Nancy I. Sanders's Blog, page 3

GUEST POST by Karen Cioffi: Top Tips for a KidLit Ghostwriter

Today I want to welcome my KidLit friend, Karen Cioffi, here to my blog. Karen earns a living as a ghostwriter for children’s manuscripts. Today she’s here to share her wisdom and experience with us. Welcome, Karen!

Being a Children’s Ghostwriter

In case you’re wondering, as I now and then get asked how I got into the business of ghostwriting children’s stories, it started with editing for authors.

I edited everything from children’s books to business articles to articles for medical journals.

The majority of my clients were children’s authors, and much of the work they gave me was in such poor condition, I ended up rewriting the stories, some almost to the point of ghostwriting.

It just seemed to evolve from there.

Now, let’s go over some of the basics of being a children’s ghostwriter.

What is a ghostwriter?

A ghostwriter is a writer for hire. She’ll take your idea, notes, outline, or other information and write a story for you. And, ghostwriters write in every genre you can think of: fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, screenplays, video, TV scripts, technical, medical, speeches, music, and so on.

The ghostwriter offers a nondisclosure agreement and freelance agreement. And, she usually doesn’t get any recognition for her work. Although, there are instances where the ghostwriter and client agree to other terms.

Two other terms that may arise between a ghostwriter and client:

The ghostwriter has her name on the book as co-author for a reduced fee.

The ghostwriter gets a percentage of the sales, again for a reduced fee.

It’s never a good idea to accept either of these terms unless you absolutely know the book will be successful or the author is famous.

Who hires a children’s ghostwriter?

The answer to this question always amazes me.

There are people from around the world who want to be author of a children’s book, but don’t have the skills or time to do it themselves.

I’ve worked with clients from Italy, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Norway, Saipan, Jordon, Dubai, and all over the United States, even Hawaii. And, I’m sure I’m forgetting some countries.

It seems most often it’s parents or grandparents who develop a desire to be an author of a children’s book. Usually, they want to have a story created about their children or grandchildren, or they want to impart some wisdom to children.

I’ve also worked with child therapists and child psychologists who use children’s books as a tool to help children. And, then there are the business people who see a children’s book as part of a marketing strategy for the industry they’re in or as an addition to a product they already have.

In addition to this, I’ve worked with clients who wanted a series of children’s books to use as the foundation of a new business.

I’ve even ghostwritten for a dentist.

What skills does a children’s ghostwriter need?

1. Being a skilled writer.

While a number of authors who self-publish ‘wing’ their books into publication, you can’t do this when someone is paying you to write a professional story.

Aside from knowing how to write, it’s essential to know the rules of writing for children. The ghostwriter needs to know what the current industry guidelines are.

2. Knowing how to listen.

Listening carefully to the client is a must. The ghostwriter needs to take simple things like an idea given over the phone or in an email, notes, or a basic outline and create an engaging and publishable book.

Along with this, the writer needs to ensure the book reflects the client’s voice and vision. Listening is an essential factor in doing this.

3. Being patient.

It may seem unusual, but a ghostwriter needs to be patient.

I’ve had a couple of clients who approved a final story, then came back in a week or two and decided they wanted revisions.

I had a middle-grade client who kept putting multiple point of views within one chapter. I’d edit it, and he’d change it.

I had another client who pretty much kept ignoring my advice as I rewrote his young adult novel.

It’s important to be patient and tactful while explaining over and over why something doesn’t work. The reason to keep after the client is that it’s the ghostwriter’s job to make sure the final product is professional.

4. Being organized and focused.

I usually handle more than one project at a time. In one instance, I worked on eight projects simultaneously.

If you’re dealing with multiple clients, you need to be able to switch stories and sometimes genres without losing a beat. This takes focus… and flexibility.

For organization, I use a Word and excel file for each client. I keep track of every email and every phone call.

As the writer, you need to keep things moving smoothly and keep your clients satisfied and in-the-loop throughout each project.

5. Having the ability to follow through, and be on time.

As with any writing project, you’ve got to complete it and come in on time.

In the terms of the agreement, there is a time period for the project to be complete. The ghostwriter must meet the deadline.

Above all else, a ghostwriter wants to make sure her client is thrilled with the final product.

What’s the motivation?

I can’t speak for all children’s ghostwriters, but for me, I love writing for children. It’s very satisfying to teach children, engage them, amaze them, bring them on adventures, and stretch their imaginations. And, I love helping others fulfill a desire they have to see their children’s story ideas come to life.

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author and working children’s ghostwriter. She is also founder and editor-in-chief of Writers on the Move and an author online platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing. For writing tips and to learn more about Karen, her books, and her services, CLICK HERE to visit her website.

Thank you, Karen, for giving us an insider’s peek to this little-known opportunity for KidLit writers!

KidLit Career Building: Get Published Step 2

Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay

Yes, I like to get published regularly every year. In between working on my book deadlines I’m writing for the goal of earning income and other book manuscripts I’m writing for the goal of personal fulfillment.

To get published on a steady basis, I have certain magazines and periodicals I like to write and submit to every year. Plus, I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities as well.

HACK TO GET PUBLISHED

Here’s a hack I use to practically guarantee continuously seeing my name in print several times each year:

Whether I submit a query or a completed manuscript to my target publication, I always include 3-5 pitches for potential manuscripts I feel will fit in well with that publication. The exciting news? Even if my completed manuscript isn’t quite a good fit for them, they most always pick one or more of my pitches and ask me to submit a potential manuscript based on that.

And what usually happens next? After I write and submit my manuscript to them, because they initially asked for this, they usually buy it, even if they ask me to edit it before the final approval.

If I’m submitting a completed manuscript to them, I include these 3-5 pitches in the cover letter of that manuscript.

If I’m just sending them an email query, I include those 3-5 pitches in the query letter.

HOW TO PITCH FOR POTENTIAL PUBLICATION

Basically, I pick a catchy working title for my idea.

Then I write a 3-5 sentence paragraph about that idea.

Then I list 3-5 of these ideas in my letter to the editor.

THE REWARDS OF GETTING PUBLISHED REGULARLY

As I’ve mentioned before, getting published and seeing our name in print is essential as a writer. Working regularly with editors and meeting deadlines and targeting publisher’s needs are skills we constantly need to hone in this career. By writing for magazines and online publications regularly throughout each year, we build confidence and experience as a writer while we’re waiting for our book contracts to come through.

TAKE ACTION STEP:

If you aren’t getting published regularly every year as a KidLit writer, plan to write and submit to an editor this month. And throughout the year ahead. The benefits are too many to count! You can submit to the publisher of your choice. Need ideas? Here are some publishers in the Christian market that currently NEED submissions. (That’s right…they are LOOKING for writers to submit!):

Crosswalk: This online publication needs Christian writers to submit articles on parenting, faith, and more! If you’re a Christian KidLit writer, this is a great place to build credentials on the topic your published books feature. It’s also a great platform to include a byline of your published books as these articles have the potential to get a huge circulation. And if you’re not yet published, it’s a great place to build a platform for that manuscript you’re trying to sell to a book editor. CLICK HERE for their submission guidelines.

Christian Devotions: Like to write for teens and young adults? This is a great ministry to write for. They need devotions to impact our world for Christ. (Did I mention that devotions for kids are hot manuscripts right now for book publishers?) Learn how to write devos by getting published here! Build your resume by getting published here! Reach hearts for Jesus by getting published here! CLICK HERE for their submission guidelines.

Focus on the Family Clubhouse: I love writing for this magazine. Not only are they great to work with and their magazine is super professional, they reach tons of kids for Christ. HOT TIP: The best way to experience breakthrough with this magazine is to submit a nonfiction piece to them. We’re talking quizzes, activities, and crafts. Then after they accept your breakthrough manuscript, you can pitch ideas for their other features, too. Just remember to include your pitches when you submit! CLICK HERE for their submission guidelines.

ACCOUNTABILITY STEP:

Tell us in a comment below where you are going to submit. (If it’s confidential, just give us a general idea.)

BREAKTHROUGH STEP:

If you read this post and have already decided not to do the TAKE ACTION STEP, tell us in a comment below why you made this choice. Maybe we can help you overcome your writer’s block in this area so you can experience breakthrough as a published author.

KidLit Career Building: Get Published Step 1

Hey…owls are supposed to be wise, right? So let’s look at this bit of wisdom regarding your KidLit career…

When was the last time you got something published?

I’m not talking self-published. I’m not talking like here on a blog. I’m not talking for a writer’s group website that you post for.

I’m talking published with a publisher and working with an editor and having word counts and submission guidelines and perhaps even contracts to sign or checks to get in the mail.

When was the last time you did this?

My heart aches for my talented and gifted author friends who haven’t had anything published through the hands of a bona fide editor in the past year…two years…three years…perhaps even never.

So I’ve decided to start a new series here on my blog. I’m going to share steps I’ve taken, actually taken, to build a successful KidLit writing career. And I’m encouraging you to do the same.

The first step I took when I got started was to get published.

Yep. Right away before I even really knew what a chapter book was or a picture book dummy looked like, I started getting published. I wrote editor interviews for a Christian writer’s magazine. Pretty much every month for a number of years. I cannot tell you how this boosted my self-esteem as a writer! No, I didn’t get paid for it at first. But the experience I gained working for deadlines and word counts and submission guidelines was worth every penny I didn’t cash in at the bank.

I also started writing book reviews for a magazine for church librarians, too. Again, it was for the goal of getting published. My name was in print! I got assignments from an editor! I learned how to write and polish a manuscript for submission!

I didn’t do this for the goal of earning income. (I’ll tell you hacks on how to do that in future posts in this series.) I didn’t do this for personal fulfillment so that I was writing about my heart’s desire. (I’ll tell you hacks on how to do this, too, in future posts.)

I was writing for these editors for one key goal: The goal to get published.

And guess what?! I still write for this goal. I still get published 3-5 times every year with this kind of publisher. I see my name in print. Yippee! I share my published stories and the cute art that comes with them with my grandkids. Hooray! And I feel validated as a writer, even through dry spells when book contracts seem few and far between.

TAKE ACTION STEP:

If you aren’t getting published regularly every year as a KidLit writer, plan to write and submit to an editor this month. And throughout the year ahead. The benefits are too many to count! You can submit to the publisher of your choice. Need ideas? Here are some publishers in the Christian market that currently NEED submissions. (That’s right…they are LOOKING for writers to submit!):

Keys for Kids: This ministry needs stories and articles and devotions for their quarterly print booklet AND their daily online ministry. (That’s a lot of opportunities to get published!) They even offer a small payment. (HOT TIP here: Christian book publishers for kids are publishing lots of children’s devotions right now in book format so this is a great opportunity to build your resume in this genre.) CLICK HERE for their submission guidelines.

Nature Friend: This monthly print magazine buys 40-50 manuscripts each year! They offer a small payment. There’s a variety of genres they need such as crafts, experiments, fiction, and even photo features. (HOT TIP here: Book publishers are looking for craft and experiment books right now so this is a great training ground for that type of experience. Just sayin!) CLICK HERE for their submission guidelines.

Primary Treasure: This take-home paper (and the other take-home papers by this publisher for different ages) is published EVERY WEEK. That’s a lot of opportunity for writers! (HOT TIP here: They prefer true stories and nonfiction is a winning market for writers these days!) They offer a small payment and purchase 104 manuscripts every year. CLICK HERE for their submission guidelines.

ACCOUNTABILITY STEP:

Tell us in a comment below where you are going to submit. (If it’s confidential, just give us a general idea.)

BREAKTHROUGH STEP:

If you read this post and have already decided not to do the TAKE ACTION STEP, tell us in a comment below why you made this choice. Maybe we can help you overcome your writer’s block in this area so you can experience breakthrough as a published author.

The Perfect Metaphor for Writing

Writing is like a charcuterie and cheese board.

Say what?!

For years I believed that writing was like baking a cake.

I mean, this metaphor is everywhere. Writing is like adding all the ingredients into a bowl, mixing the right amounts together, and then popping it in the oven and hoping it comes out perfect.

Right?

WRONG!!!!!!

Maybe it’s because I’ve had too many cakes come out of the oven burned on the bottom. Or sunk in the middle. Or tasteless and nobody wants to read, I mean, eat it. I’ve been so STRESSED as I wait for them to bake in the oven, feeling like I can’t do ANYTHING to fix them after this point.

I’d write my story, think I had gotten it mixed together to perfection. But then, I was so stressed out. What if in the end it wasn’t perfect?

Now I’ve found a better metaphor for us as writers. Writing is like a charcuterie and cheese board.

The first draft is like when you arrange all those yummy bits of meat and cheese and olives and pickles and crackers and crusty artisan bread on the board.

Whew! The first draft is finished.

But now I have FREEDOM! If I want to add baby carrots, I can. If I want to add slices of cheddar cheese next to the Swiss cheese, I can. If I want to take away the crackers and replace it with artisan bread, I can. In fact, if I want to take off the slices of meat from the right side of the board and rearrange them on the left side, I can!!!! If a guest arrives with tasty olives and pickles, I can add that on the board, too. I can keep rearranging and tweaking and improving that board up until it’s time to eat.

That’s how it is with writing.

I can write my first draft. And then the fun begins of tweaking and changing and throwing out stuff and adding in better stuff. And then the editor sees it and want to put in her valuable input. And in the case of a picture book (as has happened to me) the illustrator sees it and wants to throw out one page and add in a completely different topic because it’s a topic he’s always wanted to illustrate…so we do.

With this metaphor in mind, I’m not as anxious anymore about the manuscripts I write. They are a continual work in progress and team effort until we get them ready to send to the printers and out to our beloved readers to enjoy.

Okay, at that point I have to admit, a book’s launch day and release day can be stressful, lol. But that’s a different metaphor for a different day!

For now, as you write your manuscript, relax. Have fun! Writing is like a charcuterie and cheese board!

(Image by matticasco from Pixabay)

Calling Christian Children’s Writers: Fun Fall Follow Fests

It’s Fall! It’s Fun! It’s time for Fun Fall Follow Fests!

Friends, I have two blogs I contribute to that I would like to invite you to follow.

The first blog is for Christian Children’s Authors. We’re a group of Christian writers who write for children. Our blog is a great resource for you as a writer. We feature book reviews of the newest and best Christian books being released on the market so you stay in the know.

CLICK HERE to learn more and choose to subscribe to you don’t miss out on a single post!

But this blog is also a super great resource for you as a parent, grandparent, Sunday school teacher, children’s ministry worker, homeschooling family, Christian educator or librarian. It’s chock full of posts with reviews of classic and vintage books as well, plus oodles of suggested books written from a biblical worldview. And there’s more! So many activities and resources to engage with kids in your life and ministry.

CLICK HERE to visit our site and subscribe by e-mail!

WRITE 2 IGNITE

Plus, I’m excited to announce I just joined as a new blogger for the amazing site for Christian writers, WRITE 2 IGNITE!

On this blog you’ll find so many helpful tips and resources for you life as a Christian who writes. You’ll get the inside scoop on how to navigate through today’s tough industry so you can experience success. You’ll learn about tools of the trade and more!

And one of the best things of all, you’ll keep in the know about the two Masterclasses Write 2 Ignite hosts online each year. The cost is reasonable. The online resource is valuable. The networking with other writers is essential. It’s available on Zoom so you don’t even have to buy a plane ticket. They have some pretty exciting speakers lining up for 2022!!!!

CLICK HERE to read an introduction to welcome me to their blogging team. And when you visit their site, be sure to subscribe to get all their amazing posts for writers!

Author Interview: Janie Reinart

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E-mail: janiereinart@gmail.com

Blog: https://www.janiereinart.com/blog/

Web site:  www.janiereinart.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/smile73777

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiereinart/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/janiereinart/

With her words, Janie Reinart makes something from nothing. From paper and pencil to page turns, she crafts stories celebrating the creativity and playfulness of children. Janie encourages readers to use their imagination, find their voice, share their stories, and believe in their dreams. She lives in Ohio with her darling husband and delights in playing with their 16 grandchildren. 

Featured Book: When Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children 

Written by Janie Reinart and illustrated by Morgan Taylor.

When war forces two sisters to flee their home in South Sudan with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, Big Sister strives to help Little Sister smile again at the refugee settlement. But as quickly as Little Sister’s smile appears, it disappears…that is, until water makes mud. In the end, Big Sister’s artistry and kindness brings hope to their situation. This title is a tribute to the resourcefulness of children who have no toys but continue to play and is dedicated to the 200,000 refugee children living at the Bidibidi settlement in Uganda.

All publisher profits from this title will be donated to UNICEF Uganda.

Free downloadable resources at www.janiereinart.com under BOOKS tab.

Watch the book trailer here.

Interview: Author questions

Thank you so much Nancy for the interview. I am a big fan of yours. It was my pleasure to meet you several years ago at a retreat. Thank you for being such a positive light in this world!

Question: Describe a highlight for you personally while you were writing this book.

The stunning photography in a National Geographic story started my picture book, When Water Makes Mud: A Story of Refugee Children. I noticed the photographer, Nora Lorek was on Instagram. I gathered my courage and sent her a private message.  Nora was so kind and generous. She sent me her email address and became my inspiration and resource. In addition to connecting with Nora, (she lives in Sweden) having the very picture of hers that started the story for me in the back matter of the book was definitely a highlight.

Question: Describe the journey you’ve taken as a writer.

I’ve worn many hats on this journey. A hat that set my path was the black and white broad brimmed one I wore portraying Eliza Doolittle in my high school senior class play. I was very shy and quiet. My high school English and speech teacher, Mr. David Shaner, changed my life and inspired me. In his class, I began to write and present speeches and perform on stage.  I wanted to be like Mr. Shaner. Because of him, I got my degree in education, speech, and theater so that I could give students confidence to find their voice and tell their stories. Other hats include:

a funny hat writing skits to be performed at a children’s hospitals as part of a gentle clowning ministryfull body costumes and hats sharing original tales in schools as an interactive musical storytellera poet’s beret as a poet in residence at an inner-city school to help children find their voice through free verse poetrybest of all, an author’s hat to play with words and write books for children

Q: What is one word of advice you received as a writer that you would like to share with others?

I can’t do one word. Only you can write your story! Write what you are passionate about and make that heart-to-heart writer/reader connection.

Q: Share one goal you have as a children’s writer and the steps you are taking to achieve it.

My next goal is learning to write a graphic novel. I am taking several webinars and reading lots of middle grade graphic novels.

Thank you, Janie, for being here on my blog! Best wishes with your new book and future projects!

Guest Post with Rebecca Hirsch

I’m so delighted to introduce you to my writing friend and amazing nonfiction children’s author, Rebecca E. Hirsch. Today Rebecca is posting a guest post here on my blog where she shares some of the story behind her success of her brand new beautiful and amazing picture book, Night Creatures. Meet Rebecca!!!!

GUEST POST with REBECCA HIRSCH!

Website: rebeccahirsch.com

Instagram: @rebeccaehirsch

Twitter: @rebeccaehirsch

Bio:

Rebecca E. Hirsch loves connecting children to nature and scientific discovery. She has written more than eighty nonfiction books for young readers, including Plants Can’t Sit Still, Night Creatures, and the forthcoming The Tallest Trees. Rebecca lives with her family in the mountains of central Pennsylvania. You can learn more at http://www.rebeccahirsch.com

Featured book:

Night Creatures: Animals That Swoop, Crawl, and Creep while You Sleep

As the sun sets, night creatures awaken. In their rural backyard, a parent and child camp out, watching as fireflies flicker, bats flap, and rabbits race. Atmospheric illustrations bring the nocturnal world to life in this lyrical and informative picture book.

GUEST BLOG POST

I’ve been following Nancy’s advice for writers for years, ever since I was a beginner and trying to figure out how to build a career as a children’s writer. Her advice is not only warm and wise, it also works! I’d like to share one way her excellent advice has worked for me.

Nancy advocates an approach she calls The Triple Crown of Success. In a nutshell, The Triple Crown of Success means using different strategies to achieve different goals in your writing. So, you might pursue one writing project to earn publication credits, another to earn income, and a third because you are passionate about it.

My new book Night Creatures: Animals That Swoop, Crawl, and Creep while You Sleep (illustrated by the fabulous Sonia Possentini) was a passion project. It would never have happened if I hadn’t been following The Triple Crown of Success. Nancy had taught me to make time for the projects that feed my writer’s soul. For me, those are nature-themed picture books. Night Creatures was inspired both by my childhood growing up in the Pennsylvania countryside and also by a nature camp my children attended.

Although I am usually juggling multiple writing projects to earn a living, I always try to carve out time to write picture books. It isn’t always easy to fit them in, but I keep at it. Night Creatures is my second published picture book (after Plants Can’t Sit Still.) And a third picture book, on the world’s tallest trees, is under contract!

If you want to achieve your own writing success, I recommend you curl up with a copy of Nancy’s book, Yes! You Can Learn How To Write Children’s Books, Get Them Published, and Build a Successful Writing Career. You’ll find loads about The Triple Crown of Success and other practical strategies that will help you build your own writing career.

Thanks for having me, Nancy! And thanks for years and years of wonderful advice!

Rebecca, it is such a joy to have you join me here on my blog. And I am so touched to hear of your success story and know that we’ve shared so much of our journeys as part of a writing community. Thanks for sharing some of the story behind the story. Best wishes on your brand new book and Happy Book Birthday!!!!

Writing Is Community

Recently, I was blessed to attend the Christian Product Expo in St. Louis, Missouri.

Wow…it’s been quite a while since I met with fellow authors and friends in the publishing industry. 2020 was a quiet year.

It was so fun to gather together again.

There were dinners, and awards, and book signings, and friends, and so many “God-moments.”

And did I mention friends?

One of my writing friends, Crystal Bowman, made a comment there that has really stuck with me. She mentioned that many people mistakenly think that as writers, we compete against each other. Instead, Crystal said, writers are a community.

I heartily agree!

Instead of competing against each other, we’re a community of dedicated scribes, encouraging each other, helping each other promote our books, lending a helping hand and heart to one another in any area or need that arises, and cheering each other on along our journey.

Thank you to each one of you who are part of my writing community!

You certainly add joy to my journey.

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Finding Joy as a Writer

Would you like to find joy joy on your journey as a writer?

Click here to hop on over to to my friend’s blog where I did a guest post on 5 Ways to Find Joy on your journey.

Be sure to comment on Josie Siler’s blog and say hi!

And while you’re there, you can sign up for her newsletter where you’ll get lots of inspiration as a writer.

Thank you, Josie for the wonderful opportunity to join you today!

Book Launch for BEDTIME WITH MOMMY

Hip hip hooray! It’s finally here! On August 24, my newest book, BEDTIME WITH MOMMY, launches into the world.

Here’s what it’s all about:

From polar bears in the Arctic to kangaroos in the Outback to elephants on the grasslands, all around the world mommies are tucking their little ones into bed with prayers, hymns, and goodnight snuggles. A padded board book for babies and toddlers, BEDTIME WITH MOMMY is sure to become a favorite bedtime read!

So many of my friends are asking me how you can help launch this new book. Here are some suggestions:

*If you’re on social media platforms and like to share, help spread the good news by clicking on the sharing buttons at the end of this post. And please feel free to share the news on any platform you like the most!

*If you’re looking for a new book to gift to little ones in your life, CLICK HERE to purchase copies of BEDTIME WITH MOMMY today. Pre-order sales help up the ranking of a new release, so this will really help get the word out.

*And speaking of gifting, here are some great giving ideas for this special little book:

It’s a great baby shower gift!

It’s a wonderful treasure to donate to a shoebox for Christmas ministry, an Angel tree ministry, Toys for Tots, or other ministries your local church supports for Christmas.

If your community or church has a pro-life ministry where you gift newborn baskets to young moms, this book is a very anointed blessing. Since it features a cast of animal mommies around the world, it is very inclusive of all backgrounds. Plus, the text is comforting, hope-filled, and reassuring of a mother’s special love for her child while it also offers a godly example many new moms might be encouraged to follow.

Thanks so much for sharing in my joy! And thank you for every single action you take to help spread the word about this brand new book. Truly you make a difference. Both in my heart and for mommies and little ones around the world.