A couple of weeks ago, we told you about the Amazon Breakthrough Contest and their new YA category. Well, today Nathan Bransford, literary agent at Curtis Brown, posted his advice about entering contests:"The absolute most important advice I can give you is this: read and understand the fine print.Know what you're entering. Know what happens... Continue Reading →
New network for illustrators
Elizabeth Blake has set up Rendered Speechless, an online social network. Many illustrators in our region have already joined. Check it out here.
Questions from Wendy Wahman
Freelancers, Wendy wonders the following:Do you get asked to work on spec? (For example, to produce samples of specific characters or enviroment) If so, how do you handle this? Do you have a price range cutoff? Do you decline to work on spec for magazines, but will you provide samples to book publishers?If you have... Continue Reading →
Not done with your holiday shopping yet?
Just in case you're a little behind (like me), here are some more holiday shopping links for you:InkyGirl posted this comprehensive list of "Holiday Gift Ideas For Writers, Librarians and Bibliophiles."Parker Peevyhouse, writing at The Spectacle, added a few more good ideas in her own list, here.And, of course, don't forget to support our local... Continue Reading →
Fun contest for an ARC of Joni Sensel’s TIMEKEEPER’S MOON!
If you or someone you know has always wanted to be a Farwalker’s apprentice (without having to walk very far), or if you just like ARCs, or even if you just like contests... I found this very imaginative and fun one over at the Spectacle.Writer Joan Stradling has set up a cool contest that can... Continue Reading →
Series on the business of publishing
One of our esteemed chapter colleagues, Stasia Ward Kehoe, is running a blog series on children's book marketing:Here are links to her first two posts:The Business of Children's Books No. 1:Today I begin my series of musings on trade book marketing. I have worked in children’s publishing for over fifteen years, first as an educational... Continue Reading →
The prize-winning holiday cookie recipes are here!
On December 8th, we held our annual holiday party and cookie contest, and wow did we have a sweet-looking table to sample from (now why didn't I bring my camera?)! This being the amazingly supportive community that it is, all three winners were willing to share their coveted recipes with us (can you believe it?).... Continue Reading →
Have a question for agent Marietta Zacker?
Through Dec. 16, she'll answer them here.
Thinking of a taking a pen name?
Nathan Bransford has advice on why you do--or probably don't--want to go that route.
A big mistake in story beginnings
Jane Friedman at Writer's Digest has a helpful post:I've read countless manuscripts that begin by describing a character writhing in pain. Mental pain, physical pain, emotional pain, you name it.For instance:John clenched his throat and tried to stop the flow of blood, but he couldn't. His skin became whiter and whiter, and he broke out... Continue Reading →