Best Agent Blogs

The website Guide to Literary Agents just posted their top five agents blogs. This is really valuable information folks! Agent blogs are a peek into the publishing market, what agents might be looking for at the particular time, a sense of "is this the agent for me?", books they recently sold, how to write a query letter, etc.. Some agents even sponsor contests that may lead to your manuscript sitting on their desk. The Guide to Literary Agents notes these five blogs (in alphabetical order): Chip MacGregor, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management, KidLit, Nathan Bransford, and Rachelle Gardner. Check out the website for the links to the agents.

Wish You Could Attend a SCBWI conference? Read About It Here

Two regional SCBWI conferences took place this weekend. The bad news: you couldn't attend. The good news: you can get the insider tips anyway!

Western Washington State live-blogged the conference here and Western PA's conference was blogged here.

Check it out for great information on keynote speakers, editors and agents. A real dose of inspiration.

Dear Editor - I Have A Question

I thought this was an interesting tip for our writers. Deborah Halverson, author of two award-winning novels and a Harcourt Children's Books editor for ten years, has recently launched Dear-Editor.com. This website is designed to answer questions about the craft of writing and the publishing industry. Deborah now works as a writing instructor and author. You can't beat the price - it's free!

Get The Party Started!

Wow! The KidLit Authors Club has a party just waiting for you! This newly formed group of 13 PA, NJ, De authors will bring experience, writing tips, prize bags and fun to your next event. The mix includes picture books, middle grade and YA novelists. The spring schedule is hopping and events are already booked into Fall 2010. Check out our website at KidLitAuthorsClub and get the party started!

Does a Capybara make a nest? Ask an expert!

So you're writing a non-fiction piece? Perhaps an interesting article or you have a fabulous book idea? That's great! The beauty of writing in today's world is the ease of checking facts. Say you're writing a book about the rainforest (okay, I'm writing a book about the animals of the rainforest). With a click of your mouse, you can enter the rainforest and discover that a large pig-like rodent with webbed feet (called a Capybara) also dwells there. Great internet sources tell us that the Capybara stays near the water, but you can't seem to find out how it makes a nest. Does it tunnel in the mud? Does it make a nest of grass and twigs? Who on earth will know these offbeat facts? You need a Capybara expert! In the March/April SCBWI bulletin, author Jane Mcbride Choate shares a fabulous list of experts just waiting to help!

Experts.com

intota.com

JustAnswer.com

OnlinePublicRecordsSearch.com

LivePerson.com

expertfinding.net

And if any of you are Capybara experts, please let me know. No pressure though, I can always ask the other experts!

Board Book Edition Coming Fall 2010!

Great news! Tonight You Are My Baby will also be printed Fall 2010 as a board book edition! This edition will be for the littlest readers, who can hold the sturdy book in their hands and share the story of Mary's love for her baby. This is the perfect stocking stuffer, baby shower gift, or new baby present. Look for it in your local bookstore in September.

Announcing KidLit Authors Club!

I'm breaking my own challenge (inspired by Laurie Halse Anderson of abstaining from blogs, Facebook, Twitter for one month) for this important announcement. The KidsLit Authors Club has arrived!

Are you a teacher or librarian in the PA, NJ, DE area who would love to have one-stop shopping available for author visits? How about a whole group of young adult, middle grade and picture book authors arriving at your doorstep in one day? If you think this is a fabulous idea - look no further.

The KidLit Authors Club (KAC) is a group of of authors and illustrators from PA, NJ and DE who will bring the party to you! The KAC is new, but gosh, are we busy already! Check out the website for a list of where we will be visiting: bookstores, schools, libraries and writing conferences. This terrific mix of debut and multi-book authors combines fun with valuable writing tips. You make the contact, we'll take it from there - talk about a party planner!

Check out our blog at KidLit Authors Club and be inspired!