Annette Whipple's Blog, page 2

Nonfiction Children's Book Award List

Whether you're looking for fabulous nonfiction children's books for your students or children, a gift for someone (of any age), or a mentor text for your own writing, it can be difficult to know where to start. Personally, I love book recommendations. (And I enjoy recommending nonfiction titles in my newsletter .) About the only thing that beats a friend's book recommendation is an award-winning book (or nomination). Interested? Keep on reading!
It's important for you to know children's nonfiction...

NEWS! and My Author Journey Began Ten Years Ago

I had already taken some writing courses. I had articles published in small magazines. I enjoyed writing.
But then in August 2014 I had my first book idea . 
The book idea was nonfiction like the articles I had already written, but this time I would write for children. I researched for my manuscript and learned more about the publishing world. The following year I attended my first writing conference. And boy, was I hooked! 
It was at the conference that I met some incredible people including author...

New and My Author Journey Began Ten Years Ago

I had already taken some writing courses. I had articles published in small magazines. I enjoyed writing.
But then in August 2014 I had my first book idea . 
The book idea was nonfiction like the articles I had already written, but this time I would write for children. I researched for my manuscript and learned more about the publishing world. The following year I attended my first writing conference. And boy, was I hooked! 
It was at the conference that I met some incredible people including author...

School Visits with Nonfiction Author Annette Whipple

Though it may seem early to consider event organizing for the 2024-2025 school year, it's not. If you're part of a school or community organization and plan to invite an author (myself or one of my colleagues) for an event, please consider extending an invitation as soon as possible. I already have three schools booked for March 2025. (March is typically when authors schedules are typically busiest--even "no-name" authors like me.) 
>>>Keep reading to learn about a 20% discount offer for events!<...

MORE Cover Letters for Book Submissions

Previously, I shared how a cover letter is critically important for a book submission because it's the first introduction of your book idea to an agent or editor. It's the cover letter that has the potential to excite the agent or editor about your project. Not only is it an introduction to your book, but it also highlights why you're the right person to write the book and showcases your writing skills. In the last blog post about cover letters for book manuscripts, we covered • cover letter vs q...

Chomp! The Truth About Sharks

I'm thrilled to tell you that Chomp! The Truth About Sharks will be in readers' hands on October 15, 2024. Some librarians have already shared their students' excitement! 
Did you see the sneak-peek on social media? Are you ready for the full cover?   I'd love to hear what you think of the cover! I really appreciate that you can see the rows of the shark's teeth as well as what look like freckles. 
But sharks don't have freckles. What are they?They're actually jelly-filled pores called Ampullae of ...

Cover Letter Samples for Book Submissions

The cover letter for a book submission is critically important. It's often the first introduction of your book idea. It showcases your writing skills (or lack of). The cover letter also provides a glimpse into why you are the right person to write this book.
Too often writers spend years writing and revising a book but then introduce their book to an editor or agent with an unpolished cover letter. Or the writer may not include the information the editor or agent expects and needs. 

Cover letters ...

Invoices for Authors

As a children's author, I'm often asked to provide an invoice so I can be paid for my services or products. An invoice is basically an itemized bill. Invoices are an important business document for authors.
So far in 2024, I have provided invoices related to- author visits- book sales through author visits (when the school could not work with a bookstore)- wholesale book sales for a local small business- fulfilled book contracts- travel reimbursement 
Read on to learn more about invoices and what ...

FAQ

I definitely get asked some of the same questions when I meet readers. I thought some of you might like to know more about me. 
This was first published in 2017 and updated in 2024.

Click the links to learn the answers to these questions that have long answers.   What inspires you to write?    How did you land your first book contract?
What books have you written? So far I have 13 nonfiction books published. 
Will you write another book? Yes! I have more books on the way. Want the updated list?  Che...

Quirky Critter Devotions Available Now

Earlier this month, my 13th book came out into the world with Tyndale House. Every devotion in Quirky Critter Devotions: 52 Wild Wonders for Kids includes wonderfully weird animal facts with a faith connection, journaling space, and hands-on activities. The prayers and Bible verses help children connect with God even more. Readers love the humorously illustrated "Wild Wonder" bonus fact. 
Look InsideTake a peek inside! Did you know wood frogs quack?
While writing Quirky Critter Devotions, my intent...