Hear it straight from the horse’s mouth: Top 10 questions Dutton Editors ask Themselves When Looking at a ManuscriptA Diamond in the Slush: What Picture Book Editors Are Really Looking For
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How is a Picture Book Like a Golf Swing?
One of my favorite golf pros practiced simplicity in his instruction. Rather than giving me twenty-minutes of pointers to think about during my five-second swing, he’d address just a few. One of his more memorable lessons was when he placed me in perfect body position at address, then backswing, then finish. He had me hold… Read more »
Scones and Sensibility Release Day!!
YIPPEE! IT’S FINALLY HERE. Join the adventures of middle-grade matchmaker Polly in this fun and funny new novel written by my darling critique buddy, Lindsay Eland. SCONES AND SENSIBILITY is available TODAY – just in time for those lucky girls on your Christmas list. Read about the sweet and talented author, Lindsay Jo Eland.Then read… Read more »
Agent Appreciation Day: Erin Murphy
Top 10 reasons why I love my agent: 10. She represents picture book authors.9. She’s a hands-on, editorial agent. Nothing goes out until it’s perfect.8. She loves my projects – not all, but most.7. She gently nudges me in the best direction for my career.6. She responds to my e-mails by the end of the… Read more »
Michael Stearns on Picture Book Writing
Here’s a great essay from agent Michael Stearns at Upstart Crow. Let it guide you as you prepare for our next Picture Book Peek Week coming up on December 14th.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Holiday Picture Book Peek – December 14th!
HO! HO! HO! Holiday Picture Book Peek Week Free critiques of select PB manuscripts – including those wretched rhymers (Yup, 3 of my upcoming PBs are written in verse! It begins December 14th, and I’ve changed up the format a bit. Here’s how it will work: Sign up for a critique by entering your PB… Read more »
Pay it Forward Friday – Bridget Zinn Auction
Bridget’s friends have done it again. Please check out the online auction – Bridget Kicks Cancer – for my fellow author and librarian Bridget Zinn. From the auction website: “All proceeds from this auction will go to Bridget Zinn and Barrett Dowell. Bridget is a 32-year-old author and librarian who was diagnosed with colon cancer… Read more »
I’m Pickled Tink …
… drunk with excitement, that is. I’ve got another cover.
Talking about Titles – More Links
A few more folks are talking about titles: Jill Corcoran, Literary Agent – your title is your billboard.Editorial Anonymous – a fabulous title can move you to the top of the slush. See my original post for more discussion on the importance of titles.
Use Directed Freewriting to Flesh out Your Characters
I’ve found that my single most useful tool for fleshing out a character – better than any lists or profile sheets – is simply freewriting in the character’s first person voice. But rather than sitting in front of a blank screen only to fill it with details of eye color, hair color and family history,… Read more »
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