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For Children's Book Authors

Wednesday, 12 August 2009 11:54 by Writer's Relief Staff

We’re excited to present this information to you! Click on this link http://www.writersrelief.com/how-to-publish-a-childrens-book.aspx to order a copy of Insider's Secrets: What You MUST Know To Submit Your Children's Book.

Here’s some of what’s included: 

Sample format pages which illustrate what is considered “industry standard” for children’s book manuscript pages. Do you know how to set up the header on each page of your manuscript? Do you know where the word count belongs? Should you or should you not include your e-mail address? Should you left, right, or full justify your manuscript?

Sample cover letters to help you avoid ruining your chances of a good read by agents and editors. Do you want to know the secrets of preparing a good cover letter? Which type of cover letter gets the best results? Do you know how you should address your letter and to whom? 

A glossary of children’s book terminology. Do you know what differentiates an easy-to-read book from a picture story book and a picture book? What about hi-lo books? Is there a difference between a simultaneous submission and a multiple submission?

A time-saving checklist which outlines the DOs and DON’Ts of children’s book submissions.

And much more! 

BONUS: You'll also receive a FREE REPORT that contains contact information for 100 agents and publishers who specialize in children's books.

Click on this link

http://www.writersrelief.com/how-to-publish-a-childrens-book.aspx

for more!

Primer-Style Language

Sunday, 20 April 2008 17:59 by Writer's Relief Staff

Children across America cheered when Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat was first released. It was easy to read and had cool pictures. But best of all, it was interesting. No more "See Jane run. See Spot run. See Jane and Spot run." Theodor Geisel had changed the nature of children's primers by deviating from the traditional monotonous primer style. Instead of using nothing but short, simple, choppy sentences, as children were used to, Geisel worked the same 25 words throughout his text to reinforce vocabulary, and he did this in longer, silly, and varied sentences. It's no wonder his books continue to fly off the shelves today. When a child has a choice between a Dick and Jane primer and Green Eggs and Ham, that child is far more likely to choose "I like green eggs and ham! I do! I like them, Sam-I-am!"

Whether or not you're writing for children, you should watch your own writing for signs of primer-style construction. There's nothing wrong with using short sentences, especially when they're used with a variety of other, more complex sentences. Short sentences pack a punch. But if you find that your text is reading choppy, check for the overuse of primer-style construction. Variety and surprise keep the reader alert and interested, and the same goes for the construction of sentences. A text that reads in primer style is often flagged as amateur.

Here are a few examples of how to create more complex sentences, not only making them more suitable for an intelligent audience but also making the most concise and effective use of words.

Combine independent clauses:

We traveled to the desert. We forgot to bring water.
We traveled to the desert but forgot to bring water.
We traveled to the desert; however, we forgot to bring water.

Use a subordinate clause:

Officer Smith had only two years on the job. He was assigned to the toughest neighborhood.
Although Officer Smith had only two years on the job, he was assigned to the toughest neighborhood.

Eliminate repetition:

My dog is a Beagle. My dog is named Sally. My dog loves to run along the riverbank.
My dog Sally is a Beagle who loves to run along the riverbank.

Use "and" to join two related ideas:

In school Sally learned to multiply double digits. She also learned how to divide fractions.
In school Sally learned to multiply double digits and divide fractions.

Use "but" to show contrast:

Officer Smith had only two years on the job. He was assigned to the toughest neighborhood.
Officer Smith had only two years on the job, but he was assigned to the toughest neighborhood.

Use a participle phrase:

Mr. Jones decided to go bowling without his wife. He wanted to join his friends for a men's night out.
Deciding to go bowling without his wife, Mr. Jones planned to join his friends for a men's night out.

Use an absolute phrase:

Bob clutched his trophy firmly to his chest. He left the bowling alley with a triumphant grin.
His trophy clutched firmly to his chest, Bob left the bowling alley with a triumphant grin.

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF WRITING CONTESTS and ANTHOLOGIES! You won’t find a better list anywhere (AND IT’S FREE!) of upcoming anthologies, special-themed journals, and contests. Find it by visiting:
http://www.writersreliefblog.com/post/Anthologies-Contests.aspx 

Common Myths About Writing Children's Books

Saturday, 12 April 2008 18:37 by Writer's Relief Staff

Myth #1: Children's books are easier to write than adult books.

The truth is that it's difficult to write a good book for any audience, and children are no exception. This is especially true for picture books, which a greater number of people try to write than any other genre, and while it may seem like the easiest thing in the world—30 words! How hard can that be?—each of those words must count. Successful picture books must be simple yet concise, and they should appeal to a young reader's visual sense. That is not an easy task.

Myth #2: My kids love my story. So will an editor!

Yep, your kids probably do love your story. But they probably love the fact that you're reading it to them more than they love the plot or the characters. The fact that your kids (or students or neighbors' kids) love your story does not have any sway with an editor.

Myth #3: You should write down to your young audience.

Wrong. Today's kids are sophisticated, and they'll resent being treated like babies. Children respond to rich, colorful language and creative plot lines. Children also love to hear and read new words, yet many new writers shy away from using words they feel are too difficult for their audience. The meaning of new words, if well-written, should be clear from clues from the pictures or the related text. And if the book is interesting, the child will want to read on.

Myth #4: A good story should rhyme for maximum appeal.

This is a strategy that requires talent and should not be attempted by a newcomer. Editors often look awry at rhyming stories simply because they are so difficult to sell.

Myth #5: A good story should have a moral.

Children's stories should not be Sunday school lessons. If you've got a message, let the child explore it through plot and/or character, not by tacking it to the end like a fable.

Myth #6: Children's books are pretty much the same as what I read as a child.

Modern children's books are more creative and sophisticated than ever. Every aspiring children's writer should begin with extensive research and camp out in the children's section of the library. Read everything, and get an idea of what appeals to youngsters. Editors are not impressed by clich és. Be wary of using talking animals or tales of "It's okay to be different!" In order to catch an editor's eye, you must strive for originality.

Myth #7: I need to find an illustrator.

Your picture book should stand alone. If the editor likes the work, he will match it to an illustrator of his choice. It can work against you to send someone else's illustrations with your work.

Myth #8: Show and tell is good!

Show, don't tell. Just as in adult fiction, resist the urge to lay out your theme in black and white. Remember that good fiction reveals rather than explains. Let your theme emerge naturally through events, and let your characters emerge through their actions, not by telling the reader about them. Children like to make their own discoveries.

Myth #9: I could get rich, like J.K. Rowling!

Most children's writers write because writing is what they do, not because they hope to strike it rich. Only a very elite group of authors can claim a substantial income from their writing.

Myth #10: Children's books are easier to sell than adult fiction.

Success rarely comes easily, whether you're trying to sell a picture book or a full-length novel. It's a matter of knowing your market and doing your research. That query letter should be crisp and exciting, and those submission guidelines should be followed to the letter. Children's publishing is just as competitive as other genres. Be persistent, be prepared, and above all, be patient!

If you have difficulty starting the process of preparing and submitting your children's book to proper markets, we're so excited to present this information to you. Click on this link http://www.writersrelief.com/children.html to order a copy of Insider's Secrets: What You MUST Know To Submit Your Children's Book. You'll also receive a FREE REPORT that contains contact information for 100+ agents and publishers who specialize in children's books.

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF WRITING CONTESTS and ANTHOLOGIES! You won’t find a better list anywhere (AND IT’S FREE!) of upcoming anthologies, special-themed journals, and contests. Find it by visiting:
http://www.writersreliefblog.com/post/Anthologies-Contests.aspx