Essential Information for Writers
If you want to survive during the rough times as a writer
(like when you get a rejection), make some writer-friends! . . .
They'll understand your frustrations, suggest helpful options, and tell you how to improve your work. How? Start a "critique group", join a writers' organization, go to a writers' conference.
Children's publishing is a business. It’s complicated and competitive. Plus, with new options for e-publishing and self-publishing, the rules are changing.
To move from writing to being published, you'll need to be determined. You’ll need to become savvy about the business and serious about your craft. There are college courses and conferences for writers that will help you learn craft, as well as how-to books. But the best way to improve your writing is the “ole fashioned” method: Write every day and read quality books for children.
(like when you get a rejection), make some writer-friends! . . .
They'll understand your frustrations, suggest helpful options, and tell you how to improve your work. How? Start a "critique group", join a writers' organization, go to a writers' conference.
Children's publishing is a business. It’s complicated and competitive. Plus, with new options for e-publishing and self-publishing, the rules are changing.
To move from writing to being published, you'll need to be determined. You’ll need to become savvy about the business and serious about your craft. There are college courses and conferences for writers that will help you learn craft, as well as how-to books. But the best way to improve your writing is the “ole fashioned” method: Write every day and read quality books for children.
You can learn about conferences and workshops by joining the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
_This organization is worth every cent of its membership. (I connected with most of my publishers through SCBWI.)
- Through its newsletter and e-updates, you'll learn who's publishing what, which editor is open to new writers, etc.
- Through its publications, you can learn about how to make your manuscript look "professional."
- Through its conferences - regional and national - you'll meet others entering the business who can share info, answer your questions, and critique your work.
Contact: Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
www.scbwi.org
- Through its newsletter and e-updates, you'll learn who's publishing what, which editor is open to new writers, etc.
- Through its publications, you can learn about how to make your manuscript look "professional."
- Through its conferences - regional and national - you'll meet others entering the business who can share info, answer your questions, and critique your work.
Contact: Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
www.scbwi.org
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books
For an excellent
"textbook" on writing and publishing for kids, take a look at Harold
Underdown's book in the "Idiot" series, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books
This book is like an introductory college course: How to Write & Publish Children’s Books 101.
It will help you learn the basics, such as the different genres within children's writing.
This book is like an introductory college course: How to Write & Publish Children’s Books 101.
It will help you learn the basics, such as the different genres within children's writing.