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Aspiring PB, MG, YA authors, let's talk about some FREE resources for you to get to know the current market for your book, hone your craft, and start preparing to submit to agents:
First off, if you didn't know, @literaticat is a powerhouse agent who is as generous w her time as she is brilliant. She offers all kinds of wise pub advice on her ASK THE AGENT blog: http://literaticat.tumblr.com/
Plus, @literaticat started a podcast (Literaticast!) where she interviews pub professionals from all areas of the industry, from PB - YA (there's something for everyone!). It's a goldmine of info and perspectives: http://www.jenniferlaughran.com/literaticast
Second, are you subscribed to @PWKidsBookshelf? It's a smart way to familiarize yourself w the market & start considering how to frame your work. Market research is important. Remember: what's on shelves now sold years ago (and you want to sell now!): https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/index.html
Are you working on picture books? @joshfunkbooks offers a truly excellent (and FREE) 12 step guide for making your picture book stand out from the crowd: https://www.joshfunkbooks.com/resources-for-writers
Wondering what goes into formatting a picture book text or art dummy? @inkyelbows offers terrific resources for both writers and illustrators, including free PB templates! http://debbieohi.com/pbcreation
Are you writing kid's nonfiction? @mstewartscience is a NF goddess. I highly recommend her post on the 5 different kinds of nonfiction. (Did you know there are five to choose from?? Make sure you can identify yours!): http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/
Maybe you're confident w your manuscript but wondering how to best use social media to help your kidlit career. @Jess_Keating has you covered w her free Social Media Playbook for Authors: https://jesskeating.com/for-writers/jess-keating-playbook/
P.S. If you liked that last link, @Jess_Keating has a whole "For Writers" tab on her website that's not to be missed, with tips ranging from drafting to platform development: https://jesskeating.com/for-writers/drafting-tips/
OR perhaps you've already got a book deal and you're starting to think about school visits (what goes into a school visit anyway?!). Check out @KimNormanAuthor's helpful blog on everything from money matters to presentation planning: http://coolschoolvisits.com/
If you're just starting to write your query letter, I love @NathanBransford's mad libs for query letters. It's a fresh way to shake things up and get drafting that letter! Plus, it lets you know right upfront all the necessary elements to include: https://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/03/query-letter-template
Alrighty, that's all for today! But don't worry if you missed anything: All of these free writing and publishing resources (and many more!) are catalogued for you on my website, for whenever you're ready.
You've got this! https://www.kathleenrushall.com/resources/
You've got this! https://www.kathleenrushall.com/resources/
