Remember
- many of your favorite authors may now have websites that feature tips and
articles that can guide you!
1.
Midwest Children's Authors Guild (JWKC/MWCAG): http://www.jwkc.org
JWKC has a new name: Midwest Children's
Authors Guild. It has existed informally for more than 35 years and is one of the oldest
children’s writing organizations in the country. In 2004 it became
a non-profit chapter of Missouri Writers’ Guild and began hosting
conferences and bi-monthly events featuring guest lecturers on a wide range of
topics. Also has critique groups which meet on a regular basis and an
active listserv.
2.
Missouri Writers Guild: www.missouriwritersguild.org
The
state’s organization for professional writers. You must meet
publication criterian to join MWG. However, unpublished writers may join
a local chapter and will receive discounts to the annual writing conference.
3.
Harold Underdown’s Site: www.underdown.org
Good
articles on writing, terms and etiquette. Has a section called "Who's Moving Where," that tracks
editor movements (because they change jobs and companies more often than you
think).
4.
Verla Kay’s Site: www.verlakay.com
This
website was voted one of Writer’s Digests’ top websites for
writers. Verla Kay has a section loaded with transcripts from every
author, editor and agent who has appeared in the chat rooms. You can get
insight about the industry and editor/agent preferences by reading their
discussions. Verla Kay also has an active discussion board with a wide
range of topics and information on current editor/publisher needs and response
times.
To go directly to her discussion board (Blue Boards) click here: Verla Kay's Discussion Board
5.
Write4Kids: www.write4kids.com
Like
Harold’s site this is loaded with articles for beginners and has an
active discussion board affectionately known as “Yellow
Board.” You can also sign up for a free newsletter delivered by
email. To get to the discussion board click here: Write4Kids Discussion Board
6.
Highlights Foundation: www.highlightsfoundation.org
Developed
by the same family that originated Highlights for Children Magazine, this
non-profit foundation has two of the best intense writing workshops in the
country: Chautuaqua conference and Founders Workshops. The emphasis
is on one-on-one mentoring with some of the best names in the business in an
intimate environment.
Added
bonus: Click on the link called “Tips for Writers” and
download pdf report of the Chautuaqua lectures including transcripts and
pictures. Additional lecture notes can be found by sorting by topic
and/or author provided on the page.
7.
Institute of Children’s Literature -- Rx for Writers: www.institutechildrenslit.com
You don’t have to be a student
to
get help from this site or participate in their discussions boards. ICL
has one of the best newsletters for beginning and experienced writers.
There is a nominal subscription cost of about $15/year. Articles and interviews, tips and market leads are included every
month. Or you can sign up for the Free Writer’s News which
delivers additional tips and articles by email (but not market leads).
8.
Writers Digest: www.writersdigest.com
Includes
tips for writing, lists of the hottest markets for new writers, and annual
contests.
9.
Children’s Book Council: www.cbcbooks.org
Professional
council. Most publishers belong to this organization. There is a
list that is periodically updated of all member publishers, and their
submission needs at that time along with links to the publisher’s
websites.
10.
Kid Magazine Writers: www.kidmagwriters.com
Information
for individuals wanting to write for the children’s magazine market.
11.
Yellapalooza: www.yellapalooza.com
Started
by a group of author/illustrators who met on the Write4Kids discussion
boards. Good information for those who want to know about this dual end
of the business.
12.
Association for Childrens Authors and Illustrators of Color: (website pending)
Started
as a grass root effort for professional African American writers and illustrators to share
experiences, tips and promote professional development through networking. Website pending. Membership is by invitation
or referral.
13.
America Writes4Kids: http://usawrites4kids.drury.edu
Click
on your state (or any other) to see what is going on in your area or to
discover new authors.
NEXT: DO YOUR RESEARCH
BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT LEAP OF FAITH:
Some authors wait until they have a
contract to do their homework. Do the homework BEFORE you send out your manuscript, approach a publisher and/or agent,
and before you sign on the dotted line. If an agent or publisher asks for money - run away - fast!Here's a list of websites that will help you determine if you're
being taken for a professional or just taken for a ride.
14.
Preditors and Editors: www.anotherealm.com/prededitors
Before sending ANYTHING to a
publishing house or agent, check here to see if they are reported. Being listed here is not necessarily a bad thing.
For instance, a “$” means the agent has verifiable sales to legitimate
publishers. A “red” warning means to stay away.
For
a fun exercise click "Book Publishers." Then look up Publish America.
'Nuff said.
If
you're still clueless about what I meant by that previous put "Travis Tea" into a google search engine and then read how the
book was written and the publishing contract it earned. If you still don't understand - you probably should get out
of publishing (smile).
Oh
all right - here's the link: http://www.travistea.com/
15.
The Authors Guild: www.authorsguild.org
A
membership based organization for published authors. They have lawyers
that can look over your contract or help you when a publisher has not paid
you. They lobby on behalf of authors and have a number of articles on
site as well as options to create a website of your own.
16.
Association of Authors Representatives (AAR): www.aar-online.org
This
association has a code of ethics and sales requirements that must be met before
an Agent can join. Not all agents are members but most legitimate agents
are. Look here before signing on the dotted line.
