Forgive my ignorance and I hope I'm not violating a rule, but does anyone know on what platform I would sell two tickets to #RHAP Rob Has a Podcast Live Survivor 49 NYC tomorrow? Not trying to sell here, just trying to get directions where to go. Thank you! #Survivor By the way, go Nate! #Survivor

You guys, I said I was going to post one #KidLitTip a day. Then I got intimidated+went silent. For, like, 6+ weeks. Now I know how all the authors who think they're supposed to use social media feel! And it shouldn't be a burden.I think I'll do better if I don't make big promises yet, + just pop in.

Today's #KidLitTip. Tip#4 Picture books are like anything else. If you introduce something or someone early to set up the character or situation, we expect it or them to appear again. It's the Chekhov's gun rule, and it still applies--at least as much as any "rule" applies.

I'm not making this into a #KidLitTip because it could feel self-serving, but there are some strong children's book editors out there via services like Reedsy. But when you hire an editor to work with you, pay attention--are they working as acquiring editors in the field?

#KidLitTip #3 is something I quote from @andrewkarre.bsky.social. He was asked, "I hear chapter books are hard to sell to eds?" "Everything's hard," he replied. It's very hard to write well enough to be published + to stand out. So you have to persist amidst all the scary stories. Try to ignore 'em.

It's interesting how often the question of "but why do I care?" comes up. I taught a wkshop on Revising for a Well-Paced and Well-Plotted picture book and opened with "Do We Care?" and I thought, "Oh, this is going to be too basic." But in fact it came up again and again in the submissions I saw.

#KidLitTip #2. This works for both picture books and middle grades, and it's surprising how often I raise it with someone. To me, the most important thing with a ms. is "Are we involved, do we care?" Look at Vashti Harrison's Big, look at When You Trap a Tiger or New Kid. We care so much! #KidLit

Blue Sky has reached a tipping point where I keep hearing people talk about it. Good, because I need my peeps! I am going to try posting #KidLitTips daily through January. These are tips from an industry insider about your writing, artwork, or the thorny path to publication. #KidLitMegaFeed

Dear @stephenfishbach.bsky.social, It's Shots-in-the-dark, like Daughters-in-law, Attorneys general, etc. It may be different in Australia! Gins and tonics doesn't work as an example as Tonics is not modifying the noun, as it is in my examples. Got it? Meanwhile, where do I look for Survivor posts?

#KidLitTip #1. Everyone says middle grade novels aren't selling these days, but who cares? Editors are still buying them, + tons are working. Think about the great mid grade writers--Horvath, O'Connor, Medina, Yee, Applegate. In 2 years Mid grade will be hot again. It's cyclical. Just keep writing.