How To Write Children’s Picture Books, by Tara Lazar

From:  http://writetodone.com/six-best-tips-writing-childrens-picture-books “Anyone can write a children’s book!” Yep, that’s the response I get when I tell people I write for kids. “After all, they’re just kids,” they say with a flick of the wrist. As if kids are simpletons. As if kids don’t care what they read. As if kidlit publishers will buy any drivel. We know this is not true. Kids are smart, and picky about what they read. Publishers… Read More

Rivers of Ink Announces Agent

Rivers of Ink will welcome Douglas Lee from Kimberly Cameron Associates to the 2015 Conference! Doug has an interest in Speculative, Sci-fi and Fantasy (SFF) fiction but welcomes many more genres. Register now to save your spot at the Rivers of Ink conference!  Early bird discount applies until September 18.

4 Questions Agents Ask Writers at Pitch Sessions, by Chuck Sambuchino

From:  http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/4-questions-agents-ask-at-pitch-sessions?et_mid=761343&rid=239534100 Over the years, as I’ve written both KidLit and adult fiction, I have participated in several agent pitches and critique sessions. I’ve read every article I could get my hands on discussing how to deliver your pitch, or how to gracefully listen to constructive criticism. But what continues to surprise me are the questions that agents ask of me. I’d like to share the questions I’ve encountered in hopes that… Read More

Successful Queries, by Writers Digest

Want to know what makes a successful query letter? Writers Digest has posted over 60 examples of successful query letters. Check out their series, Successful Queries.  

How Data Can Help You Write A Better Screenplay, by Walt Hickey of FiveThirtyEight

The data gods at Five Thirty Eight evaluated the success rate for thousands of screenplays submitted through The Black List and have distilled some interesting insights. For example… Hagen said novice screenwriters find writing good dialogue and characters particularly challenging. Genres that rely heavily on dialogue and characters — namely, comedies — tend to fare worse overall. On the other hand, niche dramas — particularly those set in a compelling time period, or at… Read More

SCBWI Presents! Will Your Pitch Hook an Agent or Editor?

Stephen Wallenfels, Young Adult Author: “Writing the Perfect Pitch: The Art & Science of Sizzle” and Mary Cronk Farrell, Children’s/YA Author “Writing for the Children’s/YA Market: SCBWI Can Help at Every Stage of Your Career” June 20, 12:30 – 2:30 pm. Richland Public Library. Free. Details here.

Submit Like A Man, by Kelli Russell Agodon

Article by Kelli Russell Agodon, Submit Like A Man: How Women Writers Can Become More Successful. Is there a difference?