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

You’re Not a Member Yet?

shock

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

► 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!

Click Here to Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Click Here to Tour the Clubhouse!

Check Out Our Special Resources
for Beginners!

What Our Members Are Saying

I'm so absolutely thrilled to have joined the CBI family! I just received my first CBI Newsletter yesterday, and was overjoyed to find the CBI Challenge. Several friends (and my beloved hubby) have been STRONGLY urging me to write children's books! I can't think of a better place to start than here, at CBI.

Cheryl

We ♥ Beginners!

The CBI Clubhouse is the perfect place to begin your children's writing career.

Click Here to Check Out Our Special Resources for Beginners!

Login Status

Chat With Other Fightin' Bookworms in Real Time!

Last Message

3 hours, 19 minutes

ago

Glenda Howze : Thank you so very much Jon.
Peggy Clement : How do you have your published book reviewed by someone?
Glenda Howze : Hello Laura, Five wks. ago I emailed a 1-pg. synopsis of a 6,600 word, modern day,adventure fantasy, chapter book; plus color,and blk. and white copies of the first few of my own story illustrations to a very reputable American publisher. One week later I recieced a very nice email from the executive editor requesting the entire manuscriptrt. The next morning, June 2nd., I emailed her the entire 20 pg. work. I do not want to rock my boat; however I have not heard one word from her. Is it too early to email her and briefly ask for an update on the manuscript?
Thomas Boren : Hello everyone. I just finished writing my first book, and now it seems I need to consider having it critiqued and also, I need to find an agent?
Jon Bard : Ted - send an email to critique @ sendfree.com (take out the spaces) and all the price info will be sent right back to you.
ted bennett : what is the cost to review my manuscript?
Lenae Madonna : Tina, I had Laura at CBI review my manuscript and she did an incredible job. She was thorough, insightful, and wonderfully helpful. Of course I have lots of work ahead of me but I know it will be worth it!
Jon Bard : Everyone looking for a reasonably priced picture book critique service: we've got one, and all crits are done by Laura herself. For info, send an e-mail (blank is fine - it's an autoresponder) to critique @ sendfree.com
Greg Robin : Hi all, I just joined (and my wife also seemed impressed with the site -- and gave me the go-ahead). I'm looking forward to finding tips and ideas about how to get published. And possibly getting my stories critiqued first. Having only family members read them is nice, but they only have good things to say!
Tina Shepardson : Evening everyone! Does anyone know of a reputable, manuscript assessor for picture books??? Thanks!!!
Rebecca Whitfield : has anyone hear ever heard of SCRIBUM? I ran across it online while doing research.
rachel roesler : Greetings all. I just joined and feel a sense of relief knowing I can go to one source to answer all of my questions as I begin my journey as a children's book author!
Lakshmi Gosyne : You can look up manuscript assessors. They cost, but it can be worth it.
Peggy Clement : How do you go about having someone review your book?
Kendra McCollow : Do you have a list of illustrators that we can contact?
Donna M vesely : I have a manuscript for an easy read picture book for preK and K . Can you recommend a publisher (s) I should send it to ?
Laura Backes : Janice: Congratulations! New publishers can be a great opportunity for writers, but you're wise to proceed with caution. If you haven't already, Google the publisher's name and see if anything comes up on other sites that might give you info pro or con. Also, I strongly recommend you have a publishing attorney look over the contract and tell you what your options are. Let us know what you decide!
Maggie Simmons : My Grandpa changed his name because it was a long Polish name. He had a bakery and wanted to change it for business. He saw Zimmer Road and changed it to Zimmely. His brothers changed theres too...but they chose different names! Wouldn't it be fun to pick out a whole new last name? Your character could choose anything for any reason and it would be special because it would be about what she liked! You could really get creative with that! Good luck!
janice anderson : I just received an offer to publish my middle-grade book. It is a small, new publisher so I am nervous to sign. Should I go for it as long as the offer is good and they are ruputable? Can I cancel the contract if I get a better offer?
Charity Lee : Hello, just joined and finished my first book. Trying to find the right resources to getting published.
Carol Shafer : Hi, This site looks amazing. Thank you for putting it together. And what a Blessing Heather has been to guide us to you.
Jon Bard : The new module of the CBI Challenge is up! «link»
Laura Backes : Hi Melissa: We have a manuscript critique service, and you can get all the info by sending an email to «email».
Vanessa Farria : Greetings! I'm a newbie and I am excited to be here! Just finished my first book. Trying to figure out which way to go regarding publishing. I look forward to interacting with you all and learning. Peace and blessings!
Teri Evenson : Jon: Thanks for the "view available networks" free WiFi. I travel to Northern Minnesota frequently in the summer, and this list has now given me the opportunity to do research when I need it.
Yael Hershfield : Hi all. I am new, delighted and excited. Reading through the posts I saw Marilyn's dilemma- what if she becomes an artist and someone already has her same name...she would be forced to change it (meeting or wondering how the other person got the same name or maybe chose that name could be a whole other story)
Melissa Moss-Mills : I have an idea for a 3-4 part children's series. I have part one complete . I am looking for honest, experienced help with reviewing the work. Can someone suggest a relaible source, that is not too costly? I am open and ready for assistance. My e-mail is «email». Many thanks.
Jon Bard : Just posted -- Ask Laura: How Do I Pitch an Agent or Editor at a Writing Conference? «link»
Jon Bard : Just posted: Creating Realistic, Well-Rounded Primary Characters «link»
Jon Bard : Thanks to all who take the time to say such nice things about us. We really appreciate it!
Nicole Wright : Hi All! I am new and I am going to be a Childrens Writer! Thanks for having this website!
Nancy Rossow : Thank you so much for such a wonderful, helpful website! I am glad to join with other writers and to hone my craft using all the invaluable information provided. Bless you.

Overwhelmed? Don’t Be! Here’s Where To Look For The Info You Need!

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

Latest Additions to the Clubhouse

Getting Started / Researching & Developing a Story Idea

The Writing Process

Submitting Your Story To Publishers & Building Your Career

Tips for Beginners

Author Interview Podcasts

Genre-Specific Tips

The 21st Century Writer – Using Today’s Technology to Succeed

Writing Exercises

Downloads, eBooks & Extras

Download This Month’s Children’s Book Insider!

The July, 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:

► New Story Competition for Animated Films
► Magazine for Young Children Accepting Submissions
► Agent Accepting Submissions for All Ages
► Small Publisher Seeks Chapter Books and Novels
► Nominations Accepted for Award for Outstanding Nonfiction
► Quick Fixes for Common Manuscript Flaws
► Promoting Your Book Through Indie Bookstores
► A Step-by-Step Plan to Writing Easy Readers
► How to Breathe Life into Your Characters

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!

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!