Ah, so much went on at the international conference that I’m still basking in the fruitfulness. I’m pretty sure that’s not an expression, but you know what I mean. I’ve tweeted out much of the greatness. I’ve culled some more juicy tidbits to share, in random order:
1. Webinars are popular and great for those farther away from the masses. Expect to see more.
2. Webinars are NOT a replacement of in-person conferences, workshops, or gatherings. They are in addition to them. Nothing beats face to face contact.
3. Editors and agents find/book authors and illustrators at conferences, people they wouldn’t otherwise hear from. Repeatedly. Attend roundtables, submit your work for critique. The additional cost is worth it.
4. With the field so crowded, editors and agents are looking for something that “blows them away.” Really good no longer cuts it.
5. There’s no award for speed in this industry. Give your work the time it deserves.
6. Hardcovers, after a bit of a slump, are on the rise!
7. Picture books are getting shorter, funnier…”an economy of text.”
and, my favorite takeaway from the enter conference:
8. “The importance of what we’re doing will never go away”
Thoughts? Comments? Bring ’em.
I’m attending the annual, (inter)national children’s book conference with SCBWI. I’m also taking over as the Regional Advisor (R.A.) for the Northern CA/Central region of SCBWI, which encompasses about 400 members in 33 counties (not sure if I want you to applaud or pity me, haha). Lately I’ve heard a bunch of beginner writer questions. I’m re-posting a Q&A-type video I made a little while ago, and hopefully it’ll help answer questions you didn’t even think to ask.