Is it OK to Switch Points of View?
Mar 10th, 2009 | By Jon BardIn this video, Laura answers one of the trickier questions a writer can face: Is it acceptable to change points of view mid-story?
In this video, Laura answers one of the trickier questions a writer can face: Is it acceptable to change points of view mid-story?
Posted in Ask Laura, Beginners' Corner, General Writing Technique, The Craft of Writing |
6 comments
Tags: point of view and storytelling, video
If there’s one question every author has, it’s this one! In this installment of Ask Laura, learn the ins and outs of finding the right publisher for your manuscript.
Posted in Ask Laura, Beginners' Corner, Getting Published, Submitting to Publishers, Traditional Publishing |
5 comments
Tags: researching publishers and getting ready to submit
In this video, Laura answers a common question from picture book authors: How can I let an editor know what the artwork to accompany my story should include?
Posted in Ask Laura, Beginners' Corner, Getting Published, Submitting to Publishers, Traditional Publishing |
4 comments
Tags: artwork, Ask Laura, illustrations, picture books, query letters and the submissions package, video
You’ve written a picture book manuscript intended to be the first in a series of books. How do you let an editor know that without
[continue reading...]
Posted in Ask Laura, Audio and Video, Getting Published, Submitting to Publishers, Traditional Publishing |
2 comments
Tags: Ask Laura, picture book, query letters and the submissions package, series

The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of 5th Grade (Holiday House/Scholastic)
by Fightin' Bookworm Ken Derby
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Laura and Jon, this is fantastic! What a great site. Thank you so much for all of us. I love being a part of your community!
Ev
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!
Jon Bard: 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
Chiquita Ferdinand: What is the best way to improve grammar?
chris smith: 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
Laura Backes: 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.
marjorie hembroff: 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!

