Just Write for Kids

How does this class work? What is it composed of?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:36:02 +0000

“Just Write for Kids” is designed to be an independent study course, delivered in 8 modules over the course of 8 sequential weeks. Once you sign up, you will be given access to the “Just Write for Kids” website and Members’ Forum. You will also begin receiving an email each week comprised of the next lesson in the course. The information in each lesson builds upon the one before it, and concludes with one or more writing assignments for that week. Any comments or questions that arise during the course may be posted in the Comments section of that week’s lesson page (here you can also review comments and questions from previous or current course participants, along with my answers) or in the Member’s Forum. At the end of the 8th week, you will have a completed manuscript in hand. You will also receive a series of bonuses, including Writers Resources, an Editing Checklist and information about submitting your work to agents and publishers.

Isn’t it incredibly hard to get published these days? Do you provide advice on the submission and publication process?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:28:06 +0000

The main standard for getting published is the same as it’s always been – high quality writing. While it is highly competitive, it’s important to realize that the children’s book industry needs an influx of new, high quality books every season. This course will give you the skills to be the best writer you can be, as well as providing resources for taking the next steps toward publication.

While this course is focused primarily on the craft of writing for children, I also offer monthly teleseminars and a group coaching program that focuses more on the children’s book business – the processes of submission, publication, marketing etc. Please visit www.children’sbookhub.com for details about that program.

Are there opportunities to ask questions of or interact with Emma personally during the course?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:25:35 +0000

Yes. Once you have enrolled, you can post your questions and comments via the course’s online comments sections on each lesson, as well as in the Members’ Forum. I answer as many questions as I can on a regular basis. This also provides a unique opportunity for students to network with each other, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Does the information in this course also translate to chapter books and young adult novels, or is it strictly limited to picture books?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:24:30 +0000

This is a picture book course – and as such, the focus is on that format. That said, many of the guiding principles of successful fiction writing are the same, regardless of genre, and most of the information in this course is transferable to the other genres. There are also numerous additional benefits, such as the Editing Checklist, Writers Resource list and discount on editorial services that are also applicable to all forms of children’s literature.

I’m not an artist. Does “picture book” mean I have to have pictures as well?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:23:38 +0000

“Picture Book” is a specific genre in the children’s book industry, and its name is frequently misinterpreted. Many people think that if a book has (or is intended to have) illustrations of any kind, it must be a ‘picture book’. But if a book has chapters with illustrations, it is not a picture book – it is a “chapter book.” A picture book is 32 – 48 pages maximum, approximately 1000 words, divided into double-page spreads and generally featuring a balance between text and art.

Unless you are specifically an author/illustrator, you are not expected to come up with the illustrations for a picture book manuscript. It is the publisher’s job to identify and pair you with the best possible artist for the project. This course is focused on the writing of the text only. Art comes later – after the manuscript has been accepted for publication.

I don’t have a Paypal account. Is there another way to pay for the course?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:23:00 +0000

You do not need a Paypal account to make a one-time payment through Paypal for the course. The shopping cart system will walk you through the totally safe method for making your payment via credit card. Paypal also accepts checks – although the clearance process takes a little longer. Please email us at admin@justwriteforkids.com if you have further questions about payment.

Is there a set timeframe, or may I work at my own pace?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:22:23 +0000

This course is totally flexible – there is no official start or end date, and you may begin and end at anytime that suits your schedule. The course is delivered over a period of 8 weeks, via once-weekly emails, but you are always free to work at your own pace. Simply save the emails with the links to the lessons and assignments, and work on them when you are ready.

I live in Europe. Can I still take the course?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:21:48 +0000

Yes! This course is delivered to you at home, wherever you are in the world, via email and the internet. Once you make your payment, you will gain immediate access to the course website and you will begin receiving weekly lessons and assignments via email. Please note that the course is delivered in English… Unfortunately I am not yet able to translate it to other languages.

Coming Soon!

admin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:57:18 +0000

I have a new course coming soon! Stay Tuned! ~ Emma

If I sign up for your course, does that guarantee submission to publishers and/or that my manuscript will definitely be published? Would you be making the publishing connection for me?

Emma Walton Hamilton — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:21:20 +0000

My services are strictly editorial/educational. I am not an agent or a publisher, and cannot make any guarantees of publication or make publishing connections. My sole function is to assist my clients/students in the development of their manuscripts.

Editing is a highly subjective process of offering advice and suggestions to an author to strengthen and improve a manuscript. I make my best efforts to advise and suggest changes to improve the manuscript based on my own experience as a professional author and editor, but unfortunately there are no guarantees in the highly competitive field of publishing. The acceptance of a manuscript for publication is the subjective decision of a publisher and its editors. This decision is based upon individual taste and the perceived marketability of a given manuscript. I bring my personal experience and understanding of the trends of the current market to bear on the editorial task at hand, and work with my Clients in preparing the best manuscript possible given the submitted material, but I have no final control over the market or the decisions made by individual publishers or members of the publishing industry.

That said, I do include comprehensive information (in the bonus materials included with the course) as to how and where to submit a manuscript to publishers, write query or cover letters, and otherwise maximize your opportunities for publication. But the actual work of obtaining an agent or publisher lies with the author him/herself.