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

Goodreads, Tumblr and Foursquare: Are They for You?

Jane Choate — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:03:36 +0000

Note: For an explanation of how authors can use the sites Klout, Glogster and Wattpad, see Jane’s article in the February 2012 issue of Children’s Book Insider. Question: Who do you turn to for advice on the newest social media sites? Your best friend? Your boss? Your spouse? Your children

Middle Grade – Where We Are, Where We’re Going

Kirby Larson — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:07:49 +0000

I am delighted to be your CBI Middle Grade expert guide, with emphasis on the word guide. In fact, let's call ourselves fellow flaneurs, strolling about in children's literature. As we are fellow pilgrims, it seems only fair to clarify my bias that a good story will always

Exercise: The First Time!

Bryan Cohen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:23:36 +0000

Before I became a writer, I started off as an actor. I think that being an actor can teach you a great deal about characters and stories in general and I highly recommend taking a class someday if you haven’t. One piece of advice I heard as an actor was

Children’s Book Publicity: Start Local for Fast Results

Dan Janal — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:43:44 +0000

Getting publicity for your book can be as easy as calling your local newspaper. Many newspapers like to feature local authors. They can write long feature articles about the author in the books or lifestyle section. Or it could be a simple calendar listing showing when you will appear

Picture Books 101

Laura Backes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:48:06 +0000

What is a Picture Book?

Illustrated stories and nonfiction for children ages 3-6, or 4-8.** Designed to be read out loud to a child. Text averages 1000 words or less; books average 32 pages. The text focuses on the characters, plot and action of the book.
[continue reading...]

What’s Hot In Young Adult Literature Right Now

Helen Landalf — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:33:10 +0000

It’s a great time to be a writer of books for Young Adults. According to a podcast on the YA book market by Michael Cader of Publisher’s Marketplace and Publisher’s Lunch, YA is the “bright spot in book publishing.” Not only are teens reading more than ever, but crossover

Writing Picture Books: Where’s The Fun?

Linda Arms White — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:36:02 +0000

Several years ago, my then five-year-old grandson told me about his first venture on the climbing wall. I feigned concern for his safety, though I knew he had been harnessed and tethered. “Rowan, that sounds too dangerous,” I said. “I'm not sure you're big enough. What if you slip and

Create a Query that Gets a “Yes”

Jane Choate — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:31:43 +0000

We have taken classes on how to write the perfect query letter. We know the ins and outs of crafting that attention-grabbing letter that will snare an editor and/or agent’s question. Or do we?

Do you know how to keep your query letter from being filed in the circular file

How to Start & Run Your Own eBook Publishing Business

Chris Robley — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:19:50 +0000

With such rapid changes in cultural trends, technology, entertainment, art, and politics these days, there is an increasing need for accurate and timely information. If you have valuable insights into a particular field or have a unique perspective that will help a reader solve some problem they’re facing, then you

Children’s Book Apps – An Exciting Opportunity For Writers

Karen Robertson — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:08:41 +0000

There’s never been a better time to share your stories with children around the world, thanks to innovations in digital books like eBooks and Book Apps. For many children’s writers, however, technology is an area we aren’t comfortable with, so navigating the world of eBooks and book apps can be