Elizabeth Law

oh! Good ol #Kidlitchat is still around? Hoorah! I'm getting my mojo back. Is it every week?

Forgive my ignorance and I hope I'm not violating a rule, but does anyone know on what platform I would sell two tickets to #RHAP Rob Has a Podcast Live Survivor 49 NYC tomorrow? Not trying to sell here, just trying to get directions where to go. Thank you! #Survivor By the way, go Nate! #Survivor

Yeah, me too. I wish we had a few of my favorites, like Carolyn, and I don't really get putting Kyle on???? But it's a fun list. Christian! Mike and Angelina! Jenna! Cirie!

You guys, I said I was going to post one #KidLitTip a day. Then I got intimidated+went silent. For, like, 6+ weeks. Now I know how all the authors who think they're supposed to use social media feel! And it shouldn't be a burden.I think I'll do better if I don't make big promises yet, + just pop in.

Today's #KidLitTip. Tip#4 Picture books are like anything else. If you introduce something or someone early to set up the character or situation, we expect it or them to appear again. It's the Chekhov's gun rule, and it still applies--at least as much as any "rule" applies.

What a great title for a podcast. I will check this out.

Or have they recently? Because freelance editors can really help your writing and strengthen your ms.s but they often don't have the right experience to know what works in the market, what makes a book have a chance, what editors are looking for and can sell. That's something to keep in mind.

I'm not making this into a #KidLitTip because it could feel self-serving, but there are some strong children's book editors out there via services like Reedsy. But when you hire an editor to work with you, pay attention--are they working as acquiring editors in the field?

Thank you so much!

#KidLitTip #3 is something I quote from @andrewkarre.bsky.social. He was asked, "I hear chapter books are hard to sell to eds?" "Everything's hard," he replied. It's very hard to write well enough to be published + to stand out. So you have to persist amidst all the scary stories. Try to ignore 'em.

phew! It's a bit intimidating. But whatthehell, just post and go and hope for the best and don't say offensive things and it should work out, that's what I think.

You can have a lot of talent and really understand picture book structure and language, but if we're not involved in the story a child is not going to ask to hear it again and again. And that's what I'm always looking for. #KidLitTips #KidLit

It's interesting how often the question of "but why do I care?" comes up. I taught a wkshop on Revising for a Well-Paced and Well-Plotted picture book and opened with "Do We Care?" and I thought, "Oh, this is going to be too basic." But in fact it came up again and again in the submissions I saw.

#KidLitTip #2. This works for both picture books and middle grades, and it's surprising how often I raise it with someone. To me, the most important thing with a ms. is "Are we involved, do we care?" Look at Vashti Harrison's Big, look at When You Trap a Tiger or New Kid. We care so much! #KidLit

thanks!

Wait till you read this one. We needed a "fat kid" YA about a boy.

yes, we showqueens are everywhere. I will look for my tribe.

Yay!! The market ebbs + flows.In my opinion you have to disregard it--that goes for publishers to a large extent, too. I've lived through a LOT of bosses who wanted to publish picture books at $8.99 orwanted us to do another Gossip Girl or only wanted original paperbacks, as some examples of trends

Hmmm. To find other people talking about children's and YA lit, I go to the #KidlitMegaThread? (And where are people talking about Survivor, and gossiping about theater?) And if I ever run another Picture Book Special in my editing service (Elawreads.com), can I announce it here? Thx in advance

Are you kidding me? I edited that book! I acquired it! That was such a labor of love for her and she is SO talented. I am very very proud of it and so thrilled that you mention it here. #Kidlitchat

It's more like I don't understand how to use Blue Sky! I thought when I was within a chat I didn't have to tag. I just joined and am so clueless, Greg! #Kidlit

for novels, I loved Polly Horvath's Library Girl (it seems like a slam dunk for a lot of readers on #KidLit) and if I could say one book I edited, I love Allen Zadoff's The Donut Prince of New York. It's one of the funniest books I've ever read, but also poignant. The hero is a BIG teenage boy.

I'm sitting here realizing that I reread classic books and caught up on others but didn't read as many new titles, except for pic books. I LOVED the pic books Bunny Should Be Sleeping, I Know How to Draw an Owl, and Animal Albums from A to Z.

I've got one for you: The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. And I'm currently reading The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness and internet confirms it has no physical contact but there may be unspoken attraction. It's British! (and therefore usually less openly sexy) #KidLit #YABooks

Blue Sky has reached a tipping point where I keep hearing people talk about it. Good, because I need my peeps! I am going to try posting #KidLitTips daily through January. These are tips from an industry insider about your writing, artwork, or the thorny path to publication. #KidLitMegaFeed

I don't think so! Unless I come home early from Costa Rica. It's a bummer to miss it this year. #IHeartSCBWI

thank you!

Oh goody, I'm working my way through it. Thanks, Bonnie.

Dear @stephenfishbach.bsky.social, It's Shots-in-the-dark, like Daughters-in-law, Attorneys general, etc. It may be different in Australia! Gins and tonics doesn't work as an example as Tonics is not modifying the noun, as it is in my examples. Got it? Meanwhile, where do I look for Survivor posts?

wow, that is the nicest welcome I ever had in my life! Thank you, Debbie. I went on your "Guide" site and so far have followed the first two steps, posting a profile and pinning a post. I'll keep going--thank you so much for the help! I couldn't have done it without it all. XO