Children's
books are a burgeoning market. Only a few years ago it was possible
to send a manuscript directly to a publisher. Although some small
publishing houses still follow that policy, the larger houses require
an agent. As a consequence, agents who specialize in children's books
are burgeoning as well. Writers who are daunted by the process of
securing a publisher are increasingly turning to self-publication, a
field which is burgeoning along with children's book agents, writers,
and publishers.
With
all this burgeoning, where can a children's book writer find
reliable, comprehensive, and concise information about publishing and
marketing? Among the spate of websites that offer information about
the world of children's literature, there are five that stand out as
particularly useful. Make these the first stops on your path to
publication.
1.
Literary
Rambles: Spotlighting Children's Book Authors, Agents and Publishing
Hosts:
Casey McCormick and Natalie Aguirre
If
you are looking for an agent, this blog is for you! Every Thursday
this site puts the spotlight on an agent who represents children's
fiction. The spotlight profiles what these agents are looking for,
personal quotes, interviews, response times, what other writers are
saying about their professionalism, as well as linking up their web
presence – all in one convenient post.
Site
features: Over 120 agent spotlights, list of agencies representing
children's books, interviews, helpful posts, and numerous links to
agent blogs, editor blogs and forums. Also included is an agent
search by age category (PB, MG or YA). Be sure to look at the
wonderful list of resources on the right sidebar.
2.
Rachelle
Burk's Resources for Writers
Host:
Rachelle Burk
This
blog provides one-stop shopping for children's book authors. Rachelle
Burk, a children's book writer from New Jersey, has compiled an
extensive list of resources designed to help writers with every
aspect of their careers – from writing tips to legal advice.
Site
features: Helpful writing articles, Publisher/Agent Warning sites,
Publisher Listings, Agents, Editors, Query and Cover Letters,
Websites: Sources and articles about writing for children,
Newsletters and E-zines, Online Forums, Critique Groups, Critique and
Editing Services, Author Visits, Nonfiction Writing, Work-For-Hire
and Freelance, Reference Resources, Rhyming and Poetry, Writing
Organizations, Workshops, Courses and Conferences, Legal Advice,
Contests and Awards, Teacher’s Guides, Book Reviewers, Illustrators
and Images, Self-Publishing, Print on Demand and Subsidy Publishers,
Electronic Publishing, Book Marketing and Promotion, Author Sites for
Book Promotion, Books on Writing for Children, National and
International Writers' Organizations, Blog List. Of special interest:
Resources for Kids Who Write.
3.
Writing-World.com
Writing-World
is an all-around resource for writers of every stripe. The children's
book page contains a list of eye-opening articles.
Site
features: The Art and Craft of Writing for Children, Picture Books,
YA Books, Agents, Publishers, Book Promotion and Author Interviews.
Of special interest: Specialized Markets.
4.
Society
of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Membership:
$85
If
you haven't already joined the SCBWI, now's the time! With
membership, you get The
SCBWI Bulletin,
a bi-monthly publication containing the most current, comprehensive
information about the field of children’s literature. The Bulletin
includes the latest marketing reports; articles on writing,
illustrating, and publishing; contests and awards announcements;
SCBWI member news; and ongoing SCBWI activities throughout the world.
Site
features (free): Comprehensive list of awards and grants. The “Find
a Speaker” search bar is a great way to locate other children's
book writers in your area (which is absolutely essential for
networking).
5.
Colossal
Directory of Children's Publishers
The
title of this site says it all. On the upper left sidebar is an A-Z
of American publishers of children's books. The website also includes
Australian, British and Canadian publishers. The ads on this site are
annoying, and the articles are too general to be helpful, but there
is no better online resource for children's book publishers.
Site
features: Links to children's book publishers, articles on
publishing, marketing, editing, writer's guidelines, manuscript
formatting, finding a critique group, and “how-to” books.
(First posted on: http://www.bloggingauthors.com/)
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