Writer’s Guide to 2013

—How to understand and navigate the rapidly changing landscape for writers in 2013.

Established writers and newcomers will benefit from the insight and expert advice provided by 200 innovative leaders in the publishing industry. The all-new Writer’s Guide to 2013 provides a clear understanding of the changes to expect in 2013 and the steps writers will need to take in order to succeed.

     Some of the subjects covered in the 40 feature articles:

• The story about why young adult fiction is continuing to explode—from four editors and two authors active in the genre.
• “Action fiction” is hot right now.  Learn about the style, pace, and plotlines that work best from nine editors and authors.
• Find out what topics are underserved by book publishers from school librarians, teachers, and bookstore owners.
• Multicultural writing is still popular, but the needs and styles favored by editors are changing.  Read the details as outlined by several editors and a leading agent.
• Learn the latest on how to advertise yourself and benefit from the latest technology—programs, apps, and more.

More Writer's First Aid: Getting the Writing Done
You won’t actually find bandages or medicine in her latest self-help book, More Writer's First Aid. But in 48 chapters, you will find cures for dealing with disappointment and jealousy, writing despite physical and emotional pain, banishing procrastination once and for all, and combining writing with babies, bylines, and school-age children.

     While your personal challenges and obstacles may not be the same as Kristi Holl’s, her experience in mentoring hundreds of writers over 25 years has given her clear insight into the problems that beset writers of every stripe. You’ll find that the 48 situations she describes are very familiar, and you’ll find her solutions ingenious, simple, practical, and most of all effective.

     Kristi Holl has 42 books published in 30 years of writing, has taught writing for the Institute of Children's Literature for more than 25 years, and has guided, mentored, and taught hundreds of aspiring writers.

192 pages. Size: 6 x 9. $23.95 (C$23.95 in Canada).

Anatomy of Nonfiction
Did you know . . . that there are 8 nonfiction publishing opportunities for every 1 fiction publishing opportunity?

     Join the ranks of respected writers who are successfully publishing in today’s booming nonfiction market with the help of Anatomy of Nonfiction. New from award-winning children’s book writers Margery Facklam and Peggy Thomas, Anatomy of Nonfiction provides an instructive, inspiring, and engaging roadmap for producing publishable works of nonfiction.  

     With input from more than 70 authors, editors, publishers, and librarians, Facklam and Thomas show you:

• what makes a marketable idea and how to find one
• research methods that editors love
• designing a compelling plot around your true story
• crafting query letters that work, and much more

     Adopt their strategies as your own and watch your writing career flourish. 240 pages. Size: 7 x 9. $23.95 (C$23.95 in Canada).

Voices in Today's Magazines

Do you read with a “Writer’s Eye”?

When you read, just how carefully do you study the author at work?  Do you see how the story or article is unfolding only after it’s unfolded, or do you watch the author’s every move—like a hawk? Are you aware of all the gifts the author is offering you, or are you, unknowingly, leaving some jewels on the page? 
     We’ve created an anthology of notable published fiction and nonfiction with a purpose: to give you 81 outstanding models of characterization, dialogue, viewpoints, endings, settings, leads, conflict, climax, voice, flashbacks, (and every aspect of each of these elements), to examine, understand, consider and, perhaps, add to your arsenal of skills. 
     As part of your free-examination of Voices, you will get as an added bonus “The Writer's Eye,” a 15-page study guide available online that helps you zoom in on the specific technique you’re working on.
339 pages. Size: 7 x 9. $19.95 (C$19.95 in Canada).

Magazine Markets for Children’s Writers™ 2013

—The Most Comprehensive Directory Compiled

Children’s writers who write to sell in 2013 will find everything they need to be successful in this market: The most complete listing of children’s magazine publishers and editors needs, plus a toolbox of idea generation tools, Internet research sources, and samples of query/cover letters and resumes.

• 639 publication listings, 100% updated and verified.
• 52 fresh new markets looking for manuscripts.
• Direct your submission to the current editor.
• Target publishers whose interests match your manuscript.
• Send to editors offering the best potential for publication.
• 58 fun and interesting writing contests.

424 pages. Size: 7 x 9. $26.95 (C$26.95 in Canada).

Book Markets for Children’s Writers™ 2013
 

—The Best Analysis of Children’s Book Publishers

More than just a listing of markets, Book Markets for Children’s Writers 2013 offers a compete roadmap to the changing world of book publishing. Find idea generation tools and sample query/cover letters all aimed for your success. You get the inspiration and knowledge to steer your manuscripts to the editors offering the best chance of being accepted for publication in 2013.

• 622 completely updated, verified publisher listings.
• 64 promising new book publisher markets.
• Direct your manuscript to the current editor.
• Target only publishers interested in your subject.
• 63 literary agents, 61 writing contests and grant opportunities, including contact names, preferences, and guidelines.

632 pages. Size: 6 x 9. $26.95 (C$26.95 in Canada).

Word Magic for Writers
The power of prose can turn a dull description into a masterful characterization—if you know what to do. Using hundreds of examples from literature, speeches, and other published works, wordsmith Cindy Rogers reveals proven language devices and secrets that will help you lure readers and win over audiences like a pro. 272 pages. Size: 6 x 9. $19.95 (C$22.95 in Canada).

From Inspiration to Publication
How did one letter by a 12-year-old girl send Jim Murphy down an unexpected path? How does Marion Dane Bauer let her characters determine point of view? Join Murphy, Bauer, and 13 other award-winning authors as they share their methods for developing ideas into successful stories. 248 pages. Size: 6 x 9. $19.95 (C$19.95 in Canada).

Best of the Children’s Market
Would-be magazine writers will find a wealth of inspiration in this entertaining anthology. A showcase of 84 stories and articles from 49 magazines, Best of the Children’s Market provides ready examples of what children's magazine editors are buying—and what kids are reading. 188 pages. Size: 8 3/8 x 11. $19.95 (C$19.95 in Canada).

Pipeline to Publication Course
You may be a talented writer, but do you have what it takes to be a successful one? Now you can learn how to make it big in the children’s magazine market with the help of eight “at-home” workshops conducted by today’s leading editors and writers. Sharpen your ability to write and slant articles that are specifically targeted to a publication’s needs. Learn how to beat the 10 most common reasons for rejection. In short—become a writer that editors love.
     AND, as part of the Pipeline to Publication course, you’ll get the bonus of one-on-one interaction with a publishing professional. Before you submit anything to a magazine, send it to us FIRST, and a professional writing coach will critique your submission. It’s all part of making the most of your talent—so you can make the most of your writing career.
     EXTRA BONUS—just for looking! You will receive a free copy of the stunning novel Out of the Dust, the Newbery Medal winner by Karen Hesse, a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. The book is yours to keep, whether or not you choose to continue with Pipeline to Publication.

Self-Editing Your Way to Publication—"Revise to Publish" Course
Children’s writers who have reached the top of their profession know that their success has come from writing AND rewriting—strengthening, polishing, perfecting, until they have a competitively publishable manuscript. Most of these revision skills have been trial-and-error, with no proven road map to follow. We have designed this new program to provide you just such a road map.
     No matter where you are in your writing—still learning the story or article form, getting ready to take the plunge of submission, or coping with the rejection slips that are the lot of every writer, the 10 innovative workshops in Self-Editing Your Way to Publication will show you how to recognize and fix weaknesses, reinforce strengths, and increase your chances of getting published. In the process, it will instill a habit of constructive self-criticism that will make you your own best editor.
     AND, as part of the Self-Editing Your Way to Publication course, you’ll get the bonus of one-on-one interaction with a publishing professional. Before you submit anything to an editor, send it to us first, and a professional writing coach will carefully evaluate its publication potential in the market you have chosen. Your coach’s comments and suggestions will appear in the margins of the returned manuscript and on the personal letter that accompanies it.
     EXTRA BONUS—just for looking! You will receive a free copy of Witness, by Newbery Medal-winning author Karen Hesse, a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. The book is yours to keep, whether or not you choose to continue with Self-Editing Your Way to Publication.

Children’s Writer® Newsletter
If you’re looking for up-to-the-minute market information, Children’s Writer is for you. Drawing on the vast publishing experience of our instructors and writers, the editorial staff of Children’s Writer provides you with a continuous flow of industry information. Each monthly issue covers anywhere from 30 to 40 markets and offers detailed submission information for up to 10 publishers. Join the ranks of numerous authors—and editors—who consider Children’s Writer a vital resource.

Your first issue is FREE!

Children’s Writer® eNews

Check in with us once a week! Our website actively changes, and is constantly updated with schedules for upcoming ‘live’ interviews with editors and authors, fresh articles on writing techniques and ways to break into print, the best new websites for writers, and much more. Our FREE weekly email newsletter is the best way to keep on top of the latest news from the Institute.

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Writer’s First Aid, Kristi Holl’s Blog

Inspiration…motivation…determination…you’ll find it all at Institute graduate and instructor Kristi Holl’s blog, Writer’s First Aid. Sprung from Kristi’s book of the same name, blog entries aim to “alleviate the inevitable pains of the writing life, increase your writing energy, and help you make your writing dreams come true,” with new ideas and insights posted three times each week. An award-winning writer herself, Kristi has helped thousands of writers handle challenges such as writing anxiety, work habits, time management, goal-setting, and more.