Great Technique to Help You Think Like a Kid
Jul 23rd, 2009 | By Jon Bard | Category: Beginners' Corner, Latest VideosTrying to figure out what today’s kids want to read? Check out this simple way to uncover some inside info!
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- Rae Smith : Thanks Jon, Just downloaded it. Looks great.
- Jon Bard : Just posted: A Gift for the Fightin’ Bookworms – an eBook That Can Change Your Career (and Maybe Your Life) «link»
- Jon Bard : The new module of the CBI Challenge is up! Here's the link: «link»
- Archana Ananthaswa : Jon: Hi! Thanks for the updates and reminders. I had been meaning to join the chat
. I have a quick question. In the Feb issue, Albert Whitman has listed an address different from that in the Children's Writers and Illustrators Market. Would it be okay to call them to confirm? Thanks. - Archana Ananthaswa : Hi, I joined the club recently and am still trying to find the time to do it all. I made my picture book submission and can't help holding my breath!
. 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. - Toni De Palma : Thanks, Linda. : )
- Sherri Carpenter : Hi Jon or Laura, my question is, if sending out simultaneous submissions do you run more of a risk of not being accepted? I was told once by a teacher to send out as many as possible and then wait for what might be the best offer. She said not to send one at a time. It is important to get yourself out there. Is this correct? Thanks, Sherri
- Milly Steele : will be interested in your progress. Milly
- Milly Steele : To Akrista L'Bert Hey, congrats. I am trying to market my picture book which is titled The Boy Who Lives In My Tree. I
- Linda Martin : Toni, I looked at your website and liked it. Good start!
- Toni De Palma : Id' like some feedback on my website. A friend made it for me, but I think it can be better. Any ideas or sources? www.tonidepalma. com
- Akrista L'Bert : Just mailed in my first picture book manuscript. Wish me luck - I'm sending out positive thoughts into the universe. : )
- Evonne Biggins : OH, wow! Thanks, Jon for the link list. I worry that I'll miss one if I'm gone awhile. <g>
- Donna Ellison : http:// asparkofmagic.bl ogspot.com. thanks
- Jon Bard : Evonne - here's where you can see my running list of links: «link»
- Evonne Biggins : Hey Jon, also, you've shared so many great links with us--could you have a links list that is permanent ?
- Evonne Biggins : Jon, thanks for reminding me about the March CBI!
- melissa neely : I've talked to several published Authors, the question is: When you are reading the Market guide, they will list serveral editors under different titles. which one do you address your letter to?
- Jean Walker : Jon, I have written a book about fairies and gnomes using real photographs that I have. I am not sure where it would go in a book store. Childerns or new age. Can 1 book go into two classes?
- Amy Isgro : i wrote a book about an 8 year old girl who believes in magic unicorns and also wants to see where elves live. one editor said that my book is not right - 8 year olds usually dont believe anymore. I disagree. even if they don't , they like to see movies regarding "mythical " creatures! and Santa is a favorite. the movie "Tooth Fairy" prooves that !! What do you tnink? amyisgro
- CLETA EMINGER : Jon, I listened to your advice about children's picture books. I shortened a story I had written to less than 1100. The Snow Lady's Wish is in production with Tate Publishing.
- Dawn Schertzl : Jon thanks so much for the support, I'm just going to dust myself off and try to come at it from another direction.I have to say that I'm so pleased to have found CBI...wow what a resource......th anks ever so. Dawn :}
- Dawn Schertzl : Jon...thanks so much for your support, after licking my wounds for a little while ,I sat down and revised again...as I was doning the re vision it seeded another idea for a story.!
- Axon Parker : Hello! I am very excited to tap into all of these wonderful resources! My goal is to write non-fiction for kid's magazines. Should I begin by submitting to the top magazines, or should I begin with publications that are more friendly to previously unpublished writers, and if so, what are they?
- Jon Bard : The march issue of CBI is online! Get it now at «link»
- Clara Stein : Daniela, thank you for your tip. My story takes place in Italy so the language it's not far off (latin roots.) What kills me it's that I did my university studies in this country and I have been living here for the past 46 years!!! I did asked my tutor to give me an example. Well, she couldn't come up with one. End of the story.
- Jon Bard : Dawn -- just brush it off. There are many more publishers out there and almost no one hits a home run on the first pitch. Keep working it -- if it's meant to get published, it will. If it's not good enough to get published, make it better. We've been at this for 20 years and I can tell you that the #1 thing successful authors have is persistence. They stick with it no matter what. And good for you for taking the big step of sending out your MS -- rejection or no, that's the first step of your journey!
- Daniela Rothen : Clara, It can be an advantage if you base your story in a Spanish speaking country. Also join a critique group. One of my buddies catches the expressions that I translate directly from German and are a bit off.
- Dawn Schertzl : Hi guys...I just made my first submission for my first manuscript...wor ked on it for a long time...researche d the publisher ect...their reply?.. quote .we'll pass!! are they usually so cold or or am I just feeling sorry for myself?
- Rhonda Theroux : Have applied for copyright and awaiting confirmation. Do we need to wait for the copyright in order to get the ISBN number? I am the illustrator and the author wants to send the book to China to be printed in board book form..Does anyone in U.S. print boardbooks?
- Rhonda Theroux : Whoops!
- Rhonda Theroux : Hi Jon,
- Jane Bloomfield : I write a blog in the voice of my character Lily Max. You can find it on lilymax.co.nz/my -blog It's fun to do but I'm hanging out for a kid to actually post a comment!
- Jon Bard : Hey all -- The March CBI will be up later tonight or tomorrow morning....
- Clara Stein : Would love to hear advice for foreign born writers living in the US. My tutor just told me that my Spanish roots (Spain) show up in the word choice.
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The March, 2010 edition of Children's Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children's Writers is waiting for you.
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► Publisher Seeks Older Picture Books on Specific Themes
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Excellent… thanks! I did check out these mags from our local library and compared the differences… wow!
Boys Life, Sonic, National Geographic Kids, National Wildlife Your Big Backyard, Spider and Ladybug.