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The CBI Clubhouse: Home of The Fightin’ Bookworms!
You’ve found the ultimate learning & sharing spot for children’s writers, packed with articles, audio, video and fellowship with writers worldwide. Beginner or pro, everything you need is right here – and it’s all free with a Children’s Book Insider subscription!
Ready to kickstart your children’s writing career? Click “Join The Fightin’ Bookworms” and let’s go!
Recent Posts
Here's what's new in the Clubhouse!
Yes You Can!
Why We’re Optimistic. And Why You Should Be Too.
These days, picking up a newspaper or turning on your TV is an exercise in courage. Lord only knows what terrible piece of financial news will arise next. And it’s not just some abstract issue that impacts "the big boys". The current economic situation hits each of us, and makes each day its own unique [...]
Yes You Can!
Why We Fight
This site was created for a single purpose: to create more great children’s writers and, in turn, create more great children’s books. We are on a mission. A mission to provide a sense of connection and sharing…
Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!
A Gift for the Fightin’ Bookworms – an eBook That Can Change Your Career (and Maybe Your Life) I recently met a remarkable woman who truly defined the spirit of perseverance and positive thinking. Through her, I learned a secret that just may change everything about your future as a children’s writer. In this brief eBook, I share it.
Module 11 of the CBI Challenge is Online!
This month, it’s time to craft a powerful ending for your story……
How to Tell if a New or Small Children’s Book Publisher is Legitimate
It seems like every day you can open up a trade journal and read about new children’s book publishers entering the scene. While most of these publishers are well-funded and have some sort of background in the industry, a few may be bad risks for an author or illustrator. Here are some ways you can check out a publisher before signing a contract.
Video: Check Out a Fun New Tool to Promote Yourself
Jon’s found a nifty new way to generate some online attention for your blog, your site or your books. This quick video shows you exactly how it’s done.
The 5 Things Great Children’s Poems Have in Common
Join Laura for a look at what makes some children’s poems soar, while others languish. If you’re an aspiring poet, this is required reading!
The Current CBI Challenge Module
Module 11 of the CBI Challenge is Online! This month, it’s time to craft a powerful ending for your story……
CBI Challenge: Strengthen Your Story’s Middle
Having a story sag in the middle is one of writers’ most common problems. Here’s how to avoid that trap….
One way to add interest to the middle of your story is to create a refrain, or chorus, that is sung or chanted by the story characters. Here are some tips for adding choruses to your work.
To Create Excitement, Mess With Your Characters!
Want to get your story buzzing with excitement? Give your characters a hard time! Here are some specific ideas….
CBI Challenge Exercise: Mapping the Middle
Here’s an exercise that’s designed to help you see what needs to happen in the middle of your story.
Beginners' Corner
Video: What Should I Write About? Driven to write a children’s book, but not sure what to write about? Let’s figure it out! In this video, we’ll give you some tips for avoiding what not to write about, and how to mine your own life experiences for great subjects.
Four Steps to Becoming a Better Writer
Great writers aren’t born – they’re made. Here are some of their secrets.
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Published
In this excellent piece, literary agent Jeff Kleinman shows how anyone can go from zero to published!
Write for Success: 7 Tips For Children’s Book Writers
In this video, we share 7 things you can start doing right now to improve your chances of children’s writing success!
Great Technique to Help You Think Like a Kid
Trying to figure out what today’s kids want to read? Check out this simple way to uncover some inside info!
Submitting to Publishers
How to Tell if a New or Small Children’s Book Publisher is Legitimate It seems like every day you can open up a trade journal and read about new children’s book publishers entering the scene. While most of these publishers are well-funded and have some sort of background in the industry, a few may be bad risks for an author or illustrator. Here are some ways you can check out a publisher before signing a contract.
Editors on the Move: Latest Children’s Publishing News (Updated for January)
From the ever-changing publishing world, the latest from Putnam, Little Brown, FSG and more.
Multiple Submissions vs. Simultaneous Submissions? Laura Explains!
One of our most common questions gets answered by Laura in this quick tutorial about multiple and simultaneous submissions.
How to Find the Right Publisher for Your Manuscript
Looking to send a manuscript to children’s book publishers? Here’s an easy three-step approach to help you find just the right publisher for your story!
Your Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Published
In this excellent piece, literary agent Jeff Kleinman shows how anyone can go from zero to published!
Developing Story Ideas
Meet Your Audience: How to Learn, First-Hand, What Kids Want in a Book As a volunteer tutor, Fightin’ Bookworm Debby Johnson has learned what young readers like. Here’s what she’s discovered….
Is your story idea ready to be turned into a book? It’s time to find out!
Target Your Story Idea: Who Is Your Reader?
Here’s a simple tip that can have a big impact in developing your story idea….
Publishing Trends
Inside the Mind of a Children’s Book Editor To get published, it pays to understand the way editors think. Here’s a primer…
Agent/Author Laura Rennert on What Writers Need to Know to Succeed (podcast w/transcript)
Be a fly on the wall as top agent and newly minted author Laura Rennert talks about what’s new in children’s books, the electronic market and common submission mistakes made by writers.
What One Top Reviewer Looks for in a Children’s Book
Laura chats with Terry Doherty of the Reading Tub about how to get a book reviewer’s attention.
Writing For the Expanding Tween Market (includes Podcast)
Publishers are actively targeting the "tween" market. Here’s how write for this lively and responsive audience.
Will the eBook Revolution Bring More Opportunities For Children’s Writers?
eBook expert Rita Toews gives the scoop on new publishing opportunities for children’s authors in this exclusive podcast.
Get The Latest Issue of Children's Book Insider!
Download the March Issue of Children’s Book Insider! The March edition of Children’s Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children’s Writers is here!
Hey, Look Who’s on the Cover of the New Writer’s Journal!
Besides the cute little kid, of course. It’s CBI! Noelle Sterne’s terrific interview with Laura is featured in the new issue. Click here for more info.
Get Published in ‘10 — Take the CBI Challenge!
It’s our amazing step-by-step children’s writing course, and it’s free for all Fightin’ Bookworms! Click to learn more…..
Fightin’ Bookworm Claudia McAdam Sells Her 13th Book from a CBI Tip!
It’s the kind of e-mail we love to get:
I need to credit Children’s Book Insider with leading to the sale of my 13th book, Riddle at the Rodeo, which is due out this April from Soto Publishing. Last year you ran a piece about Soto Publishing’s call for middle grade novels–a call which I answered with my submission. And the rest, as they say, is (a very happy) history.
So, I write today as an encouragement for all children’s writers– published or yet-to-be-published. A subscription to CBI yields numerous benefits, from expert advice on all aspects of the craft to actually leading to a work’s publication. Thank you!
The Writing Process
An Easy Resolution to Keep: Become a Better Writer By Watching More Movies! The big screen is filled with great storytelling techniques that you can employ to improve your own writing. Here’s just some of what you can lift from your favorite films….
The next step of the Challenge is key — great pacing can win an editor’s heart!
Use Laura’s simple checklist to see if your pacing is on target.
Ignite Your Plot With a Catalyst
You’re ready to begin plotting the action of your book, but first you need a catalyst. Here’s how to do it!
Genre Specific Tips
Full Transcripts: Janet Lawler & Rachel Rodriguez We’ve got the full transcripts for two recent — and superb — author podcasts! Download Janet Lawler on Writing in Rhyme and Rachel Rodriguez on Planning School Visits right now!
Author Rachel Rodriguez on Planning Great School Visits
Acclaimed picture book author Rachel Rodriguez gives her best tips on creating memorable classroom presentations.
Getting Started Writing for Magazines
Magazines are a terrific way to get your foot in the publishing door. Here’s how to start!
Plot Guidelines for Writing in Different Fiction Genres
From mysteries to thrillers to historical fiction – learn the rules of the road for developing your plot.
The 21st Century Writer
Video: Check Out a Fun New Tool to Promote Yourself Jon’s found a nifty new way to generate some online attention for your blog, your site or your books. This quick video shows you exactly how it’s done.
Create Your Own Facebook Fan Page in Minutes!
Facebook is a superb way to build a fan base and get exposure. This video makes getting started a breeze!
Interview: Kaleb Nation – How a 21-Year-Old First-Time Author Hit It Big Using the Internet.
Laura chats with Kaleb Nation, author of the new middle-grade fantasy Bran Hambric, about how he built an online fan base before his book was published!
5 Minutes to Your Own Blog (with How-To Video!)
Not blogging yet? It’s time to get started! Our step-by-step video makes it a breeze…
Writing Exercises
A Nifty Exercise to Learn Pacing from Top Writers A simple and very powerful exercise to discover the secret of great pacing.
Spark Up a Hot Catalyst With This Exercise
Get your story going! Use these nifty exercises to create a killer plot catalyst.
Who’s the Antagonist Here? A Little Something to Discuss….
Did Dr. Seuss turn the antagonist-protagonist relationship on its head in The Grinch? Hmmm… Let’s talk about it!
Writng Exercise: Developing Secondary Characters
There’s an art to creating minor characters. This exercise will show you the way!
Bonus Freebies
A Gift for the Fightin’ Bookworms – an eBook That Can Change Your Career (and Maybe Your Life) I recently met a remarkable woman who truly defined the spirit of perseverance and positive thinking. Through her, I learned a secret that just may change everything about your future as a children’s writer. In this brief eBook, I share it.
A New Adventure from Tori Stellar, Children’s Book Author!
Follow the delightful misadventures of Tori Stellar, as she writes her way to the top of the slushpile.
Another Great Free eBook for Fightin’ Bookworms!
With delightful stories and marvelous illustrations, "Billy Bounce" is a true gem. And it’s yours free!
Free eBook: The Non-Celebrity’s Guide to Getting a Children’s Book Published
Yes, non-famous folks can get published. Here’s how…..
. I have 2 questions at this point: How many submissions when you're just starting out (w/o) an agent is a good number? And when there are more than a few 'Editor' postions listed (senior, executive, etc.), who do you address your material to? Great stuff on this site. Articles and chat alike! Thanks and good luck to all.
