Becoming a Published Children's Author
Shouldn't Be an Impossible Dream.
It shouldn't be confusing.
It shouldn't be expensive.
It shouldn't take forever.
You simply need a guide. An experienced, trusted friend to tell you "Do this. Don't do that. Here's how it works."
For 22 years, that's been our only job. And no one does it better.
What has impressed and helped me the most, right from the beginning of my membership, has been the wealth of continuing information on how to write and understand the ever-changing world that encompasses being a children’s author.
I am so impressed with the constant stream of podcasts, instructional videos, author interviews, and opportunities for members to not only interact with other CBI members, but to also have a platform where they can extol their own successes in writing.
Keep up the good work CBI. I’m proud to be associated with your organization.
Anne McGee, award-winning author of The Mystery at Marlatt Manor
Helping regular people — even those with absolutely no writing experience — become published children's book authors is what we do. We aren't publishers, and we aren't beholden to anyone.
We're Teachers. Friends. Cheerleaders. Mentors. And we have one goal: to teach you exactly what you need to know to improve your writing, get your book published and build a career writing books for children and young adults.
Our members (lovingly dubbed The Fightin' Bookworms) pay only a few pennies a day. And here's what they get:
Benefit #1: Exclusive Market News & In-Depth Instruction
Every month, you'll download a hot-off-the-presses issue of Children's Book Insider our legendary newsletter that's stuffed with exclusive market tips and leads, no-nonsense instruction and all the creative, fresh and inspirational ideas you can handle!
Benefit #2: A Real Community, Filled With Knowledge, Encouragement & Support
Our members receive complete, unlimited access to the entire CBI Clubhouse, our online community that's jam-packed with articles, audio, video, eBooks, message boards and much, much more.
Benefit #3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started…Today!
All memberships include unlimited access to the CBI Challenge, our step-by-step beginning writing course that will put you directly on the path to publication — even if you have absolutely zero experience as a writer!
Benefit #4: Your Own Personal Critique Group
As a member, you'll be part of a private online critique group where you can receive help and encouragement from fellow Fightin' Bookworms from across the globe.
Benefit #5: A Success System That Makes Sense!
Every Fightin' Bookworm receives direct and unlimited access to our amazing CBI 1-2-3 System that makes writing, publishing and promoting your work a breeze!
Benefit #6: Direct Guidance from Superstar Authors
Fightin'' Bookworms get specialized instruction from our All-Star Team of Expert Guides, featuring such legendary authors as Linda Arms White, Natasha Wing, Kirby Larsen, Helen Landalf, Jane McBride Choate, Teresa Funke, Kathryn Lay and Anastasia Suen.
Benefit #7: Empowerment & Encouragement
Because we're independent of any publisher or school, we have only one concern: you. Knowledge is power — and we give you the power to craft your own children's writing career. Of course we'll teach you everything you need to know about traditional publishing, but we're also right on top of eBooks, apps, print on demand and the amazing technologies that are around the corner.
And, because we know writing can be a challenging career, we're always here with inspiration, encouragement and a "can do" attitude. You can do this — and we can help.
CBI is the first place I send anyone who expresses an interest in writing, whether they are a teacher or a student. I want to send them to a quality site that truly cares about their members.
Sandra Stiles, author of Steps to Courage
Now for the Amazing Part!…
Believe it or not, each month of membership costs about the same as this:
That's a latte. It's rich, frothy and costs about four bucks. You probably buy more than a few of these every month without thinking about it.
That's it. $4.49 per month. That's what it costs each month to be a Fightin' Bookworm and get access to everything:
Children's Book Insider, The CBI Challenge Writing Course, Private Critique Groups & The CBI Clubhouse: Month after month of instruction, information, inspiration and connection with children's writers from across the globe, and our free step-by-step children's writing course for beginners.
And, if you order a full year in advance today,, you'll save big and get exclusive access to our CBI Back Issue Archive — packed with five years worth of issues. All yours!
(By the way, if you're not happy with your membership for any reason, just let us know within 30 days and we'll refund your money — no questions asked.)
Ready to give it a shot? Great!
CBI is a writer’s lifeline! Over the years, membership has grown steadily – but you, Jon and Laura, perform the near-impossible feat of making each member feel s/he’s a personal friend, that you have all the time in the world to answer their questions, and warm praise when our efforts meet with success.
CBI, quite apart from the invaluable information and up-to-the-minute technology it offers, cuts through ‘the loneliness of the long-haul writer’; you feel very much part of it all, with an immediacy which is wonderful, especially for those of us who have no access to a local group.
Maybe that sums it up best – the constant encouragement to keep at it, and never give up striving for publication.
Elizabeth McLaughlin
Whether or not you choose to join the CBI family, we have something very special we'd like to share with you:
You Can Do This.
You may feel as if you're not experienced enough, not educated enough, not skilled enough to write children's books. You may feel as if you don't have the time to embark on a new journey. You may feel that no one will ever want to read what you write. You may even feel a little scared at the prospect of simply giving it a shot.
But here's the thing:
Pretty much every successful author we know felt exactly that way when they started out. And you know why they succeeded?
Because they went for it anyway.
And so should you.
This is your dream. And you have every right to see it through, and to write your own happy ending. And it would be a pleasure and an honor for us to help make that happen.
Just remember something — all of those books on your local library shelf weren't written by machines or by super-human literary geniuses. They were written by regular people, who worked hard and found someone along the way to point them in the right direction.
If you're ready to do the work and give it your all, we're more than ready to be your guide.
Come along for the journey. You've got a book to write!
Choosing the month-to-month option?
If you enjoy your membership, do nothing and, for only $4.49 each month, you'll be a Fightin' Bookworm in good standing.
If we're not right for you, just cancel at any time!
The services CBI provides are awesome. I do not know of any organization like CBI that provides: writing guidelines like the 1-2-3 system; expert guides to eBooks and application publishing; organize critique groups for the use of Fightin' Bookworm members (where else can I find such a critiquing group that is modeled to your way of personalized coaching?); providing expert writers who are willing to help with the writing and publishing; and then, there is CBI, the best bulletin I have the privilege to subscribe to.
There are no words to express how fortunate I am to be a Fightin' Bookworm. I know I absorb every single bit of information that you provide. I am blessed to have learned (and still learning) the ins and outs of writing, editing, revising, critiquing, and publishing.
The world is a better place to write and be published because there is Jon and there is Laura, two genuine people who are generous in providing guidelines to writers, even newbies like me!Lilia Westmore
