By Laura Backes, CBI Publisher
Here they are: The Rules of the Game for Writing Children’s Books — from Board Books Straight through Young Adult! This is a must-read for all authors.
By Jane McBride Choate , Traditional Publishing Expert Guide
Your query letter gets about 10 seconds of an editor’s time. Here are five unique ways to make sure that your letter stands out — and grabs an editor’s attention.
Kathryn Lay has more than 1,600 — that’s right, 1,600 — publishing credits. Listen in and find out how she’s built such a thriving career!
In this video, Laura gives tips about how to target the correct age group for your book.
Driven to write a children’s book, but not sure what to write about? Let’s figure it out! In this video, we’ll give you some tips for avoiding what not to write about, and how to mine your own life experiences for great subjects.
What turns an ordinary character into an extraordinary one? Check out these tips for turning everyday kids into exceptional characters.
From the ever-changing publishing world, the latest from Highlights for Children, Simon & Schuster, Dial and more.
Jon’s quick video discloses two excellent free resources for checking out agents, contests, publishers and more.
Jon’s got a new video about how successful authors think. This time – how to spread those eggs around!
In this video, Jon explains why knowing the difference between being a writer and an author is vital – and which label newcomers should embrace.
Legendary author Lois Lowry discusses her writing process, and the one change she would make to The Giver.
Yogi said it, and he wasn’t kidding. Here’s Jon with a quick video about developing a winning mindset for your writing career.
Working on a novel? Here are some creative and innovative ways to tell your story that are definitely “out of the box”!
Want to know a neat, simple way of making a memorable first contact with a favorite author? Read on!
The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of 5th Grade (Holiday House/Scholastic)
by Fightin' Bookworm Ken Derby
Become a Fightin' Bookworm
now and you'll get:
► A new issue of the famous Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers every month, packed with market news, hot tips and expert advice
► Complete access to The CBI 1-2-3 Succes System featuring our All-Star Team of Expert Guides
► Total access to our step-by-step children's writing course, The CBI Challenge
► Full access to our huge library of instructional articles, videos, podcasts, ebooks & more on the CBI Clubhouse
► Access to our exclusive sidebar chatbox, where you can ask questions, get help and share your latest triumphs
...and much more!
Just getting started? Dreaming of writing children's books but don't know where to turn?
Boy, have you come to the right place!
We give you a simple path to success, the wisdom of an All-Star cast of Expert Guides, the warmth of a friendly community and more than two decades of trusted guidance.
All right here on The CBI Clubhouse!
: Hi Chiquita - here's my favorite book on general writing -- I think it will really help you: http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-30th-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0060891548
: What is the best way to improve grammar?
: Having my 2 year old granddaughter bring me this book repeatedly I was curious. Thank you for sharing what brings her back to this book. Great lesson! Thank you
: Let's all take a moment today to honor the great talent Maurice Sendak, who died today at age 83. Spend some time reading your favorite Sendak book. Or better yet, read it to a child.
: I was wondering if you knew the best way to post photo's in blogs. I am using Word Press and can't find any instructions anywhere.Maybe instructions could be posted somewhere. I wouldn't be surprised if other people have this problem [...]
This month's highlights include:
►. New Agent Accepting Submissions for All Ages
► Book Packager Accepting Original Manuscripts
► New EBook Publisher Seeks Middle Grade, YA Writers
► Publisher Seeks Fiction, Nonfiction with Jewish Themes
► Publisher Seeks Books for Teachers, Parents
► Jane Yolen Establishes Mid-list Author Grant
► The 8 Crucial Steps of the Writing Process
► Exclusive Report: Hot News From the Bologna Book Conference
► How to Kickstart Your Creativity with a Writing Prompt
► Hook Your Reader with a Powerful Ending
► How to Turn a Small Child Into a Compelling Character
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!
If you have any questions at all, just use the "Contact Us" link at the top of the page to drop us a line.
Enjoy your stay!
