Susan Tierney, Editor

You are cordially invited to examine TWO current issues of
Children’s Writer, the monthly 12-page newsletter devoted
exclusively to the writing and publishing of children’s literature,
from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

These complimentary copies will be yours to keep—
with no obligation—just click Two Free Issues.

Dear Writer,

I’m the editor of Children’s Writer, a monthly 12-page newsletter that’s dedicated to keeping you up to date on children’s writing, putting you on top of the market for children’s books, stories, and articles—and keeping you there.

We draw heavily on the vast writing and publishing experience of our instructors at the Institute of Children’s Literature . . . and other top-notch writers and editors.

You’ll be on top of the trends

These contributors provide us with features, interviews, how-to articles, and insights gleaned from years of success and continuing involvement in the dynamic children’s market.

Our editors and research specialists maintain an ongoing dialogue with outside editors and publishers—and they keep a close watch over the entire field of children’s publishing. 

Every issue of Children’s Writer brings you
pointers from the experts and current
market tips on writing for children.

And because we conscientiously verify and update our information base every month, we’re in the unique position of being able to provide you with a continuous flow of current market information vital to your success.

The result is Children’s Writer—a lively monthly newsletter developed expressly for you—to support your writing in two important ways:

     First,

Children’s Writer gives you timely tips, expert pointers, and informative articles on writing style, technique, and content—in every major category of children’s literature.

     Second,

Children’s Writer keeps you up to date on the markets you want to sell to . . . what today’s editors want at the publications that matter most to you . . . and current developments in publishing that are shaping your future success right now!  That’s because Children’s Writer spots the trends, gives you the data, and arms you with answers you simply must have to write to your full potential—and to get your writing published.    

These are the operative facts: This complex, fast-changing market, embracing all of the categories from preschool to young adult, needs freelance submissions and is paying well.

Yet, the competition among writers is hot. You’ve got to have all the facts the pros have (and maybe a few more) if you want to see yourself in print—and now you can!

Whether you’re writing for yourself or creating a best-seller, Children’s Writer covers the entire spectrum. It gives you up-to-the-minute information you can’t beg, borrow, or buy anywhere else—and brings it to you 12 times a year.

More than that, Children’s Writer deals with the current questions and problems you’re most likely to encounter—and it covers the major markets that buy freelance writing. (We don’t waste your time on those that don’t.)

How do we know what editors
and publishers are looking for?

How do we know what’s selling?—And who’s buying?

Easy. We tap the daily stream of information we generate to keep our students on top of every freelance market—and pass along helpful tips and expert pointers from editors, publishers, our instructors, and other writers. For example:

Highlights’ hugely respected Senior Editor Marileta Robinson tells us that “the easiest way to break in is with a craft, puzzle, or activity, but we also publish stories and articles by previously unpublished authors.”

Marshall Cavendish wants “fun, engaging” picture books; chapter books with strong main characters; and historical fiction with a strong story that goes beyond the history itself.

Sylvan Dell Publishing is looking for picture book submissions of 1,500 words or less that are fun, that relate to elementary school curriculum, and that will sell through niche marketing outlets such as museum gift shops.

But that’s not even the half of it! Children’s Writer is as much devoted to writing techniques as it is to marketing smarts. It tips you off about new trends that affect your writing (and marketing)—gives you pointers on style, choosing titles, and creating dialogue—and offers insights on characterization, descriptive techniques, and even writers’ block. For example . . .

          —

How do you handle kidspeak? Do you go with the flow? Or do you translate slang into universal expressions? We offer guidelines you can trust.

Animals are an important element in children’s writing. Editors from Highlights, the Cricket Group, Charlesbridge, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, and Viking Books review the best in current practices, which call for realistic portrayals, not talking animals.

What’s the bottom line on writers’ groups? Should you join one if your writing is going well, or wait until you hit a snag? Children’s Writer answers all the questions and even tells you how to start a group.

There’s more . . . regular how-to articles written by our outstanding editors and educators that give you—month after month—good tips, expert pointers, current market data, and insider information, such as:

Keeps you on top of the market every month

“Virtual Coffee Break,” “Profession,” and “Craft”—Several regular features where guest writers discuss key aspects of the business side and the writing side of being a professional author.

Of course, as you might expect from the Institute, there’s even more:

• “Wanted lists” from book and magazine editors;

• Interviews with authors who help shape the market;

• Profiles of magazines that are setting the pace.

Polish your writing skills

Then, to top off every issue of Children’s Writer, you get instructional, informational, and inspirational articles to help you polish your writing skills. Included are topics such as:

• How to work more writing into your schedule;

• Lead paragraphs that really lead today’s reader;

• Self-motivation techniques to keep the words flowing;

• How to overcome writers’ block;

• What to do when you have no clips (previously published work) to submit;

• How to make a good picture book dummy . . . and a lot more.

Get Two Free Issues!

Children’s Writer is your newsletter. It was developed—and is written and edited—for you.

We’d like to mail to you our next two monthly 12-page issues—free, with no obligation.

If you like them, you may become a subscriber at a special rate (for new subscribers only) of $19 for a full subscription of 11 more issues (a total of 13) worth $26. You save $7.

Of course, if you’re ever disappointed, you can—and you should—cancel and receive a full refund on all unmailed issues.

Cordially,

Susan Tierney
Editor