All entries by this author

Submitting to Children’s Book Publishers: 3 Steps to Avoiding Rejection Letters

Aug 3rd, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Beginners' Corner, Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!

Jon offers a quick primer on how to impress an editor from the start — and reduce your chances of receiving that dreaded rejection letter!



CBI Challenge Module 15 – Exercise 3: Getting Unstuck

Jul 20th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: The CBI Challenge

Note to guests:  this is part of our ongoing step-by-step writing course The CBI Challenge, which is included in membership to Children’s Book Insider and The CBI Clubhouse.  Each month, we have a variety of articles and exercises tied to the current step in the course.  This exercise is part of the modlule "Sharpen Your Strengths", [...]



Find Your Strengths as a Writer

Jul 20th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: The CBI Challenge, The Writing Process

Make the most of your talent, by focusing on your strong — and your weak — points.



Middle Grade Author Donna Gephart on Reaching Young Readers

Jul 5th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!, Genre Specific Tips

Listen in as award-winning author Donna Gephart discusses writing humorous middle grade fiction, tapping into the concerns of that age group, and reaching her market.



“The Ultimate Editing Checklist” – A Free Chapter From Our Best Selling eBook!

Jun 22nd, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!

From our best selling ebook I’ve Written a Story, What Do I Do Now?, a special gift: the complete first chapter which features “The Ultimate Editing Checklist”. This isn’t theoretical wishy-washy stuff — it’s right to the point and really, really powerful.



Writing Jobs Online – 4 Sites to Help You Find Freelance Opportunities

Jun 21st, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!, The 21st Century Writer

It’s easier than ever to find writing jobs online. In this quick video, Jon shows you how to use four great sites to help earn valuable experience — and a few extra dollars!



How to Create an eBook for the iPad – Free!

Jun 10th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!, The 21st Century Writer

Jon’s come across an amazing resource that will help you take the leap into the digital publishing world — and it won’t cost you a cent! Check out this quick video and get started today.



Info On Laura’s Critique Service

Jun 10th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Uncategorized

CBI 1-On-1 is a manuscript consulting service offered through Children’s Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children’s Writers.
Laura Backes, publisher of CBI, has worked in the field since 1986, and has held positions with several publishers including Ballantine and Farrar, Straus & Giroux.  She is also a former literary agent and freelance editor.  Her [...]



Author Steve Swinburne on Writing Humor, Nonfiction, Mysteries & More!

May 6th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!, Genre Specific Tips

Listen in as Laura chats with multi-talented children’s author and photographer Steve Swinburne. Steve’s got some great advice for aspiring writers!



A Gift for the Fightin’ Bookworms – an eBook That Can Change Your Career (and Maybe Your Life)

Mar 9th, 2010 | By Jon Bard | Category: Bonus Freebies, Brand New on the CBI Clubhouse!

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.