Writers Resources
Writers, new and veteran alike, can have trouble finding sources for the services they need. With all the different companies
clamoring for our attention, how do we know which companies are legit? Usually word of mouth is the best credential so here are some great companies. Some I have used myself. Some I got from other writers or web professionals. I hope you find something in here to help you in your search.
[Business Cards][Postcards and
Other promotional materials][Schools and Training][Paid Critique Services][Copy
Editing][Computer Tune Ups Tips][Stress
Busters]
Business Cards
"I sent for the "free" business cards from Vistaprint and I was delighted with them. The card is sturdy, high quality stock -- much better than computer
printables. And I could design my card with complete freedom. The
Vistaprint ad on the back of each card is small and discreet; I still have plenty of room to scribble a note."
-- Jan Fields
Postcards
and Other promotional materials
Sell
products with your logo or bookcover with no set-up fee. We found
them easy, fast, and enjoyable.
"I ordered postcards from www.modernpostcard.com. They are extremely well done and reasonably priced."
-- Dori Chaconas
 "I've had good luck with:
http://www.web-cards.com/
for postcards to promote my Web site."
-- Cynthia Leitich Smith "I've
been using Modern Postcard for fifteen years."
--Larry Berman, BermanGraphics
Schools and Training
"I'm in the middle of the ICL course, and couldn't be more satisfied with the quality of the instructor and the materials. It has exceeded my highest expectations. I would recommend it without hesitation."
-- Lorie, from the Children's Writers list
Paid Critique Services Here are two services I
can vouch for, as I know both of these talented writers.
I have gotten some wonderful advice and insight from my
acquaintance with Bonny. I have seen critiques done by Margot several times and was impressed with how detailed and informative they were.
Bonny
Becker:
I offer professional assistance with story development based on structure, pacing and tone as well as line editing (sentence structure, word choices, etc.) where appropriate. Most feedback is written, but for longer works there is an initial verbal consultation, as well. Experienced in a variety of genres from picture books to YA and knowledgeable about children's publishing/marketing issues.
Minimum charge is $40. Cost for a typical picture book is $40 to $60; a typical novel is $300 to $500, however, initially I do a three-hour consult for $120, reading as much as I can in two or so hours, and then I discuss with the writer the issues I see and what might be the next step.
I'm the published author of seven children's books including picture books and novels. I have a Masters in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. I'm a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and a frequent speaker at writers' conferences with a particular expertise in plotting and story structure.
Click here
to contact Bonny.
Margot
Finke:
Critique help for Beginning Writers of Children's Books --
PICTURE BOOKS:
An Overview includes suggestions about sentence length, word choice, self-editing, story set up, grammar, and more.
$25.00
An In-depth Critique includes everything in the overview, plus page-by-page comments and suggestions on how to make every word count, plus helpful examples.
$40.00
RHYMING PICTURE BOOKS:
This gives you page by page help, plus suggestions that guide you through the mystery of meter, syllable count and rhyme. Examples help with word choice, beginnings and endings, and the importance of story development.
$50.00
MIDGRADE FICTION
An Overview: First three chapters - give general suggestions about sentence length, word choice, plot,
POV, voice, the need to hook your reader, and grammar, etc. $50.00
An In-depth Critique: Three chapters - this would include everything in the overview, plus page by page comments, with suggestions and examples where necessary. Help with the protagonist's voice, focus, dialogue & more.
$75.00
Special Discount for multiple chapters. My fee includes a quick look at your first rewrite - to make sure you've "got" it.
Contact Margot for further information, references, or to
chat about it. Special financial arrangements can be made for those who
would like help with multiple chapters.
Copy
Editing
Georgess
McHargue:
Georgess McHargue
has published over twenty books for kids, and some for adults. She has been nominated for both the National Book Award and the Dorothy Canfield Fisher, and been a Fellow at the MacDowell Colony. She has been kids' book reviewer for the New York Times and a columnist for School Library Journal. She has twice served on the children's book jury for the American Book Awards and for the Junior Scholastic writing contest. A long time ago, I was a children's book editor at Doubleday in New York.
She is also a professionally trained copyeditor and has not only worked on several hundred scientific reports but has written specialized manuals of style for several corporations and nonprofits. She has recently undergone major dental work to remedy the effects of tooth-grinding while reading ill-edited books, newspapers and magazines. McHargue is a graduate of Harvard College (magna cum etc.), and reads French, Italian, Latin, and German with varying degrees of fluency. Her special academic interests are ancient, medieval and American history, mythology, fantasy, folklore, archaeology, and science.
Georgess McHargue is available to selected clients for copyediting or general editing of children's book manuscripts.
Computer Tune Ups Tips
We
all spend a lot of time at our computers. All of our work is kept
there. It makes sense to learn some of the basics for maintaining
this "tool of the trade".
"You'll find great computing tips at Fred Langa's site. His
newsletter is definitely worth the short time it takes to read every week."
--Mark Fields
Stress Busters
Everyone needs some time away from the grind now an then. This is one
of my favorites "get aways":
Mahjongg Solitaire at Heuse.com.
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