What One Top Reviewer Looks for in a Children’s Book

Aug 31st, 2009 | By Jon Bard | Category: Publishing Trends

Laura chats with Terry Doherty of the Reading Tub about how to get a book reviewer’s attention.

As a followup to this month’s Children’s Book Insider article, Laura sat down for another interview session with children’s book reviewer Terry Doherty from The Reading Tub.

To download this month’s CBI with Terry’s excellent feature on getting your book into the hands of online reviewers, click here.

Listen online:

or right click this link and select "save as" to download the podcast

John Broadwater September 8th, 2009 9:10 pm :
Laura,
I really enjoyed this Reading Tub interview–it was very helpful in providing insight into how The Reading Tub looks at the review process. Thanks! John
Talking about Books: A Quick Trip around the ‘Sphere | Scrub-a-Dub-Tub, a Reading Tub Blog September 9th, 2009 2:01 pm :
[...] artists who create these wonderful stories for kids. Thanks to Jon and Laura for letting me share my podcast nterview about the Reading Tub. Learn how many self-published books we have in the Reading Tub. Find out what happens when kids [...]
NG Parker September 24th, 2009 12:54 pm :
Hello. Does your company do “Childrens” books reviews? I will need a few book reviews for the books that I am currently writing. Please let me know as soon as possible at:

childrensbooks@ngeparkerbooks.com

Thank you for your time.
NG Parker
Author/Illustrator
Delores Chappell October 25th, 2009 7:35 pm :
Hello Laura,
I really enjoyed listening to the review that you had with Ms Doherty. I learned a lot in such a short period of time being that I’m a new author. I would definitely recommend new authors to listen to this review! Thank you both for your time. Delores

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Dawn Schertzl : Jon....I would like to send a letter of inquiry to a publisher but in their guidelines they ask for author credentials...do es this mean that they probably don't want to hear from unpublished writers?
Sherri Carpenter : Laura, thank you so much for answering my questions. I look forward to meeting you in April at Bootcamp in NC.
Laura Backes : Melissa: As I advised Archana, your best bet is to submit to and Editor or Associate Editor, unless the market guide specifies the type of book each editor wants to see. The more senior editors likely have their regular authors they already work with.
Laura Backes : Jean: Some books are categorized in more than one place, but most likely your story would go in the children's section, if that's your primary audience. Look for publishers who do more New Age-type books when you're submitting.
Laura Backes : Archana: Welcome! Sorry I haven't answered your questions sooner. The Albert Whitman address in the Feb CBI is the current editorial address. I suggest you send up to 5 submissions simultaneously to different publishers as long as they're accepting simultaneous subs, and you note this in your cover letter. Address to an editor or associate editor, as they're most likely to be taking on new authors. Good luck!
Laura Backes : Sherri, #3: You don't have to copyright your book before sending it out. The publisher will do that for you, once the book has gone through the final editing process.
Laura Backes : Sherri, con't: If you haven't heard back in 3 months, send the editor a letter saying she can keep the submission, but you're also sending it elsewhere. As for formatting, no, don't add page breaks where they might appear in the finished book. Just type the manuscript double-spaced, with indents at the beginning of each paragraph.
Laura Backes : Sherri: I think if a publisher is accepting simultaneous submissions, it's fine to send them. So start with publishers who take simultaneous submissions, and send to several at once. Keep the number manageable, say 5 at a time. I think that's reasonable, since it does take several months to hear back. But be sure to carefully target appropriate publishers. If a publisher wants an exclusive submission, honor that but mention that it's exclusive in your cover letter. And if you haven't heard back
Laura Backes : Hi Deb: I'm glad you like the ebook. It's really Jon's baby, and something we all could use. Let us know what you think after you've read the whole thing!
Deb Hockenberry : Hi Jon & Laura, I just opened your ebook. I found it as a free download for the Kindle. This free book sounds exactly like the encouragement I need right now so many thanks! I'm charging my Kindle now so I can download it! Sorry about my other messages. I kept hitting the enter button on my computer.
Sherri Carpenter : Should I copyright my book before submitting it to a publisher?
Sherri Carpenter : Another question for Jon or Laura...When submitting a children's book for publication do I put in the page breaks or do I submit it as on piece with no page numbers? Thanks.
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 Reposting for an an answer please.
Andrea McLean : loving this site so far guys...thanks x x
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.

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► CBI Challenge: Writing an Ending That Delivers
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