How Clean is Your Manuscript?
Before you think I’ve gone all Pollyanna, let me say that I’m not talking about “content” here… I’m talking about presentation. In today’s publishing world, editors and agents are looking…
The Kidlit Compass Blog
Happy Picture Book Month!
I am proud to be a 2013 Picture Book Month Champion! My guest post for the month-long celebration will be featured on November 7th at www.picturebookmonth.com, and I’m truly…
Is it YA or Middle Grade?
Many aspiring children’s book authors are confused about the difference between young adult (YA) and middle grade novels. Aren’t all teens and pre-teens young adults? But within the industry, middle…
Secondary Characters
Whether your manuscript is a picture book or novel, it can be tempting to create a wide variety of supporting characters to help tell your story. But too many characters…
What Goes in a Media Kit?
An editing client of mine recently asked for guidance on building a media kit, otherwise known as a press kit. This is something every author should have on their website…
Editing with a Jewelers Loupe
I had the privilege and pleasure of interviewing middle grade and YA author Maryrose Wood last night for our Wednesday night Writers Speak series at Stony Brook Southampton. Maryrose is…
Connecting the Dots – A Celebration
I’ve never thought of myself as much of a matchmaker, but today I feel like Yenta! You see, it’s the pub-date of a very special book, one that I played…
Pay No Attention to That Writer Behind the Curtain!
One of my favorite speakers at the 2013 SCBWI winter conference was Mo Willems. No surprise, he’s also one of my favorite writers, and illustrators. Among the many witty, wise…
