Photo: courtesy Wikipedia 

I WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN 

Sad, but true...I was suckered by an agent.  I paid $300 for literary services not knowing that this was a dishonest practice.  It just goes to show how little I knew about publishing.  

Back in the late 90s, I had enrolled in my first writing class at the Carnegie Center for Literacy in Lexington, Kentucky.  Our assignment was to complete a picture book by the end of the six-week session.  On the last day of class our teacher brought in a local agent.  She passed out her business cards and I jumped at the chance to be represented.  

It never dawned on me that Karen would be unethical.  All I knew was that she was a nice person whom my writing instructor had recommended.  She invited me to her house for a business lunch.  During the meeting, she discussed her plans for presenting my work to publishing houses.  All seemed legit to me.  Even the money she needed to get the job done.  She was excited about my work and I was thrilled to have an agent who knew the publishing industry.

When we finished our business, she scheduled the next meeting and mentioned that she'd need another payment for more of her services.  At that moment something didn't seem right to me.  When I got home, I contacted a local author to find out whether writers should pay an agent.  She warned me that writers should not be charged for an agent's services and suggested that I look into the Association of Authors' Representatives, a professional organization of literary agents who meet the highest standards and subscribe to a canon of ethics.  

I immediately googled the website.  According to the AAR, the practice of literary agents charging clients or potential clients is subject to serious abuse.  For that reason, members may not charge clients or potential clients a fee and may not benefit, directly or indirectly, from the charging for their services. 

It was no surprise that my agent was not a member of AAR.  So, she was essentially free to charge writers for her services.  But not me.  I ended our relationship.  

Now when I look back on the partnership, I realize that paying Karen was not the only problem—I had also given her the very first picture book I had ever written.  How naïve was that?  My manuscript desperately needed to be critiqued.  It needed to be revised to improve the content.  It needed to be edited to fix grammar, punctuation and sentence structure.  It was not ready to be presented to publishing houses.  

As they say, live and learn.

Fast forward to November, 2016.  Believe it or not, I received an email from an agent on my birthday!  Editorial agent Melissa Carrigee fell in love with my manuscript Maggie and the Summer Vacation Show-and-Tell.  Together, we fine-tuned the text and collaborated with an artist to get the illustrations just right.  Nine months later, my debut picture book was published.   

My relationship with Melissa was wonderful and I wanted to work with her on future projects, but she decided to step away from agenting and to establish Brother Mockingbird Publishing.  So, at this point in my career, I'm searching for a forever agent.  Someone who is honest and professional like Melissa.  I will never forget dishing out hundreds of dollars to someone who called herself an agent.  What a costly mistake.  But hopefully I'll be savvier when I sign with another rep.  Because like the song sung by the Who—I "Won't Get Fooled Again." 

✌ and ♥

Tips on Getting Published

Today Lisa Umina, author of the Milo book series, shares ways to help you get published.


Getting a book into print is just the beginning of the involved, and oftentimes overwhelming, publishing process. I started Halo Publishing International as an independently owned publishing company to help individual writers self-publish their books who don’t want to wade through the slush piles of traditional publisher for their chance at publication.

Trying to become a published author can be a difficult and lonely process, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things to help you get your manuscript ready for publication.

Join writing communities and critique groups. You can learn from others who have been where you are or who are dealing currently with the same trials you are facing. Critique groups also help give you feedback on why your manuscript might be receiving rejections or help you overcome writers block.

Attend writing workshops and conferences. No matter what level you are at as a writer, you should at least once a year attend a conference and workshop to help hone your skills and learn about anything new in the industry. This is also a great way to make connections with editors, publishers, agents and others in your writing genre.

Get a freelance/professional editor to look your manuscript over. Authors are too close to the subject to objectively edit their own manuscripts. They often overlook the same mistakes time after time. By having an editor look your manuscript over before the submission process, you can be confident your manuscript will have correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. At Halo, our creative editors watch for consistency, organization, clarity, character development, wordiness, sequential order, accuracy, and the right tone for the intended audience -- while always retaining your style. You want to make sure whomever you use doesn’t just do computer "mechanical" editing. Our editors at Halo get personally involved to hone your manuscript to a fine edge. This is key for a publishable manuscript.

Have a marketing plan outlined. Without an effective and comprehensive marketing plan, a book, although published, will sit in a box and collect dust. What sets HPI apart from other publishers is that our services do not end after a book is printed like most self-publishers and even traditional publishers; unless you are one of their top selling authors. Each and every HPI author is provided with an all-encompassing publishing solution that includes an essential marketing component. However, it is important to have a marketing outline ready to share with your publisher so you show what you are willing to do to help promote your book once it is published. Getting the word out to the media and, in turn, finding potential buyers for your book is a very important part of getting an editor or publisher interested in supporting you as an author.

Read the submissions guidelines and follow them. I cannot stress this enough. Each publisher, agent and editor has their own set of submissions guidelines and you need to make sure your manuscript follows them. You may have a great book idea and it would be a shame for it to be rejected because you didn’t follow the guidelines.

This are just some basic tips to help you achieve publication. Through Halo Publishing, I have helped countless authors realize their dreams and I hope that today, I have helped you reach your dream.

Steps for Publishing Nonfiction Articles for Children, Part II

As mentioned on the May 30th blog, publishing nonfiction articles for children is like climbing a staircase.  You've got to take eight steps before reaching the top landing:  publication.  The first four steps are: follow the magazine's guidelines, review copies of the magazine, use reliable sources, and add something extra—write from personal experience.  Now let's take the final four steps.

Step #5:  Educate and entertain
Spin the well-researched information into a story with a beginning, a middle, and an ending.  The beginning should hook your audience and coax them to continue reading.  The middle is the meat of the story where you explain your topic.  Use similes to help kids understand complex issues.  Incorporate onomatopoeia to bring excitement to your writing.  Add alliteration and assonance to give emphasis to your words.  Lastly, complete your article with a satisfying ending.  Find a creative way to tie it in to the first paragraph.   

Step #6:  Edit your work
Read your article aloud.  If you stumble on a word, change it until the piece flows.  Allow another reader to peruse your work.  He may pick up a mistake that you’ve overlooked.  Use spell check, but know that it’s not always accurate.  Apply the Flesch-Kincaid grade level tool or another grade assessment when writing for a specific age.  In addition, find an expert to review your work.  Consider revising your piece based on the expert’s suggestions.  Doing so will add credibility to your article.  

Step #7:  Include a properly formatted bibliography
Even if the guidelines indicate that only a few sources are required, list those sources in alphabetical order with the author’s last name followed by a comma and the author’s first name.  Cite the title, the city (and state if the city is obscure), the publishing company, and publishing date.  When in doubt, refer to reference books like The Chicago Manual of Style for proper formatting. 

Step #8:  Keep the cover letter short

Now you’re ready to write a short professional cover letter addressed to the editor.  Compose a one-page letter.  Entice the editor with a strong hook.  Give the title, the word count, the intended audience, and an overview of the piece, plus a short bio.  Thank the editor for her time.  E-mail or mail in your submission with the cover letter (check those guidelines!)  

When I receive a submission, I make sure that the manuscript and the bibliography have been formatted correctly.  I check to see if the word count is correct.  If not, I may reach for a rejection slip.  But, if the magazine guidelines were followed, then a foot is in the door.   I will eagerly read on to determine whether the topic would be of interest to our audience.  And if you’ve taken those eight steps, I’m betting an acceptance will soon come your way. 

Writers' News

Photo by Lucas

I found a website with many helpful writing resources:  http://www.resourcesforchildrenswriters.com/ 

On Rachelle Burk’s website you can spend hours checking out writers’ articles, agent and editor listings, critique groups and much more. 

For personal news, I submitted to Albert Whitman in June.  After waiting 4 months, I conclude they are passing on my manuscript.  I received a personal rejection letter from Curtis Brown Literary Agency.

Here’s a list of the publishing houses that I submitted to this fall:

Tanglewood Press, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, Dutton Books, Boyds Mills Publishing, Peachtree Publishing, Philomel Books, Holiday House, and Charlesbridge.

I’ve had more luck with placing my nonfiction articles.   After several attempts, I was awarded an acceptance with Highlights for Children. And Appleseeds, the respected social studies magazine for children, accepted my article on the Derby race horse, Visionaire. 

Remember as you write your picture book to practice writing in different genres.  Consider writing fictional short stories, poetry, or nonfiction articles for children’s magazines.  Now take it one step further and submit your work. (Of the three, nonfiction is the easiest to get published.)  Two markets that will most likely welcome your work are http://www.viatouch.com/  and www.storiesforchildrenmagazine.org .  I’m an editor at both publications and look forward to reading well-researched, interesting topics for children.  Publishing nonfiction will help you earn credentials, which will impress a picture book editor.     

Coming next week:  a review of J. D. Holiday’s chapter book, The Great Snowball Escapade. Sign up as a follower to enter the book-giveaway contest.

                                                                                                                                                                                                   Photo: Anita Jankovic 

WRITING FOR KIDS ISN'T AS EASY AS IT SEEMS 

Before the pandemic, Baxter's Corner had expressed interest in publishing my children's book titled Tajo Speaks Out.  When I informed people of the news, some of them said, "Anyone can write a children's book.  Writing for kids is easy."   

Those of us who write for kids would strongly disagree.  And here's why.  Writing and publishing for children can be broken down into two parts:  the creative process and the submission process.  For the creative process a writer must develop a manuscript that is about 500 words, that allows for illustrations, and that centers around a theme relatable to young kids.  It must be engaging, marketable, and revised multiple times.    

The submission process is every bit as arduous.  A writer must compose a professional query letter and research agents that are open to picture book submissions.  Submitting to an agent doesn't guarantee an acceptance.  It can take years to find an agent.  On top of that, if a writer signs with an agent, the agent must submit the work to publishers.  The whole process, from initial idea to publishing a book can take up to two years.  

Since I had met the publisher of Baxter's Corner, I could skip the submission process.  But creating that book wasn't a walk in the park.  There were tight guidelines.  Specifically, I had to choose an animal character the company had developed and assign a moral value to this character.  Okay you say, select a character and the value and get on with writing the story.  But it wasn't that simple.  

Photo: Johnny McClung 

Before the first word of the story could be written, I was asked to develop the objectives.  This involved describing the character's problem, the rising conflict, the solution, and the resolution.*  After writing the objectives, I sent them to the publisher and she discussed them with her team of consultants.  When everyone made their assessment, the publisher sent me their suggestions. Then publisher and I went back and forth many times over many months to polish the objectives.    

Once this step was nailed, I got the green light to write the story.  Here's the catch:  Baxter Corner books are written in rhyming couplets, but the rhymes could not be repeated.  Also, the meter or beats (syllables) had to be even so that the story wouldn't sound forced or choppy when read aloud.  I checked to make sure the rhyming was smooth and then moved on to the next phase of the process.  

My beta reader critiqued Tajo.  After implementing his suggestions, I sent the story to the publisher so she and her team could study it.  The draft was heavily criticized and returned to me for more revision.  I tweaked the story and I sent it to the publishing staff so they could review it again.  After I made some minor changes, the team approved the final version and it was ready to be professionally edited and illustrated.  Finally, this project was getting closer to publication.  

And then...COVID hit.  As the pandemic raged, the market changed, the focus of Baxter's Corner shifted, and Tajo was put on the back burner.   

This outcome was not a surprise to me.  I sensed the direction Baxter's Corner was taking on Facebook. The company had been making posts about the themes in its upcoming books—themes which varied greatly from Tajo.  So, when the publisher called to tell me my book had been shelved, I was prepared for the heart-breaking news.  Still, this setback sucked.  

But...it would not defeat me. 

I will move forward and use this experience to become a better writer.  A stronger, more resilient person.  Undaunted.  I will write in spite of rejections or the shifts in the market.  I will write in spite of the notion people say it's easy.  There will always be disappointments, setbacks and ignorance.  And spite of it all, I will write for kids.    

✌ and ♥

* Jotting down the objectives is a great exercise and it can help in developing the structure of your story.

    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Photo: Neonbrand 

HOW NOT TO GET PUBLISHED 

Most writers would never send an unprofessional letter to an agent or a publisher.  They know that if they want to get published it's important to craft a thoughtful, considerate query letter. 

Below is an email that I received.  This letter is an example of what you should not do if you want to publish a book.  

Dear Sir/Mam,
        I want to get published my Novella (38600 words). I want my book online and in paperback as well. I need free publication with you. If you will publish my book without any cost please let me know the procedure for publishing.
Best Regards

Let's look at some of the problems with the letter which I've highlighted in red.  

Dear Sir/Mam,
        I want to get published my Novella (38600 words). I want my book online and in paperback as well. I need free publication with you. If you will publish my book without any cost please let me know the procedure for publishing.
Best Regards

Here are my thoughts.  

Do not:  address the query to sir or mam.  
Do: personalize the query with the agent's name. 

Do not:  declare that you want to get published. It's obvious and shouldn't be stated. 

Do:  be polite and tell the agent that you are submitting your book for her consideration. 

Do not:  omit the title of your book.  

Do:  give the title along with the genre, word count, and a description of the book.  Include comparative titles and a short bio.

Do not:  tell the agent how you want your work published.  

Do:  have a conversation about ways to market your book when you land an agent. 

Do not:  mention that you need free publication.  

Do:  be aware that when you submit to an agent, you should pay no fees. She will earn a percentage of the sales if your book is published.

Do not:  query an editorial consultant to publish your book.  

Do:  know that an editorial consultant can help you polish your work, but they have little power to put your book in print. 

It's safe to say this writer needs practice writing query letters.  When I reply, I'll give him some direction and tips on what a query should look like.  My response will include a link that will show him how to write a query letter. 

I get the feeling that he has sent out this identical letter to a multitude of editors.  (Hint, it's not been personally addressed).  I feel the urgency that he has in wanting to meet his goal.  But he doesn't know the first thing about pitching his book.  And it's a shame because he'll be met with disappointment.  It's kind of sad.  He has crafted the perfect letter that will prevent him from getting what it is he so desperately seeks. 

✌ and ♥


https://www.writersdigest.com/publishing-insights/how-to-write-successful-queries-for-any-genre-of-writing#.XjLaCeI1Itc.linkedin

Please follow me on Twitter and RT my pitches on October 29th for #PBPitch (and I'll reciprocate)  https://twitter.com/RandiLynnMrvos  

DEALING WITH AN UNETHICAL PUBLISHER

About five years ago, a small press published my book Maggie and the Summer Vacation Show-and-Tell.  I was on cloud nine.  Nothing could go wrong.  But, well...things did go wrong, and therefore I feel the need to inform my readers. 

For me, the publishing process was daunting, frustrating at times, but overall thrilling.  I even got to audition illustrators for my book.  The best part was knowing my story would have the potential to entertain and educate kids.  Having a book published was a dream come true.  But now it's a bit of a nightmare.  

The publisher stated upfront that she would only do a few things for promotion.  She said she would get an ISBN number, sell it on Amazon, and write a press release.  That's it.  The author is supposed to do everything else:  design and pay for bookmarks, attend book fairs, market on social media (Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram), get newspapers to write an article, persuade libraries to carry the book, arrange book signings and more.  I knew this from the get-go, and was up to the task.  

And even though I knew the publisher would do very little promoting, I wished she would have been more supportive when I informed her of the write-up in a literary magazine, the many positive reviews, and my television appearance and participation in a prestigious book fair.  I was hoping she might pay a small portion of my marketing expenses, or at the very least, promote my book on the company's website.  None of this happened for me. 

In fact, the opposite happened.

My publisher got angry at me for not selling all of the books the organizers had ordered for the Kentucky Book Festival.  She tried to coerce me into paying for the returned books and told me my contract stated that I was responsible for the unsold books.  Actually, it was not in the contract.  And I refused to be intimidated and comply.  

So, a punishment was dealt out to me:  she removed my books from the publishing company's online library and stopped carrying them on Amazon.

Wow.  How can someone be that mean, that childish?  Don't you think she could have found a way to work with me to promote and sell the extra copies?  No, she had to get even.  Revengeful.  

So, you might ask, what can I do now?  Lots.  I can edit my Amazon profile to direct people to my website where they can order a book.  Since I have a pdf of the story, I can upload it to Amazon and print copies.  What else can I do?   I can leave Google reviews.  I can report the company to Editors and Predators and to Writer Beware.  I can warn writers on Facebook and Absolute Write.  I shed light about the company's practices on LinkedIn. 

Don't get me wrong.  I was ecstatic to have a book published.  I only wished the publisher could have been more professional and honest.    

To sum up, when a publisher fails to be supportive, the author loses.  Actually, the publisher and the author lose.  No, the public loses, too, because a children's book has been removed from places where it can be printed and bought.   

I don't know how often a publisher gets vindictive.  But I want to bring this issue to light.  I want to warn others.  If ever you find yourself interested in working with a small press, here's what you need to know:  Research the publisher.  Read what others have to say about them before signing the contract.  Scrutinize the contract and be sure you will not be responsible for books that aren't sold.  Lastly, be sure that the publisher wants to help promote your book.  That she wants to make it successful.   And above all, that she wants to put your book in the hands of a child.   

✌ and ♥

NOT A PERFECT MARRIAGE

Most everyone assumes that signing with a publishing company is like having a marriage made in heaven.  This is not always the case.

Three years ago, I was published by a small press.  This company helped me reach a goal:  to have a manuscript illustrated and published for children.  But there can be drawbacks working with a small press.  And you have to decide if the pros outweigh than the cons.

Cons, you say?  How can writers even think about cons when they have the chance to have a book published?

I get your starry-eyed enthusiasm.  It can take years to land a publisher or an agent.  Nothing is going to squash your dreams.

Still...if you submit to an indie press and they offer you a book contract, proceed with caution.

I researched my publisher and didn't find any negative comments about them.  A year later after signing the contract, I had to deal with issues that could not have been foreseen.

Before you sign a contract, google the small press to find out more about them.  See if there have been any complaints.  Contact some of the published authors and ask them about their experience with the press, both the good and the bad stuff.

Even after learning as much as you can and feeling safe with the publisher, you may find as I did, that concerns may flare up months afterward.  That said, be aware that certain matters are beyond your control and cannot be predicted.

Below are some facts to consider.

With a small press you may: 

• publish a book in less than a year after signing a contract
• have an opportunity to choose an illustrator if you write picture books
• be able to take part in the revision process 
• be able to make suggestions for the illustrations
• have your book promoted on the small press website and sold by Amazon

But you may:

• find your name and title of the book missing from the spine 
• find the paper weight lighter than desired 
• receive no help with marketing 
• get little compensation for the money you invested in marketing 
• find libraries will not purchase your book 
• find your book dropped from the small press website after the contract has expired
• discover the publisher expects you to buy back returned books (check your contract)
• realize your publisher is not interested in your career    

I was excited to have my first book published by a small press.  But the relationship with this publishing company was lopsided.  I was putting in way more effort and receiving little in return.

So, after much soul-searching, I decided to part ways with this publisher after the contract expired.  It was the right move for me.  I have no regrets.  Working with the small press was a good learning lesson for me.  But now, I have higher expectations.  I want a better match.  Because a publishing partnership should be more than two people working toward a goal.  It should be like a great marriage—one that is built on commitment, teamwork, mutual respect, and decency.


✌ and ♥

THE TEARS OF AN AUTHOR

I'll be honest with you.  My marketing plan did not go as well as I had hoped.   

For my first book, you could say I was fairly successful.  But in my mind, I felt there could have been better strategies for promoting Maggie.  I wanted to be spotlighted in the local newspaper, have libraries buy copies, and secure a lot of school visits.  

This did not happen for me, and it left me feeling frustrated and nearly in tears.

Authors like me who are published by a small press must do most of the marketing by themselves.  So, I learned about marketing well before the release of Maggie.  In fact, I began marketing nine months before the release date.  

After signing the publishing contract, I studied marketing books, read articles on websites and emailed other published authors to find out how they marketed their books.  There was so much to grasp and at times it was mind-boggling.  Eventually, I began to see how the process worked.  Most published authors stressed the importance of contacting the local paper, libraries, and schools.  So, I followed suit.

But school media specialists didn't answer my emails or return my phone calls even after I had mailed packets detailing a school visit program that would benefit their students. 

Newspaper reporters were not was interested in a local author whose book was inspired by a local rescue dog.  

Librarians turned down my requests to read at storytime or to acquire the book for their collection.  

I got angry and whiny, but soon realized that was not going to help the situation.  There had to be other options to promote my book.  So, I worked on developing a new marketing plan.  Not the plan of other published authors.  MY marketing plan.  And here is what I did:    

• Arranged book signings at local bookstores and gift shops
• Partnered with non-profit organizations that connected to my theme
• Placed books in local boutiques
• Created strategic keywords for my book on Amazon
• Visited day care centers for book readings
• Sold my book at craft fairs
• Developed a unique website 
• Wrote articles and guest blogs  
• Created a Pinterest account and made boards and pins that related to my book 
• Got a book review in local magazine
• Participated at the Kentucky Book Festival 
• Placed copies of the book in a doctor's office with part of the proceeds benefiting an animal rescue organization
• Signed books for Small Business Saturday

As I look back, I couldn't figure out why the newspaper never contacted me, even though my publisher sent a press release and I followed up with emails and phone calls.

But I did learn that the local libraries have a tight budget, and therefore they gravitate toward purchasing books published by larger publishing houses.

Likewise, schools have little funding for school visits.  On top of that, some schools require a background check for visitors.

It took me months to learn about marketing.  And even after a year, I'm still learning.  Marketing is still not easy, but this is what I discovered so far.

• Authors must learn the ins and outs about promotion.  They must explore how other authors market their books and decide which of those methods might be worth implementing. 

• Authors must be determined to think outside the box.  Not all of the ideas tooted in books and online are going to work.  Authors should think of ideas that have never been tried and dare to be original, different, and exciting.

• Authors must be plot a new course when the best laid plans aren't working.  Authors must not give up and accept failure, but be flexible to change their marketing plan when things aren't going smoothly...

even if they have no clue where to start,

even if it means getting a little whiny,

even if it means shedding a few tears.  

✌ and ♥

Comments:

"Thanks for this honest look at marketing."  J. Cornebise

"Ah, the lessons of life. Everything is more difficult than imagined."  D. Henley

Getting Paid

Last year, one of my articles was published by a prestigious children’s magazine.  The good news:  I had a great clip.  The bad news:  I wasn’t paid. 

I called the publishing company several months after publication and was told that payment would be mailed nine months following publication.  Accepting this as standard procedure, I decided to wait (although deep inside it didn’t feel right).

Meanwhile, I wrote about publishing for this children’s market and submitted my articles to writers' magazines.  However, one editor passed on my article.  She informed me that she could not publish a piece that centered on this publisher.  Many writers had not been paid, including herself.  I was not alone. 

To make a long story short, I had to call the publisher’s accounting department several times to get results.  I was told that someone would call me back.  I was told that my check had been cut.  I was told that my check would be mailed.  But none of that happened.  After additional phone calls, I was told that I needed to send a W9 form to accounts payable.  So I did, still having doubts; however, I received my check a week later.

What does this little story tell us?  Before submitting to a market, look into when you’ll be paid.  For me, this publisher guaranteed payment “sometime after publication" (which translated to:  over a year following publication).  These terms are too vague.  If you should find yourself in a similar situation, call the publisher to find out exactly when payment will be made.  If it exceeds your expectations, negotiate and then get it in writing that you want to be paid in a shorter amount of time.  That’s what I should’ve done.   It would have saved me time and trouble.  But live and learn.  Now I know, and so do you.

WRITING FROM OUR HEARTS   

How do we write a book from our hearts and make it marketable?  That's the millionaire dollar question.  

We writers usually write about things that move us and we want to share those feelings with others.  We don't know if our work can be sold.  Not even some well-published authors have figured it out.  At times, they are rejected, too.  

So, how can we write what we love and sell it?  Here are three ways that can help: 

• Join a critique group 
• Hire an editorial consultant
• Work with a published writer who offers critique services 

I've done all three options.  I regularly receive creative and constructive criticism from my critique partners, who show me ways to improve my manuscripts.  And in 2016, I worked with editorial consultant Mary Kole, who helped me tweak a story that landed an agent.   

Recently, I had the opportunity to have a critique/Zoom session with Brian Gehrlein, an amazingly talented author.  He pointed out how to rev up the tension, how to develop the character arc, and how to improve formatting.  In addition, he showed me ways to beef up my query letter.  Overall, he helped me take my manuscript to the next level so it could be submitted to agents. 

Even still, doubt crept in.  

After Brian's critique, after suggestions from my critique partners, and after the revision of my manuscript, I wondered if an agent would like it.  Would my polished, well-crafted story resonate with her?  And, could she sell it to a publishing house?  It will take querying to find out.  

Brian tells me to showcase my voice and style, to experiment, to trust my gut, to be different, and to make the writing fun and authentic.  His optimism and advise gives me the courage and confidence to continue despite the doubts. 

He affirms what I feel:  write the stories that come from my heart.  To create a unique story, only a story that I can tell.  To get feedback.  To revise my manuscripts.  But the rub is, no one knows if the time or money I've spent will pay off.    

As you probably know, there are never any guarantees our work will be published.  We don't have a crystal ball to tell us yes, this is THE manuscript that will turn into a book.  Writers endure the pain of rejection while we hold on to the hope of success.  We keep going because writers must be patient and persevere.  Despite the uncertainties we must strive to write what we love and have faith that one day, an agent will love it, too.      

✌ and ♥

Steps for Publishing Nonfiction Articles for Children, Part I

As Nonfiction Editor for a children’s e-magazine, I often receive submissions that need a little help.  A number require revision.  Some miss the mark completely by submitting fiction.  So how can you join the ranks of those who succeed?  Think of publishing like climbing a staircase.   You’re at the base of the steps looking up at the landing:  publication.  You’ll need to take eight steps until you reach the top.                                                                                                 

Step #1:  Review the magazine’s guidelines 

Guidelines help you give an editor what she wants.  Guidelines may specify the word count, font, formatting, and the wording of the subject line of an email.  Yet, a good number of submissions that I receive fail to do just that.  Adhere to the guidelines when you write your article and review them once more before you submit. 

Step #2:  Read the magazine

Order back issues, checkout library copies, or read articles online of the magazine for which you wish to pitch.  Get a feel for the content and tone.  Do you feel confident that you can produce a similar piece?  Will your topic have kid-appeal?  Will it keep you interested?  After all, you’ll be spending lots of time reading and researching the topic. 

Step #3:  Use Reliable Sources        

Lean on primary sources, trustworthy websites, and up-to-date books for your research.  Wikipedia can be used as a starting place, perhaps to help you produce an outline; but, it should not be used as a source.  Consider conducting an interview with a person connected to your topic.  Once, I interviewed a famous horse trainer to understand how he felt about working with a Derby horse.  His experiences brought a great personal perspective to my article. 

Step #4:  Add a Little Extra

Nobody can top you when you write from personal experience—though it’s not always required for publication, it can give you an edge.  If you’re writing about an event, try to attend it.  If you want to write about an unusual animal, try to meet one.  Allow the reader to share what you’ve seen, heard, and felt.  In addition, consider offering photographs that you’ve taken.  That way, you’ve done the footwork that an editor would have had to do herself.

You're halfway to the top.  Tune in Monday June 13th for steps 5 - 8.

Hope Marston's Inspiration

Author Hope Marston reveals her many sources of inspiration:  

I was inspired to become a writer by my mother, an inveterate reader. My interest grew when my oldest sibling, who also read voraciously, gave me my first two books. Further nourishment came when the county bookmobile visited the country school that I attended. That book buffet, served up by the driver, created an appetite for more. I decided right then that someday I would write a book.

In high school I volunteered as a student library aide. When I wanted to read a book that our library didn’t own, I sneaked down town on my lunch hour to the public library. I went off to college with very limited funds. I worked my way through four years of undergraduate studies doing most every campus job available. I enjoyed being a library aide most.

About forty years ago I began taking writing courses by correspondence. One of the instructors encouraged me to find a local outlet for my writing. I became a “stringer” for the Lewiston (ME) Daily Sun. My first stand-alone publication was a child’s daily devotional booklet published by Child Evangelism Fellowship.

While I was studying with the Institute of Children’s Literature, my husband and I moved to New York State. When I became a school librarian, my junior high students asked for books about trucking careers. Trucks, Trucking and You was written for them (1978). That book spawned eight more books about big machines.

My Little Book Series introduces children to nature. The first title was inspired by a line drawing I saw in an Animal Rehab Newsletter. My Little Book of Bald Eagles is the eighth one.

Against the Tide: The Valor of Margaret Wilson features Margaret Wilson. Margaret lived in 17^th century Scotland and died for her beliefs which conflicted with King Charles II. I “met” Margaret when I was proofing a manuscript for a publishing house.

My husband learned about an eleven-year musher named Aisling Shepherd, when he was reading the online daily newspaper from back home. I worked with Aisling to tell her inspirational story of courage and resolve. Eye on the Iditarod: Aisling’s Quest was released this past December.

Where do I get my inspiration? From other readers, writers, and interesting people whom I meet when I read.

 

About the Author: Hope Irvin Marston is a member of the New York State Retired Teachers, the Greater Thousand Islands Literacy Council, the Jeff-Lewis Librarians Association, and the Adirondack Center for Writing, the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, the North Country Arts Council and SCBWI. She organized the Black River Valley Writers Club and served as its leader for several years.

           
In addition to writing thirty-two children’s books and several adult titles, Hope has been on staff for Christian Writers Conferences at Hephzibah Heights (MA), Montrose Bible Conference (PA) and at St. Davids Christian Writers Conference at Beaver Falls, PA. She has taught creative writing workshops at Jefferson Community College, the Jefferson-Lewis Teacher Center and the North Country Arts Council.

Her picture book series, MY LITTLE BOOK COLLECTION (Windward), has grown to eight titles thus far and has 125,000 books in print.

You can find out more about Hope Irvin Marston’s World of Ink Author/Book Tour schedule at http://storiesforchildrenpublishing.com/HopeIrvinMarston.aspx. There will be giveaways, reviews, interviews, guest posts and more. Make sure to stop by and interact with Marston and the hosts at the different stops by leaving comments and/or questions. For each comment, you will be entered into the big Giveaway at the end of the tour.

 In addition, come listen on February 6, 2012 to Blog Talk Radio’s World of Ink Network show: Stories for Children at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork. The hosts VS Grenier and Irene Roth will be chatting with Hope Irvin Marston about her books, writing, the publishing industry and experiences. The show will air live February 6, 2012 at 2pm EST. You can listen/call in at (714) 242-5259. (Note: if you can’t make the show, you can listen on demand at the same link.)

 To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit: http://worldofinknetwork.blogspot.com  

Writing from the Heart

    Today Laura Smith shares the inspiration behind her book 
      In All Things: Giving Thanks When Hope Seems Lost.

What inspired me to write and actually have my story published was an accumulation of numerous events. My original intent was never to publish a book however; when I had one person read it and then another, and another, the feedback was amazing! It was like a sense of urgency that the message within was something people needed to hear. And even the men who have read it have been profoundly affected.

When I was very young, I remember sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen on the floor while my grandparents and their friends sat at the table playing cards. They would play for hours and hours and often times into the night. While I would sit there on the floor, I was very content in doing so because I was in my own little world doing what I never imagined would be my heart’s desire later in life. I was writing stories and songs and reading them or singing them out loud for my card-playing family to adore. Now, thinking back to that time (I was only about 4-years old and had no idea how to even write my name let alone a story or a song), I have concluded that it had to be God planting within me the inspiration and desire to write.

The life events that sparked this book began in my teen years where I remember wondering why I was even on this earth, or why would God put me in a family that didn’t seem to even want me. I was always called a mistake and they would tease me when I was younger saying that they found me on the streets of St. Paul. It’s no wonder that I married the town rebel two weeks after my high school graduation! Finally someone loved me and I wasn’t going to let that go. Fast forward 18 years, two daughters later and a divorce, I re-married. I had found out that my youngest daughter was molested by her biological dad when she was only two years old. She was diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and Bipolar disorder. My oldest daughter was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis and she faces numerous back surgeries and many other trials.  Then I was told that my husband and I would never have a child of our own. But wait! After weeks of being sick and a random pregnancy test to rule out that possibility, I’m PREGNANT! A miracle! It took us weeks to absorb this miracle and the growing excitement from our entire family. But, I lost the baby 3 months into the pregnancy.

While some write to entertain, I found the writing process was very healing for me. Journaling through trials helped me to empty the pain of the day from my heart onto paper so I could start fresh the next day. This was the case when I initially started writing In All Things. It was simply in a journal and was a way for me to try and process the grief of going through miscarriage. I write very honestly and hold nothing back. I believe that by the power of our testimony others can find healing. I also believe sugar coating things makes for a nice story but has no impact. The first editor I contacted to go through my book wanted me to remove a lot of life events because it wasn’t “Christian” like.  Well, I’m sorry but I’m a real person and I experience real life issues and others need to hear the real stuff.

Since the publishing of this book, I have had inspiration for another book to be the second in the “In All Things” series. The next one will be In All Things: Expect A Miracle which will be an account of the amazing two years going through my dad’s cancer journey with him. Also since publishing, I have been asked to speak at a few local events and my desire is to be able to do that more. I feel that when you can share your story in person, it can touch people more profoundly.  At one of the events where I shared my story, there was a lady in the audience that was healed instantly from the pain of miscarriage she was suffering from for two years! I would love the opportunity to see others find that same healing and freedom to live again. I encourage others with a personal story to get it out there. The reward and I don’t mean monetary is far greater than the fear. 

Author Bio: Laura works as a medical coding and reimbursement specialist in Northern Minnesota. In All Things is a witty and raw account of an otherwise normal life filled with incredible challenges that will make you laugh out loud and cry tears of joy and tears of sorrow. Her little family had no idea that the life experiences they walked through early on and one life altering event would prepare them for the near death of her oldest daughter.

Make friends, share the love of reading and be entered to win FREE books! There will be up to 3 winners during this Book Lovers Blog Hop & Giveaway*. All you have to do is enter the giveaway below.

There are many ways you can enter:

1) Promote the Book Lovers Hop and World of Ink Tours on any social network.

2) Tweet it once a day.

3) Share on Facebook.

4) Like this blog post.

5) Leave a comment.

Also, don't forget to follow those who have joined in the Book Lovers Blog Hop. By joining the Book Lovers Blog Hop, you are automatically entered in our Book Giveaway!

Join the Hop & Rules:

1. Follow the Top link of the hop! Hop Host: Families Matters

2. Grab the button for the hop and place it in a post, sidebar or on a blog hop page

and make sure to let us know.

3.Grab the button for the June '12 World of Ink Tour and place it in a post or side bar.

4.Make sure you let us know where it is in the comments section below.

Book Review: Monkey Made Dream

Monkey Made Dream 

by Tom Listul, Heather Listul Hewitt

Primary    Trafford Publishing    40 pp.

12/2010     ISBN-10:   1426949863  ISBN-13: 9781426949869

Monkey Made Dream is a whimsical story of a little girl who wakes up one morning to find a monkey lying in her brother’s bed.   After dressing him, combing his hair, and brushing his teeth, they get ready to go to school.  But her mother doesn’t notice anything different, and neither does her teacher.  Her friends don’t understand when she tries to explain he has a name.  What’s a sister to do?  Monkey Made Dream is full of subtle humor and colorful illustrations. Though the rhyming is not always spot on, this light-hearted book is sure to delight and entertain young children.  Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Book World are just a few of the sites where Monkey Made Dream is now for sale.

Enter the free book giveaway!

For each thing you do (see the list that follows), your name will be entered into the giveaway. This giveaway is open until the end of the month, March 31, 2011.  On April 1, 2011, I will randomly select a name. Then, I will announce the winner that day with instructions on how to claim your copy of Monkey Made Dream.

1.  Become a follower of The Maggie Project.

2.  Leave a comment on The Maggie Project.

3.  "Like" the Stories for Children Fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Stories-for-Children-Magazine/101731646536813 and leave a comment at The Maggie Project to let me know you have (and your FB name is, if different).
4.  Follow SFC Publishing on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sfcpublishing and leave a comment at The Maggie Project to let me know you have and what your Twitter ID is.
5.  Leave a comment on Tom and Heather’s tour page on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=198703490158349 and leave a comment on The Maggie Project to let me know you have.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Photo: Diego PH

A VISIT FROM THE MUSE

A few months ago, my muse visited me just as I sat down for breakfast.  Having a flash of inspiration at the kitchen table has never happened to me before.  In fact, inspiration usually strikes when I'm at the computer—it rarely happens elsewhere.  But that morning, the idea was so surprising and so powerful that I wolfed down my oatmeal and jogged upstairs to write.   

My muse was kind enough to follow me.  She revealed the initial concept and the conflict of the story.  Nothing more.  I simply started to type the first line (whatever came into my head) and allowed the muse to guide me.  This first line led to the setting of the story: a small village governed by a king.  

At this point, all I knew was the main character was a little boy who faced a big problem.  However, I didn't know his name or how he was going to solve the problem.  It didn't matter at this point.  What mattered was following the lead of the muse and allowing the voice of the story to shine through with lyrical language (rhythm, similes, and repetition) and sparse dialogue. 

I honestly didn't think about where the story was going.  Misspellings were ignored.  Editing would come later.  After about an hour, I had a rough draft of the story.

In the weeks that followed, it was time to address major issues.  There were questions that had to be answered: 

• What were the personality traits of the main character?
• Would the main character's name reflect his personality?
• How would the main character change by the end of the story? 
• How can I show the feelings of a child when he's up against something so big?  
• How would he solve the problem?  
• How could the message (the theme) of the story be conveyed without being didactic?  
• How do I resolve the story and perhaps throw in a twist?  
• How do I allow the action of the story to unfold visually so that an illustrator had plenty to work with?

With so much to consider and work out, you might say, go ask the muse for her help.  Invite her to return.  But it doesn't work that way.  It's not up to my muse to solve these problems.  Her goal was to inspire and set me on a journey.  I alone had to find a way to way to make it all work.   

Day by day, the story took shape and the beginning, the middle, and the ending came together like pieces of a puzzle.  Then, my first reader made comments and afterward, I edited the manuscript.  Now, the story is out on submission.  Time will tell how it will be received.  It may be a tough sell because it has social and political overtones.  However, it has a powerful premise, so it may pique the interest of an agent.   

It's exciting and surprising when inspiration strikes.  But this brain flash can be fleeting and soon forgotten.  That's why I wolfed down breakfast and headed upstairs to write.  When the muse stops by, there is no time to waste.  Intending to get to it later would not a good plan.  I had to act now.  I had been given a gift:  the seeds to a story.  And I was fired up to set it all down in words.  

✌ and ♥