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​TIPS FOR THE SUBMISSION FORM: MAKING A POSITIVE IMPRESSION

1/17/2023

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by Annie Romano
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Form submissions such as Query Manager have become the new normal for writers submitting to agents. Fading are the days of email queries (though some agents still accept them). At a glance, it seems like completing a submission form is straightforward: Fill in the blanks. Easy, right? But there are common missteps that might create a negative impression for agents before they even read your sample pages. 

​What follows is a walk-through of the most encountered submission form features with notes on common errors or shaky habits. Avoiding these missteps will help your submission present as professional and polished. (Note: Since agents can customize their forms, only the most common fill-in-the-blank features are covered here. Also, agents have their own style of considering submissions. Some read the query letter first; others jump right into the sample pages. These are simply tips to help you ensure your submission shines.)


WORD COUNT: Approximate word count is fine. If your word count is 97,256 words, 97,000 will suffice. This isn’t a make-or-break issue by any means; just something to be aware of.

GENRE: This IS important. Writers sometimes try to fit a genre that agents don't accept into their inbox by choosing another category. For instance, I do not represent science fiction, so there’s no “Science Fiction” option in my genre dropdown menu, but I’ll often get submissions for this genre submitted under the “General Fiction” category. Once I read that query/pages and it becomes clear the manuscript is sci-fi, I’m not going to accept it. And it’s not because it’s not well-written; it’s because I don’t represent sci-fi. It’s simply not in my wheelhouse, and writers should want their work represented by someone who knows the market for their genre and is familiar with what editors are seeking for that particular category. 

QUERY LETTER: Yes, it’s a form, and yes, you clicked this specific agent’s link and typed in your name in the spaces above, but the query letter should still be a letter. In other words, it should be addressed to someone. (Some agents might not care about this detail, but to me it shows you’re taking care with your submission.) Include the agent's name: Dear “X,” and be sure it’s the correct name! Even with a form link, I still get query letters addressed to other agents. In the body of your query letter, provide your pitch/hook, brief book/project description, and any biographical information that is relevant to your writing (some agents have a separate section for your bio). If you don’t have any specific writing credentials or publications to include here, consider mentioning the inspiration for your story or why you're querying that particular agent (i.e., because they’re seeking “x” genre or because they represent books similar in tone to yours). A simple statement indicating you’ve researched an agent’s interests goes a long way in helping your query stand out. 

SYNOPSIS: A synopsis should be approximately one page in length (single-spaced) and should give an overview of the storyline. It should include spoilers. If I receive a fiction synopsis that’s slightly longer than a page, that doesn’t bother me. But if it’s clear the writer doesn’t know how to write a synopsis (i.e., the synopsis is only a few sentences, or it's twelve pages long with character sketches and a chapter-by-chapter breakdown), that leads me to question the writer’s preparedness. Writing a synopsis can be challenging, which is why a solid effort is impressive. If you’re not sure how to write a novel synopsis, do some research and educate yourself on it before submitting. For picture book writers, one brief paragraph should suffice (though I do not represent PBs, so check individual agent websites for their specific guidelines). If you're submitting an adult nonfiction book proposal, chapter summaries/outlines are acceptable, but again, be sure to check individual agent websites for submission preferences/guidelines.

SAMPLE: Regardless of whether the agent has included an upload link or asks that you paste in your sample pages, be sure to include only the page count the agent requests (though most agents don’t mind if you round up or down to the closes section/chapter break). Do not paste 20 pages if the agent asks for five. It shows a lack of respect for the agent’s guidelines. Also, sample pages should begin with the opening pages of your manuscript (or full picture book manuscript) unless otherwise indicated.

PITCH: Yes, you probably included this in your query letter, and the form can often feel redundant, but consider this an opportunity to recapture the agent’s attention. Make sure it’s compelling and catchy. Some agents do not care for hypothetical questions as a pitch, so consider rephrasing if your pitch is formatted as a question. Also, read the prompt carefully. If the agent asks for a one-sentence pitch, give one sentence. If they ask for a paragraph, be sure that’s what you include.

SIMILAR TITLES: Don’t leave this blank unless it’s optional. If you included comp titles in your letter, simply retype the comp titles in this section. Some authors do not include them in their query, so this question is an agent’s way of ensuring the writer provides them. This prompt shows the agent that the writer has considered the market and where their manuscript sits within it. Writing something like, “nothing compares to my novel,” “I couldn’t think of any,” or “my idea is completely original” isn’t the best way to approach this section. The “similar titles” question isn’t insinuating that your manuscript isn’t unique; it shows that you understand there are categories and genres in publishing and that you are informed regarding where your book would sit on the shelves.

TARGET AUDIENCE: This is another way for the agent to gauge your understanding of your manuscript’s appeal. If you’ve written a horror novel dripping with violent scenes and gore, stating it will appeal to children might raise some eyebrows. Of course, that’s an extreme example, but take care to give this prompt some careful thought. Stating your rom-com will appeal to readers of Emily Henry or those who enjoy Nora Ephron films is a solid, sensible response. Stating that your book is “perfect for everyone who loves to read” indicates an unrealistic expectation of your book's appeal. 

Adhering to an agent’s guidelines and thoughtfully responding to all the sections of their query form will go a long way in showing your effort and respect for the submission process and will help your query stand out from the many submissions agents receive each week. 

You’ve put in the time and effort to submit a polished, professional query, and now you wait. When you receive a response, hopefully it’s a request. “I’d love to see the full!” is the message writers dream of reading. When that isn’t the case, a form letter is the usual response. Below is a note about the dreaded form rejection. It won’t erase the sting they deliver, but hopefully it will offer some perspective.

FORM RESPONSES: We writers tend to be a diligent, detail-oriented bunch, so form letters often send us over the edge. You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript, agonized over your query letter, read dozens of books to find the perfect comp titles, and then…Bam! You receive a form rejection. The nerve! As a writer myself, I understand the frustration with form responses. I receive them, too, and I don’t like them. But as an agent? I understand they’re a necessary evil. 

When I started agenting, I was determined to send personalized feedback to all who queried me. I soon found myself drowning under the volume of submissions in my inbox and falling behind at an exorbitant rate because I wanted to include specific feedback in each response. I wanted to prove I had considered every query. It wasn’t long before I had to face facts: if I wanted to reply to everyone (and not have a “no response means no” policy), I’d have to incorporate a form letter for passes. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary. While this is my opinion, other agents have expressed a similar sentiment: It gives them no pleasure to send form rejections, but it’s the only way to keep up with the volume of queries received while still attending to their other agenting responsibilities. So yes, form rejections are frustrating, but they’re a result of time constraints, not a measure of an agent’s respect for your efforts or talent. Please remember that.

In summary, making it to publication is extremely difficult, but putting your best foot forward when completing an agent’s submission form will help you get there. When you send a submission, celebrate! You’ve written a book! Don’t forget to embrace that accomplishment. Cheers to you and your writing! 

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​Annie Romano is a literary associate with Olswanger Literary. She represents adult fiction and select nonfiction projects. She is also a published children’s book author and one of the founders of 24 Carrot Writing. You can learn more about her at www.anniecroninromano.com.

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Of Elephants and Dreams

1/3/2023

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PictureArt by Janine Nel.
~by Amanda Smith

A couple of months ago, I was prattling my mental to-do list aloud while my husband patiently listened. “… and I still have to write down my monthly goals before our 24 Carrot meeting tomorrow,” I said, running out of breath, and steam. And time.

His eyes glinted mischievously. “Just copy last October’s goals,” he said.
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Wrapped up in my busyness, I retorted, “If I could just copy last year’s goals, that means our method doesn’t work very well, does it?”


But wait? Does it? His silly suggestion intrigued me. 24 Carrot Writing celebrated its eighth birthday this year. For eight years (more actually, because we were an accountability group before we were a blog) I’ve religiously set monthly goals, checked them off, and reported back to my partners. Our whole premise is rooted in the idea of setting monthly goals and rewarding ourselves for reaching those goals. But the elephant in the room asks: Does it actually work?

I always check my yearly goals around this time of the year to see where I hit the mark, where I missed, and where, perhaps the road turned in a different direction. We also encourage our readers to check those goals mid-year with our June Years Eve blogs, making sure we are on track. But never have I ever checked a random month from the previous year to see how it lined up with my current journey. In the day-to-day work of writing, does setting monthly goals actually move me markedly forward? Color me curious!
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So, with a hint of trepidation, I flipped back to October 2021 in my beloved bullet journal to reread my goals. 

 This is what I found:
October 2021
Start a new (long) non-fiction project


Rewrite a too long picture book as a graphic novel script. I actually didn’t get to that task in October. It carried over to November 2021.

Write a new Picture Book.
This one carried over a couple of months but…


Revise a Picture Book using a method taught in an online class.

Write poems for an anthology and submit.




​Now
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This project is outlined, about 30% complete, and the proposal is ready to go out this month.

The graphic novel script is complete and being queried.


​… I completed it and submitted it to a competition in May.

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The manuscript went through a couple of revision rounds and is currently being queried.

​One of these poems was selected to be published in 
Bless the Earth: A Children’s Book of Prayers and Poems for Honoring the Earth due March 2024.
What about other 24 Carrot writers? I asked them to peek back at their goals.
Kelly:
October 2021
Spend 30 minutes 3x a week revising my middle grade novel.


Revise 3 picture book manuscripts.



Take Colleen Riordan's Wild Ink Marketing Class




Craft and present a program for my #KidsNeedMentors class.


Now
Completed revisions and gave the novel to critique partners in summer of 2022. Currently revising based on their feedback.

​Signed with an agent this Fall based on one of my picture book manuscripts. We will be out on submission in January.
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I have an author website, an email list of subscribers, and am active on social media in a productive and cohesive manner. When my next book launches, I'll be ready.
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Presented in November of 2021 and have booked a paying visit to a local library in 2023 to give the presentation. The program is listed on my website for teachers and librarians to find. 
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In the past Kristi had a running list of tasks she’d cross off upon completion, but in January 2022 she joined our accountability group and took up monthly goal setting. One of her January goals was to revise a picture book. Her goal for this manuscript was to send it to Gnome Road publishing when their submission window opened in March. ALPACHAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS will hit the shelves in 2024, published by Gnome Road!

The trend is consistent: projects that were started are now complete, rewrites and revisions occurred, picture books went from concept to query (with all the appropriate in-between steps!), some projects carried over from month to month (oops), but eventually, they get done (or end up in the “darlings file”).

Beautiful, inspiring forward motion.

By Jove! It works!

Would we have done some of these things, even if we hadn’t set them as monthly goals? Likely. But would we have done all of them in a timely manner? Definitely not. To be certain, the smaller things, such as those poems, would have fallen off my radar, and I would have missed out on the joy of this anthology to come.

When our kids sometimes feel overwhelmed by the size of a task, my husband would ask: “How do you eat an elephant?”

One bite at a time.
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In the elephantine cycle of writing, revising, critiquing, polishing, querying, waiting, signing, selling, marketing, promoting, doing-it-all-over-again, monthly goals are manageable bites.

So this January, yes, dream big and set those yearly goals! But then commit to bite-sized monthly goals, break them up in daily tasks, and keep moving forward. And every once in a while, peek back and see your progress – the biggest, sweetest, brightest carrot of all!

To learn more about my bullet journal, and how you can also keep track of things like monthly and yearly goals, check out this blog.

About the art:
Janine Nel is a South African artist whose preferred medium is oil, using a photorealistic style. However, she enjoys experimenting with various mediums and paints a multitude of subjects. To learn more, visit her website here, or follow her on her Facebook art page.
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Season's Greetings

12/19/2022

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Dear 24 Carrot Writer,

This year you were brave!
Oh, you know it.
You sent out queries,
(so many queries)
signed with an agent,
acquired an editor,
launched a book
received glowing reviews-
and a few tough ones.
You were brave!
 
You were brave!
Even if you
didn’t query, sign, sell, launch because
you
slogged
on
You wrote words
You wove stories
You learned something new
Revised something old
Created something better
You were brave!
Own it.
 
This Holiday Season,
may you celebrate grit,
encounter hope, and
gather courage
to step boldly into the new year.

Warmest wishes,
Amanda and the 24 Carrot Crew
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2022 Writer's Holiday Wish List

11/28/2022

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The holiday season is here! Are folks asking you for gift ideas? Are you searching for the perfect item for a writing colleague? 24 Carrot Writing has compiled the dream wish list for writers. 

24 Carrot Writing's guest bloggers, contributors, and active founders have each shared a special item that makes their creative endeavors happier, successful, and more productive. We hope you find ideas you want to share and maybe a few carrots for your next month of goals. ​



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Ana Siqueira:
I would love a cute bookend for my bookshelf. Since I keep buying more and more picture books written by  all of my critique partners, I need to place them on my not-for-picture-book shelves. So a cute bookend, something very kiddish, would be the perfect gift for me and keep these books from falling down. After all, what I really wish is for more and more picture books to my add to my collection. 

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Ana Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher, and an award-winning Brazilian children’s author. Her picture books include BELLA’S RECIPE FOR DISASTER/SUCCESS (Beaming Books, 2021) and IF YOUR BABYSITTER IS A BRUJA/CUANDO, TU NIÑERA ES UNA BRUJA (SimonKids, 2022). Learn more about Ana here. 


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Valerie Bolling:
My best writing advice from this year is to set aside time to go to the Highlights Foundation in Milanville, PA. You can enroll in a course or enjoy a personal retreat. 

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I'd heard about Highlights -- how amazing it is -- and had planned to travel there. When I received an invitation to serve as a faculty member in their Summer Camp in Fiction program in July, I gladly accepted; it was definitely a highlight (yes, it's a pun!) of my summer. I was excited to return in September for an Amplify Black Stories retreat, which was equally enjoyable. I'm already planning for a visit in the spring -- with a group of kidlit creators represented by my agent, James McGowan (Go, #TeamJames!) -- and will, hopefully, be invited back in the near future as a faculty member. 

I cannot recommend Highlights enough. The setting is serene; the meals are fabulous; and the community is so warm and welcoming. This experience needs to be on every writer and illustrator's wish list. Highlights also offers 
numerous scholarships, so don't miss their window to apply.
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Valerie Bolling is the author of the 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite award-winning and CT Book Award finalist LET’S DANCE! (March 2020). In 2022 Valerie launched TOGETHER WE RIDE (April) and RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN! (October). To learn more about Valerie, visit here. 


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Nancy Tandon:
One thing I know all writers need from time to time is encouragement. Sometimes we lose track of the idea that this writing gig is supposed to bring us joy! There are inevitable setbacks and difficulties on any creative journey, which is why it's so important to pepper your path with levity. To that end, I highly recommend a set of whimsical book earrings for the discouraged writer in your life! These fully customizable earrings from Sageware Fashion are silly and fun, and remind me of one of the things I love most about writing: the idea that stories connect people. Wear a pair of these guaranteed conversation starters and find out for yourself! 

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Nancy Tandon is an author of middle grade novels, including THE WAY I SAY IT (Charlesbridge, 2022), and THE GHOST OF SPRUCE POINT (Aladdin, 2022). She pulls on her past as a teacher and speech/language pathologist to fuel her current joy: writing stories about awesome kids doing brave things. Visit her at www.nancytandon.com. ​


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Carrie Finison:
These aren’t exactly the best-kept secret, but I’ve loved my Bombas slippers over the past year. I have their “Gripper Slippers” which are essentially like socks, but soooo much better. They fit a little loose on your feet, have a warm, cozy lining, and are perfect for snuggling up on the couch during a writing session or keeping 

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your feet cozy during a virtual school visit. I have also packed these to take on writing retreats because it’s nice to have a few of the comforts of home. Also if you haven’t tried their regular socks, you really should!
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Carrie Finison writes picture books with humor and heart, including DOZENS OF DOUGHNUTS (2020), DON'T HUG DOUG (2021), and – new in 2022 – LULU & ZOEY: A SISTER STORY, and HURRY LITTLE TORTISE, TIME FOR SCHOOL!. For updates and giveaways, subscribe to her newsletter, check out her website, or follow on Twitter or Instagram.


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Elisa Boxer:
​I can't seem to get enough tote bags!

I use them to organize, store and carry books, notebooks, clipboards, paper files and other materials for projects-in-progress. I bring them to author visits and storytimes. I fill them with snacks. They're fun, practical, personal and portable! And of course, I especially love tote bags featuring bookish themes! A few of my favorites: this library card tote from the New York Public Library, and this super sturdy tote from my local indie, Print: A Bookstore!

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Kirkus called Elisa Boxer's picture book, COVERED IN COLOR: CHRISTO & JEANNE-CLUADE'S FABRICS OF FREEDOM, "compelling from cover to cover" in a starred review. She is also the author of THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE, ONE TURTLE'S LAST STRAW, and SPLASH! (a Junior Library Guild Selection).  Visit her at https://www.elisaboxer.com. 


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Samantha Gassman:
I love a good craft book! For as much as I’ve learned over the last few years about writing, reading craft books is a great way to fill in the knowledge gaps, and spark creativity. Several include creative writing exercises and guides to help you draft, revise, and submit your manuscripts! As a writer, there is always more to learn about the craft!

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Samantha Gassman is the author of DEAR RAINBOW BABY (Clear Fork, 2022), HONOR FLIGHT (Benchmark Edu., 2022) and the forthcoming picture book PEANUT AND BUTTER CUP (Clear Fork, 2024). She is an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and mom. Learn more about Sam and her projects here.


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​ June Cotner:
About ten years ago, inspired by Steal Like an Artist, I decided to “keep a logbook,” as author Ausin Kleon advised. I used a 6.5 x 9 lined Paperblanks journal with a magnetic closure. I called it MY CREATIVITY JOURNAL.
I use it for three purposes:
  • to brainstorm new book and product ideas
  • paste in any creativity ideas from others
  • plan book pub delivery and pub dates.
I especially love using a variety of colored pen sets. This journal has been such a joy and has sparked many new ideas! 

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June Cotner is the author of FOR EVERY LITTLE THING  and 37 other books, which collectively have sold more than one million copies and have been featured in many national publications. To find out more about June, visit her website at www.junecotner.com.


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Alison Goldberg:
For the writer in search of focus, give the gift of noise-cancelling headphones. I use mine to tune out the world outside my manuscript while piping in the sounds of ocean waves and rainstorms. I choose a soundtrack that matches the setting for my project at hand.
 
Pair this gift with a sign-up for Writers’ Hour, a virtual, hour-long writing sprint that takes place at 8 am in four different time zones each weekday. It’s a great way to find focus with other writers around the world.

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Alison Goldberg is the author of the picture book BOTTLE TOPS: THE ART OF EL ANATSUI, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Lee & Low Books, 2022) and I LOVE YOU FOR MILES AND MILES (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2017). Learn more about Alison at www.alisongoldberg.com.


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Kelly Carey:
​Rich and satisfying stories tap into a reader’s five senses. Last year, Amanda, my fellow 24 Carrot Writing co-founder, gifted me an adorable reed diffuser. It sits across from my desk and fills the room with its lovely aroma. With each breath, I am reminded to fill my texts with smell, sight, touch, sound, and taste. As a mini carrot for a good bit of writing or revising, I let myself flip over a reed and renew my space with scent. 

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Kelly Carey is an award winning children’s fiction author from Massachusetts. Her debut picture book, HOW LONG IS FOREVER? (Charlesbridge, 2020) received a glowing review from Kirkus and was named a MUST READ by the Mass Center for the Book. Kelly is a 24 Carrot Writing co-founder. To learn more about Kelly visit here. 


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Annie Cronin Romano:
For the aspiring author, I recommend the gift of research and learning. A membership to Publishers Marketplace can offer writers ready to query valuable insights into the kind of projects agents are acquiring, as well as the latest scoop on publishing news. For those still honing their writing skills (it's a lifelong process!), a membership to a local writing group (The Writers' Loft, and Grub Street are examples in the Boston area) or national writing organization (i.e., SCBWI, Mystery Writers of America) provides a rich resource for writing workshops, conferences, and supportive community. There's an organization for every genre and writing interest!

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Annie Cronin Romano is one of the co-founders of 24 Carrot Writing and is a published picture book author. In addition to her love of kidlit, she also writes adult fiction, works as a bookseller at an indie bookstore, and is a literary associate with Olswanger Literary. Learn more about Annie at www.anniecroninromano.com.


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Megan Litwin:
For an inspirational gift this year I’m recommending a new picture book that speaks not only to children, but to creative souls of all ages. To Make, written by Danielle Davis and illustrated by Mags DeRoma, shows all sorts of things being made across deliciously inventive illustrations – from songs and stories, to gardens and cakes. A celebration of creativity, and also patience and perseverance, the repeated refrain spoke right to my debut writer heart: “Gather, make, wait.” Gift this book to any writer, who will recognize these steps (especially the waiting!) and find inspiration in the hopeful, joyous culminating spread.
Beautiful things take time, friends. Keep making!​

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Megan Litwin is a 24 Carrot Writing Regular Contributor and author of TWINKE, TWINKLE, WINTER NIGHT (Clarion, 2022) and the upcoming early reader series, DIRT AND BUGSY (Penguin Workshop, 2023). Learn more about Megan at www.meganlitwinbooks.com/​. ​


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Kristi Mahoney: 
For those that might be writing through the long (and sometimes dreary) months of winter, I recommend a sunshine lamp like this one. Having a welcoming desk space that makes you happy is important when you spend so much time there. And what’s more welcoming than the sun when you haven’t seen it for days? I switch on the warm light setting and suddenly I'm transported into the golden hour. Works on rainy days too or anytime my writing space (or mood) needs brightening. 

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​Kristi Mahoney is a children's book writer from Massachusetts and a 24 Carrot Writing Regular Contributor. Her debut picture book, ALPACAS MAKE TERRIBLE LIBRARIANS, will be released by Gnome Road Publishing in Fall 2024. She can be reached at www.kristimahoneybooks.com.

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Amanda Smith:
Often writers will tell you what they want most is uninterrupted TIME to write. How do you gift a writer time?

​By freeing them from some of  the nitty-gritty, time-thieving, everyday chores. My most practical writing-time gift comes in the form of a robot vacuum cleaner! Writing while vacuuming?
Win- win!
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Other time-saving gifts include hiring a monthly cleaning service for a year, or offering home-made coupons for chores (take-out dinner, laundry folding, driving-duty, etc.) that writers can "cash in" when needed. Cute coupons can be purchased here, but hand made ones are just perfect. If you are feeling extremely generous, gifting a writer with a weekend writing retreat will go down in the annals as the best gift ever!

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Amanda Smith is a co-founder of 24 Carrot Writing. Her poems can be found in the Writer's Loft Anthology, Friends and Anemones: Ocean Poems for Children and in the upcoming anthology Bless the Earth (Convergent Books, 2024) Learn more  at AmandaSmithWrites.

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How a Very Special Beta Reader Helped Author Ellen Mayer

11/21/2022

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 Guest Blog by Ellen Mayer
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All picture books are works of collaboration. But with Leaves to My Knees, I had an extra-special helper: my young granddaughter. Elise was three-and-a-half years old when I first brought her in as a collaborator. A beta reader for this newly published book, she is now a first grader.
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The Math Makes Sense
 Leaves to My Knees is a playful STEM story about a little girl, Camille, who is determined to rake a pile of leaves all the way up to her knees to jump in. In the story I wanted to demonstrate how young children, before they use formal units of measurement like a ruler, measure by comparing sizes with their own bodies in everyday activities.
 
Elise at age three-and-a-half helped me “test out” the use of the math ideas on measurement and comparing sizes in my polished draft. As we raked leaves together in the backyard, I slipped in story character Camille’s mathematical thinking. How about raking a pile all the way up to your knees? I asked. The prospect not only delighted Elise, but the thinking felt true and natural to her, and soon she was chatting about the progress of the pile up her legs, just like story character Camille. She was also interested in comparing the size of her little toy rake against the big grown-up rake of her grandfather. For this young child, the math in the story made sense. 


Clarification Is Needed 
In the fall of 2019, I submitted the manuscript to the publisher. After I signed a contract for the book in the spring of 2020, Elise began to help me with revisions. While zoom readings during the beginning of the pandemic meant the loss of the lap, this technology did afford me a clear view of Elise’s four-year-old face, and I was able to make note of her expressions and body language as I read the text to her. Before the reading, I said: 

Elise, there are no pictures yet. You’ll just have to imagine them for now. But I’ll read you the words. 
She listened intently as I read through the entire text.
What do you think? I asked.
GOOD! she proclaimed.
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Even without the art, the story kept her attention – and elicited smiles.
 
But I noticed one point where Elise furrowed her brows. When Camille sets out to rake leaves all the way up to her knees, she hoists her rake up onto her shoulder and does so “Because I mean business.” 
Elise was clearly drawing a blank at the idiom.

Is “I mean business” kind of confusing? Should I change that a bit? I asked.
Yeah.
How about if I say: “Because I am serious­­­­­­­­­––I mean business!”
That’s good, she said.

Of all the idioms in the story, that one needed a little explication for this four-year-old.
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Reconsider a Character 
Months later, a PDF arrived from publisher Star Bright Books with illustrator Nicole Tadgell’s full-color art in it. After reading it aloud to Elise, my beta listener paused thoughtfully and asked:
 
You know, Mimi, Jayden doesn’t say anything. How come?
 
That gave me pause. She found it odd that the goofy and playful two-year-old brother Jayden didn’t say anything. I never deliberately intended for him to be silent. Hmmmm.
 
My publisher was getting the files ready for the printer, but I had to email the editorial team.
 
If it's not too late, I have a suggestion for one more text edit. This suggestion is prompted by a comment made by my granddaughter when I read her the story recently. She pointed out – with some concern – that Jayden doesn't say anything in the story.
 
I suggested that we have Jayden join in with Daddy when he cheers Camille on with a GO! as she readies herself to jump into her leaf pile, now up to her knees.
 
Star Bright Books concurred. One of the editors wrote back:
 
It’s always fascinating to learn what children can see that adults don’t. Thank you, Elise, now Jayden has his own “voice.”
   
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A Starred Review  
I learned that the reception of the story only improved with repeated readings.

I watched my granddaughter sitting on the sofa beside her grandfather as he read aloud from the pages of the PDF, her face passing through a wide range of emotions as Camille suffers ups and downs in her leaf-raking project. When they got to the page where Camille steps into her hard-earned knee-high leaf pile, confirming that it indeed reaches to her knees, and shouts “TA-DA!”,
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Elise sprang up on the sofa and raised her hands high above her head in victory, just like Camille, and shouted joyfully:
 
TA-DA!
 
Months later, she insisted that she had “requested” that Camille say “TA-DA” back in the editorial stage. But then, that’s what happens in collaboration, isn’t it? We often forget who contributed what.
 
When she was six years old and a rising first grader, Elise wrote out her review.

To help her elaborate on her stickies, I said I wanted to “interview” her about each page. With much eagerness and solemnity, she pulled up a chair next to mine. As we slowly examined each page I asked her what she thought and she provided detailed feedback. She loved what the kids were wearing (it’s a Stegosaurus hood on Jayden), Jayden was so funny, her favorite image was the cover because Camille looks so happy.
 
Elise identified with Camille, and she thought her peers would, too. They would understand how Camille feels and they’d feel the same way in that situation.
 
Like, it’s a good book because it’s kind of like you’d be if you were Camille… I think the kids in my kindergarten class would’ve liked the book because it’s like them.
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Ready to Read
 Soon after Elise started first grade, I had a surprise for her. It was the “F&G”, the folded and gathered advance pages of the book, before it was bound. It was a glossy splash of fall color, all ready to read, with real pages to turn. She was the person I most wanted to share it with. I jumped right in and started reading.
 
After several pages, she put her hand over mine.
She had a surprise for me, too.
 
STOP, MIMI! she said. Let me read. I’ll read this page.
Since I couldn’t see very well through my tears, I let her take over.
 
The book had come far in those last three years.
And so had Elise.


Lessons Learned From a Young Beta-Reader 
Quite apart from the joy our journey together afforded me, getting reactions from a real child helped my writing process:
  1. As we enacted story concepts out in the world, and later shared the text and then images, I felt some validation that the story was working on a fundamental level.
  2. Sharing also helped me strengthen the text with some key edits ranging from word choice to character presentation.
  3. Finally, involving my granddaughter over a period of time as the project developed gave me a glimpse of how a child at different ages might interact with this book. While the five-year-old let out a cheer along with the main character, the six-year-old learning to read was also buoyed by the repetition and assonance in the text.
 
Each child and each book process is unique. For myself in this case, I came away with some thoughts about how to incorporate a young child into the making of a picture book:
  1. Getting feedback on what was working and not working when my granddaughter was three required starting with careful observation of her behaviors as I read the story aloud. A very different process than that with an older reader child for a beta test of a middle grade novel! And zoom was my friend here.
  2. However, when she was an older six, my child collaborator enjoyed fielding questions about her responses to the book.
  3. I think allowing Elise to interact with the emerging book in ways that were developmentally appropriate and driven by her (coloring! cutting!), added to her excitement about and engagement in our collaborative process.

 You will never sell a book by claiming that your grandchild loves it, but working with a young reader in your family to critically evaluate your manuscript can make it stronger and help it find publishing success. I hope the collaboration I enjoyed with my granddaughter, as I worked on Leaves to my Knees, makes you think about using your own young beta-reader to improve your work.


Leaves to My Knees, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, and published by Star Bright Books in October 2022, is Ellen Mayer’s ninth book for children and her third math-infused one. Before focusing on writing for children, Ellen was an education researcher at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, studying family engagement in young children’s learning, and an early literacy specialist home visitor with the Cambridge Public Schools in Massachusetts. To learn more about Ellen and her various books for children, visit her website at www.ellenmayerbooks.com. To learn more about illustrator Nicole Tadgell visit her website at ​http://nicoletadgell.art/.

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How To Prepare for World Read Aloud Day!

11/7/2022

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by  Kelly Carey

​For two years I have enthusiastically participated in World Read Aloud Day. This annual event, held on the first Wednesday in February, brings authors and teachers together to host a day of virtual author visits in classrooms around the world. The day is fun and exciting, and meant to inspire students. But if authors don't take a few simple steps, it can also be nerve-racking and exhausting. 
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If you are a published author with a book to share and want to join this annual event, here are some tips to make your World Read Aloud Day run smoothly. 


Register
Visit the World Read Aloud Day (WRAD for short) site here to learn all about the WRAD program. The site is filled with information on how WRAD works, and offers great resources to make your involvement special. Once you decide to be a participant, you can register as a volunteer author on Kate Messner's blog here. It’s free to participate and you are not required to send books. All that is required is that you offer a few free virtual classroom visits on the first Wednesday in February. 

Before you register, finish reading this blog. You'll want all the tips before you fill out your registration form. 
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Consider Stamina
The first time I participated in WRAD, I was SO excited that I booked visits from early in the morning and then every thirty minutes until late in the afternoon. Each WRAD visit is set to be fifteen to twenty minutes long. I foolishly thought that a ten-minute break between meetings was ample time to reset. By the end of the day, I was frazzled and exhausted. Not to mention hungry and needing a bathroom break!

Think about your energy level and stamina and consider how many high energy visits you can really do. My improved WRAD plan has me starting at 9am with visits on the hour until 4pm. I also built in a lunch hour.  This is doable for me. Setting visits on the hour versus the half hour alleviates the stress if a school signs in late, or if technical difficulties cause delays. Sometimes, an energized classroom needs just a few extra minutes so one or two more students get a chance to ask a question. Building in a cushion will not only give you a chance to regroup, but it could also be important for the teacher and students excited for your visit.
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Create A Sign-Up Form
Once you have decided how many visits you want to offer and at what times, you will want to create a sign-up form. I didn't create a form on my first year and the result was email chaos. Teachers were asking for odd times, conflicting times, cancelling, rebooking, and just when I thought I had overlaps smoothed out, emails requesting another change would hit my inbox.

A clear sign-up form ensures that teachers reserve a visit for an available time and only when they are really ready to commit.

I recommend using Sign Up Genius to administer your WRAD schedule. Sign Up Genius is free and easy to use. Check out Sign Up Genius here and for a sample of my WRAD sign up form go here.

My form asks teachers to provide the student's grade level, and the name, state, and country of their school. I also ask for an email contact that I use later to confirm the visit and gather information on a link for the visit.

Your sign-up form is the perfect place to layout expectations for the visit. WRAD visits are meant to be twenty-minute virtual visit where authors greet students, read their book, and offer a quick Q&A. This is NOT an hours long classroom visit with crafts and activities. Being clear on the format when teachers sign up helps ensure that everyone understands the structure of the visit.

When you register for WRAD, use the web address for your sign-up form on the registration. That way interested teachers will be directed to your form. Then go ahead and blast a link to the form out on social media. If you get email requests from teachers, you can eliminate confusion by replying with an email directing them to your sign-up form.
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Once your form is full, you can direct teachers to an author friend or two who might still have open slots. Keep a few of these authors in mind and be ready to send teachers to their forms.


Send Confirmations and Reminders
Once a classroom has signed up, I send a confirmation email. I reiterate the format of the visit, confirm the time and date, and ask if the school will provide a visit link or if they would like me to send a link. I also ask the teacher if they would like their students to have the opportunity to order signed copies of my book (more on this later). A week before WRAD, I send out a reminder that reviews all this information again. This reminder email is a terrific opportunity to ask the teacher to emcee the Q&A by calling on students during our visit. With a virtual visit, I find this format works best. 

​Check Your Technology
All WRAD visits are virtual. While many schools will send you a visit link, some may prefer you to provide them with a link. Make sure you are ready and comfortable to work in different virtual meeting platforms. I defer to the school’s meeting platform of choice as many schools are required to use an approved system. But if the school wants me to set up the visit link, I use Zoom. I have found it helpful to create a separate Zoom meeting for each school. Some authors have a single Zoom link for the day, but I always worry that one school will sign in on top of another’s school’s visit.

Regardless of the platform for the visit, you'll want to make sure your computer has a functioning speaker and camera. Set up a practice visit with a trusted KidLit friend to make sure things are working well. Be careful, sometimes when you move away from your computer and hold a book up, it blocks your voice and kids will not be able to hear you reading your wonderful words! To combat this, I recommend using Air Pods or headphones.
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Make sure you create a visually appealing and appropriate background for your visits. Consider the lighting in your space and make sure that as the sun travels across the hours of your WRAD visits that you are easy to see and not shadowed or sun shined out. You can place copies of your books in the background and opt to wear colorful clothes that compliment your book’s cover. 

Book or Slides
Think about how you want to present your book. Some folks will prefer to read a copy of their book as they hold it up for kids to see. Be sure you frame your book on the screen, so it is easily viewed. The advantage of holding up the book as you read is that you can point to certain things on each page for emphasis and pull the book closer to the computer camera for a zoomed in effect.
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I prefer using a PowerPoint slide show as I read. The benefit here is that my face becomes a small little screen-in-screen image for my audience and the pages of the book fill their classroom monitor. For this method, I start out on camera, and then after introductions, switch over to the slideshow. After reading the book, I close out the slideshow and do the Q&A portion without slides. To create your book slideshow, you can ask your publisher to provide you with a PDF file of the book then build your slide show by making each page its own slide. If your publisher cannot provide a PDF, you can take pictures of each page of your book and upload them into a slide show. 

Create a WRAD Day Schedule Sheet
Even if you have smartly assessed your stamina, set up a sign-up form, and managed expectations, the day can still be a bit hectic. Make a cheat sheet of the day for yourself with each visit, the teacher’s name, email, and a clickable visit link. This will keep your entire day and all those visit links in one place rather than having to click around looking for emails from individual teachers and nervously trying to remember where exactly you saved the link for each visit.
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It’s a good idea to make sure the name of the school, town and state is on this sheet as this information can be a wonderful way to make a connection with the students in your opening introduction. 

Option to Allow Book Purchases
Although it is not required, you can try to team up with a local indie bookstore and offer classrooms the opportunity for signed copies. You can also offer to send signed book plates to a bookstore near the school so that students can purchase signed copies. Both options involve planning.

To offer signed copies, I work in tandem with my local indie bookstore. I create and provide the school with a flyer they can reproduce and send home with their students detailing directions for ordering an autographed book. The bookstore agrees to facilitate the ordering. The benefit here is that I am not collecting forms or money, nor is the teacher. Instead, we direct caregivers/parents to order online directly from the sponsoring bookstore. To make this easier and cost effective for the bookstore, the bookstore bulk ships the books to the teacher for distribution to the students. Not every bookstore will be willing to partner with you to make this process happen, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask.

If you can find a bookstore partner and you want students to have the books in hand for WRAD, you will want to allow time for the teachers to distribute flyers, caregivers/parents to order books, and the bookstore  to mail the books out. Set ordering deadlines and allow for the time the bookstore will need to assemble and ship the books before WRAD in February. If this is too complicated, it is also fine to tell students that books can be ordered up until the day of WRAD and books will be shipped out 2-3 weeks after WRAD. All these details can be worked out with the bookstore.

Getting book orders is not the point of WRAD. This is an option that I mention when I send out confirmation emails. Some teachers will love the idea and others will politely pass.
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Finally, some authors send swag to the schools like bookmarks and stickers. This is not something I have the budget for and so I have not offered this perk. But if you want to send out a thank you note with swag, just be sure you know how many students are in the classroom so that you send the right amount. 
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​Have Fun!
World Read Aloud Day is a wonderful chance to share your book with students. Take some time to plan out the day so that you, and the classrooms you visit, have a fantastic WRAD experience! 

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Writers are Revisers

10/24/2022

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~Guest blog by Janet Costa Bates

​I call myself a writer, but I’m not sure why. I should call myself a ‘reviser,’ since, like most writers, I spend much more time revising manuscripts than I do writing the first draft. Writing the first draft is exciting, but the real magic happens during the revision process.
 
My first step in the revision process is to do absolutely nothing. I figuratively put the manuscript into a drawer and then work on something else. When it’s time to look back at it, I can do so with fresh eyes. Are there plot holes and how can they best be fixed? Are the characters true and consistent? If not, does something happen in the story to drive the change in their behavior? Is there fluff to be cut? Cuts can be as small as individual words or as big as characters, sub-plots, or description. I often pick a random number and make myself cut that number of words from a manuscript. There’s safety in knowing I can put any of the words back in, but I rarely do. 
 
I also go through the manuscript for grammar - NOT my favorite part. After all, my rule for commas is ‘random.’ Although I try to get the manuscript into decent shape, I’ve learned not to obsess too much. I now know there are magical people called copy editors who have much more grammatical talent than I do. 
 
Some revisions are routine and fairly quick. Other revisions are not at all routine, not at all quick, but totally worth it. Let me share a few examples with you.

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Years ago, I started a manuscript as a picture book, but eventually realized, not only was it too long, it didn't have the visuals a picture book required. After revising, I tried it as a magazine story. It received some interest from a major children’s magazine but, even though I’m pretty good at accepting editorial suggestions, I couldn’t quite wrap my head around some of the changes they were requesting. 
 
At a retreat, someone suggested it would be better as a middle grade, so I stretched it into a novel. With that story, I got an agent. My agent spent years - yes, years - trying to sell it. The phrase ‘raving rejections’ started to make sense to me. Editors gushed over the characters, expressed their love for the voice, but ultimately, they all said no to the story.
 
At a Whispering Pines Retreat, I had a critique with Christian Trimmer, then a Simon and Schuster editor. Similar to the others who had rejected the manuscript, he said the story had great characters, great voice, but the plot wasn’t working. He followed that up with ‘but you have a great set-up for a chapter book series.’ My then agent still wanted to try it as a middle grade, but eventually, after a friendly parting of the ways with that agent, I went with Christian’s advice. LLAMAS, IGUANAS, AND MY VERY BEST FRIEND, illustrated by Gladys Jose, is the first in the Rica Baptista chapter book series. It will be released by Candlewick Press on October 25 and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. I’m looking forward to its November 9th launch at An Unlikely Story.

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A process that took even longer was a picture book manuscript I started in 1999. I went to my first NESCBWI Conference, met an editor, and submitted the manuscript. She gently turned it down with a helpful note explaining why. That was the first of many rejections it received. 
 
I spent a few more years revising it. Again. And again. More rejections. Finally, I put it in a drawer – for about ten years. (I don’t recommend putting a manuscript in a drawer for ten years, but, well, sometimes life happens and you don’t get a chance to open up that drawer for a while.)  Eventually, I took that manuscript out, greatly revised it, and sent it to Andrea Tompa of Candlewick, whom I had met with at a conference. She said yes!
 
TIME FOR BED, OLD HOUSE, illustrated by AG Ford, was released in 2021 and has received several honors. It was well worth the wait and the revisions. (Side note: That first editor to whom I sent a very early version of TIME FOR BED, OLD HOUSE, was Mary Lee Donovan of Candlewick. As Andrea’s boss, she gave her the nod to acquire it. Publishing is a small world, my friends.)
 
So, look at your manuscript with fresh eyes. Find the plot holes, strengthen the characters, and cut the fluff. Putting time and effort into your revisions will make the magic happen.

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Bio
Janet Costa Bates is the author of LLAMAS, IGUANAS, AND MY VERY BEST FRIEND (Candlewick), the first book in the Rica Baptista chapter book series and a Junior Library Guild selection. TIME FOR BED, OLD HOUSE (Candlewick), received four starred reviews, was listed on several 2021 best books lists, and was an NAACP Image Award nominee. SEASIDE DREAM (Lee and Low), received a Lee and Low New Voices Honor Award. Find her at janetcostabates.com or on Twitter/IG @jcostabates.

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24 Carrot Writing Has A NEW LOOK!

10/5/2022

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by Kelly Carey

​As we celebrate our 8th birthday, we are excited to unveil a new logo and a revamped website.

We’ve come a long way from those early days button mashing and grumbling at the computer as we learned to navigate the ins and outs of creating a website and launching 24 Carrot Writing. Over the past eight years we have seen our 24 Carrot Writing community grow and we are so thrilled to have a full and vibrant crew of carrots!

Take some time to visit our sleek new website, and enjoy our snazzy new logo. And thank you for joining us as we all continue to explore the craft and carrots of writing for children! 


It wouldn’t be a 24 Carrot Writing post if we didn’t take this moment to encourage you to consider an overhaul of your own social media presence. We know you worked hard to design that initial website or set up your author Facebook page. You probably stressed over finding just the right photo and picking the perfect font. And when you hit “publish” and launched your virtual presence it was likely a moment of joyous trepidation. Then you hopefully relaxed and let your website chug through the internet cosmos.

But have you gotten too relaxed?
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When was the last time you perused your own website? Is the photo for your Facebook page looking nothing like you anymore? Or as Amanda’s son smartly pointed out, is your site just looking a little "old fashioned."

Your craft goal this month could be to revamp your social media presence. 
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​Tips to Guide Your Revamp: 
• Replace an old headshot with a current picture. 
• Did your initial website excitedly announce the upcoming launch of your new book, but now that book has been out in the world for years?
• Make sure your bio is up to date. 
• Have you received accolades, awards or maybe just pictures of kids enjoying your work? Make sure your site reflects those achievements. 
• Are you proud of a class you took, group you joined, or conference you attended? Pop a logo from the hosting organization on your site.
• Does your copy need a little polishing and should you lob off a few “darlings”? Or -eek – did you spot a typo! Like the skilled writer you are, revise, revise, revise.
• Check your links! Make sure all your in-site links shuttle users to just the right place. 
• Many folks view websites from their phones. Does your site holdup when perused from a phone? 
• Finally, ask for feedback from writing friends and your community to make sure your site looks visually modern, is user friendly, and takes advantage of new technology. 
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​Good luck with your own social media refresh. If you are a member of 24 Carrot Writing, we invite you to add our new logo to your website. 
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Megan Litwin Lights Up Bookshelves September 20, 2022!

9/13/2022

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~by Amanda Smith​

There are few things at 24 Carrot Writing that thrills us as much as celebrating one of our own. Even though Megan is a recent addition to the 24 Carrot team, joining us in 2021 as a regular contributor, she has been “one of our own,” for a long time.

I first met Megan at a critique group organized through the Writers’ Loft. Soon after, I ran into her at the NESCBWI Spring Conference, and later that year we both attended a picture book workshop together. Somehow, during that time frame, each one of the original 24 Carrot founders’ paths crossed with Megan’s at different events, and the following year we all carpooled together to the Spring Conference. Those daily drives back and forth were filled with engaging conversations about writing, and workshops, and dreams. Megan had just signed with her agent, Lindsay Davis Auld from Writers House, and we were excitedly crossing all our fingers and toes for her. And here we are – four years later, celebrating the bright light of Megan’s debut picture book Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night (Clarion Books) illustrated by Nneka Myers!
Over the years we have learned many lessons from Megan's approach to writing and her work philosophy. We'd love to share some of those with you.

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LESSONS WE'VE LEAREND FROM MEGAN:
Be Gracious:
At that very first critique group, one of those serendipitous, hive-mind, similarly-themed-story flukes popped up. In the past, I’ve witnessed these kinds of situations ruin writerly relationships, but Megan responded with so much grace and this-is-the-business professionalism that it was hardly a blip on the radar. Over the years we’ve witnessed her kind support to the writing community, her willingness to jump in and help at book events, her praise and appreciation for other writers, and as a critique partner, her thoughtful insight and cheerleading of our writing – always with a generous dose of Megan sparkle.

Follow Your Passions:
Before focusing on writing, Megan was a classroom teacher and reading interventionist. Literacy accessibility is one of her biggest passions. She doesn’t just love writing. She loves books, and reading, and kids reading books, and reading books to kids, and making reading available to all. This passion is sprinkled, like star-dust, onto everything she does, her audience always in her mind. Not only does it drive her to write beautifully lyrical picture books, but also to explore other ways of breaking open the written word to children, such as writing for the educational market, classroom poetry, and early readers. As a matter of fact, Megan has the first two books of an early reader series Dirt and Bugsy launching in February and June 2023. Following her passion has led her to all kinds of exhilarating opportunities.

Trust the Process:
The publishing process is long. Very long. Excruciatingly long. Megan signed with her agent in June 2018, and went out on submission later that same month. With a different manuscript. Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night was actually her second submission, and between the two, there were two years of ups and downs, very close-calls, and plenty of rejection before signing that contract in 2020. There are so many anxiety-causing stepping stones on the path to publishing, yet Megan trusted her team and her talent, and stayed the course, one step at a time.

Own Your Style:
When we browse bookstores or share library finds, often one of us will pull a book and announce, “This is a Megan-book.” Megan-books feature lovely language, read-aloud-ability, solid rhythm, winks of humor, and oodles of heart. While the style might be recognizable, her voice is uniquely hers. When it comes to writing picture books, Megan is a lyrical writer. She knows it. She owns it. And she excels at it.

We are so excited that we can now pull an actual, very real, totally authentic Megan-book from the shelves. One with her name on the cover! Readers, you and your little ones will fall in love with Megan’s tight writing, her poetic phrasing, and her lilting diction in Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night!
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Dear Megan, we are so excited for you! Shine bright!

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Bio: 
Megan Litwin is a children’s book author, a former classroom teacher, and a forever believer in book magic. She holds a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature from Simmons University and lives in Massachusetts with her family.

She will launch Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night Friday, September 23 at 6 pm under the twinkly lights of The Unlikely Story. Click here ​for more information on this event and other upcoming bookstore visits.

Ask for Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night at your local bookstore or order here.

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3-2-1 LIFTOFF: Getting Creative With Your Book Launch!

8/29/2022

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Guest Blog by Nancy Tandon

Nancy Tandon launched two middle grade novels, including her debut, in 2022.

​24 Carrot Writing is excited to have Nancy guest blog for us today. She is sharing the details behind the creative events she hosted and how she pulled off two very different book launches.

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Welcome Nancy!


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​Speaking at an NESCBWI conference years ago, Jarrett Krosoczka imparted this sage advice to the gathered kidlit writers: “You get one book launch.”
 
He was talking about the fact that your first book launch usually ends up looking very much like an episode of “This Is Your Life,” with friends and family turning out in large numbers to support the culmination of your hard work. My takeaway was: enjoy the heck out of it, and don’t expect to get the same reaction with subsequent launches.
 
That day in the audience, I never imagined that I’d be launching two debut middle grade novels in one year! Like many aspiring authors, I’d been dreaming for a long time about hosting my own book event. But when things became real, I felt a bit overwhelmed about the particulars such as location and what the heck I was actually supposed to do and say if people showed up. Spoiler alert: they did! And people are going to show up for you, too. So, here are a few tips to consider when you are headed into your own countdown.
 
My first novel, THE WAY I SAY IT, arrived on the scene in January 2022. Because the threat of Covid spread was still high, I knew I’d have to get creative with both the location and ways for people to access the event. I wanted attendees to feel safe, but I also desperately wanted to celebrate this long-delayed moment. My local indie bookstore (River Bend Bookshop in Glastonbury, CT) is an amazing but very small space. A winter event in an adorable house-sized bookstore was not going to work.

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​So, with the store owner’s support, I devised a hybrid model for the launch. First, I moved the in-person portion to a large room in my town’s community center. This was an extra cost for me, but many free venues (library meeting rooms, etc.) were still not open to the public. I felt it was worth the expense, especially as the rental came with a nice man who set up tables, a podium, and a sound system. 

The bookstore staff graciously joined me there and essentially established a temporary annex for the afternoon. Remember, booksellers want the event to be successful too. Plus, they often come with a whole set of skills that make them ideal event partners. Before you stress over the details, be sure to ask and understand what tasks the staff may already be willing and able to manage for you. 
or example, since you may have folks that cannot attend in person, consider asking the bookstore if they can add a virtual component to your launch. That way you'll be sure even Aunt Sally in Idaho can be there for your big moment. For my hybrid launch, River Bend staff were key in setting up a way for guests to join the event virtually. They created an Eventbrite link, handled the registrations, and on the day of the launch ran all the tech for me. All I had to do was remember to turn to the webcam and smile! And even if technology is not a terrifying black hole for you, let the bookstore staff (or some other competent friend) take the lead on any virtual/high-tech components. That way you can concentrate on being fabulous!

If for any reason your local bookstore’s space isn’t the best setting for you, don’t be afraid to speak to them about partnering at a different venue. Maybe a park, ballfield or a community center would better fit the mood of your book and be more appealing to your launch audience. Libraries are another great (and low-cost) idea, and you may pick up audience members just by centering your event in a book-loving space. Get creative! But do also think about logistics such as bathrooms, acoustics, and seating. Remember, you are hosting guests.
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Snack table themed to the book's characters.
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A book launch "maid of honor" can help make sure things run smoothly.
For people showing up in-person at my January launch, I wanted to make leaving their homes on a cold winter day worth it. I had snacks (individually packaged), games, prizes, and a photo booth. Games and prizes were themed to scenes from the book (such as a magnetic dart board because that’s what the main character plays during speech therapy and a “Guess how many M & M’s jar” because those are another character’s favorite candy). ​
I enlisted members of my book club and critique group to run the activity stations for me. Everyone was so helpful! I really could not have done it without them.

I recommend you earmark a book launch “maid of honor” who knows how you want things to run. And, of course, thank all your assistants with cards and/or small gifts afterward. 
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In the end, I signed a ton of books, enjoyed friends and family, and truly felt like the book had a proper birthday celebration. 
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Eight months later, it was time to launch the second of my “2 in ‘22” debuts, THE GHOST OF SPRUCE POINT. Summertime and a slightly waning Covid threat opened many possibilities for me. And I remembered Jarrett’s admonition. I’d already had my one book launch. I knew I’d need to get creative in order to drum up excitement for another celebration. 

One unique thing about this particular book is how integral the setting is to the story, almost becoming a character. The fictional Spruce Point peninsula is based on a real place in coastal Maine that my parents retired to over 20 years ago. I’m a big fan of their town’s indie bookstore, Blue Hill Books, as well as their vibrant library. Add in the fact that I was going to be in the area for a family reunion (built in audience) on the day the book dropped, and the idea for a destination book launch was born!
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​Again, I relied on local bookstore staff to help with book ordering and sales, and this time used the nearby library’s gorgeous event space. I spread the word to the middle grade-minded audience in the area through my family and friend connections. 
I like to think of a launch from a guest’s point of view, striving to make it more about them and their experience than about selling books. You will want to practice (and time) your presentation, making sure to keep the pace clicking along. I began by thanking my hosts and particular audience members, then read an excerpt from chapter one. After that, we played “Ghost-story Mad Libs” as a group, which was a huge hit. I would encourage you to think of an all-play game you can offer your launch crowd. This gets the audience involved and having fun. 
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​Next was another brief reading where I let the audience in on a “family secret” which had made it into the book. Afterwards, many people told me that learning "insider information" was one of their favorite parts. You may want to share or at least hint at some of the hidden gems in your novel as an exclusive treat for the people who came to your event.
 
Finally, I showed examples of the crafts we’d set up at the back of the room and pointed out where I’d be sitting to sign books. This time, family members helped me run my activity stations, which included making ghost bookmarks, building cairn photo holders, and decorating cookies.

That evening, I got to have the “post-launch” party I had to forgo with the first book. The most exciting thing was that we were able to host a dinner at the exact inn that the book’s fictional Home Away Inn is based on. Afterwards, we had a bonfire and told ghost stories. It was a magical, fantastical day.
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​Writers, your book will have its own life and celebrations in the weeks and months (and hopefully decades!) to follow the launch. That day is for you to celebrate and share. So, gather the people you love, in a place you love, and do things that will be fun for everyone. I wish you an exciting launch and wonderful memories for years to come! 

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Nancy Tandon is a former speech/language pathologist and author of The Way I Say It (Charlesbridge, 2022) and The Ghost of Spruce Point (Aladdin, 2022). The Way I Say It (Charlesbridge, 2022) was an American Booksellers Association Indies Introduce and Indies Next pick as well as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Born and raised in Michigan, Nancy now lives with her family in Connecticut. To learn more about Nancy visit her website here. 

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