For Writers

Now Offering — Critique Services

Picture Book Coaching (Nonfiction or Informational Fiction) – $200

A professional critique of a nonfiction or informational fiction manuscript up to 1800 words. This service includes:

• A one-hour critique session over Zoom to discuss big picture notes and possible revision approaches.
• Line edits and comments within the draft as well as an editorial letter with overall notes addressing key elements like structure, voice, hook, character development, as applicable.
• An additional second look at your revised draft with comments within the draft (no editorial letter).
• If you provide back matter, sidebars, and a bibliography in addition to your 1800-word text, I will provide high-level comments on them as well.
• Additional reads of the same manuscript – $50 each
• Contact me at creatingcuriouskids [at] gmail [dot] com to schedule.

Teaching

Additional Writing Advice

• 5 Tips for (un)Writing Narrative Nonfiction (12×12) (4/20)
• Booklist of Nonfiction Picture Books by Text Structure (5/21, PDF)
• KidLit Distancing Social with Children’s Book Insider: STEM books, nonfiction, and work for hire (1/21)
• #MentorTextMoment YouTube series studying the craft of nonfiction.
• “Sounds of Science.” Sound devices in science writing from STEM Tuesday on The Mixed Up Files.
• The Wonderful World of Work for Hire
• Tools of the Trade for Nonfiction Writing
  • Primary vs. secondary sources (American University Library)
  • Videos answering your questions about writing nonfiction
  • Databases, Evernote, EasyBib
  • Scrivener
• Writing for Children’s Magazines
  • Just Starting Out
  • Writing to Themes
  • Write the Whole Thing
  • Magazine query samples: ASK/ Mission to Mars, ASK/After the Dinos, and Appleseeds/Deserts

• Querying nonfiction
  • Nonfiction proposals (Sub It Club blog)
  • Nonfiction picture book query letters (Sub It Club blog)
• Writing Graphic Novels
  • An overview (plus resources)
• Book Marketing
  • Children’s/MG/YA Book Bloggers/Influencers List (send suggestions/updates to creatingcuriouskids [at] gmail [dot] com)
  • Starting a Book Co-Marketing Group in 5 Easy(ish) Steps by Kirsten W. Larson of the Soaring ’20s (Note: Sign up for the Soaring ’20s Newsletter to get this resource as a free download)
• Writing routines
  • Mindfulness for Writers (Sub It Club blog)
  • A Typical Day