{"product_id":"writing-childrens-books-for-dummies-isbn-9781119870012","title":"Writing Children's Books For Dummies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCreate the next very hungry caterpillar, big red dog, or cat in the hat with a hand from this trusted guide\u003c\/b\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eWriting Children’s Books For Dummies, \u003c\/i\u003eyou’ll learn what to write between “Once upon a time . . .” and “The End” as you dive into chapters about getting started writing, how to build great characters, and how to design a dramatic plot. On top of the technical writing advice, you’ll discover how talented illustrators work and how to find an agent. The newest edition of this popular \u003ci\u003eFor Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e title even shows you how to choose a publisher—or self-publish—and how to use social media and other marketing and PR to get the word out about your new masterpiece.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the book, you’ll learn about:  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e   \u003cli\u003eThe fundamentals of writing for children, including common book formats and genres, and the structure of the children’s book market\u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003eCreating a spellbinding story with scene description, engaging dialogue, and a child-friendly tone\u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003ePolishing your story to a radiant shine with careful editing and rewriting\u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003eMaking the choice between a traditional publisher, a hybrid publisher, or self-publishing\u003c\/li\u003e   \u003cli\u003eUsing the most-effective marketing and publicity techniques to get your book noticed\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003c\/ul\u003e  \u003cp\u003ePerfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of creating the next Ferdinand the Bull or Grinch, \u003ci\u003eWriting Children’s Books For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e is an essential, easy-to-read guide for budding children’s authors everywhere. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntroduction 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout This Book 1\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoolish Assumptions 2\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIcons Used in This Book 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBeyond the Book 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to Go from Here 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 1: the Abcs of Writing for Children 5\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1: Exploring the Basics of Writing Children’s Books 7\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing Your Format, Genre, and Audience 8\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting into a Good Writing Zone 8\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransforming Yourself into a Storyteller 9\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePolishing Your Gem and Getting It Ready to Send 10\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelling Your Story 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePromoting Your Book 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproving Your Chances of Getting Published 12\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2: Delving into Children’s Book Formats 15\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDissecting the Anatomy of a Book 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrouping Types of Children’s Books 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIllustrated Books for All Ages 18\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBaby-friendly board books 19\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePicture books for toddlers 20\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOther books that have pictures 24\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking through Wordy Books 30\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarly readers 30\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst chapter books 32\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMiddle-grade books 34\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYoung adult books 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3: Exploring the Genres 39\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing Out of This World 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eScience fiction 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFantasy 40\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGraphic novels and manga 42\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHorror and ghost stories 42\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting in on the Action (and History) 43\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAction\/adventure 43\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrue stories 44\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorical fiction 45\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMysteries 46\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWriting About Real People 48\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBiography\/memoir 48\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLgbtqia 49\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender-oriented series books 51\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFriendship 53\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSchool issues 54\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDevelopmental milestones and first experiences 55\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProse poetry 56\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRomance 57\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving Stories a Message 57\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLearning\/educational 57\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReligion 60\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAspirational and inspirational 60\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiversity 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFamily issues 62\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePets and animals 63\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCultural issues 64\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAddiction, abuse, and mental illness 65\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping Them Laughing with Humor 67\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuirky characters 67\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParody, satire, and jokes 67\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSlapstick and gross 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDark humor 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWordplay 68\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4: Understanding the Children’s Book Market 71\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Insight into Book Buyers’ Needs 74\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor chain and big-box bookstores 74\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor independent bookstores 76\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing What Reviewers Offer 78\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscovering What Librarians Add to the Mix 79\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking a Look at How Teachers Use Books in Their Classrooms 84\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering Parents’ Perspectives 86\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThinking Like a Kid 86\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing after what kids like — regardless of Mom and Dad 87\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing what kids don’t like 88\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 2: Immersing Yourself in The Writing Process 89\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5: Setting Up for Success: Finding the Time and Space to Write 91\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding Time to Write 92\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out when you’re most productive 92\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticking to a writing schedule 93\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvaluating your commitment 93\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOptimizing Your Writing Environment 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocating your special writing spot 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping helpful references handy 95\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCutting down on clutter and getting organized 96\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreventing and dealing with interruptions 98\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6: Starting with a Great Idea 101\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOnce Upon a Time: Coming Up with an Idea 101\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRelying on specific ideas rather than big ones 102\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTapping into your own experiences 103\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDigging through childhood mementos 105\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDrawing from other children’s experiences 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePulling ideas from the world around you 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStumped? Break through with Brainstorming 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDoing it all by yourself 108\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving free association a whirl 109\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking up journaling 109\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuddying up to the buddy system 111\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsking the advice of classmates and writing professionals 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeeking help from your audience 113\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing to the source 115\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking the “best of” book lists 116\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFighting Writer’s Block 117\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7: Researching Your Audience and Subject 119\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHanging Out with Kids 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing back to school 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBecoming a storyteller 122\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBorrowing a friend’s child for a day 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDipping into Popular Culture 127\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatching kids’ TV shows and movies 127\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlaying kid-focused digital games 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReading parenting and family magazines and blogs 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerusing pop culture magazines and blogs 130\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurfing the web 130\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBrowsing bookstores 131\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVisiting children’s stores online or in person 132\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudying kids’ fashion trends 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEavesdropping where kids hang out 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearching Your Nonfiction Topic 134\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOutlining the research process 134\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting around locally 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoing far afield 136\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVisiting the web — a lot 137\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 3: Creating a Spellbinding Story 139\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8: Creating Compelling Characters 141\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Secret Formula for an Exceptional Main Character 142\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDefining your main character’s driving desire 142\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShow, don’t tell: Fleshing out your main character 143\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting to Know Your Characters through Dialogue 144\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCompiling a Character Bible 147\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurveying a sample character bible 148\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating consistency 150\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWriting Stories with Two or More Main Characters 151\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing Supporting Characters 152\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalling All Character Arcs 154\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharacter Don’ts — and How to Avoid Them 157\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSteer clear of stereotypes 157\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon’t tell us everything 158\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eToss out passivity and indefinites 160\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDon’t rely on backstory or flashbacks 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeveloping Characters through Writing Exercises 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescribe your first best friend 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBorrow your favorite children’s book characters 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRevisit a painful or joyful experience from your childhood 163\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9: The Plot Thickens: Conflict, Climax, and Resolution 165\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlot: It’s All about Action 166\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCentering on the Story 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving Your Story a Beginning, Middle, and End 168\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePropelling Your Story with Drama and Pacing 168\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDrama: A reason to turn the page 169\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePacing: How you keep the pages turning 169\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOutlining to Structure Your Plot 170\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating a step sheet 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFleshing out your outline 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing when to circumvent an outline 175\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreventing Plot Problems 176\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWriting Your First Draft 176\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10: Can We Talk? Writing Effective Dialogue 179\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Fundamentals of Good Dialogue 180\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDialogue has a function 180\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDialogue has drama 182\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eListening to Real-World Dialogue 184\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow kids talk 184\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow grown-ups talk 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding a Speech Section to Your Character Bible 186\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTesting! Testing! Reading Dialogue Out Loud 187\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding Common Dialogue Mistakes 188\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFailing to have conflict or tension 188\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRepeating information: Showing versus telling 189\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescribing dialogue 189\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing too many speaker references and attributions 190\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating heavy-handed and unrealistic dialogue 191\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFilling space with unnecessary dialogue 191\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproving Dialogue by Using Writing Exercises 192\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTalking on paper 193\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroducing your first best friend to the love of your life 193\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 11: Setting the Scene 195\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiving Context to Your Story and Its Characters with Scenery 195\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating a Context Bible 196\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing When to Include Scenery and Context 197\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen place figures prominently 198\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen place plays an important role 199\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen description of place doesn’t interrupt flow of action 200\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen you must mention an exotic locale 200\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen you mention a specific place at the beginning 201\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen you use place to transition to a new scene 201\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProviding the Right Amount of Setting 202\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEngaging Your Readers’ Senses 203\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing When Not to Make a Scene 204\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExercising Your Nose through Smellography 204\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 12: Finding Your Voice: Point of View and Tone 207\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuilding a Solid Point of View 208\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing POV options 208\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePicking your POV 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMatching tense with POV 211\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHaving Fun with Words through Wordplay, Rhyming, and Rhythm 212\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEngaging in wordplay 212\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking different approaches to rhyming 214\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping your story moving with rhythm 215\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing Humor to Your Advantage 216\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out what kids consider funny 217\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTurning to the outrageous and the gross 220\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Mojo of Good Writing: Exploring Voice, Style, and Tone 221\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding your story’s voice 222\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWriting with style 223\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTaking the right tone 223\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing When You Need a Voice Makeover 224\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHelping Your Voice Emerge by Playing Pretend 225\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePretend to be someone (or something) else 225\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 13: Writing Creative Nonfiction Books 227\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Nonfiction Children’s Book World at a Glance 228\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWriting Toward a Nonfiction Masterpiece 229\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing a Great Nonfiction Topic 231\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLooking at topics that get kids’ attention 232\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding topics that interest you 233\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBranching out into the real world 233\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTesting Your Topic 235\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOutlining Your Creative Nonfiction 236\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStarting simple 236\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFleshing out your ideas 237\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnhancing your outline by using visual aids 238\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommon Creative Nonfiction Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) 239\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWriting Exercises for Creative Nonfiction 240\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePretend you’re a newspaper reporter 240\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreate a funny five-step procedure to wash a dog 241\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMore short exercises to get you writing 241\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 4: Making Your Story Sparkle 245\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChapter 14: Editing, Revising, and Formatting Your Way to a Happy Ending 247\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYour Revising Checklist: Getting Major Story Elements in Order 248\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTheme 249\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharacters 249\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlot 250\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePacing and drama 251\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting and context 252\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoint of view 252\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFine-Tuning Your Text: Editing Important Areas 253\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrengthening your opening 254\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping your dialogue tight and on target 254\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTransitioning effectively 255\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrimming wordiness 256\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKeeping your chronologies in order 257\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFormatting Basics: First Impressions Matter 257\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIncluding the proper information on the first page 258\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing other children’s book formatting conventions 258\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot to Put Too Fine a Point on It: Checking Basic Grammar and Style 261\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePunctuation 261\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStyle 262\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMiscellaneous 263\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHiring Help: Working with an Editor or Editorial Service 265\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding a good editor or editorial service 266\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsking the right questions 268\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDigital versus hard-copy editing 269\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 15: Creating Pictures from Your Words: The World of Illustrations 271\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo Illustrate or Not to Illustrate 272\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing Why You Shouldn’t Hire an Illustrator 272\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing the Hand-Drawn Illustration Process with Artist Tim Bowers 274\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStarting with black-and-white pencil sketches 275\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoving on to finished pencils 276\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating color art 276\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCapturing the right cover image 277\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExploring the Digital Art Process with Author\/Illustrator Barney Saltzberg 279\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterior art 280\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCover art 281\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Your Art Seen by the Right Folks 283\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering some solid options 283\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing a book dummy 285\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHandling Art When You’re Self-Publishing (and Not an Artist) 286\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 16: Finding and Incorporating Feedback 291\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding When to Seek Feedback 292\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Help from Friends and Relatives (or Not) 294\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDelving into the pros and cons of friendly advice 295\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHaving a friend in the business 295\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalling on Topic Experts: Beta and Sensitivity Readers 296\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttending Conferences or Retreats 297\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExploring the conference scene 297\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting away with retreats 300\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipating in a Workshop 301\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWorking with a Writing (or Illustrating) Group 302\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding the right group 302\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStarting your own group 304\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSifting through the feedback you receive 305\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Feedback Should You Expect During the Publishing Process? 309\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 5: Getting Published and Promoting Your Book 311\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChapter 17: The Traditional Route: Signing with an Agent or Publisher 313\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying the Right Publisher 314\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGathering information from the marketplace 314\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerusing writer’s guides and directories 316\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDrafting Query Letters and Proposals 316\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerfecting the query letter 317\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDrafting a great book proposal 320\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJoining Forces: Working with an Agent 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding and approaching your ideal agent 322\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging multiple agent submissions 323\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding typical agency agreements 324\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTerminating your agency relationship 327\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCopyright: Protecting Your Work 329\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSuccess! Reviewing Your Publishing Contract 330\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurveying the two types of publishing agreements 330\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting what you want in the contract 331\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with Rejection 334\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 18: Considering Hybrid Publishing 339\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Good and the Bad about Hybrid Publishing 340\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe good about hybrid publishing 340\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe bad about hybrid publishers 341\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVanity presses: Don’t say we didn’t warn you 342\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying the Right Hybrid Publisher for Your Book 344\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDoing your research and asking around 344\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConfirming some important criteria 345\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eApproaching a hybrid publisher 346\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting the Biggest Bang for Your Hybrid Buck 346\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFees and payments 347\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat about distribution and marketing? 347\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 19: So You Want to Self-Publish? 351\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeighing the Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing 352\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eExploring Your Self-Publishing Options 354\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe print route 355\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe digital route 358\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting a Price for Your Publication 359\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDistributing Your Self-Published Book 360\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting in the door at traditional bookstores 360\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePersuading online booksellers 361\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering other places to sell your book 362\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 20: Donning Your Publicity Cap 363\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding How Your Publisher Promotes Your Book 364\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePublicizing Your Own Book 364\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFocusing on the digital components 365\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTouching on the traditional components 369\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePromoting Your Work in Person 373\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning a publicity tour 373\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJoining the signing and reading circuit 373\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHiring a Publicist 374\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiscovering what a publicist can do 374\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding the right publicist 377\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting the most for your money 378\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 21: Getting Savvy with Social Media 379\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInfluencing the Influencers 380\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe basics of influencing others 380\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the different kinds of online influencers 381\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out where online your influencers live 382\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eKnowing Where to Create a Social Media Presence 382\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBlogs 383\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePodcasts 383\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGoodreads website 384\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFacebook 384\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwitter 385\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInstagram 385\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYouTube 385\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTikTok 385\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e#BookTok 386\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePinterest 386\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking a Splash: Launching a Social Media Campaign 389\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing the ABCs of a social media campaign 389\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting noticed on social media 390\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurveying the unwritten rules of social media marketing 391\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eApplying search engine optimization 392\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMeasuring the Effectiveness of Your Campaign 393\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart 6: the Part of Tens 395\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 22: More Than Ten Great Sources for Timeless Storylines 397\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTales of Yore: Fairy and Folk Tales, Fables, and the Like 398\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMythology and Mythological Heroes 399\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNursery Rhymes 399\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBible and Religious Stories 399\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFamily Issues and Changes 400\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSibling Issues 400\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFirst Experiences 400\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommon Childhood Fantasies 400\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFriendship and Social Issues 401\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrowing Pains (Emotional and Behavioral) 401\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBodies and the Brain: Their Functions and Changes 401\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistory Makers and History in the Making 402\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNature, Science, Technology 402\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 23: Ten Children’s-Author Recognitions to Dream About 403\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNewbery Medal 403\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCaldecott Medal 403\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCoretta Scott King Book Award 404\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrintz Award 404\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePura Belpré Award 404\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTheodor Seuss Geisel Award 404\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eALA Quick Pick \u0026amp; ALA Notable Books for Children 404\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStonewall Book Award 405\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRobert F Sibert Informational Book Medal 405\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eState and Local Book Awards 405\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 407\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLisa Rojany\u003c\/b\u003e is a writer and publishing professional. Lisa has her own company, Editorial Services of L.A., for writers of fiction and nonfiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeter Economy\u003c\/b\u003e is a \u003ci\u003eWall Street Journal\u003c\/i\u003e best-selling business author and ghostwriter with more than 125 books to his credit, including multiple \u003ci\u003eFor Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e titles.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClaim your spot on bookstore shelves \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs an aspiring children’s book author, there’s a lot you need to know, and \u003ci\u003eWriting Children’s Books For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e is here to guide you. We start you off on the right foot with insider advice for writing compelling characters, spellbinding stories, and snappy dialogue. Learn where to find and how to make the most of good feedback, and then get your polished work out there. We take you through it all, including updated advice on how to choose and approach an agent or traditional publisher, when to consider hybrid- or self-publishing, and how to use social media to find readers.  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInside… \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat you need to know about the children’s book market\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTips for crafting a good book idea\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eNavigate the world of illustrations\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWhy you should edit and edit again\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHow to land a traditional publisher\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eAll about hybrid- and self-publishing\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eHow to make your work stand out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For Dummies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47990510747877,"sku":"NP9781119870012","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781119870012.jpg?v=1761788119","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/writing-childrens-books-for-dummies-isbn-9781119870012","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}