A brief single spaced typed letter written for the purpose of persuading an agent or editor to read your manuscript. Most authors agree, drafting the query is often harder than writing the *@%#’n nove [..]

Acronym for “Advance Reading Copy,” this is an early copy of novel or chapter book, before final edits. The receipt of an ARC typically causes authors to go into spasms of pure joy, run around their a [..]

the date by which authors and illustrators must turn in the finished manuscript or final art. Mild and innocuous at the outset, the word becomes increasingly menacing as time passes.

In addition to being a flowering plant and a song from The Sound of Music, it is an ancient and mysterious portal where all the children’s books in the world are listed. Like Freemasonry, you must kno [..]

Abbreviation for “Fold and Gather,” this is an unbound copy or “approval proofs” of the layout of a picture book sent by the publisher in advance of publication. The receipt of F&Gs typically caus [..]

A social media site where readers share and rate books. Most authors and illustrators do not obsess over their Goodreads reviews. Ever. Not ever.

An essential children’s book story ingredient; often paired with “voice” and “humor.” (See also: Kate DiCamillo and Lynda Mullaly Hunt)

Abbreviation for independent bookstores, indies are home to passionate book-loving beings. Without indies, and the booksellers who inhabit them, many wonderful books would remain unseen spines on a sh [..]

The review publication authors love—and fear.  

An excellent reason to hang out in your favorite indie, buy books and eat cupcakes.