Contributed by Linda Wilson, Children’s AuthorA group of about eight writers and I from our local chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, SCBWI, have joined together to sell books at various craft fairs throughout the year. We often share a booth and the cost, and sometimes sell on our own. For…
Author: Karen Cioffi
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning author and children's ghostwriter. She loves to help those who want to be the author of a children's book fulfill their dream. Contact Karen today to get your story started!
Children’s Self-Publishing Options: In-Depth Look
Have you thrown your hands in the air or tugged at your hair, wondering which self-publishing path to choose? You’re not alone! Unless you do everything yourself, writing, editing, illustrations, cover, formatting, design, building the book, and uploading to publish, you’ll need help. But what type of help is available, and how much do you…
Children’s Authors and AI: Beyond the MS
This is Part 3 in this AI and Children’s Writing Series. In Parts 1 and 2, we went over what to avoid when using AI and how to use it as a supportive tool in your children’s writing process. But there’s more; it doesn’t end with a finished manuscript. That’s just the beginning of the…
How to Use AI to Support (Not Replace) Your Children’s Writing
In Part 1 of this three-part series on AI and children’s authors, I went over the growing role of AI in children’s writing, including the risks of relying on it too heavily. The takeaway was simple: AI can be helpful, but it should never replace your voice, creativity, or understanding of young readers. So where…
AI and Children’s Writing: What Authors Need to Know (and Avoid)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly advancing. So much so that programmers and AI researchers think it’s happening faster than anyone expected. (1) With this advancement, authors are taking notice. From idea generation to editing assistance, AI tools can get your book written faster. It’s changing how we write.But when it comes to writing for children,…
The Children’s Rewriter: What, Who, and WHY
Early on, I called myself a children’s ghostwriter and rewriter. I preferred ‘rewriter’ over ‘book doctor’ or ‘manuscript doctor.’ But I’m sure there are many folk who don’t quite understand what a rewriter is, and where it fits in the professional writing arena. SO LET ME EXPLAIN WHAT A REWRITER IS AND DOES.Professional rewriting, also…
Children’s Writing: Top 10 Critical Mistakes
Writing for children can look deceptively simple. The vocabulary is easier, the sentences are shorter, and the stories often appear straightforward. But creating a successful children’s story requires precision, clarity, and a strong understanding of your young audience. Many new writers make critical mistakes that weaken their stories. Below are ten to avoid, along with…
Writing Historical Fiction: 10 Pitfalls
Writing historical fiction can be challenging. You must tell a story and convincingly recreate a bygone time and culture that readers must believe in.When done well, historical fiction transports readers into another era. Done poorly, it loses credibility and readers quickly.If you’re writing historical fiction, it’s essential to be aware of common pitfalls. The following…
Book Publicity Scams are in High-Gear
I’ve been getting scam book promotion emails every day for a while now. But over the past two days, I’ve received 8 of them—3 in one morning. What’s sad is these scammers must be getting traction; otherwise, they wouldn’t continue so aggressively. Most of these emails explain why promoting your book matters and how they…
Blog Post Idea Bank: The What and How
Every blogger hits it sooner or later: the moment you sit down to write, your mind goes completely blank. You know you need to publish, you know blogging matters for visibility and authority, but you’ve got nothing. I’ve been in this mode, so I know the value of a Blog Post Idea Bank. An idea…