Writing and Publishing Books for Children in the 1990s: The Inside Story from the Editor's Desk

by Olga Litowinsky, Clga Litowinsky

Overview

This anecdotal how-to book is a necessity for any would-be children's book writer and is a valuable addition to the shelves of already-published writers. Litowinsky covers the entire book publishing process, from story ideas and submitting manuscripts through contracts to production and sales. Illustrated.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802773753
Publisher:	Walker & Company
Publication date:	11/01/1991
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	0.37(w) x 6.00(h) x 9.00(d)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	xi
	Preface	xiii
Part I.	Before Acceptance
1.	Secrets of the Slush Pile	3
2.	What Do Editors Want?	17
3.	The Perils of the Picture Book	27
4.	The Reading Is Easy	37
5.	Characters, Conflict, and Structure	46
6.	Growing Up in the Malls	60
7.	Writer, Edit Yourself	72
Part II.	And After
8.	Making It Legal	85
9.	Bookmaking	100
10.	Your Career Is Your Business	116
	Important Addresses	133
	Suggested Reading	135
	Index	139

Editorial Reviews

Litowinsky, executive editor at S & S Books for Young Readers and a children's book author ( The High Voyage ), writes from vast experience as she offers anecdotes and pointers in this guide for would-be children's authors. A wealth of information runs the gamut here from how to streamline prose and properly submit a manuscript (including a discussion of the pros and cons of multiple manuscript submission) to book promotion and censorship. The ``Secrets of the Slush Pile'' chapter highlights some of the more outrageous--and often hilarious--material sent to editors, and gently warns readers against such pitfalls. Solid advice on contract negotiations and finding an agent makes the legal and business aspects of the children's book world seem less daunting. Litowinsky's keen insights into the publishing industry, coupled with revelations of her own missteps along the path to a book deal, distinguish this as an approachable, inspirational choice for those hoping to embark on a writing career. A list of related organizations and suggested reading is included. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

As good as a semester's tutorial with a wise, amusing, and experienced editor, Litowinsky's book offers solid, sensible information succinctly yet conversationally conveyed. It touches on every aspect of the subject, from content, construction, and audience to style, submission, editing, and more. Further chapters cover legal, marketing, and other professional matters. The advice is detailed and practical, but the author's concern is with quality and not just profit. Specific citations or concrete examples illustrate every point: good writing is not only advised but practiced here. An eclectic and interesting reading list is included. Fiction and nonfiction writers, reviewers, and anyone interested in the children's book world today will find this a fascinating, brief, ``inside'' introduction. Epstein's book covers much of the same ground, on a more introductory level, as Litowinsky's. An opening chapter on the history of the genre (especially in the United States) and a final one on publishing specifics bracket six brief chapters on the mechanics of good writing. Although less comprehensive and detailed than Litowinsky's book, this treatment does include numerous and appropriate examples to illustrate its points, and (unannotated) lists of professional literature and organizations and children's magazines. Suggested writing exercises to develop skills in each of the technical areas described are an original touch. If Litowinsky's book offers a semester's tutorial, Epstein's is a fine beginner's workshop in the field.-- Patricia Dooley, Univ. of Washington Lib. Sch., Seattle

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