"The first thing I do after I read something I love is call the author. I've spent two or three hours with writers discussing their work, their goals, their favorite movies. I'm looking for a connection, a meeting of like minds, someone I can comfortably and without hesitation support and cheer on for twenty years or more. If I find that, I'll offer representation. If I don't feel that connection, odds are we're not going to be a good fit."
—Barry Goldblatt,
Literary Agent
Aaron Shepard's Young Authors Page: Writing and Publishing as a Kid from author Aaron Shepard's Web site.
Anastasia Suen offers online classes on a variety of topics, including picture book writing, easy reader writing, writing for the educational market, and children's writer book blogs.
Barbara Seuling’s Manuscript Workshop: intimate, in-home workshop hosted by the author of more than 50 books and former children’s book editor.
Book, Magazine, Organization and Web Resources from The Purple Crayon (for when you need to keep reading, keep learning).
Children’s Authors’ Boot Camp: hosted by Linda Arms White and Laura Backes.
Children's Writing Resource Center presented by Children's Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children's Writers. Both site and sponsoring newsletter are recommended, especially to beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions from the Children's Book Guild of Washington, DC includes advice for beginning writers and illustrators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Children's Writing by Anne LeMieux, David Lubar, and Marilyn Singer for the AOL Children's Writers Chat from Writing-World.com.
Highlights Foundation: workshops for children’s writers and illustrators, hosted by the people behind Boyds Mills Press and Highlights magazine. CYN NOTE: I’ve known past participants and faculty members—all raved.
Institute of Children's Literature: don't be put off by the aggressive marketing and the fact that this is a correspondence course. The program offers first-rate instructors.
Kindling Words: a conference for those of us who aren't beginners (gasp!). Real talk about acceptance speeches, money, marketing and more.
Mentoring: The Writer You Guide Might Be the Future by Tara Yellen at BookSquare. "He instructed us to spend as little energy as possible on the classes that we taught. He told us to keep time with our students to an absolute minimum. 'Teaching, critiquing, working with them. It’ll suck out your writing soul,' he said."
Professional Critiques: published authors offering for-a-fee critiques of children's/YA manuscripts, from CYALR.
The Purple Crayon:
A Children's Book Editor's Site from freelance editor Harold Underdown.
The ultimate children's writers and illustrators site. Teaches most of what
you what to know starting out and then offers to quiz you about it. Articles
on variety of subjects appeal to more established writers. Includes information
about writing, promotion, publishing and more. Especially see: The
How Do I Get Published? Quiz.
Harold Underdown on THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO PUBLISHING CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Smart Writers: "for everyone who reads, writes, or teaches literature for kids."
Writers Workshop at Chautauqua from the Highlights Foundation. Never been but folks seem to rave about this one.
Department Chair Kathi Appelt on the Vermont College/Union Institute & University Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Dean Mary Rockcastle on the Hamline University Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Rutgers One-on-One: "A Unique Program for Authors and Illustrators of Children's Books Sponsored by the Rutgers University Council on Children's Literature."
CYN note: The following institutions offer MFA degrees in writing for children and/or young adults: Chatham College; Hamline; Hollins; Lesley University; Seton Hill; Simmons College; Spaulding University; Vermont College of Fine Arts; Western Connecticut State University.
Cyn Note: Based on my personal experiences with critiques by Uma Krishnaswami, her online class (see link) is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
25 Tips to Book Promotion and Other Thoughts from Gentle's Holler.
Author
& Illustrator Visits from Toni Buzzeo: Author, Library Media Specialist.
Features include author wish list, visit tips, article links, resources,
contacts, and more. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. See also TERRIFIC
CONNECTIONS WITH AUTHORS, ILLUSTRATORS AND STORYTELLERS by Toni Buzzeo
and Jane Kurtz. Read A Story Behind The Story With Toni Buzzeo on THE SEA CHEST and DAWDLE DUCKLING.
Author-Librarian Interview: Toni Buzzeo on school visits, part one and two.
Avoiding Burnout from Shrinking Violet Promotions. Peek: "The act of writing, while it may be horrendously difficult sometimes, fills some deep, creative need within us. This is a gift we've been given in this life, and we need to cherish that and nurture that. And that often means striking some kind of devil's bargain with Publishing. Because the very last thing we want to happen is for Publishing to destroy our love of Writing. And it can happen."
Blog Book Tours by Elizabeth O. Dulemba. Note: previously published in the September-October 2007 SCBWI Bulletin. Here's a sneak peek: "Blog book tours are suddenly quite popular as a quick, inexpensive way for famous (or not so famous) authors to get the word out about their new releases to an exponentially growing audience.”
Children’s & YA Lit Blog Book Tour Hosts from Blog Central.
Children’s & YA Lit Blog Reviewers from Blog Central.
Bookseller Insights: Elizabeth Bluemle on Promotional Bookmarks and Postcards.
The Cookie Theory: Author's Secret Weapon or Crummy Mess: from pixie stix kids pix: Thoughts, Observations, and Ideas About Children's Books. An article
about the "(sometimes tricky) relationship between booksellers and authors."
Curious City: an excellent supplier of books for school/author events nation-wide.
Cynsations interviews:
Cynthia Hughes Literary Management offers publicity coordination and consultation to authors, publishers, and event planners.
Good Books Need Good Marketers: A Conversation With Publicity/Promotions Manager Donna Spurlock by Anna Olswanger from The Purple Crayon.
How to Throw at Book Launch Party by Cynthia Leitich Smith from Create/Relate.
On Blogging: Tips for Newbies: an interview with Mitali Perkins by Taylor Rogers, Publicity Assistant at Charlesbridge, at Mitali’s Fire Escape.
Promoting Your Novel: How To Make a Book Trailer by romance novelist Brenda Coulter from No rules. Just write.
Raab Associates: marketing, consulting, publicity; includes a number of related articles.
The Reviewer's Slush Pile by Sue Corbett, Children's Book Reviewer of Miami Herald/Knight-Ridder Tribune News Wire from Cynthia Leitich Smith Children's Literature Resources. Online article about how to get books reviewed by newspapers.
School Visits (and other events) from Cynthia Leitich Smith. Includes preparation, booking agents, and directories.
Self-Promotion and Marketing for the Children's Book Author: A Conversation with John Kremer by Anna Olswanger from The Purple Crayon.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Marketers by David Poyer; for the adult market but illuminating for children's/YA as well.
Shrinking Violet Promotions: Marketing for Introverts: a blog from authors Mary Hershey and Robin LaFevers.
Teacher Guides by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer. Authors, illustrators, and publishers may contact Tracie to order a guide for a specific book.
Tips for Successful Radio Interviews from Lorilyn Bailey of GuestFinder.com.
VisitingAuthors.com: "one-stop shopping for anyone interested in hosting a children's book author or illustrator." Has a more impressive client roster than many competing services.
We Love Children's Books: Laurina Cashin and Bobbie Combs specialize in promoting children's books. Services include: websites, catalogs and marketing publications, collection development and research, writing and editing, trade shows, workshops and informal presentations. Clients include: authors and illustrators; publishers; education and retail wholesalers; organizations; children's bookstores.
Wide-Eyed and Curious: Working with Young Children in Groups by Shutta Crum. Some great advice for public speaking. Read A Story Behind The Story With Shutta Crum on SPITTING IMAGE and WHO TOOK MY HAIRY TOE?
Attorney Interview: Aimée Bissonette on Law & Publishing from Cynsations.
Blurb Etiquette by Justine Larbalestier.
The Business Side, an e-newsletter, covers the business aspects of the children's publishing industry for the author-illustrator audience. Each issue will contain an article about a business issue like a contract term or phrase and what it means for an author or illustrator. Subscribers are invited to send in general contract or other business questions. Each issue also will feature a market that offers fair contracts. From the editor: "When you subscribe, you'll receive an e-mail confirming that you signed up. Option one in that e-mail takes you to the Yahoo site. Option two is just to click 'reply', then 'send'. That's the faster, easier one. If you do not receive an e-mail from Yahoo confirming your subscription, please try again or contact me." To subscribe: click here.
Book Wire: Inside the Marketplace published by Cahners Business Information.
Candie Moonshower on Dealing with Rejections from Alice's CWIM Blog.
Children’s Media Professionals’ Forum: an online community of media specialists, booksellers, authors, illustrators, agents, educational consultants, publishing industry professionals, and television producers.
Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market E-Newsletter: "sign up to receive a free monthly newsletter featuring news, tips, market information, Q&A and more straight from CWIM to your inbox."
Children's Writers Marketplace from Margaret Shauers (formerly of inkspot.com) at the Children's Writing Resource Center. Especially helpful to magazine writers.
Children's Writers' Submission Guidelines Online: features articles and guidelines for publishers and periodicals.
Conference Etiquette from BookEnds, LLC. Peek: "One of the reasons I advise against getting in touch with agents or submitting just before a conference is that for a lot of agents this puts them in an uncomfortable position. They feel that you’re expecting something they don’t want to give—usually feedback or more personal, detailed critiques than they would normally give." See also "How to Impress an Editor" from Down a Dusty Gravel Road.
Glossary: book and publishing terminology from Harold Underdown at The Purple Crayon.
How Long Does It Take to Sell a Novel? from Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown.
How to Prepare for Your One-on-One Critique: Insights from Editors and Authors by Gayle Jacobson-Huset from the Institute of Children's Literature.
"I'm published. What now?" from author Verla Kay's Web site. "A Web page devoted to the business end of being a published author." An extensive author/writing resource site.
Kid Magazine Writers: a Web site for those who write for children's magazines, which includes market information (such as editor interviews), writing lifestyle issues, and craft.
Lee & Low New Voices Award: competition is open to picture book manuscripts no longer than 1,500 words by "writers of color" who are previously unpublished in the picture book.
Let's Talk About Luck by Justine Larbalestier. Here's a sneak peek: "It's true that the surest path to publication is to keep on writing and writing and writing. Then you have to keep submitting. It also helps if you're talented. Those are the facts. But there are a small percentage of people who just can’t get a break."
Note: Justine also references a couple of links of particular usefulness, The Real World Book Deal Descriptions from Whatever, and Getting Paid, Or Don't Quit Your Day Job, from Justine herself, (on advances and "earning out".)
Making Your Conference a Success from BookEnds, LLC. Here's a sneak peek: "I’ve learned from an agent's perspective what works and what doesn't. So here it is. My list of those things I've seen and those things I can recommend." See also Calling All Conference Organizers from Agent Kristin at Pub Rants.
Orphaned Manuscripts by Darcy Pattison from Darcy Pattison's Revision Notes. Here's a sneak peek: "The question is this: What happens to your manuscript/ book when the acquiring editor leaves?" Note: not a new post but too-often timely.
Publisher Interview: Miriam Hees on Blooming Tree Press from Cynsations.
Question of the Week Thursday: Dianne Ochiltree from Robin Friedman. On behalf of a reader, Robin asks: "Should I self-publish my children's book/memoir/self-help book/novel?"
Read My Rejection Letters! from author Dan Gutman. Offers insights into all the rejections that can go into creating a successful book. Gutman highlights exceprts from his numerous rejections of his award-wininng HONUS AND ME (Avon, 1997). Recommended for perspective.
Review Survival: It Can Be Done! from Jo Knowles.
Rising Above The Slush Pile With Verla Kay, a chatlog from the Institute of Children's Literature.
Revenge of the Children's Book Author by children's book author Carolyn Crimi. Scroll to read.
Rules for Not Making Editors Hate You from Editorial Ass.
Solicited! Queries That Make it Happen by Darcy Pattison.
Surviving A Writer's Hard Times: A Conversation With Bruce Balan from Olswanger.com.
Tea Time at Annick Press: a new blog from "a small, independent publisher of books for kids and young adults." Based in Toronto, Vancouver, New York. See also the Annick Press official publisher site.
Ten: ten lessons learned in ten years of publishing from Grace Lin at Blue Girls.
Unsung Heroes of Publishing from Christine Kole MacLean. Short interviews with a book designer, copy editor, publicity director, indexer, Printz committee chairperson, and sales rep.
Manuscript Formatting for Beginners by Kent Brewster from Speculations: For Writers Who Want to be Read.
"Picture Book Manuscripts and Illustrations" by Harold Underdown from The Purple Crayon. An excellent Q&A article covering commonly asked questions about picture book submissions. Topics include: connecting with an illustrator, illustration notes, visual references, package submissions, and authors who themselves are also professional illustrators.
Children's and YA Literary Agents: Overview of prospective client considerations (emphasis on writers).
Agent Interviews from Cynsations:
from Cynsations and SCBWI Bologna 2006, 2008:
Association of Artists' Representatives: "a not-for-profit organization of independent literary and dramatic agents." See Frequently Asked Author Questions.
Authors Talk About Agents in a week-long discussion led by Kelly Bingham at Through the Tollbooth. Note: begins at linked page and continues. Peek: "In many publishing houses, there is no more slush pile. “Not accepting unsolicited submissions at this time” has become the mainstay. Where does that leave us writers? In many cases, writers seek out agents."
Children's Book Agents and Artist's Representatives: A Guide from Harold Underdown. Note: includes Finding and Choosing Literary Agents; Resources Listing Literary Agents and Artists Representatives; and three case studies: Firebrand Literary; Writers House; and [Name Withheld]
Divorcing Your Agent from BookEnds, LLC--A Literary Agency. Here's a sneak peek: "...while I know it's incredibly stressful for an author to suddenly go agentless again, I think that you need to make the decision to fire your first agent before querying others."
"From the Mixed-up Files of Agent Manners--age and writing" by Jennifer Jackson at Et in arcaedia, ego. Peek: "Age is unlikely to get you noticed. Brilliant writing and marketable concepts will. If you don't mention your age in an inquiry, it's unlikely an agent will ascribe any weight to such a statistic." See also "Multiple Offers of Representation." Peek: "...do keep in mind that the object here is not to play the agents off each other but to find the best match for yourself as author."
Guest Blogger: Jennifer Hubbard On Going From Blog Reader to (soon to be) Published Author from Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent. Peek: "Not that there's so much mystery involved. I signed with Nathan not as a result of knowing any magic words or secret handshakes, not as a result of being related to him, and not as a result of cocktail-party schmoozing. (As if I've ever been to a cocktail party in my life.) If I knew any magic words, I would tell you. Or sell them at an entirely reasonable price."
How To Find a Literary Agent by Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown. Peek: "...in today's publishing clime it's just not enough to have written a good book. Treat this business seriously, because it is a business."
How to Find an Agent by fantasy author Cinda Williams Chima (PDF file).
How To Fire Your Agent from Fiction Writer's Connection. See also the Tips Sheets on revising, pre-writing, attending conferences, contracting with an agent, finding and working with an agent, manuscript formatting, novel writing, query letter writing, submissions, writing a novel synopsis and more.
"The Mood I'm In" by Jessica from BookEnds, LCC-A Literary Agency. Peek: "The truth is that you never know the mood of the agent you’re pitching to or what is happening in her personal life that might affect the choices she’s making. In fact, in a lot of ways you don’t know what’s happening in her professional life that affects the choices she’s making."
Rants and Ramblings on Life as a Literary Agent from Rachelle Gardner. Peek: "In all genres, I'm looking for books that express a Christian worldview. In some books, particularly non-fiction, the message will be overt, while in others (especially fiction) the Christian message should be subtly woven through, not in-your-face." Note: In youth literature, she seeks YA only (not middle grade or picture books). See also: Literary Agents Who Represent Christian Authors from Mike Hyatt, president and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Reading Queries by Agent Kristin at Pub Rants. Peek: "...the glaze factor can hit SF&F queries harder as I find writers will often ramble about world building in their queries. Short, succinct, and well done should be your mantra."
The Rejecter: blog from an anonymous assistant at a literary agency. "I don't hate you. I just hate your query letter."
"Triple the Query Critique, Triple the Fun:" agent Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown looks at query letters for three YA fantasies and chimes in on what works, what doesn't, and why.
Why I Don't Have an Agent or Doing the Math by author Barbara Kanninen.
Writer Beware from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Offers alerts to writers on unscrupulous types and related information.
Adams Literary: "a full-service literary agency exclusively representing children's book authors and artists."
Andrea Brown Literary Agency: official site.
Bookstop Literary Agency: official website.
Agent Interview: Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown from Cynsations.
Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown at MySpace.
The World Doesn't Need Another Rhyming Tooth Fairy Story: A Conversation with Agent Andrea Brown by Anna Olswanger from The Purple Crayon.
Interview with Andrea Cascardi of Transatlantic Literary Agency by Nancy Sondel of the Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop.
Interview with agent Jamie Weiss Chilton of Andrea Brown Literary Agency from Uma Krishnaswami.
New Agent Interview: Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary from Alice's CWIM blog.
Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency: official Web site.
Interview with Jennifer DeChiara by Tina Morgan from Fiction Factor.
Interview with Ginger Knowlton from K.L. Going.
Barry Goldblatt Literary: official website.
Barry Goldblatt via Barry Goldblatt Literary's blog.
Harvey Klinger Agency: official website. Specializes in adult and YA titles.
Kirchoff/Wohlberg Literary Agency: established in the early 1980s. Represents children's book authors and author/illustrators to trade publishers.
Donald Maass Literary Agency: official site. Don't miss What We're Looking for This Month.
Workshop Transcript: Working With An Agent With Steven Malk from author Verla Kay.
"Do I Need an Agent and How Will I Know If I Do?": a chat with Sharene Martin, co-founder of the Wylie-Merrick Literary Agency from the Institute of Children's Literature. See also Wylie-Merrick Literary Agency. See related cynsational thoughts.
A Conversation With Literary Agent Erin Murphy from Olswanger.com.
Interview with literary agent Erin Murphy by Pam Mingle from Kite Tales, the newsletter of the SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter.
CYN NOTE: editor Sharyn November offers links to several agents and literary agencies as well as related resource information (scroll to read).
Pippin Properties: official agency site with history, client list, etc.
Stimola Literary Studio: official agency site.
"Authors Need Someone On Their Side": A Conversation with Ann Tobias from The Purple Crayon.
Interview with Scott Treimel from Alma Fullerton.
Anna Webman of Curtis Brown at MySpace.
CYN note: I'm asked a lot by beginners if they need an agent, and the answer is that they may not need an agent to get published, but a good agent will be helpful in protecting the client's interests, will pay for his/herself, will act as the client's shelter in a stormy market. However, a bad agent can be crippling. So, who's good and who's bad? The answer will vary for every author with every agent. Much of it is personality fit, work-habits fit. What I strongly recommend is that you make an effort to hear/meet with any agent you're seriously interested in working with via an SCBWI conference and that you talk to a handful of that agent's clients—past and present—to see if you two are a top-notch match. But one piece of advice applies to all: NEVER pay a reading fee.
Interviews with Editors & Publishers from Cynsations:
from SCBWI Bologna 2006, 2008 and Cynsations:
About the Editors: editors and guidelines from Dutton Children's Books. Find out who's looking for what!
"All Answers are Yes" from Editorial Anonymous. [On pre-contract revisions,] Peek: "This is also a test: the good writers are the ones who are good at rewriting. Some people are only good at first drafts, or terrible at using feedback effectively, and I'd like to know that about someone before I commit to working with them for months/years and spending many thousands of dollars on their project."
Children's Book Council Members List from CBC. "Membership is open to U.S. publishers of trade books for children and young adults and companies that produce related literacy materials for young people. The CBC Members List includes each member's address, main phone number, representatives of record, publishing program description, and general manuscript submissions guidelines (when provided)."
Children's Book Publishers: a list of members with links to available Web sites from the Children's Book Council.
Children's Writer: Newsletter of Writing And Publishing Trends.
Cinco Puntos Press: a new blog in celebration of an independent publisher with roots on the U.S./Mexico border.
Margery Cuyler's Web site: official author/editor site.
Editorial Anonymous: The Blog of a Children's Book Editor. Source unknown, obviously. Note: the posts to date are entertaining and helpful at dispelling beginning writer myths and insecurities.
Editor As Writer: A Conversation with Editorial Director Arthur A. Levine from Olswanger.com.
"I'd Like To Publish A Few Books That Live A Long Time": A Conversation With Publisher Stephanie Owens Lurie from Olswanger.com.
"We Still Follow Editorial Passion": An Interview With Editorial Director Allyn Johnston from Olswanger.com.
Lisa Graff: "Where can you find thoughts about children's books, the publishing industry, and Lisa's totally wacky six-month long beauty experiment all in one place? (Hint: Right here.)" Lisa describes herself as "writer, a children's book editor, and an all-around lover of good books."
The Growing and Changing Christian Magazine and Book Markets with Terry Whalin: a chatlog from The Institute of Children's Literature.
The Heroic Journey of the Requested Manuscript from Editorial Anonymous. Peek: "Sometimes I fantasize about taking time out of my day to sit comfortably with my reading and a cup of coffee and give everything the time and consideration it deserves. And then I roll my eyes or snort or laugh a little hysterically (depending on my current emotional stability) and get back to answering emails.
Interview with Deborah Brodie from Alice's CWIM Blog.
Interview with Ben Schrank of Razorbill from Alice's CWIM Blog.
Interview with Michele Burke from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI.
Interview with Susan Burke, Associate Editor by Pam Mingle from Kite Tales, the newsletter of the SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Interview with Cheryl Klein from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI.
Interview with Yolanda LeRoy from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI.
Interview with editor Jennifer Wingertzahn by Pam Mingle from Kite Tales, the newsletter of the SCBWI Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Interviews with Editors from Robin Friedman:
Interview with Julie Romeis by Nancy Sondel of the Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop.
Interview with Liz Waniewski by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen.
Kidlit Junkie Tells All! From the bio: "I'm an Editorial Assistant at a Big Name Publishing House. I blog about children's books, events, and publishing in general. I'm happy to answer questions."
Notes from Uncle Albert: the blog of Albert Whitman & Company, "an independent publisher of children's books in the Chicago area for more than 85 years."
Publishers Council of Canada: official website.
Inside Look At Cricket Magazine Group and Cricket Books with Paula Morrow: an ICL chatlog.
Unabridged: an official publisher blog from Charlesbridge.
Young Adult Book Editor Sharyn November: official personal/professional Web site.
Working With Editors With Cheryl Zach: an ICL chatlog.
"What Editors Wish Writers Knew...and Would Do:" a chat with a "mystery children's book editor" from the Institute of Children's Literature.
Who's Moving Where? Editorial Staff Changes At Children's Book Publishers from Harold Underdown. Your cheat-sheet to the musical chairs that is children's editorial.
Writer Beware from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Offers alerts to writers on unscrupulous types and related information.
CYN note: Surf over to Barbara Odanaka's site, Skateboardmom.com, which features interviews with Andrea Davis Pinkney, Wendy Lamb, Allyn Johnston and more. See also: Getting to Know Deborah Brodie from Skateboardmom.com.
CAUTION: editors change jobs more often than other professionals! Check first before sending your manuscript to any editor at a publishing house to make sure he/she is still working there.
30 Days to Stronger Characters: a helpful series for writers from Darcy Pattison at Revision Notes.
Author Studies by Carol Hurst from Carol Hurst's Children's Literature site (first published in Teaching K-8).
The Bad Guys Wear Black: Villains by Darcy Pattison.
Beyond The Big Idea by Chris Barton from Bartography. Here's a sneak peek: "In a series of posts, I'm going to use examples of this book's content in a tutorial geared toward my own children--and maybe just right for some that you know--about how to track down more information on a subject covered in a nonfiction book." Don't miss part two, part three, part four, and part five.
Blockbusters and Balancing Acts from Lisa Firke of Hit Those Keys.
Bethany Roberts’ Writing for Children Workshop: writing and publishing children’s books; tips on children’s writing.
To Cheer or To Covet by Liz Garton Scanlon from Liz In Ink. Here's a sneak peek: "I'm here to admit right now that I've been on both sides of this thorny fence."
Even More Long-Winded and Practical Writing Advice from Whatever: The online home of writer John Scalzi. Taunting the Tauntable Since 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions from Beginning Writers by Greg Leitich Smith.
Jean Craighead George on Writing: some basic idea starters.
Getting Out of Your Own Way from Gail Giles.
Holly Black's writing resources: especially helpful to fantasy, horror, dark fantasy, and science fiction writers.
How To Write Forever and with Joy with Jane Yolen, a chatlog from the Institute of Children's Literature. Read A Story Behind The Story with Jane Yolen.
I Don't Want an Honest Critique by Darcy Pattison.
If At First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again by Darcy Pattison.
Karleen Bradford's Writer's Help Page. Focuses on: How to Write a Query Letter; Where Do You Get Your Ideas; and How to Overcome Writer's Block.
Manuscript Formatting for Beginners by Kent Brewster from Speculations: For Writers Who Want to be Read.
Mystery Writing Lessons from Kristi Holl.
Negotiating the Revision Maze by Uma Krishnaswami.
On Writing Non-Fiction for Kids from Fiona Bayrock. Includes subsections on writing science, writing biography, writing history, writing crafts, and selling series non-fiction.
The Power of Myth by Darcy Pattison.
The Pre-Side of Writing with Cynthia Leitich Smith from the Institute of Children's Literature.
Picture Books: Plan, Polish, and Publish: One Writer's Method from Dori Chaconas.
Research is for the Background by Greg Leitich Smith.
Taking Risks from Gail Giles.
Tips on Writing: Making the Most of Your Writing Group by Jo Knowles. Here's a sneak peek: "I say responding because I think this is much more helpful to the writer than 'critiquing.' After a person reads, let the responders take a minute or two of quiet time to gather thoughts and take notes. This can be torture for the writer waiting to hear what people thought, but I think it's worth it to let people take a minute to, well, think."
Tips for Writing Mysteries from Laura Backes of Children's Book Insider.
Young Writer Interview: Elisabeth Wilhelm on Absynthe Muse.
Verla Kay's Website: "This website for writers of children's literature was named one of the 101 Best Web Sites for Writers in May of 2000 by Writer's Digest." Her books include GOLD FEVER and IRON HORSES. Read An Interview With Verla Kay.
Websters Online Dictionary: The Rosetta Edition: the ultimate online dictionary; definitions, encyclopedic references, and more!
Writing.com: an online community for writers of all ages, interests and skill levels. Anyone may create a free portfolio and exchange feedback with other writers.
The Write Journey from children's and adult author Sheri Gilbert. Children's writing site features articles, coffee chat, readers' corner, tips, publishing news, and more!
Writing Easy Readers: A Chatlog with Anastasia Suen from author Verla Kay's Web site.
Writing Multicultural Children's Books by Harold Underdown from The Purple Crayon: A Children's Book Editor's Site.
Writing Picture Books by Marisa Montes. Includes tips and diagram.
Writers' Resources from the Highlights Foundation at Chautauqua. Articles by faculty on a variety of writing-related subjects. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Writing to Deadline by Liz Garton Scanlon. Peek: "Yes, I capture phrases out of dreams and pound out plots while I walk and generally try to stay in a muse-induced state as frequently as a mother of two with a marriage and a mortgage can. But I still produce most effectively when someone's expecting something from me. "
Writing Young Adult and Children's Science Fiction and Fantasy: Making The Impossible Possible by Marnie Brooks.
Jane Yolen's For Writers: the noted fantasy author talks about writing with joy, serendipity, getting published, and more. A thoughtful essay. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Read A Story Behind The Story with Jane Yolen.
Baby Names by Category: male and female names by national origin and time period with meanings and personality analysis.
CHILD_LIT: an unmoderated subscription e-mail list for discussing theory and criticism as related to children's and young adult literature. Full information site.
Copyright: United States Copyright Office from the Library of Congress.
Mailing Lists Related to Children's Literature: includes instructions for subscribing to eight lists from the Children's Literature Web Guide.
My Virtual Reference Desk: the net is a boon to savvy researchers. This is a place to start.
Wordcounter.com: do your characters sigh or nod every fourth page? Check out which words are most (over?) used in your manucript.
Writers and Depression by Nancy Etchemendy, author of THE POWER OF UN, from the Horror Writers Association. A frank discussion of warning signs and why writers are so vulnerable. Be good to each other out there. Take care of yourselves.
