WriteOnCon

I believe very strongly that we writers and illustrators have a responsibility to the children who will be accessing our books to produce the best possible books we can. Children deserve high quality, well-written books. There are many ways to ensure that we are giving kids the quality reading experience that we strive for every time we put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, stylus to tablet. We can take classes, either locally or online, classes such as Emma Walton Hamilton’s Just Write for Kids, or Anastasia Suen’s online workshops in various genres. We can join groups such as SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, or Emma’s Children’s Book Hub. We can go to conferences. I have blogged about my experiences at both last year’s SCBWI LA, and this year’s Stony Brook Southampton Children’s Literature Conference. We can hire a freelance editor such as Emma Walton Hamilton, the editor I work with, or Emma D. Dryden to do manuscript evaluations and line edits. (Note: The Emmas are just two of many such freelance editors. SCBWI has a Directory of Freelance Editors at the website, for members’ perusal.) All these ways of bringing our writing and/or illustrating to the next level are invaluable. But… they all cost money, and that is a stumbling block for many people, putting such things out of reach. However, there is another option, and it’s free! (My favorite price.) Click the magic words to learn more: