Monthly Archives: May 2011

Finding a Glossary of Children’s Publishing Keepers!

by

I’ve been zipping over to Twitter quite a bit the last few days to check out the Book Expo hashtag (#bea11 if you haven’t zipped over yourself yet). I like to feel in the book world know, even though I know there’s tons I’m missing.

And speaking of missing in-the-know information, Harold Underdown passed along this link of publishing terms so that we’ll all know what those BEA folks are talking about when they go on and on about books and such . But don’t wait till you sell your book. A smart writer is an informed writer. Know your publishing terms and jargon and be one step ahead!

The glossary, by the way, comes from Underdown’s The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books. If you’re new to children’s writing, it’s a great read to start you on the right road to publication. And even if you’re an old pro, you’ll probably find something in the newest edition you didn’t know.

Who didn’t know SRO?  Or OSI and f & g’s? Besides me, I mean. 

See? I learned something new today, thanks to thoughtful Harold. And now I’m ready for #bea12. (Um, assuming they move it to the ATL. Because honestly, Twitter is as close as I get to New York.)

What Not To Do Wednesday on Over-Doing Social Doings (or Pardon Me, There’s A Media Monkey on Your Back)

by

I watched one of those packaged specials on the news last night about people spending too much time on Facebook. Something like “Facebook Addiction–Where Will it Lead?” The piece had a rather ominous tone, I must say.

I suppose there are folks out there who can’t do without their Facebook fix. Or Twitter tips, or listening in on LinkedIn, or connecting with any of a dozen other social media messaging. Whereas I can walk away anytime I want.

Sort of.
Here’s the thing, grasshopper. From a business standpoint, social media has value. I think Twitter might be better for massive marketing, but I like Facebook for blogging connections. And I like Facebook for personal connections, too. So I want to stay social media savvy. But when I jump into Facebook or Twitter, or even blog surfing, I can easily use up hours.
HOURS. And though I come across tons of informative posts (because seriously, there are a ton of brilliant folks out there, sharing their expertise), I may get a teensy bit carried away, reading one post, zipping to another…then another…then another.
Until I look up and dang. It’s lunchtime and I haven’t written a single word (unless you count scathingly brilliant comments here and there. Which I’m counting. So there.).
But pithy comments do not a manuscript, essay, or short story make. And so I’m forced to face the ugly truth: I may…okay, okay, I have a social media problem. I usually deal with it by going cold turkey for a week or so. And then I ease back in, using moderation.
So don’t over-do the social doings, grasshopper, at the expense of your writing. Write FIRST. Or if you need a little warm-up, set a limit for how much time you’ll spend, media socializing. Then stick to it.
Because when you think about it, it’s your brilliant writing that you’re trying to promote and sell. Pour hours into that, grasshopper, and then use social media to tell the world.

(We shall discuss the proper way to exploit one’s self, using humility, dignified grace, and monkey-mad media marketing skills at a later date.)