Table of contents - CBI

June 2015

Table of contents

At Presstime: New Market Listings, Conferences and Contests................................................... 2

Traveling the Blue Highways to Success........................................................................................................... 4

Characters Who Play Against Type by Jane McBride............................................................................ 6

Book Launch of a Newbie by Dionna L. Mann............................................................................................ 8

What's New on the Children's Writing Knowledge Base.................................................................. 9

Insider Spotlight: Author Learns the Self-Publishing Ropes........................................................... 10

The Magic Ingredient for Getting Published by Mike Revell....................................................... 13

The High Cost of Your Words by Dionna L. Mann.................................................................................. 14

Secrets Add Spark to Your Story by Jane McBride................................................................................. 15

This issue's contributors

Laura Backes is the publisher of Children's Book Insider, and co-creator of the Children's Writing Knowledge Base () and

Dionna L. Mann is a freelance journalist and substitute teacher. Her articles have appeared in publications such as Wee Ones, Highlights for Children, Frontier Tales and Charlottesville Family. Freedom Pen, her first middle grade novel, was published in 2012. Visit her website at

Jane McBride is the author of 33 novels, numerous short stories and articles including pieces in 14 Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, and a CBI Contributing Editor. Follow her writing blog at

Mike Revell never liked reading until Harry Potter came along. The series didn't just make him a reader, it made him want to be an author and give people the same feelings of wonder and enjoyment that J.K. Rowling gave to him as a young boy. Stonebird is Mike's first novel, influenced by seeing his grandmother suffer from dementia as well as his love of myths. Visit him at

Anne Tews Schwab is the author of the young adult verse novel, Capsized. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University and teaches reading and writing classes around Minneapolis and St.Paul. Visit Anne on her at , where she posts a new pirate poem every day.

Published 12 times/year by Children's Book Insider, LLC, 901 Columbia Road, Ft. Collins, CO 80525-1838. 970/495-0056. ISSN 1073-7596 mail@

Publisher: Laura Backes Managing Editor: Jon Bard

Children's Book Insider, The Children's Writing Monthly is an electronic monthly newsletter that is included in the paid membership to the Children's Writing Knowledge Base (). The cost of membership is $49.95 per year, or $5.49 per month if billed monthly. For more information, go to

Text copyright ? 2015 Children's Book Insider, LLC. Subscribers may reprint up to 300 words with credit to Children's Book Insider, . For longer reprints, email Laura Backes at Laura@ .

Children's Book Insider makes every effort to verify the legitimacy of small and new presses and literary agents before printing information in "At Presstime." However, authors and illustrators should always proceed with caution when approaching publishers or agents with whom they are unfamiliar, and read contracts carefully. All "At Presstime" listings are current at the time of initial publication. Members are urged to verify listings past the month of publication.

July 2015 1

New Markets

At Presstime:

Huge Online Picture Book Event!

Picture Book Summit is a one-day, online picture book writing conference on Oct. 3, 2015, sponsored by Children's Book Insider, The Institute of Children's Literature, 12 x 12, and Just Write Children's Books. The keynote line-up: Caldecott Honor winning author/illustrator Peter Brown; Mac Barnett, the bestselling author of two Caldecott Honor books, and award-winning author/editor Andrea Davis Pinkney. Workshops include "How to Write the 500 Word Picture Book" by CBI's Laura Backes, "Is Your Manuscript Truly Submission Ready?" by Emma Walton Hamilton, "Publishing Picture Books in the 21st Century" by Julie Hedlund, and "How to Get Your First 1000 Followers" by Katie Davis. Plus, interviews with editors and agents on hot topics. Attendees get a full recording of the entire day's events, in case they can't watch the whole conference live. Early bird rate of $197 ($100 off the regular price) ends July 31! Go to

New Agent Represents All Ages of Children's Books

John Cusick joined Folio Jr. (a division of Folio Literary Management, ) on July 1 as an agent. He represents all ages of books for children and young adults. He is seeking unique voices, stories that move readers, and plot moments that make him say "Wow, yes. I've felt that." He likes proactive protagonists and action-packed stories that keep him turning the page. In young adult and middle grade he's looking for contemporary realistic stories with strong hooks, as well as fresh fantasy set in this world and others. He also likes stories told in alternate formats (such as letters, texts, emails, etc.) For picture books, he's looking for illustrators and author/illustrators with innovative, funny, quirky, and vibrant illustration styles and texts with unforgettable characters and plot-centered storylines. Not currently seeking picture book texts only (from authors who don't also illustrate), picture books or novels with talking animals, sports stories or poetry.

Send your query along with the first 2500 words of your manuscript to john@. Include the word QUERY in the subject line. He tries to respond to all queries, but if you do not hear back within six weeks, consider it a pass.

Publisher Seeks Young Adult and New Adult Novellas

Leap Books is a small press founded in 2009 with a growing roster of award-winning authors in middle grade, young adult and new adult fiction. Their books are published in paperback and ebook editions. The teen fiction line, Surge, is geared to readers ages 14-19. Seek, their tween line, is for readers ages 10-14. The publisher's newest imprint, Shine, is a young adult/new adult fiction e-novella line. See the entire list of titles at .

At the present time, Leap Books is accepting submissions from unagented authors for the Shine imprint, and from agented authors or attendees at conferences where their editors speak for the Seek and Surge imprints. All submissions should demonstrate strong, polished writing; engaging/authentic voice that will appeal to the target audience; and dynamic characters readers will identify with and root for. Here are additional guidelines for all three imprints:

SHINE ? open to both agented and unagented submissions ? contact Acquisitions Editor, Judith Graves: submissions@. Looking for short, fast-paced young adult and new adult fiction stories, of approximately 25,000-45,000 words, in all genres, with characters that leap off the page. Submissions should include commercial, entertaining stories with heart; powerful world building and an exciting plot with romantic elements (does not have to drive the story). Preference for thriller, mystery, contemporary, and horror submissions at this time for the Shine line. NOTE: For Shine submissions, send an email query (including brief bio) as well as full manuscript attached in Word format, double spaced.

SEEK - agented submissions only - contact: Leap Books, leapbks@. Looking for middle grade fiction of approximately 30,000-40,000 words, in all genres. Wants powerful world building and an exciting plot. Preference for mystery, contemporary, and fantasy at this time.

SURGE - agented submissions only - contact Acquisitions Editor, Shannon Delany, leapbks@. Looking for young adult fiction of approximately 60,000-90,000 words, in all genres, that involve commercial, entertaining stories with heart, powerful world building, and an exciting plot with romantic elements (does not have to drive the story).

July 2015 2

At Presstime

Contest for Unpublished Young Adult Short Story

The Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards, for unpublished short stories in a variety of categories, is open to entries. One Grand Prize winner will receive $2500 in cash; an announcement on the cover of Writer's Digest magazine; a paid trip to the Writer's Digest Conference; and more. One First Prize winner in each category will receive $500 in cash, an announcement in the May/June issue of Writer's Digest, and more. Honorable Mentions will have their stories promoted on . The categories include Young Adult Fiction (up to 4000 words for readers ages 12-18), as well as the adult categories of Crime, Horror, Romance, Science Fiction, and Thriller. There is an entry fee of $20 per story. Deadline for entries is September 15, 2015. For more information and to find entry forms, go to

Publisher Seeks Religious & Secular Picture Books

Ideals Children's Books publishes fiction and nonfiction picture books for children ages 4 to 8. Subjects include holiday, inspirational, and patriotic themes; relationships; activities and general fiction. Many of the stories have a Christian or values-driven slant. Bible stories are both Old and New Testament. Manuscripts should be no longer than 800 words. Recent titles include The Story of Noah Activity Book by Michelle Medlock Adams, illustrated by Lisa Reed; Shine Bright Kids: Can't-Wait Willow! by Christy Ziglar, illustrated by Luanne Marten (picture book fiction series about making good choices); Meet George Washington by Patricia A. Pingry, illustrated by Stephanie Britt (picture book biography); I'm Thankful Each Day! ?Doy gracias cada dia! by P.K. Hallinan (bilingual picture book).

Helpful Resources for Self-Published Authors

BookLife is a website from Publishers Weekly dedicated to indie authors. The site provides a free and easy way to submit self-published books to Publishers Weekly for review, and offers editorial content geared toward helping indie authors achieve their goals. Check out the site and sign up for the free newsletter at

Here's one recent article anyone considering using a hybrid publisher should check out: "Not All Hybrid Publishers Are Created Equal" by Jane Friedman (). What's a hybrid publisher? It's the middle ground between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Get the full picture in this Forbes article, "How Hybrid Publishers Innovate to Succeed" at

Candy Cane Press (an imprint of Ideals) publishes similar topics to Ideals Children's Books, with a focus on ages 2-5. Manuscripts should be no longer than 250 words. Recent titles include Sisters Forever by P. K. Hallinan; Rufus and Ryan Go to Church! by Kathleen Long Bostrom, illustrated by Rebecca Thornburgh; If Jesus Walked Beside Me by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Amy Wummer.

Send entire manuscript with a cover letter that mentions previous publications or relevant qualifications, if applicable. Include your name, address and phone number on every manuscript page. Mail with a SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage to return the work) to SUBMISSIONS, Ideals Publications, 6100 Tower Circle, Suite 210, Franklin, TN 37067. Allow 3-6 months for a reply. For more titles, go to

Nonfiction Science Magazine for Grades 2-5 Accepting Queries

Ask is a nonfiction magazine for children 7-10 years old who are curious about science. Each edition is built around a central theme on some question or concept in the natural, physical, or social sciences, technology, mathematics, history, or the arts. Articles read as engaging nonfiction, not like school textbook or encyclopedia material. Wants articles that are concrete, specific, and relevant to the newly independent reader (grades 2-5). They should tell a good story, with an emphasis on ideas rather than just facts. The use of humor as a teaching strategy is encouraged. Writers should stretch the boundaries of topic themes and come up with interesting perspectives and unexpected connections.

Query with article ideas related to upcoming themes (see below). Queries should give an overview of the proposed article, including scope and treatment, resources, and a draft opening paragraph. Writers new to Ask should also provide a resume and two writing samples, including at least 200 words of unedited copy on any nonfiction topic. Feature articles are 1200-1600 words, with sidebars. Ask occasionally commissions photo essays (400-600 words), humor pieces (200-400 words), short profiles of people, inventions, events, or the arts (200-400 words), and theme-appropriate experiments. Queries should be submitted through Submittable at

A list of themes for 2016, with query deadlines, can be found at Download a sample magazine at

July 2015 3

Traveling the Blue Highways to Success

Editorial

Dear Insider:

I t occurred to me recently that kids growing up now Choose Your Map probably won't know how to read a map. The GPS

instantly gives us the fastest route from A to B, and talks When learning the landscape of children's books, you

us through the trip. No getting lost, no taking the side have several maps to choose from. I suggest you begin

roads, no having to pay attention to street signs. Naviga- with the biggest map possible: a good library or large

tion has shifted from our gut to a small screen on our independent book store. Smaller stores tend to be special-

dashboard.

ized, showcasing the tastes of the owner or the local com-

munity. And while I have no problem with Barnes &

Sometimes it's necessary to get where we're going as Noble, they are primarily stocked with new books and

quickly and efficiently as possible. But

bestsellers. For this map, you want variety.

many times we lose out by letting the GPS control our journey. Sure, a road trip on the interstate cuts down on the driving hours, but how mind-numbing those hours are. Think of all we miss on the back roads, aimlessly meandering through small towns, past roadside fruit stands and truck stops, detouring to visit the "Kool-Aid:

On the old highway maps of America, the main routes were red and the back roads blue.... But in those brevities just before dawn and a little after dusk ? times neither day nor night ? the old roads return to the sky

You also want to hold the books in your hands, especially if you are reading illustrated books. Once you're familiar with these formats you can read new titles electronically, but for now you need to experience them tactically.

Discover the Dream" museum exhibit or some of its color. Then, in Pick Your Starting Point

the Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard.

truth, they carry a mysterious

cast of blue, and it's that time Walk into the library and enter the

Aspiring writers often want Children's Book when the pull of the blue children's section. This is where your gut

Insider to be their GPS. They want the highways is strongest ...

takes over. Are you drawn to the picture

single fastest route from the blank screen to

book section? Then start there. Do all

published book. Sometimes, this makes From Blue Highways by

those small children pulling books off the

sense: formatting a manuscript, writing a William Least Heat Moon shelves make you squirm? Then head up

query letter, researching publishers and

one step to the easy readers and early chap-

agents are all tasks that are best done a certain way. But ter books. If that still doesn't feel right, move to middle

there's so much of writing that demands wandering the grade. Not at home yet? Try the teen section.

blue highways, taking a turn just because the scenery is

enticing, then stopping at a Mom and Pop diner for pie. Turn Down an Interesting Road

Maps give us the big picture of our journey, with all the possibilities spread out before us. They allow us to chart our route on a whim, or a hunch. And if we've wandered too far off course, they show us the way back. At no time is the map view of your writing more important than when you're just starting out. It's also useful when you're resetting your focus, say, from writing fiction to nonfiction. At these times, we at CBI believe our job is to be your guidebook rather than your GPS. We say, "If you're stuck in the muddy road of plotting, here are some ways to get back on the pavement." Or, "After you've arrived in Middle Grade city, here are some places where the truly interesting characters hang out."

Walk along the shelves and pick up anything that catches your eye. Maybe it's a book's cover or title. Maybe it's faced out, as a staff recommendation. Maybe it's lying on the floor because a child has just finished reading it. When your pile gets heavy, find a comfy chair.

Stop for Lunch

Now start reading. Note what you like and what you don't. Put the books you like in a pile to reference later. Were you drawn to most of the books you picked? Then you've probably discovered the age group you'll enjoy writing for.

So, if you're brand new to writing for children, let me suggest some options as you begin your trip. But remember, the final route is up for you to discover. Leave your GPS at home.

What if you didn't like any of the books? Go back to the shelves and grab more titles. If you're still not drawn to the books, perhaps you need to try a different age group. Or, try nonfiction. Think about what topics interest you, then look it up on the library database for the age group

July 2015 4

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