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

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"

CBI Challenge, Module 11 Exercise, Part 1 – Analyze How Other Authors Create Endings

Jon Bard — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:50:13 +0000

This exercise requires you to do a bit of reading and analyzing…

Fiction:

Choose several published books from the same age group and genre as your manuscript (preferably the same books you used in Module 7 when studying the catalyst), and summarize how the author resolved the plot. Now go back and look at the catalyst of these stories.

Did it raise a question that was answered in the resolution?

Then review the story’s middle. Write down pivotal points that turned the plot in the direction of the resolution. Also note at what page the resolution is revealed to the reader.

How long does the story continue after this point? Do you agree with the author’s decision?

Nonfiction:

You can do the same if studying narrative nonfiction. The “plot points” are the events in the subject’s life the author chose to highlight that lead the reader to whatever conclusion the author wants to reach.

For informational nonfiction, note how the author pulled the facts together at the end.

Did the final pages create excitement for the reader to want to learn more? Did the author give the reader some direction for further study?

How to Tell if a New or Small Children’s Book Publisher is Legitimate

Laura Backes — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:19 +0000

It seems like every day you can open up a trade journal and read about new children’s book publishers entering the scene. While most of these publishers are well-funded and have some sort of background in the industry, a few may be bad risks for an author or illustrator. Here are some ways you can check out a publisher before signing a contract:

See if the publisher is listed in Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market. This won’t apply if the publisher is brand new, but if the company is at least a year old it could be listed in CWIM, or similar trade directories. CWIM checks out publishers before listing them, and if the directory receives three or more complaints about a company, the listing is removed the following year. Was the publisher listed last year but not in the current edition?
Look at the publisher’s catalog. Is the catalog designed in a professional manner? Not all catalogs have to be glossy, four-color publications, but they should include pictures of each book cover with information about the book and how to order it. Make sure the publisher can fulfill orders in four weeks or less.
Look at other books the publisher has produced. Are the paper

Video: What Should I Write About?

Jon Bard — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:51:24 +0000

You’re driven to write a children’s book, but you’re not sure what you want to write about. No problem, 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.

Fightin’ Bookworm Claudia McAdam Sells Her 13th Book from a CBI Tip!

Jon Bard — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:12:58 +0000

It’s the kind of e-mail we love to get:

I need to credit Children’s Book Insider with leading to the sale of my 13th book, Riddle at the Rodeo, which is due out this April from Soto Publishing. Last year you ran a piece about Soto Publishing’s call for middle grade novels–a call which I answered with my submission. And the rest, as they say, is (a very happy) history.

So, I write today as an encouragement for all children’s writers– published or yet-to-be-published. A subscription to CBI yields numerous benefits, from expert advice on all aspects of the craft to actually leading to a work’s publication. Thank you!

Thanks Claudia — glad we could help! And for everyone else, let this be yet another reminder that you CAN build a successful children’s writing career with persistence, hard work, a great attitude — and a little help from

Inside the Mind of a Children’s Book Editor

Laura Backes — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:25:18 +0000

To get published, it pays to understand the way editors think. Here’s a primer…

How to Write in Rhyme, with Author Janet Lawler

Jon Bard — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:16:49 +0000

Laura chats with author Janet Lawler about creating successful rhyming stories and working with an editor!

Four Steps to Becoming a Better Writer

Laura Backes — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:44:26 +0000

Great writers aren’t born – they’re made. Here are some of their secrets.

How to Find the Right Publisher for Your Manuscript

Jon Bard — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:32:35 +0000

Looking to send a manuscript to children’s book publishers? Here’s an easy three-step approach to help you find just the right publisher for your story!

A New Adventure from Tori Stellar, Children’s Book Author!

Jon Bard — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:01:02 +0000

Follow the delightful misadventures of Tori Stellar, as she writes her way to the top of the slushpile.