write by the seat of your pants. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/09/craft-of-writing-from-pantser-to.html

Picture Book Structure

There are many possible structures for a picture book. 

http://www.scbwi-illinois.org/pub/PrairieWind/?p=592

Short Stories

Short stories are alive and well in the young adult market.

http://www.allvoices.com/article/100001976

Getting Your Book Reviewed

It never hurts to ask nicely if you want someone to review your book. 

http://taralazar.com/2014/11/06/piboidmo-day-6-sudipta-bardhan-quallen/

Characters are Key

Your book might have the best hook in the world, but it won't be published without well-written characters.

http://taralazar.com/2014/11/06/piboidmo-day-6-sudipta-bardhan-quallen/

Reasons for Rejection

If your book is rejected, it doesn't necessarily mean it's poorly written. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-it-really-means-when-your-book.html

Nonfiction

Do nonfiction books always have to have a story arc? 

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

Dialogue Tips

Seven tools to help your dialogue be realistic, but still interesting. 

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-7-tools-of-dialogue

World Building

Here are some techniques to use when creating a fantasy world for your story. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/10/craft-of-writing-world-building-tips-by.html

University Presses

Some books are better served by a university press than a trade publisher. 

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2014/10/guest-post-margo-sorenson-on-pleasures.html

Similar Titles

When looking for an agent, how similar (or not) should your book be to his/her existing clients? 

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-similar-is-too-similar-in-great.html

Booksellers and Librarians

When it comes to marketing, booksellers and librarians are an author's best friend. 

http://publishingperspectives.com/2014/09/an-authors-best-friends-booksellers-and-librarians/

Rights Reversion

What's involved in getting the rights to your book back from your publisher?

http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-request-rights-reversion-from.html

Colors

See samples of many of the colors that might be appropriate for your text. 

http://ingridsnotes.wordpress.com/2014/02/04/the-color-thesaurus/

Rhythm

Whether or not your picture book is written in rhyme, you still need to pay attention to the rhythm of your text.

http://kidlit.com/2014/09/15/i-got-rhythm/

The Agent Call

Prepare before you get the call from a prospective agent so you know what to ask. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/09/05/what-to-do-before-and-after-the-call-from-an-offering-literary-agent/

Public Speaking

How to make your talks easier for you and more engaging for your audience.

http://www.clarelydon.co.uk/2014/08/public-speaking-for-authors-top-ten-tips/

Opening Chapters

Ten things your opening chapter should do. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/06/10-things-your-opening-chapter-should.html

Scam Literary Agencies

Don't get taken in by a bogus literary agency. 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2011/02/do-you-know-how-to-spot-bogus-literary.html

Book Fairs

Get exposure for your book by participating in a book fair. 

http://www.read.gov/resources/statefairs.php

Book Launch Parties

Make your book launch party a success by following these tips. 

http://writersrumpus.com/2014/10/03/tricks-and-tips-for-a-successful-book-launch-party/

Waiting to Hear Back

If you haven't heard back from an editor or agent, here are some thing you can do. 

http://www.elawreads.com/blog/2014/9/30/the-art-of-following-up-5-things-to-do-when-you-havent-heard-back-from-an-editor-or-agent

Book Trailers

How to plan what your book trailer should say and how to accomplish it. 

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2014/09/craft-of-writing-creating-treatment-for.html

Conference Tips for Introverts

How to get the most out of a writing conference, even if you're not comfortable networking. 

http://marielamba.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/agent-monday-conference-tips-for-introverts/

Reviewers

Here's a list of reviewers for traditionally published books. 

http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2014/09/list-of-reviewers-for-published-books.html

World Building

Do you have to have your story's world completely figured out (and described) before you write the rest of your book? 

http://rateyourstory.blogspot.com/2014/09/worldingbuilding-as-you-go.html

Song Lyrics

Do you need to have the rights in order to song lyrics in your manuscript? 

http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/03/so-you-want-to-use-song-lyrics-in-your.html