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Follow the delightful misadventures of Tori Stellar, as she writes her way to the top of the slushpile.

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For more about Tori, visit http://www.ToriStellar.com

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Taurean Watkins : I'll pray for your sanity Jon, you're a braver man than I when it comes to courtrooms in this capacity.
Jon Bard : Hey Fightin' Bookworms -- Thanks to jury duty, I can't get the September newsletter online for another day or so. Thanks for your patience...but justice gotta get served!
Mya Benson : Hi everyone! Just joined CBI today. Just wrote what I hope would be my first picture book. Also looking for a critique.
William Fu : I'm new to CBI and had been surfing for days now..I love this site, but just too shy to post some replies.
Caroline McCaskey : I'd hate to have to rely on my memory. Love the site!
Caroline McCaskey : Hi guys - Great site! Two questions - I've been lurking about for months now, and have a picture book manuscript ready to go (I hope!). Do I need to send a query letter for a picture book, or can I send it with a cover letter? Can authors send a query to publishers which are not accepting unsolicited manuscripts? You get all kinds of advice on the internet. My other question is: I'd like to continue to subscribe to CBI - will I get an email telling me to renew my membership when it's time? I'd h
Laura Backes : Lisa: These days, publishers take anywhere from 1-6 months to respond, with about 4 months being the average time. So be patient!
Laura Backes : Cynthia: You can be successful self-publishing if you're willing to spend a few hours each week marketing your book. Also, if you can identify a specific audience (parents of adopted children, for example, as opposed to everyone who might want to buy a general fiction picture book), then you stand a much better chance of making money on your book.
Laura Backes : Lynelle: I wouldn't put a synopsis of a book you're trying to sell on your web site. The synopsis should contain details that make your idea unique, and you want to protect that. As for your other question, yes, that sounds like a good focus for your book.
Lisa Clark : Jon, I sent manuscripts to accepting publishers from the July and August CBI newsletter..how long should it take to hear from them??
Cynthia David : Hi, what do you say about self-publishing? There are a bunch of opportunities and websites to self-publish, but is there greater degree of success just finding someone who is willing and able to publish your book?
Evelyn Mayo : Hi John- I need the same information regarding access to the back issues. Thanks.
John Peed : THANKS! I love it already!
Jon Bard : John - just e-mailed you w/info
John Peed : Hey Jon - it's good to be here - it was my understanding that access to the back issue archives came as a bonus with a year's membership. So, how do I take advantage of that? Thanks!
Lynelle Mason : I meant Mr. Grump in the PB question
Lynelle Mason : Laura: concerning Cleo's Second Chance which you have worked with me on: can I make the thrurst of my pb Cleo's desire and the stratigies she tries to get his attention?
Lynelle Mason : Is it safe to put a synopsis of a manuscript you hope to sell to a publisher on your web site?
Lynelle Mason : FOR LAURA: is it safe to put a synopsis of a manuscript you hope to sell on your web page?
SHOBA NAIDU : I have just published an adventure story set in the Himalayas for tweens. How do i get children in the US to read it?
Jon Bard : Christie - e-mail your picture to me at «email» and I'll see what I can do.
Jon Bard : Module 16 of the CBI Challenge Writing Course in Online! «link»
Christie Wild : Jon or Laura, I have been trying to change my avatar for a month and it won't let me no matter what browser I use. I just deleted the one I had thinking maybe that was the problem. Now I don't have an avatar at all. When I go into my profile and select 'browse' to choose which picture to upload, nothing happens. Can you help me, please?
Peggy Clement : Sherri, sounds good.
Lara Martin : Is it appropriate to send the same manuscript to several publishers at the same time? Or does one submit their manuscript to one publisher at a time, waiting response?
Sherri Carpenter : Peggy, Jon told me to go to ebsco.com. He said they do mailings to librarians. I am still investigating it. If you find anything out before me please let me know and I will do the same.
Sherri Carpenter : Thank you Peggy. I am so excited. I will update as I get closer to release dates.
Peggy Clement : How does a book become available through major school library suppliers?
Peggy Clement : Sherri, I just read your exciting news-- two books! Wow! Congratulations!
Jon Bard : Here's the link to read older chatbox posts: «link»
Evonne Biggins : Heck, I stumbled upon an article written by Laura Backes in another newsletter.... I should've just started here in CBI, huh? <g>
Peggy Clement : Thank-you for the sweet comments about my first released book. If you missed it, check out peggyclement.com
Peggy Clement : Is there any way to read older posts in this chatroom?
Jon Bard : Online crit groups - go to this forum section - «link» - and start a thread so you can all get organized....
C. Woolnough : I'm so excited to be a part of this wonderful community.

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The CBI Challenge - Our Step-by-Step Journey to Success

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Download This Month’s Children’s Book Insider!

The August, 2010 edition of Children's Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children's Writers is waiting for you.

Click here and grab it now!

This month's highlights include:

► Publisher Accepting Fiction With Educational Slant, and Unique Nonfiction
► Two Agents Taking on New Clients
► Literary Magazine for Young Readers Taking Submissions
► New Short Story Contest
► How to Create a Winning Series
► Alien Clones and Modern Fairy Tales Equal High Concept Humor
► How to Write a Page Turning Picture Book
► The CBI Challenge - Get Instant Feedback on Your Work
► Increase Your Earnings With Speaking Gigs

Welcome to the Clubhouse!

Welcome to The CBI Clubhouse! We're so glad you're here.

Founded in 1990, Children's Book Insider is a family business based in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado.

CBI Publisher Laura Backes has served as an editor and literary agent, and has been published herself by Random House, Writer's Digest and The Writer, among many others. She was Technical Editor of Writing Children's Books for Dummies and is the co-founder of the acclaimed Children's Author's Bootcamp workshops.

Jon Bard owned a New York-based public relations firm and was one of the field's top copywriters before joining Laura in making Children's Book Insider a full-time family effort. He is responsible for the development of The CBI Clubhouse and oversees the day to day operation of the site.

So that's a little about us. But, of course, this site is really all about you -- and all the Fightin' Bookworms!

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Enjoy your stay!