Watch all the Kidlit Distancing Social Replays

Find out what your favorite authors, editors, agents & writing educators have to say when they appear on the Kidlit Distancing Social, a free educational hangout for kidlit writers, presented by Children’s Book Insider, the Children’s Writing Monthly.

On the Next Kidlit Distancing Social: Helen Wu on Writing for the International Market

On July 16, we welcome Helen Wu, associate publisher at Yeehoo Press, a publisher dedicated to publishing fun, enchanting, and socially responsible children’s books for audiences around the world. Helen and Laura will chat about emerging worldwide kidlit trends, and opportunities for authors to publish internationally.

Kidlit Distancing Social #14 – Eileen Robinson on Middle Grade Fiction for Boys

In this episode, we welcome Eileen Robinson, publisher at Move Books, a small press that focuses on middle grade novels for boys. MG for boys is a hot and growing market, so this is a very timely topic.

Eileen’s had an accomplished and varied publishing career including work in acquisitions and development, pub planning, leveled reading, audio books and more.

Kidlit Distancing Social #13 – Josh Funk on Creating Successful Kidlit Series

In this episode, Josh Funk brings his special brand of fun to the Social. Josh has created one successful children’s book series after another, and he’ll share how he did it, and how other writers can follow the same path. This is really powerful insight for any writer seeking to build a long-term successful writing career.

Kidlit Distancing Social #12 – Laura Backes on What Picture Book Writers Need to Know About Illustrations

On this week’s Kidlit Distancing Social, CBI Publisher Laura Backes discusses the interplay between words and illustrations in picture books, and shares how writers can create picture book manuscripts that are optimized for illustrations.

Kidlit Distancing Social #11 – Patrice Williams Marks on How Sensitivity Readers Can Help Writers

Author, screenwriter and sensitivity reader Patrice Williams Marks shares how all writers can respectfully and constructively become part of a new global discussion on fairness, equality and justice for all.

Kidlit Distancing Social #10 – Emma Dryden on the Changing Landscape of Children’s Publishing

Emma Dryden, founder of drydenbks, freelance editor and former Publisher of Atheneum Books for Young Readers and Margaret K. McElderry Books, helps us navigate the new publishing landscape, and shares her tips for staying abreast of – and thriving through – the changes.

Kidlit Distancing Social #9 – Gabriela Pereira on the Power of Community

This week on the Kidlit Distancing Social, Gabriela Pereira, founder of DIYMFA, joins us for an inspiring discussion on the power of community for writers, and how to become more connected.

Kidlit Distancing Social #8 – Writing in Rhyme w/Julie Hedlund

This week on the Kidlit Distancing Social, Julie Hedlund, author and creator of 12×12 Challenge, joined us to chat about one of her specialties – writing rhyming picture books.

Understanding Children’s Book Genres

I just received a letter from a writer who said, “Alas, I find myself adrift in a sea of unexplained and/or contradictory publishing terms.” It’s true — you can read three different books on writing and find three different definitions of “picture book.” So, to make your life easier, here’s what I hope is a definitive glossary of children’s book genres:

Kidlit Distancing Social #7 – Tips for Getting Your Book Published w/Mary Kole

This week on the Kidlit Distancing Social, editor Mary Kole joins us to talk about submitting your work to editors and agents.

Kidlit Distancing Social #6 – Writing Young Adult and Middle Grade Books w/Dani Alcorn

This week on the Kidlit Distancing Social, author Dani Alcorn joins us to chat about writing young adult books.

Kidlit Distancing Social #5 – Ask Us Anything – The Sequel! w/Laura Backes & Jon Bard

In this week’s info-packed Kidlit Distancing Social, Laura once again answers a slew of your questions about writing and publishing children’s books.

Kidlit Distancing Social #4 – Ask Us Anything! w/Laura Backes & Jon Bard

In this week’s info-packed Kidlit Distancing Social, Laura answers a slew of your questions about writing and publishing children’s books.

Kidlit Distancing Social #3 – Magic Is All Around You w/Teresa Funke

In this week’s Kidlit Distancing Social, Teresa Funke, kidlit writer and author of Bursts of Brilliance, joins us to inspire you to find story ideas and writing inspiration without leaving your home.

Kidlit Distancing Social #2 – Opportunities in Magazine Writing w/Kerrie Flanagan

In this week’s Kidlit Distancing Social, Kerrie Flanagan, author of Writer’s Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing, joins us to discuss current opportunities in the magazine writing market, and share her process for developing story ideas.

Kidlit Distancing Social Bonus Webinar: Connecting With Your Creativity in Difficult Times w/Alice Kuipers

An inspirational and educational webinar, presented by author Alice Kuipers, on how to find your creative muse under even the most difficult of circumstances.

Kidlit Distancing Social #1 – Celebrating the life of Tomie dePaola w/Katie Davis

We kicked off our new weekly series – The Kidlit Distancing Social – by welcoming author/illustrator Katie Davis (with a surprise cameo appearance by author Steve Swinburne) as we celebrated the life and work of the late, great Tomie dePaola. It’s a fun, inspiring show and we know you’ll really enjoy it.

Children’s Writing FAQ #3: Can I Send My Manuscript to More Than One Editor or Agent at a Time?

Our third Frequently Asked Question by beginners is “Can I Send My Manuscript to More Than One Editor or Agent at a Time?”. Read on for the answer and links to excellent free information…..

Coronavirus / COVID-19 – Four Free Writing Resources for Stay at Home Parents, Kids & Writers

We’ve created some wonderful free resources for those who write for children (or want to use this moment in time to start on the children’s writing path). And we also have some very cool freebies specifically designed for young people who want to get started writing, too!

Children’s Writing FAQ #2: Do I Need to Copyright My Work?

Our second Frequently Asked Question by beginners is “Do I Need to Copyright My Work?”. Read on for the answer and links to excellent free information…..

Children’s Writing FAQ #1: Do I Need an Illustrator for My Picture Book Manuscript?

Our first Frequently Asked Question by beginners is whether an author needs to provide illustrations for a picture book manuscript that’s submitted to a publisher. Read on for the answer….

A Message to the KidLit Writing Community

Hi folks, it’s Jon from Children’s Book Insider & Writing Blueprints.   In uncertain times, the best of humanity always manages to shine through. It’s a time to slow down, a time to reflect on what really matters and a time to let our creative selves flow freely.   Laura, Matt and I stand with each […]

Two CBI Subscribers Come Up Big in Major Nationwide Book Contest

At the end of 2017, we were contacted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with a call for authors to submit to the CDC Amazing Baby Contest (for the final book in a series of early picture books that incorporate children’s developmental milestones into the story). We alerted our subscribers to the opportunity and, […]