Notes on the Revolution

Terrified by Marketing? Then Don’t. Do This Instead…

If the idea of marketing gives you the willies, let me offer a new option….

The Shortcut to Writing Stardom

Writers are being discovered by editors through their blogs and YouTube videos and offered contracts, even children’s book writers.

Interactive eBooks for Kids Put the Readers in Control

Allowing your readers to tell you where the story needs to go can be a fun and freeing way to write ebooks for kids.

Top Editor Emma Dryden on Working with Editors and Acting Professionally

Top children’s book editor Emma Dryden concludes her three part interview series with CBI Publisher Laura Backes by describing the best business practices for today’s authors, and why every writer needs an editor.

Blow as Deep as You Want to Blow: Jack Kerouac on the Art of Writing

  In the late 50’s, Allen Ginsberg asked his friend Jack Kerouac to explain his concept of “spontaneous prose”. Kerouac responded with a series of maxims that are, in turn, inspirational, provocative and, sometimes, baffling.   And, like almost everything Kerouac did, they’re just plain cool.   This video picks some of our favorites. Watch […]

How One Top Young Adult Author *Really* Feels About Social Media

When young adult author Alice Kuipers entered the world of social media, she got more than she bargained for. Find out how she overcame the overwhelm.

Top Editor Emma Dryden on Hot Children’s Book Trends & How to Connect with Teens

Recently, top children’s book editor Emma Dryden sat down for a video chat with CBI Publisher Laura Backes.

In this, the second of three parts, Emma weighs in on the latest publishing trends, and discusses how authors can connect with teens and tweens.

10 Declarations for the 21st Century Children’s Author

It’s time for a fresh start.

For the moment, forget apps and ebooks.  Forget query letters and page counts. Let’s focus on the one thing that will make or break your career writing for children.

YOU.

To give you the boost you may need right now, we’ve created something we’d like to share with you. A few words that may help you catch a glimpse your own potential.

We call it 10 Declarations for the 21st Century Children’s Author, and we think it’s something everyone who writes for children needs to read.  We hope you’ll agree.

A Top Editor on What Children’s Writers Must Know to Succeed Today

Laura chats with Emma Dryden, one of children’s publishing’s most accomplished editors, having worked on hundreds of books for young readers. Emma describes what all children’s writers must do to stay relevant and thrive in today’s publishing environment.

Write Stories for Kids That Teach… Not Preach

Here at writeforkids, we’re committed to helping you impact the lives of children around the world with your work. But what’s the best way to write a story that does that — but also entertains and delights young readers?

Children’s Book Insider Publisher Laura Backes has the answer, in this delightful video!