Top 10 Trends in Easy Readers
By Anastasia Suen, Easy Readers Expert Guide When the author of 135 books shares her advice for where the Easy Reader market is ...
Show Don't Tell -- A New Take on an Old Chestnut
Writers have heard the axiom “show, don’t tell” repeatedly. But what does it really mean? Jane Choate gives a practical breakdown ...
Is Your Protagonist Worth Writing About?
A dull protagonist is sure to bog down your story. Here's how to make sure your main character is a winner.
Top 10 Trends in Easy Readers
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Show Don't Tell -- A New Take on an Old Chestnut
2
Is Your Protagonist Worth Writing About?
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FROM OUR WRITING EXPERT GUIDES
The 5 Biggest Picture Book Mistakes – Are You Guilty of These?
by Linda Arms White, Picture Book Expert Guide
Of all the mistakes Linda’s seen made in picture book manuscripts, 5 stand out as being the most prevalent. Read this — and avoid an instant rejection!
Anastasia Breaks It Down: What Makes “Brown Bear” a Classic?
By Anastasia Suen, Easy Readers Expert Guide
Anastasia holds the magnifying glass up to Bill Martin Jr.’s classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to discover why it’s so well loved.
A Few Minutes with Author Linda Urban
by Kirby Larson, Middle Grade Expert Guide
A chat with the wonderful Linda Urban, author of A Crooked Kind of Perfect and Hound Dog True
Ask an Author: Writing Longer Picture Books
by Linda Arms White, Picture Book Expert Guide
Linda gives the details about an interesting category — picture books with higher word counts and more sophisticated illustrations.
Exclusive Interview: Debbie Dadey on Promotion, Publishing & the Writing Process
By Laura Backes, CBI Publisher
Debbie Dadey has built an enormously successful writing career, with more than 150 children’s book credits under her belt. In this video, Debbie chats with Laura about how she makes it all happen.
Writing Exercise: Turn Holiday Fun Into a Publishable Story!
By Bryan Cohen, Writing Exercises Expert Guide
Holidays are a fantastic starting point for coming up with story ideas. In this exercise, Brian helps you reach inside to find something special about some very special days.
Magazines – Much More Than a Stepping Stone
By Kathryn Lay, Magazine Writing Expert Guide.
Many writers build a rewarding career writing only for magazines. Here’s Kathryn with a look at how to be a true magazine pro!
Your Career Coach Teresa on How to Pitch an Editor or Agent at a Writer’s Conference
You’ve got a few precious minutes to pitch yourself to an agent or editor. How do you make the most of this incredible opportunity? Teresa has the answer!
Up & Coming YA Authors on How They Get Story Ideas
by Helen Landalf, Young Adult Expert Guide
For a writer, ideas are a precious commodity. Curious about where these ephemeral seeds of inspiration come from, Helen asked some recently published YA authors where they go for ideas and inspiration.
Anastasia Breaks It Down: What Makes This Level 1 Ready to Read Book Work?
By Anastasia Suen, Easy Readers Expert Guide
What’s the best way to learn what works in creating a story? How about having the author of 135 books break down a published title so you can see for yourself? This is a true must read!
By Natasha Wing, Picture Book Expert Guide
Natasha has the lowdown on creating titles that are memorable, catchy and will help your book sell!
VIDEO: Helen Landalf’s Tips for Writing & Marketing Young Adult Books
Laura interviews our Young Adult Writing Expert Guide about how to get started writing and publishing YA books.
Our Expert Craft Guides Answer Your Questions
This month: how to sell a literary picture book; the keys to creating conflict in an easy reader series; how to make historical fiction appealing to today’s kids and how to write YA dialogue that sounds authentic to teen readers.
Writing Exercise: Past, Present & Future
By Bryan Cohen, Writing Exercises Expert Guide
Feeling a bit stuck? Try letting your mind wander into the past and the future to get your create juices moving!
Your Career Coach Teresa on Setting Goals
By Teresa Funke, Expert Guide At Large / Career Coach
Teresa’s ready to help you set goals to succeed. It’s easy, and it’s fun. Watch this short video and get ready to shoot for the stars!
Some Key Advice From a Magazine Writing Pro
By Kathryn Lay, Magazine Writing Expert Guide.
Let’s get ready to take on the exciting world of magazine writing! Here are some excellent words of wisdom to get you started.
Nuts & Bolts: Word Counts & Age Groups in Children’s Books
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 Bryan Cohen, Writing Exercises Expert Guide
It’s time to dig deep into your childhood to capture what it’s really like to be a kid. Here’s an exercise that’s fun and enlightening!
By Laura Backes, CBI Publisher
Here’s exactly the info you need to get started writing picture books!
What’s Hot In Young Adult Literature Right Now
by Helen Landalf, Young Adult Expert Guide
Helen gives you the lowdown on what teens are looking for in today’s market.
Jane McBride Choate, Writing Technique
