Writing is, with a few freakish exceptions, something done in solitude, and that’s as it should be: A writer wrestling with her muse to get a story down on paper.

But after that comes revision. There are lots of aspects of writing that can be taught, tips and pointers that writers should consider during rewriting. Especially when it comes to children’s books, revision and craft are key.

We’ve gathered here some of our talks and handouts on various aspects of the craft of writing fiction that we think may help writers who are considering submitting to us. And we will add to this page as we add to our talks and workshops.

How to Write a Query Letter

Ten Commandments of Writing for Children

Dialogue, Some Basics

13 Ways to Kick-start a Wimpy Plot (coming in 2010!)

A Bookshelf for Writers & Editors

 

As well, rookie and veteran writers may want to check out these helpful sites:

Absolute Write: A terrific message board full of answers to questions you never thought to ask.
Agent Query: Inventive and exhaustive searchable database of agents.
Alice Pope’s Children’s Writers & Illustrators Market blog: Alice is the editor of Writer’s Digest Books’ Children’s Writers and Illustrator’s Market and knows the field like nobody’s business.
Cynthia Leitich Smith's Children's & YA Literature Resources. Full of fabulous interviews with agents, editors, and writers from a children’s books writer herself.
Goodreads. Best place to write reviews and share recommendations of books with friends.
Guide to Literary Agents Blog: Chuck Sambuchino's companion blog to his terrific resource, featuring interviews with writers on how they're landed agents, as well as industry professionals.
Query Tracker: Another great database tool to help writers track their submissions to agents.
SCBWI: The Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators is the first and best support and information sharing group for creators of children’s books.
The Verla Kay Blue Boards: Message boards for children's writers and illustrators where they can trade rumors and tips with each other.