Here’s what you get with this $399.99 program: -Hand-holding as you write your own book. I’ll provide an e-copy of my book -How to Write a Children’s Fiction Book.”-Weekly calls (20 to 30 minutes) to go over what you’ve done. I’ll guide you through the process, review each period’s work, and give you constructive feedback…
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Chapter Book Coaching
Chapter books are geared toward readers transitioning from picture books. They have short chapters, so the new readers feel like they’re reading ‘big’ books. Here’s a basic outline of what a chapter book involves: • The age bracket varies, but the usual is seven to nine.• Because the child is new to reading independently, the…
Which Type of Editing Do You Need?
Copy Editing, Line Editing, Substantive Editing So, which type of editing do you need? Hopefully, the descriptions below will give you an idea. COPY EDITING This is the bare-bottom basic of mechanical editing and should be done after all other editing is complete. It covers: A homonym is a word that sounds just like another…
Local Book Presentations: You Need a Plan
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…
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…