Ten Terrific Cyber Resources for Children's Writers

There are so many great resources on the Internet that a children's writer can spend hours each day reading, marvelling and bookmarking. How do I know this? Yes, you guessed it! I frequently have to discipline myself to quit reading about the art of writing and actually practise it. However, when I do have some spare moments, these are cyber resources I find valuable.

Writing World This is one of my favourite web spaces. It's well-organised, with sections for genre fiction writers, and other specialist areas. Subscribing (free on the home page) brings you two newsletters a month, with articles, markets and always worthwhile editorials from Moira Allen. Be sure to check out the treasure trove of articles in the Children's Writing section.

Kid Magazine Writers If you're interested in writing for children's magazines, this site is a must-visit. Jan Fields presents new articles each month on the craft of writing, and the site has a huge database of magazine markets. Get the lowdown on what specific magazine editors are looking for. Sign up for updates (free, bottom left corner, home page) while you're there.

Eugie Foster I first discovered Eugie Foster because of the column she wrote for Writing World, Writing for Young Readers. Further investigation led me to her website which has an updated children's markets database that includes Eugie's own valuable comments. Spend some time looking around, as there are many links and excellent resources for all writers.

Write4Kids Laura Backes tells it like it is. Her articles about the craft of writing are always valuable, and some are available at the site. You can subscribe to receive free updates (bottom right, home page) or pay to receive the Children's Book Insider newsletter. Follow Jon Bard on Twitter, or the blog, to pick up regular gems about the children's publishing business.

Institute of Children's Literature The site is great, but I particularly like the fact that I can subscribe for free to their Children's Writer eNews, which always has nuggets of information worth pondering. Jan Fields really knows her stuff! Be sure and check out Writing Tips while you're at the site. It's also a paying market.

Writer Beware Before you query an agent, publisher, or enter a contest, check out their warnings. It pays to be educated.

QueryTracker  Don't miss this great blog for all querying writers. You can spend hours here and still not be bored. Then link to the parent site to check out their database of over 1200 agents.

Writing4Sucess  Australian, Marg McAlister, is a wonderful teacher who has the knack of helping writers develop their skills, no matter what their level or genre. You can subscribe to a free tipsheet at the site, and check out articles in the archive.

Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers The title pretty much says it all. You can find international, as well as US publisher listings A-Z.

Hope Clark's FFW  Although not specifically for children's writers, Funds for Writers is always good value. Hope Clark is that magic combination of inspirational and useful. While you're at the site, be sure to check Hope's Links page. You can subscribe to the FundsforWriters newsletter, FFW Small Markets newsletter, and WritingKid newsletter for free, or subscribe to Total FFW (26 issues per year) for half price ($US6.00) until August 1, 2009. I love Total - it is just amazing value as it is packed with markets, contests, agents, publishers etc

A Joke for Children's Writers

(from Jennifer Stewart's newsletter - for writers and word-lovers everywhere.)

A man walks into a Chinese restaurant but is told by the Maitre'd that there will be at least a twenty minute wait. "Would you like to wait in the bar, Sir?" he says.

The man goes into the bar, and the bartender says, "What'll it be?"

The man replies, "Give me a Stoli with a twist."

The bartender pauses for a few seconds, then smiles and says, "Once upon time, there were FOUR little pigs . . . "

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Have you been to these sites?

Inspire Kids to Write with this post from The Book Chook blog.

ReadMe Publishing Contest

Free entry, electronic submissions by August 31, under 5000wds, prompt=science fiction:"What if?"

Moonlight Tuber's First e-anthology

Worth a look, even just for fun, the title will be “A Handsome Laundrette, a Box of Lovers and Two Dozen Happy Seacows”. Up to 5000 words.

Writing One Sentence Blurbs – Randy Ingermanson

Handy Hints and Great Goofs

Turn your hints and goofs into cash

Submission Guidelines for Kahani

South Asian Literary Magazine for Children

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Until next time, write on!

Susan