The CBI Clubhouse - a Community for Children's Book Writers » Jon Bard

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

Jon Bard — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:34:04 +0000

CBI Challenge Module 15 – Exercise 3: Getting Unstuck

Jon Bard — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:59:50 +0000

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", which focuses on making the most of your strong areas and correcting your weak ones. For more info about the CBI Challenge, watch our video here. To join the CBI Clubhouse and get instant access to the entire course, click here.

Sometimes we get stuck developing a character, creating a setting, or deciding what happens next in the plot. Here are two exercises to help open the flow of ideas. These are excerpted from the newly-released 3^rd edition of Brainstorming Workshop by Katherine Ploeger. For more exercises like this, go to http://write4kids.com/indepth.html

CLUSTERING

Find Your Strengths as a Writer

Jon Bard — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:44:02 +0000

Does your critique group laugh in all the right places when you read your humorous picture book out loud? Do they ask for more at the end of a pivotal chapter in your middle grade mystery? As you continue to work on your manuscript and get feedback, you’ll learn where your strengths lie as an author. Every writer has qualities that flow naturally from his or her keyboard. Once you learn what you’re best at, use it to your advantage. If devising creative plot twists is your forte, don’t write a quiet, introspective novel. If you’re passionate about research and love science, devote your energies to nonfiction instead of rhyming picture books. Many beginning writers make the mistake of thinking all children’s books fall into the same category (they must feature talking animals and have a wholesome message, etc.) They try to force their writing into a preconceived mold. But you’ll have a much easier time selling your work (and more fun creating it) if you capitalize on your talents.

That doesn’t mean you can ignore your weaknesses. While it’s a smart choice to write a funny chapter book if you instinctively understand a third grader’s sense of humor, you can’t coast with weak dialogue or a plot that sags in the middle. If

Middle Grade Author Donna Gephart on Reaching Young Readers

Jon Bard — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:25:29 +0000

Laura chats with award-winning author Donna Gephart about writing humorous middle grade fiction, tapping into the concerns of that age group, and reaching her market. Visit www.donnagephart.com to see the trailer for her newest novel, How to Survive Middle School.

Listen now:

Or right click and choose "save as" to download

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

Jon Bard — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:50:23 +0000

If we had a nickel for every time we’ve been asked "I’ve written a story, what do I do now?" we’d have, well, a heck of a lot of nickels.

That’s why we wrote the eBook titled, of course, I’ve Written a Story. What Do I Do Now? in which we give step-by-step instructions about the best way to polish your manuscript to perfection and send it off to publishers. Needless to say, a lot of folks were waiting for just such an eBook and it’s

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

Jon Bard — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:10:03 +0000

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!

http://www.online-writing-jobs.com

http://www.indeed.com

http://genuinejobs.com

http://jobs.problogger.net/

Become an Instant Expert on Any Subject with Google Reader

How to Create an eBook for the iPad – Free!

Jon Bard — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:06:50 +0000

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.

Note: When using any service like this, be cognizant of copyright issues. Only create digital versions of material you’ve self-published or own copyright to.

We have no relationship with this site — we simply came upon it — so direct any questions you might have to the site owners. Here’s the site link:

ePubBud

Info On Laura’s Critique Service

Jon Bard — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:10:18 +0000

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 book, Best Books for Kids Who (think they) Hate To Read was published by Prima/Random House in 2001.

Chris Woodworth, author of When Ratboy Lived Next Door, Georgie’s Moon, and
Double-Click for Trouble (Farrar, Straus & Giroux):

“Laura helped me clean up my first novel manuscript, then made helpful structural suggestions.
An agent picked it up and piqued the prompt interest of an editor. Based on such good results,
I

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

Jon Bard — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:07:11 +0000

Listen in as Laura chats with multi-talented children’s author and photographer Steve Swinburne.

Steve is the author of more than 25 books, including Wiff and Dirty George – The Z.E.B.R.A. Incident (wiffanddirtygeorge.com), Ocean Soup: Tide Pool Poems
(oceansoupbook.com) A Butterfly Trail and Saving Manatees.

For much more about Steve and his work, visit http://www.steveswinburne.com

To Download, Right-Click and select "Save As"

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

Jon Bard — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:16:19 +0000

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.

This eBook is our gift to you, and you’re free to share it with friends and colleagues.

Click Here to Download "The Greatest Children’s Writing Success Secret"