Top Sites
FOR CHILDREN'S WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
-updated 24 February 05-

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The Children's Book Council

Updated regularly, organized as to your interest, content rich throughout.

Cynthia Leitich Smith Children's Literature Resources

Interviews with authors, illustrators, and experts; news from the children's literature community; articles and resources for writers; bibliographies. Emphasis on multiculturalism. Cynthia's "Children's Book Writer's Reading List" is grist for any children's writer. A superb website.

Harold's Purple Crayon

Editor Underdown's viewpoint of the children's book business and news of internal changes. Best known perhaps for his column "Who's moving where," tracking editors as they move from house to house. Many of Laura Belgrave's articles from "The Slush Pile" are now here.

Institute for Children's Literature

Lots of basic --and not so basic information about writing for children including writing tips, the writing life ...as they call it "RX for Writers." Interviews with editors, authors --and transcripts on this site. Chatroom. These are the people who advertise "We're looking for people to write children's books" and offer a course on writing for children. 

Picturing Books

A whole site dedicated to picture books. Don't miss it! Much here for the illustrator, and good information for picture book writers (and readers and teachers and...).

Word Pool

from the U.K.

Artpaper.com

Paper, paper! And tech information that may help you as well.

Cheap Joe's Art Stuff

This link was suggested as "art supplies at very good prices (some at 1/2 price even), ...huge selection of paints, papers, brushes ...big selection of MANY leading brands. You can order by phone (800#) or they have a complete catalog on line ...nice to deal with ...they hire handicapped, single moms...I think they even have a day care center."

Drawing Board

Prime website for children's illustrators offers meaty info: resources, technique, pricing guide, portfolio preparation –and more!

Phyllis Polema-Cahill

Dozens of well categorized resource links, especially for children's illustrators. "How I Work" shows examples and clear description of her illustration process.

Susan Kathleen Hartung

Susan's "Step by Step" and "Questions" area will likely help budding illustrators; Susan also offers online courses.

Picturebook

Articles and resources for artists – especially those illustrating for children. Good, professional, promotional tips from this company whose main business is production of "Picturebook," a full-color catalog freely distributed to editors, art directors... featuring illustrators' work advertised within. Whether or not you opt to advertise, site is helpful. Owner of Picturebook is illustrator and SCBWI-MI member, Cyd Moore

Wet Canvas

Free online critiques for artwork (and learn by viewing others' critiques posted). Unique visuals show art before and "if" suggestions are implemented. Not focused on children's illustration, but insightful.

Elizabeth Stone Gallery

Located in VA; sells original illustrations. Often brings in artists/authors for signings.

Storyopolis

Located in Los Angeles, CA; sells original illustrations (same city as SCBWI's Summer Conference).

Mazza Collection

Nice people, nice place. Much original art to see. Illustrators' interviews/presentations on video available for viewing. Located in Findlay, Ohio – only a few hours south of Detroit, MI. Grab some friends, plan a trip, and call ahead.

Verlakay.com

Live monthly "workshops" (IRC chats) with professionals: editors, agents, authors/illustrators who focus on scheduled topics. Transcripts from past workshops hold insightful comments sandwiched in chat. Articles/tips for children's writers by children's writers.

Aaron Shepard's Home Page

Chock full of content (which is not all about "me-first" Aaron). Easy to navigate; no frames, no frills.

Anna Grossnickle Hines

Presentation, content, and innovation. Lots of information for any – and everyone who loves children's books; one of the few sites where the author reads aloud as you "turn the page." Excellent articles for writers.

The Sandbaggers

Collaborative effort by several writers; free downloadable manuscript management software, thirty (mostly productive!) online activities for children's writers; creators of "wrt4kdz," a warm and wonderful waiting-list-only cyber community nurtured by K.C. Cummings.

Children's Literature Web Guide

"The most comprehensive guide to English-language children's book awards on the Internet" (believe it!); more good reading through many links; site created by librarian and lover of children's literature, David K. Brown, from the University of Calgary, Canada.

Halfway Down the Stairs

Nationally recognized, Award Winning Bookseller with fabulous staff, warm, witty, and wise. It's easy to know why, just visit!

Amazon.com/search

Want to know what picture books any particular imprint has published within the last year? This search engine is Very helpful. Learn to use it!

Chambal

I've consistently found books on Chambal I couldn't find elsewhere –and at cheaper prices too.

Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site

When Carol Hurst speaks about what's new, what's great – and why, her audience (often teachers and librarians) listens. Seems dedicated to getting quality literature into the the hands of children, and connecting all those who love children's books.

Children's Picture Book Database at Miami University

Contains abstracts of over 5000 picture books for children, preschool to grade 3. Search over 900 keywords (topics, concepts, and skills) to locate books; great for ideas too!

Kay E. Vandergrift

In depth articles with reading lists; lots to provoke thought if you are seriously inerested in literature for children that not only entertains, but that makes a lasting difference.

Qixo.com

Seeking cheap air fare to conferences? Compare information from dozens of travel websites including Expedia and Travelocity all on one screen. Bingo.

Shawguides

Looking for writing conferences and workshops? This site offers information searchable by month, focus, state, and country. 

Achuka

Exciting online magazine from the UK about children's books.

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Some consider it the book review journal; especially revered by both school and public librarians. Thoughtful content

Children's Book Insider: write4kids.com

Bi-monthly newsletter offered by subscription has good information and well-written how-to articles by its editor. CBI is a part of write4kids.com, "The Children's Writing Supersite." May be particularly helpful to newer writers; emphasis on selling "how-to" products, "children's authors' bootcamp," etc.

Children's Writer

Newsletter with timely information, meaty articles by various authors (many written by SCBWI members). New markets mentioned. Keeps one on top of news and changes.

Horn Book

Book reviews, insightful commentary, provocative articles (and letters to the ed). One section of their website for creators of children's lit includes helpful articles. Visit their "Virtual History Exhibit."

Once Upon a Time

Black and white no frills magazine, little/no advertising within, just how-to, humorous or inspirational articles/poems/illustrations by children's writers/illustrators for children's writers/illustrators. A warm-fuzzy and filling read. Numerous and fine columnists.

Publishers Weekly /Children's

Weekly all book business magazine; PW devotes two fat issues entirely to children's books (one spring, one fall). These issues can be bought at newsstands, though PW offers a special rate, $15 for both, to SCBWI members; ask for it. Website offers news and current articles sure to be of interest.

School Library Journal

Source of respected reviews of children's books, often influencing school librarians and teachers.

The Writer

Published practically forever – and still offering skill-building iarticles for writers.

Writer's Digest

Formerly focused on "get published, published, published," seems focus may be changing to craft. Lotsa ads.

Buy and study the Children's Writers' and Illustrators' Market book. Websites below will supplement.

The Children's Book Council

Submission info from member book publishers with links to their websites; some guidelines online.

Children's Writers Marketplace by Margaret Shauers

Weekly online column with tips; sells "Market Directory for Children's Magazine Writers" via email which is updated often and reasonably priced; Margaret's column is hosted by CBI/wrt4kdz.com

Our Creative Space

An annotated list of book and magazine publishers, categorized by genre, with links to their online guidelines. 

UK Children's Books

This site links to many UK Publishers (and numerous authors and illustrators). Though guidelines on not always on line, this does allow us to get a feel for this foreign market publishing books in the English language.

Writer's Digest

Book and magazine publishers' guidelines online, from the folks who publish Children's Writers' and Illustrators' Market.

Picturebook

Thick, full-color catalog distributed freely to editors, art directors... featuring illustrators who have paid to have their work advertised within. Not for everyone, but know your options.

"To Market" by Susan Salzman Raab

Susan often speaks at SCBWI events and writes a column for the Bulletin. Site features a comprehensive list of FAQs and answers.

Modern Postcard

CA printer of good, inexpensive full-color postcards to show your work or promote your book/s; many members use and suggest this company.

America's Printer

This link was suggested as "For 2500 postcards, the cost is $130; That's 4 color on one side and b&w on the back side. ...I up loaded (using FTP) one color file and one b&w file to their site. A week later I had the cards at my front door."

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

There is a WEALTH of information here! Some available only to members but anyone can benefit by their newly revamped link section, segregated into three categories: "Helpful Research" (an annotated section WITH an index all of its own), "Industry Related" (Big industry!), and "Member Web Pages" (ah yes, the Hearts of Creativity). Accessible to members only are bulletin boards which share lots of questions and answers. And of course, each regional chapter is listed with links to their websites, events, etc. If you haven't been there lately....

SCBWI Regional Chapters

All of the regional chapters with websites can be accessed from our parent organization's site. Consider attending events sponsored by other chapters! Several favorites for reasons annotated are listed below.

Illinois

A bustling chapter, geographically close to western Michiganders, offering many terrific events. And the Chicago area offers much for artists, so this trip can be dual duty!

France

"Meet the Pros" includes interviews; some I've found particularly insightful.

New England

Jan's "Web Log" is simply terrific. (New England region includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont. )

Rocky Mountain

Especially helpful to illustrators. (Region includes Wyoming & Colorado.)

ALA: American Library Association

Publishes "Booklist" on line and in print.

BookExpo America

Formerly known as the ABA's Convention & Trade Exhibit, puts on huge trade show where booksellers go to choose and buy books. Claims to be "the largest event serving the largest book market in the world."

IRA: International Reading Association

Large conferences interest many.

Authors Guild

The nation's largest society of published authors. A leading advocate for compensation, free speech, and copyright protection; offers free contract advice to members.

Graphic Artists Guild

Structure open to all working artists; they are the organization behind the book, Graphic Artists Guild's Handbook of Pricing & Ethical Guidelines.

National Writers Union

Union for freelance writers working in U.S. markets.

Writers Guild of America

Union representing writers in motion picture, broadcast, cable and new media; may be more "up" on new media/electronic rights.

Book TV

Telecast on C-Span2, wonderful programming, some segments focus on children's books featuring well-known authors/illustrators, booksellers, editors.... Book TV has broadcast some presentations from SCBWI National conferences. Program guide online shows what's coming up.

Loose Leaf Book Company -Radio Program

Talk talk talk about children's books. Host is Tom Bodett (yes, of "leave the light on" fame); various book commentators including Jean Gralley, picturebook author/illustrator (and former SCBWI-MI Adcom member).

Baby Name Finder

Choose ethnicity, religion... lots of help here for writers creating characters. 

Your Dictionary.com

Every type imaginable including rhyming, antonym... a fabulous site.

OneLook Dictionaries

Plug in your word (629 dictionaries are indexed), definitions and source appears –and oh how different they are! Perspective, perspective.

Wordsmith

My favorite site! Type in a word and get a collection of others with the same or similar meaning, most are links. I like it better than Roget's. Operates fast, and can spark direction to get you unstuck.

Grammarian.com

Links to grammatical or literate websites, a host of info about how to write right.

Guide to Grammar and Writing

Possibly more than you'd ever want to know about grammar, featuring articles, "ask" section, PowerPoint presentations, 170 computer-graded quizzes. Includes (in .pdf format) samples of common forms of communication. Writing process, structure, composition. Content rich and nicely organized.

Noodletools

Save time with online researching. This site does sell software for researching, but alto has a selection of FREE tools worth bookmarking.

Google

If you don't already use this search engine as your first choice, perhaps you should! Using the "images" tab will allow you to search for image files only.

 

If you seek a particular brand name or company title, choose the "I'm feeling lucky" tab. Amazingly accurate.

About.com

Serves a blue plate special of information and is easy to navigate once you understand the concept; original articles, information and links are chosen by "guides," each responsible for a particular topic. Interesting company, interesting concept.

Refdesk.com 

What do you want to know? Chances are, the "right" link is here. Well organized. Click on "ask an expert" for a wealth of leads.

AcqWeb

Where librarians go for information. Superb resource, international in scope. Publishers, associations, awards, resources and more.

ERIC: The Educational Resources Information Center

From the National Library of Education

History Buff's Homepage

Press coverage of events in American history.

About.com (in our Must-Know reference Links) offers numerous sections that will interest children's writers/illustrators.

About /Children's Books

About/Creative Writing for Teens

Jan's World of Writing

Thoughtful articles and how-to information, communicated clearly. Sound advice for the beginner, and nuggets of wisdom for the professional. The plus? The warm heart of this writer comes through.

Notes from the Windowsill

Celebrating children's books loved by adult readers; interesting reading.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc.

A slew of terrific articles on writing; plan to be engaged awhile.

For Writers

Frequent updates to this site keep it fresh and interesting. Unusual info, links to geographic, historical, and scientific sites; lots of meaty reference; unusual nuggets will spark ideas.

Writers Write

About books, writing, and publishing. Book reviews (and a children's section); a helpful link section on book promotion: use their "Browse Writers Write" at the bottom of the page to quickly connect to the info you want.

Writing Corner

Extensive site. Lots of articles, current and archived. Read a bit –and you'll leave energized.

Writing World

Formerly known as "Tips for Writers," edited and launched by Moira Allen. Moira's straight talk style makes for interesting original articles on various aspects of the business and craft. "Writing World" offers articles and contributions by various writers.  Nicely categorized and meaty content. Moira is the former Managing Editor of Inkspot.