edited by Jon Bard

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1.     Check Out My Exclusive Chat w/the Author of "The Future of Publishing"

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2.   Here's Why Your Manuscript Keeps Getting Rejected -- and How to Fix It!

There's no magic bullet to turn a stream of rejection letters into a flow of contract offers, but there are some pretty clear-cut issues that tend to torpedo your efforts to get published.  In this video, we share the top problems that cause manuscripts to get rejected, and offer some simple advice to fix them.

Here's the video:

http://www.write4kids.com/blog/2011/11/why-childrens-book-publishers-are-rejecting-your-manuscript-and-how-to-fix-it/

3.  In 2012, Get Ready For the New Children's Book Insider!

We've been publishing Children's Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children's Writers for almost 22 years and, while we've changed and improved dramatically over the years, it's always been an evolution rather than a revolution.

But for 2012, we say Vive La Revolution! 
 




The new Children's Book Insider is coming, and it's going to knock your proverbial socks off.

I can't give you all the details now, but here's a sampling of what's coming soon to The CBI Clubhouse:

• We're taking the entire process of writing, publishing and promoting a children's book and simplifying it into an easy to follow system.  Get ready for CBI 1-2-3!  If you feel overwhelmed about how to stay on top of the changing publishing  industry and find your way to success, the CBI 1-2-3 System will be exactly what you're looking for.

• We're welcoming Expert Guides to help you at every step of the way.  We're talking big, big folks here -- Newbery Honorees, Christopher Award Winners, multi-million copy bestselling authors, legendary marketers and more.  Fightin' Bookworms will have direct access to these amazing folks!

• We're adding the capability to create, organize and run your own private online critique groups, all within the confines of the CBI Clubhouse.

• We're reorganizing all our information to make it easy to find exactly what you need exactly when you need it.

4.  Come Hang With the Fightin' Bookworms -- and Get Our Entire Step-by-Step Writing Course Free!  

Now that you know what's right around the bend, why not join the fun? We've got lots of new members who are meeting one another on the message boards, plenty of new videos and audios, our free children's writing course (The CBI Challenge), exclusive publishing opportunities just for our members and much more.  

And all of it is free for paid subscribers to Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers!

Here's what Fightin' Bookworm Irene Roth has to say:

Before I joined the CBI Clubhouse, I was completely lost as a freelance writer. I knew that I wanted to write for kids, but I didn't have the first idea about what I should do to achieve this.

I sent out a few articles to magazines, and they all got rejected. This went on for two years. I was devastated and ready to give up! Then I was talking to a friend of mine who suggested that I check out the CBI Clubhouse.  I did. And I have never felt better in my whole life as a freelance writer.

There are weekly instructional videos by Jon Bard on different aspects of the writing process. These are invaluable. There are also videos by Laura Backes.  She has become my personal mentor. I listen to her videos every few days. Some videos I listen to over and over again.

Then there is the CBI Challenge. It is absolutely chock full of information on finding your passion in writing to the nuts and bolts of publishing. I am on Module #2 and I have learned more than I could have ever imagined.

Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns, you can email either Jon or Laura at any time. They are also willing to help and are encouraging. Finally, I don't feel so alone as a writer!

So what are you waiting for?  Join the CBI Clubhouse for a small, small fee every month. Skip one latte and you have your monthly membership which will give you a lot more value that your latte.

Join The CBI Clubhouse now (for less than the cost of a latte each month) and you'll get:

• a fresh issue of Children's Book Insider, The Newsletter for Children's Writers
• audio interviews with top authors
• video tutorials about every aspect of writing and submitting children's books to publishers
• a slew of exclusive articles
• free ebooks
• message boards and chatrooms 
• The Complete CBI Challenge -- our exclusive step-by-step children's writing course!

...and much, much more!

All 20 modules of the CBI Challenge are online, and waiting for you to explore, learn and master:

MODULE 1: Finding Your Passion as a Children's Writer
MODULE 2: Developing Your Story Idea
MODULE 3: Making Time to Write
MODULE 4: Laying the Foundation for Your Main Character & Plot
MODULE 5: Building Your Protagonist
MODULE 6: Creating Your Antagonist
MODULE 7: Ignite Your Plot with a Catalyst
MODULE 8: Perfect Your Pacing
MODULE 9: Build a Strong Middle
MODULE 10: Create a Strong Subplot
MODULE 11: Crafting a Powerful Ending
MODULE 12: How to "Show, Don't Tell"
MODULE 13: Working with Point of View
MODULE 14: Build a Writing Lifestyle
MODULE 15: Sharpen Your Strengths
MODULE 16: Get Feedback On Your Work
MODULE 17: Get Ready to Submit!
MODULE 18: Assembling the Perfect Submissions Packet
MODULE 19: Sail Past Rejection
MODULE 20: Master the Art of Promotion

 
If you're at all serious about writing children's books and getting them published, you really need to hop on board with the Fightin' Bookworms of The CBI Clubhouse.  All the education and inspiration you need to make it is waiting for you for just pennies a day.  Plus, we have lots of fun while we're at it.

Here's the link to the Clubhouse!

http://cbiclubhouse.com

See you 'round the Clubhouse, future Fightin' Bookworm!

5. What's in December's Children's Book Insider?  

If you're new to the Update, you may not know that we publish a monthly subscription-only newsletter for aspiring and working children's book writers that's jam-packed with market leads, advice, inside info and much more.

It's called Children's Book Insider, and we've been sharing it with subscribers across the globe since May, 1990! (And remember, every subscriber to Children's Book Insider gets total access to the incredible CBI Clubhouse website AND The CBI Challenge step-by-step children's writing course!)

Here's a look at what's in the current issue of Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers:

►  Agent Accepting Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction
►  Publisher Looking for Picture Books with Historical, Regional Appeal
► Service that Reads Books Online Accepting Picture Books
► Opportunity for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers to Win a Critique from a Famous Author or Agent
► Canadian Publisher Accepting Fiction for All Ages

► How to Strengthen Your Writing with Interesting Sentences
► Three Fightin' Bookworms & How They Scored Picture Book Contracts!
► How Writers Can Take Back Control of Their Careers
► Poetry Workshop, Part 2: The Poet's Toolbox
► Is It a Magazine Story, or a Picture Book? Here's How to Tell!

If you enjoy the information offered in this e-mail update, wait 'til you see what we've got in store for you each month in the pages of CBI! 

A subscription to CBI and full access to the CBI Clubhouse and CBI Challenge costs about the same each month as a latte!

 
For more information and to order, go to http://cbiclubhouse.com/non-members

"If you are "thinking" about subscribing, DON'T!!! Just do it. I waited for almost 2 years before I did, now I'm wondering why I waited so long"  Frederick Claus 

"I won a subscription to CBI at a conference few years ago. I've been renewing ever since -- 450 magazine and 4 book credits later! Thanks for the best information published. I rely on your newsletter!" Lorri Cardwell-Casey

"I knew if I was going to keep getting published I'd need some help so I did some research and discovered your newsletter. It seemed made to order so I ordered it! Five books and over thirty-five articles later, I'm still subscribing and finding Children's Book Insider as useful and inspiring as ever. " Lynne Stover

"If you're not sure whether joining CBI is the right move, consider this: I got a book contract from a lead on the first page of my very first issue of CBI! How's that for results?"  Marci Mathers

http://cbiclubhouse.com/non-members

6.  What to Do When a Publisher or Client Doesn't Pay.....

Occasionally professional writers will come up against the situation of clients who are late in paying or don’t pay at all. With many businesses, including publishing houses and independent book stores, struggling in the last years, writers are just as likely as other small business persons to find that their payments are delayed or not coming at all.

Of course we all hope this doesn’t happen to us, but if it does, there are ways to handle it.

Here's what you can do:

http://www.write4kids.com/blog/2011/11/1490/

7.   Promote Yourself the Right Way

by Laura Backes, Publisher, Children's Book Insider

It happens about once a week. I open an email addressed to "Webmaster" or "To Whom It May Concern", and read some version of the following:

I've just published my new picture book, When Frogs Fly. It's the story of ... Insert a paragraph synopsis, followed by a paragraph explaining why the author wrote the book in the first place, and possibly a third outlining what kids will learn from the story and why it's better than anything else out there.

I skim this text looking for a question mark, which usually indicates the point of the email. And then I find it: How can you help me market my book?

That's when I hit "Delete".

Social networking can be a highly effective tool to spread the word about your work. It can also be a surefire way to annoy a lot of people very quickly. So for the newly-networking, I offer this one piece of advice (with apologies to President Kennedy): Ask not what the blogger/webmaster/editor/journalist can do for you, but propose what you can do for them.

I can only use myself as an example here, but I don't think I'm that different from other Facebookers, bloggers, Twitterers and webmasters associated in some way with the publishing business. My job is to create content that will benefit my customers. So if you're approaching me, your first task is to look at exactly what I do.

While CBI is on Facebook and Twitter, our content generators are this newsletter; the CBI Clubhouse (www.CBIClubhouse.com) which features articles, videos and podcasts; and a blog (Write4Kids.com/blog). If you're a member, you already know this. But if you're not, then five minutes of browsing will show you that we don't do traditional book reviews.

So if you approach me wanting me to review your book, that tells me immediately that you don't know a thing about me and you're probably sending out mass emails to any company with "children" and "book" in their description.

However, if my content and your marketing cross paths, then it's a win-win. Here's where you propose what you can do for me. Can you write an article for CBI that gives tips for creating a middle grade mystery, using your new book as an example? Great. I'll run it with a book cover and link to your website. How about offering to do a podcast interview for the Clubhouse explaining how you crafted the pitch delivered to an agent at a conference that led to your first book contract? Perfect. I'll coordinate the podcast release with your book's pub date, and link to your blog page listing your upcoming book signings.

Guest posts for my blog can be a little more self-promotional, but still need to offer content of use to aspiring writers. How about posting the query letter that your editor pulled out of the slush pile and liked so much she asked to see the manuscript? I'd use that as an opportunity to link to your blog, where you'll be hosting book giveaways to celebrate the new release.

As a children's book writer, you should be adept at stating your point in as few words as possible. This skill will serve you well when contacting a potential networking partner. Here at CBI we get an average of 200 emails a day, and we're a small company. Sorting through those emails is the first thing I do each morning, and I want to do it quickly. Now, I can be as chatty as the next person when emailing a friend, but for business purposes, I prefer short and pithy. So here's a handy blueprint for contacting anyone about networking your new book:

Dear Laura Backes:

I've been a longtime subscriber to CBI, and I've found your articles on writing picture books especially useful. I incorpo- rated many of your tips when writing my newest book, When Frogs Fly, which as been recently published by SmallPress, Inc. I'd like to offer the 700-word article, "Five Lessons I Learned About the Publishing Business", as a guest post for your blog, in exchange for links to my website. I can send you the full article and a cover photo of my book upon request. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Your Name

There you go. Five sentences, a little flattery up front, proof that the sender is familiar with what I do, and a trade that will benefit us both. It's easy, efficient, and will get you far more responses than a lengthy book description with a one-sided request buried at the end. I don't mind people addressing me as "Laura" in emails, but to be safe, when writing someone for the first time use their full name or Mr./Ms.

And, if you really want to make a good impression, spend a couple of weeks following the person's blog, Twitter or Facebook posts. Get on their radar by posting comments, reTweeting, or mentioning their blog in your own and sending them the link. Then offer them content. This also works for book review blogs. By showing that you're paying attention to what the reviewer's doing, she'll be more open to giving your book a closer look.

Because money rarely changes hands in social networking, you must operate on the barter system. The more you have to give, the more you'll get in return. You don't need a big marketing budget, just some creative, thoughtful content to offer. And then everyone wins.

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Copyright 2011, Children's Book Insider, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole, or in part, without the express written consent of the author. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or any other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the service of a competent professional should be sought. Therefore, the Author and Publisher expressly disclaim any liability for the use of any information contained herein, and this publication is provided with this understanding and none other.

Additionally, Children's Book Insider, LLC is not responsible for the availability of external sites, offers or resources mentioned in advertising or in editorial content, and does not endorse and is not responsible or liable for any content, advertising, products, special offers or other materials on or available from such sites or resources. Children's Book Insider, LLC shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with use of or reliance on any such content, goods or services available on such external sites, offers or resources.

We make every reasonable effort to verify the legitimacy of the publishers and magazines we include in our market listings. However, we assume no responsibility for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with readers' associations with such publishers. For information about investigating publishers before conducting business with them, see our special report "How to Tell If A New or Small Press is Legitimate" at http://write4kids.com/legit.html

December 14, 2011

Children's Writing
 Update

Children's Book Insider, LLC
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We've Got Solutions to Aid Your Resolutions!

Need insider secrets and fresh markets for your manuscript? Check out Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers + The CBI Clubhouse at http://cbiclubhouse.com/non-members

Just getting started and need a friendly, step-by-step guide to becoming a children's author? Check out Career Starter, The Beginner's Guide to Writing for Children at http://write4kids.com/starter.html

Want to have an incredible amount of "How To" wisdom right at your fingertips? 
The Children's Writer's Big Book of How To has the solution to more than 100 of the trickiest issues faced by children's authors. From coming up with great ideas right through signing the contract, this amazing volume is packed with insight. http://write4kids.com/bigbook.html

Have you written a story but don't know what to do next? I've Written a Story, What Do I Do Now? tells you what you need to know about submitting your manuscript to publishers efficiently and professionally.

http://write4kids.com/nowwhat.html

Tired of getting rejection letters? Improving The Odds reveals the manuscript-revision secrets of top authors that help push them over the top. http://write4kids.com/odds.html

And there's more. For a full listing, just go to http://write4kids.com/collect.html