Top 15 Tips for Your Path to Publication

 

Congratulations on pursuing your writing and publishing dreams. Let’s go!

 

1.             READ READ READ! Read A LOT of books in the genre in which you want to be published, and make sure you read a lot of current books. When you find a book you love, spend extra time trying to identify: 

• two “tricks” the author used to get you (the reader) to root for the protagonist and the protagonist’s goals, 
• and and notice when and how the theme gets set up..

2.             Keep a running list of comp titles: *Publishing is a business, and publishers will want something to compare potential revenue to. Stay aware of your genre and note what books might be comparable titles to your story so you can be ready when it’s time to pitch. 

3.             Follow the hashtag #MSWS which stands for Manuscript Wish List. That’s where agents list the type of manuscripts they’d like to read. Watch social media for pitch events and mentorship opportunities.

4.             Learn about PAY. #PublishingPaidMe was created on Twitter by L.L. McKinney and spearheaded by McKinney and Tochi Onyebuchi. You can find and view the public, anonymous spreadsheet link on Melanin in YA’s blogsite or here, brought to you by The Transparency Project.

5.             Join or form a critique group with writers who write and read in your same genre (e.g., if you write YA fantasy, critique with fellow YA fantasy writers).

6.             Join  SCBWI aka Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. It’s an organization of authors and illustrators who help other authors and illustrators. You will learn so much about craft and professionalism by participating in SCBWI events.

7.             ENGAGE Attend a conference or webinar. It will close the learning gap quickly. If you do, make sure you sign up for a one-on-one critique.

8.            Hold yourself accountable: Join 12x12 which was formed by Julie Hedlund. What is it: "12 x 12 is an inclusive and supportive learning community of picture book authors and illustrators at all experience levels. You’ll get accountability, encouragement, and resources to support you in achieving your goal of writing one new picture book draft each month (or at least writing more than you would on your own)."

9.             If you want to write picture books, read Ann Whiteford Paul's revised and expanded edition Writing Picture Books. If you are writing a novel, check out books on structure like Save the Cat Writes the Novel by Jessica Brody.

10.         BIC: Get your “Butt In Chair” and write every day. Have a goal of how many words a day you plan to write—and by the way, word count is the lingo of the writing world. It's not about page count, but instead word count.   

11.          Keep a Collections Journal of ideas, words, names, smells, phrases, etc.

12.          Connect/Community : See if someone in your area hosts a writer connect (a writer get-together)—a free event with a monthly topic. Topics can be anything from novel structure, character development, etc. You’ll find this easily if you join SCBWI.

13.         READ BLOGS: My blog is PACKED with advice on things like making a revision checklists, how to write a query letter, how to use back matter, etc. Scroll on through to read my tips (aka Three Parts of a Query Letter).

14.         Get Social: I stay busy with Instagram. However, many kid-lit authors now use Blue Sky (I haven’t checked it out yet).

15.         Be a good Literary Citizen: See what’s happening in Writer's Digest. If you’re advanced in the writing and query process, you might even subscribe to Publishers Marketplace. There, you’ll be able to see which agent represents xyz book and which publisher bought it and for around how much money. Check out The Horn Book magazine. Read School Library Journal if you have time.

BONUS! Take one of my classes at UCLA Extensions or wherever I might be speaking!

Other posts you might want to click on:

3 Parts of a Query Letter and 5 Parts of the Hook Paragraph - Your Guide to Connect with a Literary Agent

The Ultimate Editing and Revising Checklist! (53 points!)

5 Pro-Tips About Back Matter

The Mistake to Avoid When Writing Your Story

11 Mistakes to Avoid When Querying a Literary Agent

7 Quick and Easy Tips for Writing Dialogue Tags

What's a HIGH CONCEPT hook?

 

 

Publishing 101 

Kid Lit for Haiti Online Auction #KidLitForHaiti

What is Kid-Lit for Haiti?

Kid Lit for Haiti is an online auction featuring talent donated by authors, illustrators, editors, art directors, and agents.  100% of the proceeds benefit the students supported by the 501c3 Nonprofit organization called The Friends of HaitiInc. 
All money from this auction will be used for scholarships for students in Haiti.

This auction has ended! 

UPDATE: Thank you so much for participating in the 2014 Kid Lit for Haiti online auction. Please check back in 2015 -or subscribe to this blog so you can be notified when we offer this opportunity again!

2014 Kid Lit for Haiti raised over $3,500.00 in donations! Thank you!

What kinds of things are included in the 2014 Kid Lit for Haiti auction?

Manuscript critiques, Mentorships, Signed Books, Advanced reader copy books, Portfolio reviews, Book club set, Social Media Consultation, Membership in 12x12, and access to an online seminar.

Who is participating?

Melissa Manlove, Editor from Chronicle Children’s Books—manuscript critique (2000 words = up to five of your picture books critiqued!!!) Last chance to bid is today-December 14 2014!!****this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Jennifer Rofé, Agent from Andrea Brown Literary Agency (ABLA)—Five Page PB, MG or YA critique this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Denise Vega,award-winning author/teacher/mentor— picture book critique  this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Denise Vega, awardwinning author/teacher/mentor—critique of first fifteen pages of YA or MG this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Denise Vega, award-winning author/teacher/mentor—set of 8 books to use for book club or classroom this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Denise Vega, award-winning author/teacher/mentor—set of four novels in hard cover this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Tricia Lawrence, Agent at Erin Murphy Literary Agency (EMLA)—Fifteen page MG or YA critique this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Julie Hedlund,author/creator/social media guru—offering 2015 Silver membership in 12x12 this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Julie Hedlund,author/creator/social-media guru—course How to Make Money as a Writer this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Kate Messner, award-winning writer/teacher/TED talk celeb—signed ARCs (advanced reader copy) ofboth of her Jan. 2015 publications This auction item has closed! Thank you. 

Dan Lazar, Agent at Writers House— critique of three chapters (up to fifty pages!) This auction item has closed! Thank you.

Lindsay Eland, award-winning author, RA for the RMC SCBWI, mentor—offering critiqueThis auction item has closed! Thank you.

Lindsay Eland, award-winning author, RA for the RMC SCBWI,mentor--two signed books this auction item has closed. Thank you!

Stephen Mooser (!!!!),award-winning author and co-founder of the SCBWI—signed bookThis auction item has closed! Thank you.

Stephen Mooser (!!!),award-winning author and co-founder of the SCBWI—critique This auction item has closed! Thank you.

Ingrid Law, Newbery Honor winning author—offering two signed books This auction item has closed! Thank you.

Matt de la Peña, award-winning author—offering two signed books This auction item has closed. Thank you!

Giuseppe Castellano, Art Director at Penguin Random House, award winning illustrator, SCBWI mentor --Giuseppe is offering an illustrator's portfolio review This auction item has closed. Thank you!

Giuseppe Castellano, Art Director at Penguin Random House, award winning illustrator, SCBWI --he is also offering an illustrator mentorship in which he will work with an illustrator to bring one illustration from sketch to final--offering in-depth critiques at each stage (via email or on-line face-to-face platform.This auction item has closed! Thank you.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi, critically acclaimed illustrator, and now author-illustrator--signed and doodled copy of any book she has illustrated PLUS social media platform critiqueThis auction item has closed. Thank you!

Six Separate Critiques on the first 10 pages of your PB, MG, or YA ManuscriptThis auction item has closed! Thank you.

Signed and Doodled board book set from Illustrator Julie Rowan-ZochThis auction item has closed! Thank you.

WIN a copy of CHAINED by Lynne Kelly (click to read the glowing reviews)This auction item has closed! Thank you.

Help spread the word and you could WIN a copy of CHAINED by Lynne Kelly!

Please support #KidLitForHaiti by sharing about it on Twitter or Facebook. Then place a comment on the bottom of this post and me know where you shared. One lucky winner will receive a copy a Lynne Kelly's book, signed and personalized (shipped to a U.S. address).

REMEMBER: 1. TWEET or Facebook
                         2. Comment below, and tell me where you posted.

idea for sharing (you can copy and paste this)

CRITIQUES from Authors/Editors/Agents/Art Directors/Illustrators available on #KidLitForHaiti online auction! at http://bit.ly/10Zv9YZ

or:
Signed ARCs + signed and doodled books available from authors and illustrators supporting #KidLitForHaiti at this site  http://bit.ly/10Zv9YZ 

or
Get a CRITIQUE, a PORTFOLIO review, membership in 12x12, signed ARCs and more at #KidLitForHaiti auction http://bit.ly/10Zv9YZ  

or 

Kid Lit Publishing folks donating their talent to support #KidLitForHaiti auction  http://bit.ly/10Zv9YZ

or 

Illustrators supporting #KidLitForHaiti You can bid for #illustrator items at  http://bit.ly/10Zv9YZ

or

Authors giving away Books or Critique or Class! Why-to help students at #KidLitForHaiti here  http://bit.ly/10Zv9YZ

Auction closing times: 11:59pm Mountain Standard Time

How to bid:

Click on the above hyperlinks to bid and discover details about the generous auction donations. Bidding will take place in the comment section on the individual post where details about the participant and the item they are offering are found. 

When does the auction open and close?

The auction is now open! Items have varying closing dates. Please check each item for respective closing date (ranging from December 11, 2014 to December 16, 2014).

Tell me more about the charity Kid-Lit for Haiti supports.

THE CHARITY is a “mom & pop” nonprofit 501 (c)3 charity called The Friends ofHaiti Inc. (TFOHI). My father started this charity after he helped build a community center in 2009/2010 in Pignon, Haiti (a community with a water poverty index even lower than that of Calcutta, India). After he built the community center, he continued volunteering in Haiti and couldn’t help but notice the lack of medical care—one hospital he visited had a total of four doctors for the entire city. It didn’t take long for my dad to have his big idea—to form a charity to provide scholarships for Haitian students who want to go to medical school to become a doctor or nurse.

The terms of the scholarships we provide for the Haitian students require the student to remain in and work in Haiti for a minimum of five years upon graduation. We hope this will be a step in helping Haiti become a self-sustaining nation. Our scholarship students were hand selected from a pool of bright individuals who had no funds for school, because they’d lost either one or both parent in the 2011 earthquake; or they come from a family with a monthly income of less than $30/month (if you’d like to learn more about Christila—a young lady who my Colorado student-volunteers support—click here)

The charity is all-volunteer based; nobody in the charity takes a salary—100% of your money will directly support a student. I call it a “mom and pop” charity because, well, my dad, my stepmom, my brother and I are all involved. Furthermore, my father takes a personal interest in the life of every student we support. He visits their home, he brings them food and clothing, he visits with their teachers, and he follows up on their grades.

Last December, my father and stepmom spent the entire holiday month flying several trips from Nevada to Florida, delivering dozens and dozens of pieces of luggage to Food for the Poor, since Food for the Poor offered to share space on their plane flying from Florida to Haiti. Each tattered piece of luggage was jam-packed with medical supplies, rice, clothing and used computers—all donations for the students and their community.

Once the Food for the Poor plane landed in Port au Prince, a representative of The Friends of Haiti Inc. met the flight and received the donations to distribute to the students. Why fly—it was less expensive than shipping—and my dad and stepmom did this on their own dime. Furthermore, they didn’t just give away their time in December, 2013; in December, 2012 they also flew back and forth until they succeeded at delivering 45 pieces of luggage so the students, the school, and the Haitian community could have some essentials.

If you’d like to donate to the charity, but you did not win an auction item, please contact Kim Tomsic at:
 ktomsic @gmail.com.

Why Kid-Lit for Haiti?

I once listened to Sherman Alexie speak at a sold-out SCBWI conference; the speech came after he won the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature for his novel The Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian. His speech received laughter, tears and a standing ovation—behaviors for which he expressed surprise. Sherman Alexie typically writes for the adult market, and so he acted shocked at the goodwill and generosity of folks from the children’s literature industry. Perhaps a joke, but he said something like—wow, you people root for one another. But it’s true—you’ll not find a better bunch than those in kid-lit.

The people in the kid lit industry are simply kind and generous—so it shouldn’t be shocking that I got a fast and easy YES from the folks whom I asked to participate in an auction to support a charity that finances students in Haiti.

How to bid:

Click on the above hyperlinks to discover details about the generous auction donations. Want to bid? Find the post featuring the particular item for which you'd like to bid; then add a bid by writing in the "comment" section your increased bid and your contact information. 

When does the auction open and close?

The auction is now open! Items have varying closing dates. Please check each item for respective closing date (ranging from December 11, 2014 to December 16, 2014).

What happens if I win?

Winners will be notified and must be prepared to make a donation in the amount of the high bid payable directly to TheFriends of Haiti Inc. Because there are a handful of charities all named The Friends of Haiti Inc. be sure to use the PayPal button I provide for you or follow the hyperlink in this post. Our charity is based out of Henderson, Nevada. Remember our charity name has “Inc” and also it is a “(dot) Org”. www.thefriendsofhaitiinc.org  Payment from the highest bidder is to take place immediately following the auction. After you make the payment, you’ll forward a copy of the receipt to me at ktomsic@gmail.com, and I will put you in contact with the person who is donating your winning item.

Who is the organizer behind this event ?

Hi! I’m Kim Tomsic. I volunteer in many capacities with the SCBWI. Though this is not an SCBWI event, it’s all SCBWI members donating to it. I am an author and a philanthropist, and I serve on the board of directors for my father’s “Mom and Pop” charity called The Friends of Haiti Inc. . 
WHO ELSE IS BEHIND THIS: An incredible group of high school volunteers:  Cayman Tomsic, Mei  Zachwieja, Jason Fontillas, Andrea Staehelin, and Patrick Simpson.

Corporte Sponsors of Kid Lit for Haiti: 

Thank you, thank you, thank you: 

Rock Creek Spine and Rehabilitation, 

                                Ben Oliver of Four Star Realty

                                                                                Boulder Shares. 

THESE folks have generously sponsored our students in Haiti for three years in a row:

ROCK CREEK SPINE AND REHABILITATION

Click Here to learn more about Rock Creek Spine and Rehabilitation 
Click here to learn more about BEN OLIVER of Four Star Realty
Click here to learn more about Boulder Shares and Leslie Sosnowski

BEN OLIVER,
FOUR STAR REALTY

Silver Membership in the Popular 12 x 12 Picture Book Writing Event #KidLitForHaiti

Linda Silvestri,
 an extraordinarily talented illustrator

 

KID LIT FOR HAITI:  Julie is offering SILVER MEMBERSHIP for 2015 in the super-popular annual event--   12x12 picture book writing challenge (an $80 value).

What is 12 x 12

Picture book writers and illustrators become members of 12 x 12 to get access to all the benefits of a writer’s conference — learning from experts, craft advice and assistance, the fellowship of community and the opportunity to submit completed, polished manuscripts — without having to travel. In 12 x 12 you get the motivation and accountability you need to get those drafts finished, all with the support of the friendliest writing community on Earth. 12 x 12 is a global community, open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here, you will be encouraged and supported as you attempt to write one picture book draft a month, AND to revise one and submit one manuscript as additional, optional goals. There will of course be more outstanding featured authors who help and who also give away fabulous prizes to help you in your craft. All members will be able to join the 12 x 12 Facebook page, which serves as a support network, a question and answer pool, and a place to share resources. PLUS we have a brand new online forum, upgraded from the 2013 version, where members can share information and critique each other’s work. 12 x 12 has three membership levels –JULIE IS GIVING SILVER MEMBERSHIP to the winner of this auction (all money from this auction goes to support the 501 c 3 charity called The Friends of Haiti Inc. so we can support students in Haiti).

The SILVER membership in the 2015 Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 year includes:

• Full access (view and post) to the Main 12 x 12 Forum and Critique Connect (where you can find critique partners)
• Access to the members-only 12 x 12 Facebook Group
• Ability to view the Events, Member Books, Videos/Trailers and Help An Author Out (HAAO) sections of the 12 x 12 Forum
• Opportunity to win craft-related prizes from the monthly featured authors

• Full (view and post) access to the Events and Video/Trailers sections of the Membership Forum
• FULL (view and post) access to these additional sections of the 12 x 12 Forum: Query Corner (get feedback on your query letters), Pitch Perfect (get feedback on loglines and pitches), and Manuscript Makeover (get feedback on the first 250 words of your ms)
• FULL (view and post) access to the BRAND NEW Marketing and Platform-Building sections of the Membership Forum. G

Who is Julie Hedlund:

Julie Hedlund is not only the founder and creator of the exciting 12x12, she is also a Children’s book author. She’s had two books published as interactive storybook apps for the iPad by Little Bahalia Publishing — A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS and A SHIVER OF SHARKS. A printversion of TROOP was released in fall 2013. 

Julie is the creator of JulieHedlund’s Template for Storybook App Proposals and the founder and host of the very popular 12 x12 picture book writing challenge, with more than 500 members. She is a monthly contributor on Katie Davis’ BrainBurps About Books children’s literature podcast, a PAL member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and a contributing editor on the subject of 21^st Century Publishing
for Children’s Book Insider (CBI). She has been a speaker at SCBWI, O’Reilly Tools of Change for Publishing, and other industry events.

How do I bid?

Place your bid in the comment section by increasing the previous bid. Please include information about how I may contact you if you are the winning bidder; you can ask me question at  ktomsic@gmail.com . 

When does this auction close?

**This Auction item will close on December 15, 2014**

Official UPDATE: Auction items close on their respective date at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST)

here's the math time for U.S. residents (you can simply Google the time comparison if you live somewhere else in the world) :

 Pacific Time is one hour behind mountain time; central time is one hour ahead of mountain time; eastern time is two hours ahead of mountain time so:

11:59 om MST = 10:59 pm Pacific Time or 12:59 am Central Standard Time or 1:59 am Eastern Time

What are other items on the Kid Lit for Hait (#KidLitForHaiti) Auction?


To Visit a full list of all the auction items featured on Kid Lit for Haiti: PLEASE CLICK HERE

What happens if I win this auction?

I will contact the winning bidder (remember to provide your contact information!). You will make your donation at this donationlink and then you will email a copy of your receipt to me at ktomsic@gmail.com Then I will put you in touch with Julie so she can grant your Silver Membership access 

How do I know when new auction items are posted to this blog:

You can receive emails when new auction items are listed. Simply enter your email address in the upper left corner of this blog where it says "Follow by email". You will only receive an email when a new post is created on this blog.

How to Make Money as a Writer with Julie Hedlund-AND help Students in Haiti #KidLitForHaiti

 

KID LIT FOR HAITI:  Julie Hedlund is donating her course to one lucky auction winner. Course title: HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A WRITER
 (a $139 value!)

Here is what you will get in Julie Hedlund’s Course:
How to Make Money as a Writer:

Ten videos, over nine lessons to teach you everything you need to know to be an author entrepreneur, including tools and tactics. Each video is just 10-30 minutes long and accompanied by Full Transcripts and Slides, and hundres of links to additional resources. Video Titles:

1.      Getting started-why be an author-entrepreneur

2.      Real Estate-author websites

3.      Customers-building an email list

4.      Products & Services-Beyond the Book: Innovative ways to earn a living

5.      Platform & Promotion-setting the state

6.      Platform & Promotion-to blog or not to blog

7.      Platform & Promotion-Video and visual marketing (two part video)

8.      Platform & Promotion-Social Media

9.      Conclusion-Balancing writing time and bringing it all together

10.  You’ll also get a Bonus video tutorial on creating email templates and sending campaigns in Mailchimp, and also a bonus video recording on effective website design.

*You’ll also have access to the Private Facebook Group for the course where you can interact with Julie and fellow students; ask question; and share resources.

**As the course continues to grow Julie will be adding the following: Worksheets to spark ideas for each category; Checklists to access (and then fill) gaps in your business; Additional free resources on setting up author websites, email lists, and working with social media.

.

Need more info? Visit her FAQ Page.

Who is JulieHedlund:

Julie Hedlund is not only the founder and creator of the exciting 12x12, she is also a Children’s book author. She’s had two books published as interactive storybook apps for the iPad by Little Bahalia Publishing — A TROOP IS A GROUP OF MONKEYS and A SHIVER OF SHARKS. A print version of TROOP was released in fall 2013. MY LOVE FOR YOU IS THE SUN (2014)

Julie is the creator of JulieHedlund’s Template for Storybook App Proposals and the founder and host of the very popular 12 x 12 picture book writing challenge, with more than 500 members. She is a monthly contributor on Katie Davis’ BrainBurps About Books children’s literature podcast, a PAL member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and a contributing editor on the subject of 21^st Century Publishing
for Children’sBook Insider (CBI). She has been a speaker at SCBWI, O’Reilly Tools of Change for Publishing, and other industry events.

This auction if for to Julie Hedlund’s course: HOW TO MAKE MONEYAS A WRITER

How do I bid?

Place your bid in the comment section by increasing the previous bid. Please include information about how I may contact you if you are the winning bidder; you can ask me question in the comment section or at  ktomsic@gmail.com .

When does this auction close?

**This Auction will close on December 15, 2014 at 11:59pm MST**

Official UPDATE: Auction items close on their respective date at 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time (MST)

here's the math time for U.S. residents (you can simply Google the time comparison if you live somewhere else in the world) :

 Pacific Time is one hour behind mountain time; central time is one hour ahead of mountain time; eastern time is two hours ahead of mountain time so:

11:59 om MST = 10:59 pm Pacific Time or 12:59 am Central Standard Time or 1:59 am Eastern Time

Whatare other items available on the Kid Lit for Haiti Auction?

Clickhere to discover the full list of auction items.

What happens if I win?

I will contact the winning bidder (remember to provide your contact information!). You will make your donation at this donation link and then you will email a copy of your receipt to me at ktomsic@gmail.com Then I will put you in touch with Julie so she can grant you access to HOW TO MAKE MONEY AS A WRITER.

How do I know when new auction items are posted to this blog:

You can receive emails when new auction items are listed. Simply enter your email address in the upper left corner of this blog where it says "Follow by email". You will only receive an email when a new post is created on this blog.