Publisher Seeks Fiction, NonFiction for Children with a "Hook"

Do you write fiction and nonfiction picture books and books for middle grade readers? Then this information is for you.

Pelican Publishing Company primarily publishes fiction and nonfiction picture books and books for middle grade readers. They have a wide variety of categories such as; folktales, history, multicultural, stories related to the South and holiday stories.

All books should have that special “hook” that appeals to a specific audience which will set them apart from general fiction. Pelican Publishing Company is also interested in books that can grow into a series. However, they do not want any anthropomorphic stories, pet stories, fantasy, poetry, science fiction or romance. Picture books (ages 5-8) should not exceed 1100 words. Middle grade books (ages 8-12) should be at least 25,000 words.

Pelican Publishing Company does not accept unsolicited manuscripts.

All writers should send a query letter and SASE, describing the project briefly and concisely.

The book’s title must be clearly stated at the top of the query letter or in the first sentence.

The letter should then discuss the following: the book’s content, its anticipated length (in double spaced pages or in words), its intended audience, the author’s writing and professional background and any promotional ideas and contacts the author may have.

If an author has been published by another firm please indicate why a change is sought.

A formal synopsis, chapter outline, and/or one or two sample chapters may be sent with a query letter, but these are not required. If absolutely necessary, very short manuscripts (four pages or less) may be sent in their entirety.

Pelican responds to queries in one month. If Pelican requests the manuscript, it must be submitted exclusively.

Submit all queries with a SASE to Editorial Department, Pelican Publishing. Co., 1000 Burmaster St., Gretna, LA 70053.

For more information visit their web site at http://www.pelicanpub.com/

Write it down,

Carma

Editorial Calendars: A Cheat Sheet for Writers

Typically, magazine editors like to work at least six months in advance. Articles submitted the month of March describing fall, pumpkins, Halloween parties and colorful leaves will be right in line with their needs.

An Editorial Calendar gives you a slew of topics to pitch and research for. For instance, it is probable that magazine editors will be inundated with pitches for Halloween. But if you have an editorial calendar prepared you can give your creativity a boost by writing about topics that are not published as often. Below are a few ideas/links to get you started writing winning articles for the fall. You can add your own as the year progresses.

Columbus Day
Dryer vent safety month
National Bosses Day
Cooler weather
Halloween Costumes
Right-brainers rule month
Raking/celebrating leaves
National breast cancer awareness month
National domestic violence awareness month
Daylight savings time ends (Fall back)

Editorial calendars are a writer’s best tool because they double as cheat sheets. They can also give you an edge for submitting timely queries that are bound to attract the attention of a thankful editor.

Furthermore, writers who submit articles for magazines know the importance of researching all those back copies. Editorial calendars will help you to focus on a particular topic rather than having to scan all topics. Writers are busy people and need to make their research time effective.

By creating your own Editorial Calendar you are mapping out a successful plan for your writing career.

Write it down,
Carma

Ten Nitty-Gritty Facts for Children's Writers

1. Writing for children is not a starting place for a writer to work on their craft nor for the faint of heart. A lot of children’s stories consist of approximately 800 words or a 16-200 page book. Within this framework you've got to have realistic characters, an enthusiastic storyline, a believable plot and dialogue. Also, the child protagonist has to be the one who solves the problem---not the adult.

2. Never talk down to a child reader. Don't assume they can't understand above their level. Children need and want challenge to learn and grow in their reading. Give them real problems that can captivate them.

3. Understand a child’s needs. Children need to be loved, to have friends, to feel secure, to learn and grow, to find entertainment just as adults do.

4. Always show them a good time and you will have a reader for life.

5. The characters of your story will grow as they experience their adventure, and your readers may grow as well. Children can learn that life is not always fair but there are ways to survive and have hope. They can understand that it is normal to be jealous, afraid, angry or lonely. Through your words children can see how an attitude can change their life. However, don't fall into the trap of "preaching" to them. If you let them see a young thief grow and change they will have learned a lesson in a non-threatening way.

6. Understand the market. The children's market is tight and the competition is fierce. Read good and bad books that are being read by kids. Have a talk with your local librarian. She or he will be able to point you to the most popular books children are reading. Join the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators (http://www.scbwi.org/).

7. Nonfiction does not need to be boring. Remember how you despised those dry history and science books? A creative children’s writer can spice up the dullest history books with a little action thrown in and a well-written story line will enthrall the kids to the point they will not realize they are even learning.

8. Unless you or your cousin are a clone of Steven Kellogg, let the editor choose an illustrator for your picture book. Editors have the final say so on artwork and may not like it if you push a packaged deal.

9. What if you are not around children every day? No problem. Spend some time at a playground with a notepad then eavesdrop and observe. You can also go to a restaurant popular with kids. Volunteer some time in a classroom. Watch how the kids react with each other. Study body language and listen to conversation.

10. Read, read, and read lots of magazine stories and nonfiction for kids. You will get a feel for genres, story lengths and what is popular. Get to know your reader and they will want to know you.

This post was inspired by children's author Kathryn Lay.

Write it down,

Carma

The Lucrative Educational Market: Where Do You Fit In?

Announcing....... This Week's Teleclass for Members of the Children's Writers' Coaching Club at the National Writing for Children Center

If you've ever wanted to break into the children's educational market but just didn't know how, here's your chance to learn everything you need to know about this lucrative market.

On Thursday, February 28, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, Rita Milios presents:The Lucrative Educational Market: Where do YOU Fit In?.... Session 1 in the Writing for Children’s Educational Markets Series

The children’s educational market is a HUGE writing niche. Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, books, articles or activities/crafts…whether you have teaching experience or not, there is a “place” for you in this vast marketplace!

• Explore the many opportunities available for writers, including: books, workbooks, student activities, teacher pages, hi-lo (high interest, low reading level) and ESL (English as a second language) books and materials, test-prep and test assessment materials, science experiments, art projects, reading passages, nonfiction articles, creative nonfiction, fiction stories and more!
  
  
• Learn the benefits (and challenges) of writing for these markets from a seasoned pro with more than twenty years experience.
  
  
• Take the Education Writer’s Self-Discovery Quiz to see if YOU have what it takes to be a children’s education writer.



• Have your pressing questions (such as “How much can I expect to be paid?”) answered fully and frankly.
  


• Gain access to valuable “insider information” that can save you hundreds of hours in time and gain you thousands of dollars in potential earnings.

Join Rita Milios, author of more than thirty children’s books, test assessment materials, workbooks, ESL materials–and all of the different kinds of educational materials mentioned above–in this fast-paced, crammed-packed, value-laden class.

To take part in this teleclass, join the Children's Writers' Coaching Club here

I hope you join us.
Write it down,
Carma

Audio Books for Kids

Children love ipods and mp3 players. Instead of filling their ears with junk, buy audio books and your child will be entertained and filled with a love of learning at the same time. Check out this article by Toni Grundstrom

AUDIO BOOKS ARE BENEFICIAL FOR KIDS

Parents everywhere can attest to the fact that small, enclosed spaces for long periods of time do not always work with children. They get bored watching out the window of your vehicle and want something to occupy the time. What is a great solution and can help keep your sanity while driving? Listen to children audio books available in many genres and for all ages.

The fabulous aspect of children audio books is the fact that everyone can be entertained. Audio books are very common for business travelers because it offers more diversity than just switching on the radio. Children audio books are no different. Audio books for children are available from many of their favorite authors.

Audio books are created when an actor, actress or someone paid to read, reads from the book. Some offer embellished accents for certain lines and conversations. A common misconception is that the listener will become lost in the monotonous drone of children audio books and not pay attention to the actual story. The abilities of the reader are far more advanced than fourth grade reading groups where one child read aloud as others followed along with the book.

It is increasingly common for most popular children's books to become children audio books. Parenting groups recommend reading to a child from an early age. Children audio books accomplish this when the space or time frame does not allow for reading aloud, especially while driving.

Audiobooks are used in schools by teachers of second-language learners, learning-disabled students, and struggling readers or nonreaders. Audiobooks have proven successful in providing a way for these students to access literature and enjoy books. Audio books can be beneficial for all children when they are used to introduce new vocabulary or difficult proper names or locales, provide a read-aloud model, or provide a bridge to important topics of discussion for parents and children who can listen together while commuting to sporting events, music lessons, or on vacations. (Benefits of Audiobooks for All Readers, Denise Johnson)

Whatever the child is interested in; there are children audio books in public libraries available at the cost of a library card. These free audio books can be checked out and listened to anywhere. If you don't have the time to stop at the library you can instantly download one from an online store and have it available for an Ipod, MP3 player or put on a CD. Bring them to parks, picnics, games, or traveling since these can all be times to listen to a good book. The audio books help develop the child and can begin a life-long love of reading.

Toni Grundstrom is a Freelance Writer. When you or your child do not have time to sit down and read, listen to a good book on the run. Check out the new audio bookstore, with thousands of titles to choose from. You're sure to find one you like. Click here to open up an entirely new way of enjoying a book.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toni_Grundstrom

Write it down,

Carma

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - Book Review

An amusing little human-like mouse named Lilly learns about conflict and listening to her teacher.

Age group is 7 to 10

32 page Picture book.

Published by: Greenwillow Books - from Harper Collins

Author and Illustrator: Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves life and her teacher Mr. Slinger. He wears cool shirts with crazy ties. He also provides yummy snacks for all his students and Lilly wants to be a teacher just like him. One day Lilly brings her new purple plastic purse that plays music to school. She irritates everyone and noisily displays it inappropriately. Mr. Slinger takes the purple purse away from Lilly until the end of the day and Lilly draws a mean portrait of her teacher.

At the end of the school day when Lilly gets outside and opens her purse she discovers a nice note from Mr. Slinger “…Today was difficult. Tomorrow will be a better day” and some tasty snacks. Lilly is overcome with guilt and decides to make up with her teacher the next day.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse teaches a lesson about discipline and anger management. The book demonstrates that discipline is not punishment when Mr. Slinger shows understanding and compassion to Lilly. Learning to question and respect authority is a very delicate balance and an important lesson for children to learn. This is reinforced in Lilly’s home by her loving parents. Unfortunately, many children grow up thinking discipline is all about punishment when in fact it is teaching character.

Write it down,

Carma

You're Never Too Young To Read A Good Book

The other day I was babysitting my year old grandson Gabriel. He is the smartest baby in the world just as all grandchildren are. His parents are smart too because they began introducing him to books when he was six months old. They let him touch and feel the books and of course read to him. Now when he sees one of his books he gets very excited. When I gave him his favorite picture book of the alphabet he grabbed it with both hands and began to “read” it. This kid will always be entertained by books, thanks to an early start.

This brings me to point out there is a huge market for writers and illustrators who wish to write for children of pre-preschool ages. It is so important to shape a child’s mind in a positive and caring way. You may think it would be simple to write “See Spot run” or words to that affect but children’s attention spans are short and the type of words used in toddler’s books need to be effective and descriptive. In today’s world it is not just learning to read the words it is about learning to describe them.

Writing for children is a multi faceted specialty because of the wide range of age groups and subject matter. Would you like to become a Children’s writer and play an important role in a child’s life? Join the Children’s Writer’s Coaching Club as I did and begin to learn from writing coach and founder, Suzanne Lieurance, and authors like Margot Finke and Lila Guzman.

Write it down,

Carma