Site Stuff Archives

Happy New Year! And… Contest!

Hey readers, Happy New Year! May 2010 bring you closer to your writing dreams and be filled with joy, prosperity, craft and laughter for you and your loved ones.

I’m ducking in quickly to dispense good wishes and also to reveal my new contest for January! Since the new year is all about new beginnings… this contest is, too. This round, I’m accepting entries for the beginnings (up to the first 500 words) of your MG or YA novels (sorry, no picture books this time around). Then I’ll dissect what makes a strong novel opening — one of the most difficult and crucial moments in your manuscript.

Head on over to the Kidlit Contest page to find out more!

Happy Holidays!

As most of publishing slumbers, I’m going on a quick holiday blogcation and will refrain from posting until Monday, December 28th. In the meantime, read over old posts, share your thoughts in the comments or, you know, step away from the computer and go spend time with loved ones. This blog won’t be able to hoist a glass of champagne or eggnog and warble through the canon of Christmas carols like only your tipsy extended family can!

Revision-o-Rama will return for a few posts at the end of the month (And the end of the year! Can you believe it?) with some exercises and “action items” for you all as you continue with your writing and revising into 2010.

And since I believe in gratitude and looking around every once in a while to say, “Wow, my life is awesome!”… I want to thank all of you readers and comment-leavers and writers for making Kidlit’s first year such a success and a great experience, both for me and for the other writers who visit. May this holiday season and the new year bring you all love, happiness, writing mojo, and, of course, closer to the end of a Million Bad Words!

Great News!

Since it is officially up on the website now, I can announce it: I am an associate agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency!

Check out my bio on the agency website!

If you are a YA, MG or picturebook writer, please think of me when you put together your query list.

As a result of my new position, I’ll be making changes to the blog, vetting some old posts and generally getting everything into brand new shape. Please pardon the dust while I revamp some of my old content and look for more content geared to aspiring writers in the future!

Welcome to Kidlit.com!

A site for writers, readers and fans of children’s literature written by Mary Kole, associate agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency!

Get Your Manuscript Submission Cheat Sheet

Pitching your project to an agent or publisher doesn’t have to be scary! Make it easy (well, easier) with our free Manuscript Submission Cheat Sheet: 27 pages of friendly, helpful information for writers ready to take the next step.

It’s written by Mary Kole, a veteran literary agent, editor, and publishing industry insider who knows how the system works.

Delivered right to your inbox, just as soon as you subscribe to our email newsletter below:

Writing Blueprints

Dedicated readers know that I don’t advertise on this blog. There’s only one exception: If I find a resource that I fully believe is worth your time and money, I will absolutely share it. That’s exactly the case with Writing Blueprints online courses, created by Children’s Book Insider. There are courses for picture book, chapter book, MG and YA, self-publishing, marketing, and more.

And now, you can buy my very own Manuscript Submission Blueprint, with over ten hours of instruction, 35+ handouts, sample query letters, and interviews about all facets of the submission process to agents and publishers for all writers, for writers in all categories. If you’re curious, you can find free trial versions of all the Manuscript Blueprints here.

Questions?

Writing and publishing can be confusing. Not only do you have to hone your writing craft in today’s market, you also have to become savvy about the business end of things. I’d love to answer any questions you have. Please remember, anything you send can be featured on the site. Reach out here: mary@kidlit.com

Just a note: I will only answer general questions about the craft of writing, agents, editors or publishing. Do not ask for feedback or critique, please. Also, please keep your questions to a reasonable length. If you find you have a more involved question that will benefit from you reading your work ahead of time, please feel free to book a paid consultation using my calendar.