Persistence and Imagination are the Keys to Success…… …..Odyssey from Unknown to Published and the Reward Beyond!

Martha Hamlett of Lynchburg, Virginia Author of “Bats in the Air, Bats in My Hair “Fun and vivid rhyming story about Sally’s overnight adventure at her Grandmother’s house where she encounters some very silly and mischievous bats. Great for the Kindergarten to 2 nd or 3 rd grade level.”

Persistence and Imagination are the Keys to Success…… You Have Aspirations to Publish a Book. You Have a Finished Manuscript in Your Hands, But One, Large Looming Question Prevails…………. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Tips for Finalizing Your Manuscript First – Answer the question, “Why are you doing this?” (what is your motivation because it is an uphill climb). Decide the age group it best fits. Make sure your word usage fits your audience (you may have to adjust up or down depending on the words you used).

Tips for Finalizing Your Manuscript Have a friend read it for grammatical errors. Better yet, have a freelance editor look at it (they usually charge a fee). If it is a children’s book, read it to the particular audience you are trying to reach (classrooms/friends/etc.). Get a critique from a writer’s group.

Tips for Finalizing Your Manuscript Use a standard, easily readable typeface. Chapter stories should be doubled spaced. Children’s book manuscripts should not indicate page breaks. Poems can be single spaced/double between verses.

Useful Resources Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market ◦ Lists Book/Magazine Publishers ◦ Shows you how to set up query letters/gives tips from published authors The Children’s Writer’s Reference (by Berthe Amoss & Eric Suben) ◦ Examples of Plots & Settings ◦ Formats & Word Selections ◦ Age Groups Suggestions ◦ Examples of How to Think Visually

Useful Resources Children’s Writer’s Word Book (by Alijandra Mogilner) ◦ Suggestions of Words for Grade Levels SCBWI (Society of Children’s Books Writers & Illustrators) ◦ Group you can join….offers information about Publishers, monthly newsletters, workshop opportunities….

Useful Resources Internet Resources (there are many helpful resources online) ◦ i.e. - Write4kids.com - Underdown.org - The AuthorsShow.com (marketing tool) - AuthorsDen.com (marketing tool)

How to Submit to Publishers Refer to “Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market” for Publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts and their individual submission guidelines. ◦ (i.e.) # of words per type of book ◦ Whether they want complete manuscripts or just a ‘query letter’ and a chapter or two Send ONE manuscript at a time to a Publisher. Unless you are the Author and Illustrator, you don’t need to send pictures. You can also go to the Publisher’s website for submission guidelines.

How to Submit to Publishers Most do not accept submissions. Most require a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) be included or they will not even read your submission. Try to look at current catalogs to see if your work fits with that Publishing House. SUBMIT --- You can’t get accepted if you don’t at least try. BE Prepared for Rejection (it takes time). BE PERSISTENT!!!!

Self-Publishing An Alternative to Publishing with Traditional Publishers is to Use an Independent Publisher. i.e., AuthorHouse, LuLu, IPublish - You assume some /all cost - They will help with layout and cover design - They can help provide illustrations if needed - They will give assistance with marketing (you will ultimately be responsible for marketing your work --- this would be the case if going traditional or independent - You retain all rights to your work (this is a plus) - You can choose your Illustrator (this is a plus) - Have your work in-hand faster **Always do your research before selecting an independent

Marketing Marketing Your Work is Challenging You Have to be Willing to Talk to People and Try Different Things……. HAVE IMAGINATION & BE PROACTIVE. - Arrange Book Signings with Your Local Bookstores - Enter Contests - Get Your Local Paper(s) to Do a Story - Hand Out Marketing Materials Such as Bookmarks or Business Cards - Post Information to Internet Sites Such as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook (social networking can be a useful tool) - Create a Distinguishing Website - Market Yourself!!! Get Your Name in Front of People!

Having Fun with Rhyme Per the Standards of Learning, Rhyming is an Important Element In the Development of Oral Language and Reading in Kindergarten Through 2 nd Grade, Especially. - Reading rhyming stories reinforces their understanding of rhyme (helps them to be able to identify words that rhyme) - Students can learn how ‘words’ impact the story - Simple rhymes in picture books are great for beginning readers (fun for them to learn the story and be able to recite it)

Take Your Students on an “Imagination Journey” One Activity that I Enjoy Conducting with the Kindergarten to 2 nd Grade Students is Something I Call an “Imagination Journey.” - Tell the students that they are going to take an “Imagination Journey.” Tell them they will need to listen closely to the story so that they can describe a scene from the story in their own words (or sometimes I have them draw the scene on paper – helps them be more creative) - Take a short story in rhyme format or other format and read it aloud to the students (don’t show the pictures, if the book has illustrations) - When finished, ask them to describe a scene, (i.e.) from my story “X’s and O’s,” one verse reads, “When it’s time to scrub in the tub…. Those X’s and O’s love to Rub-a-Dub-Dub.” o I will get responses such as “they imagine…X’s and O’s floating in bubbles” or “X’s and O’s riding rubber ducks.”

Take Your Students on an “Imagination Journey” The idea is to get them using…..words to describe action/ discuss characters, setting and events/show creative expression with words or drawings. For a story you are developing, it can also help you to see things ‘from a child’s point of view.’

Rewards Personal Accomplishment Making Children Smile (my favorite) Potential Monetary Reward “If we did all of the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” ---Thomas Edison

BE PERSISTENT…. Writing for Children (or Any Age) Involves: + Passion….for your story you want to publish + Determination….believing it is achievable + Self-Discipline….stay on the path in pursuit of your goal + Belief and Trust….even when setbacks occur, keep pushing forward

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