Today is the official publication day for the 2012 edition of the CHILDREN’S WRITER’S AND ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET, out from Writer’s Digest Books and edited by Chuck Sambuchino.
Inside this handy volume, you will find articles on craft, writing, submitting, and landing an agent, interviews with kidlit glitterati like M.T. Anderson and Meg Cabot, and updated listings for agents, publishers, and magazines that take work from children’s writers and illustrators. If you want to land an agent or find a market for your work this year, this is the book for you.
I highly recommend it. In fact, you will see a familiar face featured on the back cover, and an official blurb from me that reads:
Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market is the most complete, trusted, definitive, and inspiring source of publishing opportunities for children’s writers and illustrators working today.
It’s true. Not only did I lend my mug and stamp of approval to the book, but I have two articles featured inside. One is about writer’s conferences and how to make the best of your investment in them (whether it’s your first or your fiftieth), and the other covers my three favorite craft issues: Voice, Character, and Authority, with lots of juicy annotated examples from my favorite MG and YA books on shelves.
So if you want to read about and see examples of Voice that works — an especially tricky topic that lots of writers struggle with — pick up a copy today! This elegant guide is crammed full of useful information and updated agency, publisher, and magazine listings to make your quest toward publication a no-brainer. Let 2012 be the year you really MARKET your writing!
Because I’m so proud of this year’s book, I am giving away one free copy of the 2012 CHILDREN’S WRITER’S AND ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET to a writer randomly selected from the comments. Leave a comment below (make sure to include your email address in the comment form, though know that only I will be able to see it and it won’t be published on the site). Deadline for entries is midnight, Tuesday, September 20th. The winner will be announced in Wednesday the 21st’s blog, and then I will ship your copy to you next week. (US residents only, please.)
I would love a copy! Thank you!
-Bethany
Looks like an awesome resource! Can’t wait to grab a copy. (Or maybe I’ll win!) 🙂
This edition sounds great. I would love a copy!
I’d love to win a copy! Thanks for doing this contest, Mary.
Looks like a cool edition! Good luck everyone.
great competition for a real helpful resource to writers sure why not enter?
I’d love to win! Thanks. 🙂
Great. I was just browsing last years edition at the bookstore last night. Would love to win this!
What a generous offer. It feels strange to have a CWIM without Alice Pope. I’m glad to hear it’s still terrific. I’d love to win one.
My copy is horribly out of date. I’d love a new one.
Please enter me into your contest. Thanks, Mary!
Thank you for the recommendation.
Thanks for the offer! I’d love to win a copy.
Nice post, and thanks for doing this contest Mary!
Thanks for the giveaway, Mary! Count me in!
Thanks for sharing this post… and the contest!
Thanks for doing this.
So generous of you. Love this Kidlit!
Kit Grady
Thanks for the contest! 🙂
What a great contest! Thanks.
What a great and useful prize! Count me in, please.
Thanks for doing this contest! Your articles sound great.
I’m with Jessica. Even if I don’t win, I’ll run and grab a copy. Thanks for the heads up and option to win one!
Oops… Mary can you delete the comment with my email. I thought it wasn’t going to show up. Totally misunderstood… this is what I get for staying up too late last night.
Thanks for the contest, Mary. I’d love to win a copy! *fingers crossed*
I’d love a copy!
I’ll play! Thanks, Mary!
Just went to the SCBWI-Rocky Mountain Chapter Conference in Denver this weekend and had a great time. Would love a copy of the new Writer’s Digest book!
Cara
Cool beans smothered in Awesomesauce!
This is going to be a must have. I love that it’s just for the children’s market. : )
gimmie gimmie gimmie
Have been looking forward to the new edition!
Thanks for the contest! How generous!!!
Would love to get a copy. Thanks for the contest.
I could use an updated copy. Thanks for the contest!
I’d love to win a copy. Thanks for the contest!
Great contest! Count me in.
I’m in the UK but would pay for shipping (or give it to a friend in the US)
Pretty please?
🙂
I learned about this great resource in a YA fiction writing class. I’d love a copy!
Thanks!
I would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity.
Mary, I’d love a copy, but do you come with it? :-))))
I would love a copy! Thanks for the post about it.
Sounds great! Thanks for setting up the contest!
Mary! Yay! An endorsement from you mean money well spent!
I would love to read those articles! Thanks for the contest!
I’d love to have this edition. Thanks!
I already have a copy and am excited to dig in. Thanks for all your guidance, Mary!
Great tip. Thanks. I’ll have to add that to my Amazon wish list.
I have an edition from a few years ago, but would love to read this new one! Thanks, Mary for a such a nice contest. 🙂
CW&IM always has interesting & informative articles.
Would love to update my copy. Last one I bought was 2010. Thanks Mary!
A very helpful resource I could make good use of right about now…
Thanks for another great giveaway! Count me in.
I would love a copy! This is an awesome giveaway. 🙂
~Amy Rose~
I’ve been getting this and reading it every year. A great book!
Thanks for holding this contest, Mary! Would love to win a copy!
I would love a copy!!
Can’t wait to read your contributions, Mary!
Ooo, a contest. Don’t mind if I do enter, thanks!
I’d love a copy! It sounds so useful.
I recently subscribed to your blog and really appreciate your perspective. Now appreciating your contest…
Free is always great, but I’ll buy a copy if I don’t win!
Wow! That’s awesome news. You are famous now lol. I would have commented anyway, but thanks for the giveaway! I would LOVE to have this book. Sounds like a very helpful book.
What a lovely contest, thank you for offering a new copy of this book as a prize. Your articles sound interesting, I look forward to reading them. 🙂
Excellent!
I’ve always been wary of actually buying one of these, but after querying one MS once, I can recognize the convenience of having everything in one place!
I’m hoping to have some submitting to do this year, so I’d love to win a copy. Thanks for running the contest!
I could use all the help I can get:) Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks so much for this giveaway contest! I have the adult Writer’s Market, but I will readily admit I could use advice and examples in the Children’s Market too. 🙂
Great!
Every year has great insights. I’ve found great info the old issues too (thanks to my local libraries). I look forward to reading your articles.
Count me in–and thank you!
Hi Mary, Sounds great!!! 🙂
This edition of CWIM sounds full of “don’t miss” information. I’d love my own copy. Thanks.
I’d love to win this. Thanks for the opportunity!
I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance!
Me please! Thanks for the opportunity!
kelly.allan3081@yahoo.com
Enter me, please!
This would we a great resource not only for me as an author, but also for the junior high school students is teach in a Creative Writing for Publication class.
Oooooooooh thank you thank you thank you Mary!
Yay!!
I would love to win this! Thank you, Mary 🙂
Thank you so much Mary for giving your readers a chance to win this awesome book. 🙂
Those articles sound great, Mary. Thanks for the contest. 🙂
Sounds like an awesome resource for writers. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thank you for having this contest–and I’d love to win! Also, thanks for reminding us that the book is now available! I’ve purchased one every year for the past few years and it is a fantastic resource!
Love these books! Hope I win 🙂 But thanks either way.
Great idea, thanks!
Oooh, can’t wait to crack this book open! Count me in for this contest, thanks, Mary!
amychristineparker@gmail.com
Great giveaway, Mary, count me in!
Sweet! Thanks Mary!
This looks great! I’d love to own a copy. Thanks!
I buy a copy every year. It’s an excellent resource.
This will be a great resource. I hope I win.
I’d love to win a copy! Thanks!
I would like to have a copy for the articles on craft. I’m struggling with plot and character development which seems nearly impossible to squeeze into the recommended word count for children’s stories… and I could really use all the help I can get:-)
This would really help to start my journey into YA writing!
These articles sound very helpful! Thanks for the contest. Count me in.
I’d love to win this “bible” of children’s writing and illustrating. It’s such a valuable tool! Count me in!
I would Loooooove to have a copy! Thanks for the giveaway offer!
This sounds like a GREAT resource.
tracy.dickens@yahoo.com
Thank you for the chance to win. Appreciate it!
I’m feeling lucky tonight. Okay not really, but maybe positive thinking will make me a winner!
Oh, yay! It’s always exciting when this book is released, but quadruply exciting when there’s a chance to get it for free! *licking chops*
I definitely have to get this! Can’t wait to read your articles Mary 🙂
Rach
You mean my copy from 2004 won’t cut it anymore…? 🙂 I’m just kidding. Sign me up!
Great prize! And well done for getting the articles into the book!
littlewillow83@gmail.com
ps. I am a UK resident but have a US address that the prize could be sent to if this is ok? 🙂
Oh, my…I desperately needed your wise writings! I have just found your blog this past weekend, searching for information to direct me through the arduous agent acquisition dilemna…and I am SO thankful to have found you! Thank you, thank you…THANK YOU for your blog!!! I’m praying that someday I will be able to get my hands on the book you wrote about today. Too bad it takes money, to be able to get your hands on the resources & information it takes to actually MAKE some, eh? 🙂
I’m in New Zealand – but I do have a friend in the US who would love to share this prize 😀
Thank you!
Thanks for your contribution. Looks like a great resource!
Count me in!
Having a copy would be a big help — thanks so much for doing this!
It would be awesome to win this book!! I’ve got last years ed. and would love the new one. Can’t wait to see who you pick. 🙂
Count Me In. I would love to read the articles you’ve written and see what other suggestions you have for YA writers.
I’m happy to leave a comment for a chance to win. It seems a bit strange to see it without Alice Pope’s name. I have enjoyed her SCBWI blog though.
Thanks again for the free book offer,
I’m feeling very RANDOM today, so I will take a chance.
Always love your articles, and helpful information!!!!
How fun!
Thanks for all you do for the kidlit community.
Excellent webinar last week! Thanks for the chance to win.
Oh, I love this book, but had forgotten about it. Thanks so much for the reminder.
Working on my first YA novel and your book would help tremendously! Either way, I hope it does well and hits all of the sales targets you’ve set!
Thanks for the contest, Mary. I will be sure to get my hands on this book either way.
Thanks for the contest – and for a terrific and very helpful blog, too 🙂
Thanks for giving one away. This is always a handy book!
I am excited to check out the gems in this box!
This looks like a great resource. Thanks for all of your helpful tips!
This is always a handy reference, but this year’s version sounds outstanding.
Looks like a great version this year! I will have to check it out. Thanks, Mary, for the chance to win it!
Thank you for posting this contest! I love your blog *hugs blog* I hope I win! 🙂
My 2011 copy is a tattered mess at this point, so thank you for the chance to win the 2012 version!
Thanks for letting us know. Definitely wouldn’t be without this book.
Tremendous resource. I lucked into a $4 copy of the 2010 version early this year but I doubt I’ll find that kind of bargain again anytime soon! I appreciate the chance to win the new one!
Yes, the best reference, and the articles are always a huge part of it!
Pick me! Pick me! (says the unagented picture book writer)
Oh Yea…oh fine, fine day…me, me, me…book, book, book.
Also, did you hear this terry gross interview with Maurice Sendak today? So fine.
http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=3&islist=true&id=13&d=09-20-2011
It’s been years since I bought my own copy of this resource, and it’s time that I stepped up and got the latest version. This year’s cover is really interesting, it almost has a website-like design.
Ah i want it so bad , it’s not even on amazon yet 🙁 and i live out in boonie land way up north quebec , so no bookstore to sell it , but it must be a great great resource :):)
Good luck with the contest:)
Thanks for letting us know that this terrific resource is now available! I feel lucky this week, so … I’ve got my fingers crossed for the prize book!
It’s a particularly adorable CWAIM, is it not? I just love the pink. It would match my office if it rested on my desk. In no time, it would have a charming patina that would only increase its value, of course. And I wouldn’t be greedy with it, oh, no, I would share with all the people in my kingdom. People would come from everywhere, seeking wisdom from this magical book of answers. They will ask, “Who, m’lady, is editor-in-chief at Little, Brown?” “I beg you, who accepts unsolicited manuscripts?” “Who publishes rhyming picture books and talking animals? I must know.” And I, the benevolent queen of the adorable CWAIN (with the pink writing), would share the knowledge with all. And as a result, the lives of children everywhere would be forever richer. The fresh, new writers of my kingdom would take us all into a new age of generosity, peace, and lovingkindness. All because you gave me a book.
RANDOMLY PICK ME!!! I NEED that book!!!! Plus you’ll save on shipping because you can just give it to me this weekend at the Northern Ohio SCBWI conference:)
Looking forward to meeting you and I hope you have a great time in Cleveland while you’re here!! – Tracy 🙂
tracysoda@sbcglobal.net
What a great opportunity! I would love to win this book.
This is definitely the book to own for working and aspiring writers and illustrators for children. The amount and variety of information is *always* almost overwhelming…and takes me most of the year to wade through properly. Please pick me!
It would mean so much to win this book. It looks like a great read!!
What a great book! And so pretty to boot!:) Thanks for the generous give-away opportunity!
Awesome! I would love a copy of this book. Regrettably, I am doing the full-service starving-artist bit as I’m working on my MS. Enough cash for rent and groceries and not much else! Which, I know, does not set me apart from the vast majority of my author-hopeful peers 🙂
Anyway, this is a very generous contest, and best of luck to all!
This is the book I need right now. Perfect timing! Thanks for the recommendation and the chance to win a copy. (And thanks for your fantastic website!)
Ms. Cole,
Thank you for this opportunity to receive a copy of this highly helpful resource. And congratulations on having two articles included, as well as a blurb and photo on the back cover (NICE!). I have heard many mention this resource in the past and have looked it up. I need to put forth the effort to saddle up and get into the car to the nearest library that carries copies of this resource. It will be a bit of a drive, but I hear it is worth it. I am not a writer in the long book sense of the word, but both the writer and illustrator portions of this book would help as I am considering trying to do a little authoring and illustrating. Thank you, again, for the opportunity and congrats, again, on your accomplishments.
– Jamila
Pick me…pick me…pick me…(*eyes closed, fingers crossed*)
I’d love to have a copy of that book. Thanks, Mary!
I have so many ideas for children’s books, but my three children make it hard for me to sit down and finish the projects! But this is my year….I’m making my own luck. Thanks for this.
Wonderful news, Mary. This book is always packed with exactly what I need to move my writing (and career) to the next level. Can’t wait to read your articles. If your blog is any indication of the insightful tidbits you’ll be dishing out, then they can’t miss! 🙂
In the meantime, I’m still working with my well loved/worn 2011 edition, so I’m due for an upgrade.