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Latest Posts
A Journey Inside the Slush Pile – What REALLY Happens When You Submit Your Manuscript to an Agent or Publisher
Collecting rejection letters? Getting frustrated in your hunt for a publishing contract or agent? Here’s the inside scoop about how to conquer the dreaded slushpile and get your manuscript noticed!
The January Issue of Children’s Book Insider is Online!
2019 starts off with a bang! Here’s what’s in the January edition of Children’s Book Insider, the Children’s Writing Monthly…..
Tips for a Successful School Visit
I love speaking at schools and find being with students gives me the encouragement to keep on writing and speaking. The young eager children are great listeners and they ask thoughtful questions. With every appearance, I learned more about creating a successful school presentation. Here are some tips you can use as you prepare for your own school visits:
Simple Techniques for Avoiding Rejection
by Geary Smith Why was my children’s story submission rejected? I worked long and hard on the story and just knew it would be accepted this time. That is the question many inspiring children’s writers asked themselves when reading over rejection letters. Most rejection letters will simply read, “not just right for our […]
The Sweet Kiss of Community: Remembering Todd Bol, Founder of Little Free Library
We say farewell to a man who brought books, understanding and hope to people around the globe.
9 Reasons Why Writing For Magazines May Be Perfect For You
by Suzanna Henshon If your definition of breaking into publishing includes writing and selling a 300-page novel, or convincing a publisher to invest thousands of dollars in your picture book, you’re overlooking a substantial part of the market. Magazines need new material on a weekly or monthly basis. Some writers start off by […]
How One Man’s Simple Idea Changed the Way the World Reads
Is it possible for one “regular” person to truly change the world? To bring hope and connection to millions? When Todd Bol built a small, schoolhouse-shaped box for his mom – so she could share her favorite books with her neighbors — he wasn’t intending to create global change. But it happened. Today, 77,000+ […]
How to Write a Book for Children – Your First Steps
Want to learn how to write a book for children? OK, let’s start at square one. You’re fascinated by writing and you’re interested in starting a children’s book career, but you’re not sure what to do first. The key thing is not to overwhelm yourself. Don’t worry about getting published. Don’t concern yourself […]
Critique Fear: How to Handle Negative Feedback
Have you ever received a critique on your work that pointed out substantial issues? Yikes, it usually feels quite painful, particularly when it pertains to a story or poem that you really poured your heart and soul into. You want to vanish into the floor like the Wicked Witch of the West does at […]
How I Got an Agent, Lost that Agent, and Found a New One (Without Losing My Mind)
A children’s author shares her tips for maintaining your sanity through the search for a literary agent — and how to act once you get one.
Persistence Pays Off for Middle Grade Author Erin Teagan
Erin Teagan, author of the middle grade novel The Friendship Experiment and the Luciana, 2018 Girl of the Year books for American Girl, talks about her writing process.
Author Brings Neurodiverse Characters to Middle Grade Fiction
Author Sally J. Pla talks about her two middle grade novels and upcoming picture book that feature neurodiverse characters.
It’s Time to Celebrate!
Our CBI Insiders are taking the publishing world by storm! Here’s some of what our Children’s Book Insider subscribers are accomplishing (with just a little help from CBI!)
Raise Your Book’s Profile with Amazon Marketing Services
For the self-published author, Amazon is the single easiest and least-expensive way to get your book in front of readers. Amazon Marketing Services offers authors a way to raise their books’ visibility.
It’s OK If Your Readers Cry
Two award-winning children’s authors explain why writing stories that help children feel a range of emotions is the best gift we can give our readers.
35 Years a Writer, 35 Lessons Learned
She’s authored dozens of books. Now, as she celebrates her 35th year writing, Jane McBride offers her top 35 lessons learned. Enjoy some remarkable insight from a true professional.
