Books published by publisher Writer's Digest Books

THE PATH TO PUBLICATION STARTS HERE! Whether you want to write young adult novels or illustrate picture books, 2002 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market can help make your dreams of publication come true! It provides the information you need to find the book publishers, magazines, agents and art reps that are right for your work. You'll find contact names, submission guidelines, pay rates, Web sites, e-mail addresses, phone numbers and more: You'll also find guidelines for writing effective query letters, preparing professional submissions and creating promotional art samples, along with information on organizations, conferences and contests that can boost your career. Invaluable articles examine writing in rhyme, e-publishing, networking, negotiating contracts and marketing basics for illustrators, while interviews with award-winning creators David Almond (Skellig), Franny Billingsley (The Folk Keeper) and Amy Walrod (The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza)) offer insights and inspiration. Finally, Philip Lee (Publisher, Lee & Low Books), Harold Underdown, (Vice President, ipicturebooks.com), Judy O'Malley (Editor, Cricket Magazine Group) and agent Barry Goldblatt provide you with insider advice for getting your work into print. It's all the information you need in one incredible book!

Childhood is abundant with beauty, grace and wonder - making children a favorite subject of amateur and professional photographers alike. And now, regardless of experience and skill, anyone can capture their charm on film like never before. Photographer Vik Orenstein gives the technical and creative skills needed to: portray each child as full of innocence or action, curiosity or thoughtfulness; create great compositions and master perspective; manipulate light to evoke mood and avoid common lighting pitfalls; successfully work with interesting visuals, from flowers to freckles; master everything from lenses and film to processing and printing; Orenstein also provides nine professional portraiture projects that range from simple to challenging. Each one comes with the detailed advice and step-by-step instructions needed to photograph children like a pro. There is additional guidance on running a successful photography business and the latest word on the digital revolution.

One key element in creating engaging stories for kids is developing vivid characters. Veteran children's author Elaine Alphin gives readers concrete tips for bringing their characters to live, including: How to observe real kids and bring their life onto the page; How to remember your own childhood and make it a part of your story; How to use the elements of characterization as the basis for conflict and action; With examples from successful children's books and exercises throughout, this book is a must-have for both the beginning writer and those more experienced in the children's book field.