Hey Updaters, Jon here with some quickies. (A full edition of
the Update will be coming your way next week, by the way.)


Some good news and some bad news. First the good:


► I just posted an article that I'm sure you'll find very helpful.
It's called "Inside the Mind of a Children’s Book Editor", and
it's designed to help you understand the challenges our friends
across the slushpile face.

This is very important stuff for any writer to grasp.

Here's the link:

http://cbiclubhouse.com/2009/12/inside-the-mind-of-an-editor/

Go and read this -- it can really help you!


Now some bad news:

► This morning brought the stunning news that the venerable
Kirkus Reviews was being shut down. For more than 75 years, Kirkus
has been a key component in getting the word out to librarians and
booksellers about new books. Their children's book coverage was
a particular strength. Will an online review site step up to fill
the void? We'll be watching and reporting.

Here's more info about Kirkus (along with Editor and Publisher)
coming to an end:

http://is.gd/5it9v


Finally, for paid members of Children's Book Insider (a.k.a. Fightin' Bookworms):

► The December issue of Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for
Children's Writers, is waiting for you at http://is.gd/5itNk

► Also, the latest module of the CBI Challenge writing course is now
up at http://is.gd/5itOj

This month, we take your manuscript and help get the pacing just right.

Enjoy!

(If you're not a Fightin' Bookworm, visit http://cbiclubhouse.com/non-members/
to get started right away!


See you next week!

Jon Bard

* Managing Editor, Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for
Children's Writers

* Fightin' Bookworm in Chief, The CBI Clubhouse -- The Essential
Children's Writing Resource. Visit http://cbiclubhouse.com and
Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!