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For Writers |
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I am sometimes asked by new writers about getting published.
They might ask, “How did you do that?” or “How can I do that?” or “Did you know you have mustard on your chin?”
The answer to one of those questions is, “Yes, I’m saving it for the corndog I plan to have for lunch.”
The other questions are more complicated.
Many years ago, I started sending out manuscripts to publishers and receiving rejection letters, cease and desist notices and the occasional restraining order. Getting published can be a very slow and frustrating—but exhilarating—adventure.
When writers ask me about it, I feel they are looking for some wisdom to help them down that road. Alas, while many adjectives have been applied to me (including magenta, nutritious, and pepsic), wise is not one of them.
Fortunately, I know many wise writers who have given this topic much careful consideration. There are also many great resources available to those who are interested in writing for kids and/or getting published.
Sadly, however, there are not many great resources for people who have mustard on their chins.** Though there is a mustard museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin.
(**Note: Number of chins is directly proportional to the number of corndogs consumed annually.)
If you are interested in writing for kids, and/or getting published, I hope you will investigate these great websites and resources!
Good luck to you, and pass the corndogs!
Andrea Beaty
Resources
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators —ANYONE interested in writing for kids should know about this group. It’s an invaluable resource for authors at every stage in their career. SCBWI includes national and regional branches, bulletin boards, critique groups, conferences, publications.
Writing Coaches
There are many amazing coaches for people interested in becoming children’s writers. Coaches offer critique services and great instruction.
Finding Publishers
Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market —BUY THIS BOOK! Also, check out the Alice Pope CWIM Blog!
Colossal Directory of Children’s Book Publishers
Harold Underdown’s Who’s Moving Where Page
Beware! Even in children’s publishing, there are some folks out to take advantage of an unsuspecting author.
Wise Authors & Writing Tips
Fiona Bayrock—Writing nonfiction
David Lubar—A different perspective (not for the faint of heart or humorless)
Cynthia Leitich Smith—Cyn is of the BEST resources anywhere on EVERYTHING kids lit related
Hope Vestergaard—Great ideas on writing for AND presenting to kids
Dori Chaconas— A master of writing in Rhyme
Highlights Foundation — Writing tips
Cynthea Liu —Crash Course for Writers
Jill Esbaum —Awesome Picture Book Author with lots of great writing tips on her website
Dutton’s Children’s Books — Publisher of kids’ books offers tips on writing them! How cool is that?
Jenny Meyerhoff —Great resource with excellent tips on plotting and organizing a novel.
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