Earth Hour and Saving the Planet with Author Nanette Heffernan and Editor Julie Bliven

Earth Hour and Saving the Planet with Author Nanette Heffernan and Editor Julie Bliven

Could you do something to help save the planet? Have you wondered why so many people around the world turn off their non-essential lights for one hour a year? Learn how a single author turned her passion into her business and why an editor signed on the dotted line in this behind-the-book interview of EARTH HOUR by Nanette Heffernan.

Brown Sugar Babe Picture Book Charlotte Watson Sherman

Love, Encouragement, and Purpose Behind Picture Book Brown Sugar Babe with Author Charlotte Watson Sherman and Editor Jes Negron

There are many books on the shelves, even more on back lists, but only a select number that pour heart and soul into the heart and souls of a community. While it may take many people to raise one child, BROWN SUGAR BABE is one picture book that can raise many people. Come behind the book with picture book author Charlotte Watson Sherman and acquisition editor, Jes Negron, as they share the love, encouragement, and purpose behind every word in BROWN SUGAR BABE.

Go Girls Go Picture Book Frances Gilbert

Go, Girls, Go! Behind the Picture Book with Author and Editor Frances Gilbert

Curious what happens when a children's book editor for a big publishing house decides to write her own book? Looking for a new picture book that'll have your family chanting "Go, Girls, Go!" with eye-popping illustrations? Interested in knowing what tips an experienced editor would encourage you to consider for your picture book manuscripts? In this interview, we step behind the book with Editor-in-Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers (BFYR), Frances Gilbert, and learn how an editor views being an author.

Picture Book Critique Fest PBCritique Fest 2019

Picture Book Critique Fest #PBCritiqueFest 2019

Fall is a fantastic season for writing. Coming off the tails of the KitLit Fall Writing Frenzy and taking us to the tip of NaNoWriMo in November is the Picture Book Critique Fest #PBCritiqueFest. With 37 industry participants (literary agents, authors, and illustrators) and 35 valuable giveaway prizes (manuscript and dummy critiques), this is one writing contest you can't afford to miss. Did I mention it's completely free?!

KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2019

KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy 2019

When was the last time you entered a writing contest? You may think you aren't good enough to win. Many people think that. You may not know where to start. Most people don't. The best thing you can do is be open to opportunity. And guess what? Opportunity is knocking. Today is all about KidLit Fall Writing Frenzy where loads of prizes are up for grabs for whoever is willing to be bold.

How Audiobooks Became a Powerful, Unexpected Format to Sell Books

How Audiobooks Became a Powerful Format to Sell Books

It's hard to imagine a world without audiobooks and only those 89 years old or above (not exactly my target audience) could personally remember such a time. The audiobook revolution was an unexpected, slowly adopted medium for book sellers that is now responsible for more than $1 Billion in U.S. revenue.

Best Books for Personal Development and Success

Best Books for Personal Development and Success

Ever want a little more motivation for those aspirations? Not sure where to go to get some? I'm a motivational junkie. A die-hard when it comes to personal development and self-improvement. Maybe you are too? Over the years, I've come to collect some incredible favorites. If only the whole world would read them, what a place it would become. But I'm not speaking to the world. I'm speaking to you. If you're interested in upping your game, raising the bar, and learning more about yourself along the way, check out these books. Here are my absolute best book recommendations for personal development and success.

Illustrating Childrens Books Phyllis Harris

Illustrating Children’s Books with Phyllis Harris

Thinking about becoming a career illustrator? Ever wonder what it’s like to be a published illustrator of children’s books? Gleam some insight from successful illustrator Phyllis Harris and get a...

What it Takes to Write Children's Books with Brooke Van Sickle

What it Takes to Write Children’s Books with Brooke Van Sickle

How seriously do you take your writing? It's a question every author must ask themselves repeatedly throughout their writing journey. It's also the question we hate to ask. The journey of an author is tough. It's grueling. It can be isolating and discouraging. To write is one thing. To write for children is something else entirely. Author and freelance editor Brooke Van Sickle is here to help improve our understanding of what it takes to write for children.

Holding Back Your Best Work

Holding Back Your Best Work

We hold ourselves back all the time. We bite our tongue in a meeting when we know we should speak up. We keep our writing private instead of letting it help someone else. We pretend our artwork is just doodles to ensure we aren't hurt if no one wants to buy it. Holding back isn't just about fear of rejection. Holding back is an identity crisis.