Pre-Smart Dummies Starts Now!

Note: All future blog posts will be at my new website: https://www.daniduck.com/blog/ 
If you aren't currently getting emails from my new website please re-register your
email there. You should not get double emails with this list!

To sign up for Smart Dummies go here:
https://www.daniduck.com/register-for-smart-dummies-2019/ and be sure to sign
up for emails!

This year Smart Dummies is going to be a bit different. I’m going to work to make
this more of a community event! I’m hoping we can help each other to make stronger
dummies. Not only that but I want as many people as possible to actually finish their
dummies this year!

What’s leaving Smart Dummies 2019?

Besides being on this new web address Smart Dummies will not be having guest and
likely not prizes this year. I will be removing the calendar from the Smart Dummies
booklet.

I’ve had to think hard about this, because I don’t have time to run it like I have in
previous years. However I’m hoping what we lose will be regained in new parts of
the event.

What’s Staying the Same?

We’ll still be having critique groups, badges, and the Smart Dummies digital workbook
will be back soon! Weekly posts will let you know what we are doing all week long!

What’s New?

I’m hoping to get a few more people helping out with Process Posts (see below). These
posts will be hosted on other blogs with links from my blog. I’m hoping to have (or find)
answers to all of your Dummy Creation Questions! There will be more action on the
Facebook Group (BTW everyone is welcome to post non-promotional material there).
There is the possibility of a twitter/video chats. And maybe a few surprises. I will be
adjusting the calendar in the Smart Dummies booklet to reflect the different subjects we
are covering.

Process Posts

The post below is something I’ve already posted on Facebook. I’m looking for help
with process posts. Do you have any of these posts already on your blog? Great, just let
me know, send me a link and photo from your post and I’ll share it during Smart Dummies! 

Looking for people who have a technique or process they’d like to share. Your post
about this does not have to be on my blog (but it can be). It can be something from an
old post of yours. Here are some of the subjects I’m looking for, but it doesn’t have to be
limited to these:

• Turning Public Domain Stories into Picture Books
• Marking up a Script for Illustration
• Researching Images
• Doodling
• Character Design
• Character Emotions
• Thumbnails
• Loose Page Drafts
• Preparing Substrates (traditional artists)
• Any Posts About Technique
• Anything Else to do with Art or Dummies

A No Update, Update

Unfortunately I could not work on my Kidlit Collage post this week. I wish it was laziness or that I was just too busy. The problem is that my computer is having issues. I'm hoping these issues will be resolved soon! I'll be back here ASAP to fill you in on more details.

 Want to join me  and Christy Ann (@christyillustrates on instagram) in Kidlit Collage? There is no sign up! Just post your image on Instagram (and other social media) and tag #kidlitcollage. That way we can see your work!

More About Make Your Marks and Splashes

I'm talking again about  Mark Mitchell's wonderful illustration course. This course will give you the ins and outs of the picture book field. Mark strives to help people get a solid foundation of art and an understanding of the illustration field. You can see Mark's Smart Dummies Post about the course here: https://daniduckart.blogspot.com/2018/09/make-splash-in-illustration-with-mark.html

What did you miss out on in school? Were you able to take art classes in college, or were you able to go to college at all? I personally have a BFA in Fine Arts and let me tell you I missed out on a lot. 

There are many art schools and universities that give you most of the tools you need to get started as an illustrator. I wasn't lucky enough to be in one of those schools. I got most of my training in one grad course that cost me $1,500. I don't regret it, but that's a lot of money to pay out of pocket. I have learned a lot since then, but with art one has to be open to learning their whole life.

What don't you know about illustration? If you could take a class that would set you on a path to being a paid illustrator would you take it? If you are already a paid illustrator what would it mean to be better at your craft? What would it mean if your work would appeal to more audiences? An education like that is worth it's weight in gold. You can take a class with Mark Mitchell for about a fifth of the cost that it took me to take a single university course.

College Doesn't Matter for Art. A good portfolio will trump any degree. Publishers, art directors, agents and even employers want to see what you can do. They don't care if you have a fancy education if you can't do the job. There are some cases where a degree is vital, but in most cases your portfolio means more.

What's New?  Things have changed a bit as far as the set up for buying your course. If you click on the link it will take you to a place where you can explore a bit about the course. There is also a video which will tell you more about the course!

Mark is supporting this blog and Smart Dummies through this course. If you take this course you aren't just helping to improve your art skills, you are also helping me to make Smart Dummies, this blog and any other related events better for everyone. Through the support of the community I've been able to host giveaways and an art contest. I hope to be able to to even more this year!

Make Your Mark's and Splashes info: https://daniduck--marksandsplasheslearning.thrivecart.com/make-your-marks-and-splashes-copy-2/

Sorry About the Mess!

Sorry the font has been so messy on my blog lately. I had a problem a few months back with my whole computer and I just didn't have time to fix things.  Somehow all my internet fonts were changed on the computer but my blog looked okay on my phone.

In any case, I'm sorry for the horrible font. It's been adjusted now! I'm still not sure how the settings changed, but I'm very happy to have a legible blog once again!

Monday Montage!

My friend Christy (@chrstyilstrates  on Twitter and https://www.instagram.com/christyillustrates/ on Instagram) and I are doing a new series! The series is called Monday Montage.

Every month we are going to create one full illustration due the last Monday of the month. Even though we are only posting one final image, every Monday we'll be posting process posts. We will be sharing these images with you on our blogs and social media. Christy's blog is here: https://creativejourneycafe.wordpress.com/

YOU CAN JOIN US! Just make a post on Mondays and use the tag #mondaymontage on your post. This will help us find your posts and comment on them. I'm also hoping to set up a few things so that we can all grow our audiences!

Are you in?

The first prompt is: Goals 

You can interpret it as you'd like. January 7th (The first Monday in January) will be our first post. I'm thinking I'll be doing some character drawings first. What are you planning on creating?

New Year's Goals!

The holidays had me really busy! How about you? I got really sick just before Christmas, yay? I've got tissues, and will be typing my goals between blows.

I make goals every year instead of a Resolution. I've gotten off resolutions because they are pass or fail. I tend to make my goals higher than I can achieve so it pushes me to work harder.

My 2019 Goals


1. Redo My Portfolio

I've redone my portfolio so many times. I've got a few great digital programs now and it's time I go to town on this goal! I really need more work that's kidlit infused. My last redo was focused on Fantasy art, but too many adult characters! I'd also like to do more backgrounds (indoor and outdoor) and more comic/graphic novel looking work.

2. Send Work Out to Editors/Art Directors (Early in 2019)

I've had some interest in my new digital art style. I need to make it a habit to send out new art every few months. I don't have anything new completed right now, but I'm hoping to change that soon.

3. Win the 12x12, Storystorm, Smart Dummies and My New Writing Challenge

Sign up for Storystorm is open now! https://taralazar.com/ The 12x12 is a challenge to get 12 picture books written in 12 months. http://12x12challenge.com/ Smart Dummies will help you get your Picture Book Dummy done in September. More info coming on the writing challenge soon!

4. Blog More (More Info Tomorrow)

My friend Christy and I have come up with a fun illustration challenge that we'll be starting January 7th. More info about this and how you can join tomorrow!

5. Create at Least 2 More Dummies 

I have one dummy that's fairly solid. I'd like to have 2 more so I have more work for agents to see! Once I have 2-3 dummies finished I'll start submitting to agents.

6. Rediscover My Love of Writing

I don't write enough anymore. I'm really seeing it in the things I do write. While I will be working to complete the 12x12 this year I'm hoping that this will include strong stories that I can easily take to dummies.

7. Find More Ways to Include Family in My Art 

I will try to spend more time with my family, but I wanted to change this to something that relates directly to the business side of my art.

My husband helps me a lot already with my work. I've been creating some comic style art lately and he has read a lot of comics, so his feedback is invaluable. I've read a lot of comics too, but it's great to get more feedback from someone close to me.

For my kids it will probably be taking pictures of them doing kid things, turning what they do into art and seeing what they'd like drawn.

8. Asking For Feedback on My Art

I almost didn't include this, but it's important. I don't ask for enough feedback on my art and serious mistakes (that could be avoided) are causing me issues. I need to ask early in the sketching stage, because that stage is the most important for the whole piece.


What are your goals this year? 

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I didn't get all my 2018 goals finished. Let's see how I did:

1. Win Storystorm I did this! 

2. Win the 12x12 Challenge I'm still working on this. I finished last year, and I hope to do it again.
3. Look for Freelance Illustration Work I had some offers that I had to turn down.
4. Finish 2-3 Picture Book Dummies I was only able to finish one dummy this year, but it was an awesome one.
5. Submit at Least 6 Different Manuscripts to Editors/Agents I had some health problems and it derailed me a lot, but I did have an art director interested in my work!
6. Spend More Focused Time on Social Media Oh I focused more on social media, but not in the right ways.
7. Spend More Time With Family I think I did this. I know for a fact that I did this more around the holidays than previous years. Gave me time to relax and catch the toddler's cold.

While I didn't get everything done on my list I had a few surprises happen! I took Dr. Mira Reisberg's class. The Craft and Business of Illustrating Picture Books is top notch! Check out the Children's Book Academy here: http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/ and make sure to sign up for the emails. An Art Director from a great publishing company loved my work and I made that contact through the Children's Book Academy Class! I hope you look into this and take a class as well!

My Christmas Wish List #4: Rebelle 3 -- Digital Art Program

My Christmas Wishlist #4

This year my Christmas Wish List includes Rebelle 3 from Escape Motions. You may know that I already have Rebelle 3 on my computer. So why include it on my wish list? Right now I don't have full capability of the program right now. It

To read more about the program you can go here: https://www.escapemotions.com/products/rebelle/ There is both a downloadable demo, and an online demo for this product.

Created digitally with Rebelle 3's  pastels
and inked with Clip Studio Paint

I like Rebelle 3 for many reasons. I have used Photoshop extensively. At this point I cant afford to buy a subscription for Photoshop. I'm not sure that Photoshop is right for me anymore. I'm use to using traditional methods for my art and Rebelle 3 seems to be the best at mimicking watercolors. If you are talking about oil painting Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter are decent digital substitutes.

Watercolor: Rebelle 3 has a fascinating way of creating realistic watercolors. It allows you to put water on the canvas and your colors to blend in a way that's very much like actual watercolors. You can pause the reaction with the water and instantly dry or wet your entire canvas. There is more of a chance for mistakes and fun discovery with this program compared to other programs I've seen.

Pastel: I think this is my favorite for black and white images. I don't use pastels much but I love how well you can build up the pastel color. There is also a blending tool that allows pastels to look softer and (of course) blended.

Ink: I like the options that you have for inking. Much like the watercolors you can use water you can blend the inks. With these digital inks (like traditional inks) the colors are fairly fixed after they dry. India ink is the same way, so if you want to be able to change the colors after the fact, then you'd go with watercolor rather than ink. If I could change anything about this I'd want a bit of a stabilizer for ink so its easier to draw using a tablet.

Eraser: This one is fun, because it basically reverts your paper back to normal! It's not that impressive when it comes to pencil, but when you have 15 layers of watercolor down it's kind of awesome to remove them and start back at the beginning.

Other Media: Rebelle 3 also has acrylics, pencil, markers and spray paint available for use. I have not used any of these extensively so will not comment at this time on their uses.


The "bad" thing about the program is it is very memory intensive (see website for more details on system requirements). You have to have a lot of RAM on your computer for it to run well. I have 8 gigs of ram on my computer and a decent graphics card. While it can run on 8 gigs, this program is best with 12 - 16 gigs. The amount of undos are limited to 1 with a 10.5" x 16.5" image with 4-5 layers (the size I use for picture book spreads). An 8" x 10" (or slightly larger) doesn't seem to have many issues. I'm hoping to get more RAM soon!

Edit: I also forgot to mention that with 8 gigs of ram it's not possible to run Chrome or other software. You can, but the Rebelle software is very likely to crash or have other problems if you do so. Often I'm running near the top of what my computer can handle without opening anything else!

Where to buy:

Both Escape Motions and Smith Micro sells this software. The difference I've noticed between the two is the availability of software download after the fact. With Smith Micro there are more sales, however the digital download is only available once with Smith Micro. An extra $13 is required to download the software for only 1 year. With Escape Motions you can download the software indefinitely so I strongly suggest ordering it through the company. For $90 USD it's not an expensive program!

My Christmas Wish List #2: The Craft and Business of Writing Children's Picture Books

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST # 2

I have known Mira Reisberg for many years now. She has a love for teaching and wants those who create children's books and illustrations to succeed! Mira often has free webinars she hosts and these are packed with wonderful information!

I took "The Craft and Business of Illustrating Picture Books" from The Children's Book Academy earlier this year. I don't have time to post a full review of the course, but I'll give you some of the highlights! This is the writing course, but a lot of the main components stay the same.

SCHOLARSHIPS: DECEMBER 15th Deadline. http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/yuyi-morales-picture-book-scholarship.html There are diversity scholarships (and low income scholarships) for this course! There were not enough people applying for the diversity scholarships last class, so be sure to apply. Let's make the children's industry more diverse!

There is also a discount code on the page and that's good until the end of the week! Find the code here, but hurry, because it will be gone soon! Save $100!
https://wj168.infusionsoft.app/app/hostedEmail/1962074/8c7914e6987899c8

* Course Materials There was just so much information packed into this course! There were hours and hours of videos to watch. Techniques, tips and tutorials were discussed.

* Good for All Skill Levels This course contains information from all skill levels. If you are just starting out you can get a strong foundation for art. For more advanced students this class pushes you to do your best.

* Dedicated Staff  Like I said, Mira cares about the people in her course. The people helping out with the course are absolutely wonderful. They all take the time to answer questions.

* Golden Tickets This is the exciting part of the class! You can get your work seen by editors and agents (and art directors in the illustration class). 

* One on One I kicked myself for not getting a one on one for the illustration course. These give you 1 hour with Mira Reisberg (Clear Fork Publishing) or Kelly Delany (Random House/Knopf). Their normal consulting fees are much higher than the $100 you'll pay, so this is very much worth it!

It takes a lot of work to catch the eye of industry professionals. The illustration class is absolutely what I needed to get to the next level in my art career.

The reason this class is #2 on my list is because I'm still processing what I learned from the past class. It's an ongoing experience, really. I have learned so much about my illustration and now I'm working on dummies and my portfolio so I can show what I can really do with my art! Even had said this, Mira's writing class is definitely in my future!

Want to know more about "The Craft and Business of Illustrating Picture Books"? Click here: http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html

My Christmas Wish List #1: "Make Your Marks And Splashes Course"

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST # 1

Okay, I've thought about it long enough and I'm starting on my Christmas Wish List. It's a bit late, but most of the things on this list will (hopefully) be things you can still get before Christmas!

I absolutely love Mark Mitchell's newsletter for artists. I have learned so much from his newsletter and his blog. I have a few of the posts saved and refer back to them often. If you go to his website check out the post 'Charging' up Your Watercolor. It just changed my life! You can help me with the number 1 thing on my Christmas list by signing up for the class yourself here: https://marksandsplasheslearning.thrivecart.com/make-your-marks-and-splashes/?affiliate=daniduck

Here are  reasons this children's illustration course is #1 on my Christmas list this year!


1. FREE INFO 

Mark gives out great information free on his website. No purchase necessary or expected. People who freely tell you useful information

2. EXPERIENCE

Mark is an experienced illustrator. He has illustrated over 20 books (20 from other authors, 3 he wrote himself and tons of magazines. This experience gives those who take

3. COURSE OFFERINGS

Everything is covered in this course from design and color to how to market your work!

4. ART COMMUNITY

There is nothing better for being creative than joining a good community of artists. I have tried creating art in a vacuum and my art suffered greatly for this. I have found being part of a good creative group is essential to being a great artist!

5. EASY PAYMENT

The cost of the course is really inexpensive for an all inclusive course. It's only $249! If you can't afford that much at once you can do a payment plan. My favorite thing is that you can use Paypal to pay. I love finding any excuse NOT to use my credit cards.


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Still not sure? Here is a preview of some of the things you'll be learning. Sign up to his FREE news letter and you'll receive 4 short videos and a .PDF lesson! http://howtobeachildrensbookillustrator.com/drawingsecret/


Things are tight this year. If you join the course using my affiliate link I'll be able to afford to take the class with you! Let me know if you are taking the class and I'll give you some extra bonus help and motivation!

If you use my affiliate link here: https://marksandsplasheslearning.thrivecart.com/make-your-marks-and-splashes/?affiliate=daniduck

Count Down to the New Year - 22 Days Left!

Only 22 days until the New Year. What are you planning on working on next year? After Christmas I'm going to be posting my New Year plans. These plans are not a resolution. They are purposely made difficult for me to finish. I focus on the positive, so if I achieve any of my goals I'm doing well!


Prompts:

1. The one thing you don't want to receive as a gift.

2. The worst thing about winter.

Countdown to the New Year: Scholastic Book Fair

26ish days left in the New Year! Here is my book haul from the Scholastic Book Fair this year. Only book not here is "I Am Not a Chair" by Ross Burach. David's teacher is the lucky one who gets this book for her class!

The rest of these are Christmas/Birthday books for the kids!:

If you have access to a book fair, which books did you buy?

Prompt: What would you do if you were stuck overnight at the library?

Other than above, where would you like to be stuck overnight?

Countdown to The New Year - Let's Have Some Cookies

One of my favorite times of year for making cookies is December. What kinds of cookies do you make in December? I like making sugar cookies, but honestly they are so much work that I only want to do them once a year.

Prompt:

Create a scene/story with a baking mishap.

Write or draw a scene containing cookies (can be a continuation of the first prompt).

Countdown to the New Year - Day 1 Prompts

I have had the worst luck lately with being ill! I feel like doing some extra prompts and fun stuff to end off this year. 

You can use these for either pictures or stories. If you send them to me at smartdummies@hotmail.com I will post them here and give you a link back. Also you can send me prompts to share if you'd like!

1. Your perfect holiday scene.

2. How you feel about snow.

Monday Prompts: A Look at Color

Sorry this is late! I was not feeling well all last week which has thrown everything off. Including this week!

Writers: Describe color to someone who can't see colors.

Artists: Create the feeling of a rainbow without using a color (black, grey and white is ok.)

Monday Prompt

I'm starting Monday Prompts today! These prompts are for artists and illustrators.

Draw or write about:

1. A child's mishap while getting dressed for school.

2. Your favorite holiday outfit/costume.


You can share any of these on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with #smartdummieschallenge

What Progress? Changes are coming!

I was pretty sad when I realized that I can't participate in #folktaleweek2018. I've had major burn out this week and I have some family issues come up. I could have participated, but I wouldn't have any quality work to show. I have gotten some good ideas from the prompts, and will work on some portfolio pieces from these.


EDIT: Please take 2 minutes to fill out this Smart Dummies Survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GZSXPMF

What I'm Creating:

I've been doing some sketching but no completed pieces. I hope to get some finished work soon.


I have plans for my blog! I want to find time to blog more so I need to make some changing. The linky list is not working, or doesn't work for everyone, so anyone who wants to post their blog links to their "What Progress" post then just post in the comments below!

I've decided to cut Monday Coffee, because I usually don't get enough time Monday to drink my coffee and write a post. I'm changing it to Monday Prompts. This will be one or two prompts that can be used for writers and artists (or at least one for each).

I'm also cutting interviews for now. I'm not against doing them, but the act of finding people to interview is more than I can do right now. I'm considering doing some picture book reviews instead, because they will take less time.

I'm also considering a writing challenge for. Is anyone interested? I'd love to spend more time writing and I think this would be a good time to write! Let me know your thoughts!

If you created a process post this week then please post your link below!

Margo Sorenson -- Color and Light

Margo Sorenson talks about Color and Light today and everything else that Alessandra finds in Italy in her new book Secrets in Translation. This is not Margo's first rodeo on my blog. I interviewed her back in 2015! Interview is here if you'd like to see! https://daniduckart.blogspot.com/2015/05/interview-with-margo-sorenson.html  Since we just had a big art event she thought it would be fun to write about the visuals in "Secrets in Translation"! You can buy her new book here: Fitzroy Books more links after this post.

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WHAT ALESSANDRA FINDS IN ITALY, BESIDES COLOR AND LIGHT

By Margo Sorenson


When Dani asked me to write about visual writing to create a sense of place, I was thrilled! After all, who doesn't love to pick up a book and feel transported to another destination? In my newest Young Adult/Crossover Adult (not "cross adults!" 😉), SECRETS IN TRANSLATION (Fitzroy Books), the setting in Italy is vital, because it serves as one of the key motivators for the main character, Alessandra. Italy itself is almost like an actual character in the book, and so I needed to make Italy vibrant and colorful for readers, so they could feel as if they were really there.

Lemons on the Amalfi Coast

From the back cover: "Seventeen-year-old Alessandra returns for six weeks to Italy, where she grew up. Pressured by her parents into babysitting a rebellious twelve-year-old—ruining holiday plans with newfound American friends—Alessandra resigns herself to a tedious summer in Positano. Her babysitting gig, however, turns out to be anything but boring! Not only does Alessandra fall for the handsome son of the Bertolucci family, renowned for their limoncello production, but when a body mysteriously turns up on the beach, the influence of organized crime in Positano become frighteningly real. As Alessandra is drawn further into an elaborate conspiracy, she must risk everything to protect herself, her family, and those that she loves, and in the process, she finds herself—and her Italian heart".

The novel takes place in Positano, which, if you've ever been there, has one of the most stunning, drop-dead gorgeous views in the world.

Photo Credit: Nicki Storey @NickiPositano on Instagram

So, when I set out to write a book with Positano as its background, of course words of sight, touch, scent, taste, and sound became some of my world-building blocks. Positano had to come alive for the readers, so that Alessandra's feelings about Italy and her journey would seem real.

Many of my readers have never been to Italy, so it was key to try and find vivid words for all the senses, beginning with sight. As you know, if you've ever been there, most of Italy looks nothing like the United States, so I had to paint with a detailed brush right at the beginning:

"My feelings churned as I looked out the window at the hills dotted with olive trees, the occasional random, crumbling castle, the tiny villages clustered around an ancient church bell tower, and the AGIP gas signs."

Chianti Hills 

Once Alessandra and her employer family begin the drive to Positano, I wanted the reader to be able to grasp how unusually beautiful the setting is, because that setting actually nudges Alessandra into her realization at the end of the book (not a spoiler!):

"Two hours later, we drove through Sorrento across the Amalfi peninsula to the Amalfi Coast road and began the terrifying drive that I remembered vaguely from previous trips to the coast. The sheer cliffs dropped into the bluest sea imaginable. Tiny villages clung to the steep mountainsides, making me wonder how it was they managed to hang on."

Positano from Treville 

As the drive continues: " Looking out the window, though, at the little shops and restaurants and the signs for each little cliffside town, a feeling of familiarity began to tug at me. The boys hanging out on the street, looking over a motorino. A gaggle of girls whispering outside a store. The plump figure of a nonna all dressed in black, market basket over her arm, making her way gingerly across the cobblestone street."

Readers would know instantly that this setting is so definitely not the United States! That realization is one of the keys to the plot. Once the visual is established, then come the all-important other descriptive words to create the atmosphere in depth, by using touch, sound, taste, and smell:

"But my smile faded as we hiked down the narrow, winding streets to find our apartment. I was back—I was really back. All around us, Italians laughed and gestured as they walked by us on the narrow sidewalks; motorinos and scooters whizzed past, drivers hollering to each other and at pedestrians. The familiar scents of Italy surrounded me—sweaty humanity, ancient buildings, the suddenly pungent fragrance of geraniums in window boxes, the acrid smell of benzina, and fresh bread wafting from bakeries. It was as if I’d never left."

Then, as Alessandra and the family settle in, the word choices need to create a renewed sense of belonging and positive feelings:

"We breakfasted on oranges and hard, crusty rolls and yogurt, sitting at the square table under the window, the Italian sunlight streaming in through the gauze curtains. Through the open window, we could hear the sounds of Positano waking up, people calling to each other, the cars braking and accelerating, and the high-pitched zoom of scooters."

Alessandra starts to relax and begins to enjoy being back in Italy: "I hated to admit it, but being out on the streets in Positano was fun. The fresh, salty breeze met us at open turns, encouraging us to continue down through the town to the shimmering blue sea. Shops displayed their wares on small tables outside their doors. Blue and yellow dishes, decorated with lemons, were stacked alongside woven sandals; light summer dresses, embroidered with lemons and flowers, hung outside the shops and fluttered in the sea breeze. Lemons were everywhere, it seemed."

Positano Street Scene

Positano Plate

As Alessandra begins to let her guard down about her Italian feelings, she finds that her journey to find who she really is becomes even more complicated…because of a dangerous conspiracy—and because of, yes, crush-worthy Carlo! As a writer, I hope readers are firmly planted in Italy by now, because of words used as building-blocks of color and light, so they can be with Alessandra on her journey back to Italy. Maybe they will discover their hearts are a little bit Italian, too!

Author of thirty traditionally-published books, Margo Sorenson spent the first seven years of her life in Spain and Italy, devouring books and Italian food and still speaks (or tries!) four languages. A former middle and high school teacher, Margo has won national recognition and awards for her books, including ALA Quick Pick Nominations, recommendations from Multicultural Review, and was named a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in YA Fiction. After having lived in Hawaii and Minnesota, Margo and her husband live in Southern California.

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SECRETS IN TRANSLATION is available here:


Fitzroy Books

Barnes & Noble

Amazon


Margo's website: www.margosorenson.com

Twitter: @ipapaverison

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/margosorenson/,

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/60982.Margo_Sorenson

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YAItalia

LibraryThing http://www.librarything.com/author/sorensonmargo

Research and Resources for Submission

I know a lot of people are asking me where to send their work, but I can't give a generalized answer to a very broad audience. Even if everyone who read my blog was submitting picture books, it's there isn't one answer to give. My biggest piece of advice is to do research. I may not know exactly where you should submit, but I can give ideas where to start researching.


Identify Your Needs

First you should identify what you are planning on researching. I'm planning on searching for an agent rather than an editor/art director when I'm working to get a book published. My last blog post: https://daniduckart.blogspot.com/2018/10/who-should-receive-your-work.html talks about agents and other general people who might receive your work. I'd like to find someone who likes humor, fantasy, superhero, LGBTQIA+ and animal books. I will also be sending my portfolio work/mailers to art directors/editors so I can possibly get illustration jobs as well. For both of these I want to see what kinds of books they look for, research as much as I can about the company/individual and try to look for someone who has a need I can fill.


Submission Research 

There is a lot of information online. For agents: find interviews about them and read their bio. Social media as is important as well. You can tell a lot about a person from their social media! For publishing companies (and agents) look to see what they've done in the past and see how your work fits into what they already do.


Where to Find Markets

Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market -- Give great information on a number of publishers. Is big but doesn't cover everything. The Artist's Market and Writer's market have some of the same Children's Markets, but has additional market info as well. This is one of my favorite market books. Mine always come with digital access as well, but I haven't used it that much! http://www.writersmarket.com/

The Book Essential Guide to Publishing for Children The digital guide is free and the printed copy is inexpensive (at least in the US) to have shipped to you. This book is much like the Children's Writer's and Illustrator's market, but has huge chapters on marketing your book, and what you need to do before you send out anything. It's 317 pages, so not at all a small guide. https://www.scbwi.org/

#MSWL on Twitter #MSWL is not for submitting anything, but for you to find out what editors, publishers, agents etc. are looking for in a book. Submission goes by their individual guidelines. This is very much more weighted to the adult/writing market. Even then there are lots of agents looking for kidlit and a few looking for illustrators. With the website you can skip Twitter altogether and search directly on their sites for agents you want. http://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/  Be aware that some agents don't certain hashtags so it helps to search similar terms (some will use PB, #PB or Picture Book) it may take several tries to find all the markets for your book. I've also found the unofficial website to be useful: http://mswishlist.com/

#PBpitch on Twitter This is where you pitch your work on Twitter using #pbpitch in the text. These happen I believe quarterly (check their website for more info). They also have a huge list of Literary Agents on their website! http://www.pbpitch.com/ You do need Twitter to participate.

Kidlit411 Tons of information for everything kidlit all on one site! I use this website
frequently: http://www.kidlit411.com/

#kidlitart on Twitter I was not able to pay attention to much of the market chat on #kidlitart last Thursday. If you missed it as well you can read the recap here: https://wakelet.com/wake/0aea40d6-ae48-4b8e-9973-f339c5fa5326 To particpate in the weekly chats just log into Twitter on Thursdays at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST and search for #kidlitart. Remember to use #kidlitart in your tweets!

Query Tracker This is only towards the bottom of my list because I haven't used it yet! I've heard a lot of my friends using this and they've raved about this. This helps you find publishers and agents for your book. https://querytracker.net/

I know I missed a lot of information, but maybe it's because there are things I don't know! Let me know in the comments what I've missed.

Who Should Receive Your Work?

Starting With the "Who"

There is so much to talk about. Today I want to write about the general people who should receive your dummy. Much of this is my opinion and in many cases doing something different may not be wrong. Obviously what I write on my blog is my opinion, but in some of these cases I will be talking about my preferences. Please do your own research and know that you can find success if you disagree with me on any of these points.

If you are planning to send out your dummy there are a lot of things to think about. Who wants your dummy? How do they want it? When do they want it? All these are great questions. Today I'm going to talk about the "Who". 

Who should receive your dummy? It use to be an easy answer. About 20 years ago the answer was almost always Editors and Art Directors. Agents back then usually came after the first book. I know this information came from at least one of the Writer's Digest books back in the day, and may have even came from one of the "Writer's Market" books.

Agents

Recently I listened to Jennifer Laughran's Literaticast. You can find her podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/literaticast/id1261036909?mt=2  The podcast is absolutely wonderful and this one in particular is the most current one: "Schmagents get a Schmackdown with guest agent Kelly Sonnack" (@literaticat and @ksonnack on twitter) Near the end of the podcast Kelly talked about how if you want to work with an agent you should send the work to an agent first! If you shop your work around too much first, then you agent wont have any place to send your work! If an agent gets to you first they may offer invaluable advice about your manuscript. Also in most cases they will share the work with other agents within their agency.  (This whole podcast is great and talks about what an agent should do for you and how to get an agent.)

It should be noted that an agent will usually review your manuscript and get back to you more quickly than a publisher. Some publishers get back to people quickly but it's not uncommon for them to take a year (or more) to get back to you. I believe that it's usually assumed by agents that you are sending your work out to several other agents, while publishing houses it's assumed that the work is only being sent to them. Because of that you may not need to tell an agent that you have a simultaneous submission, but you will need to tell a publisher. Also many publishers do not accept simultaneous submissions. Be sure to check the guidelines for more information!

Agents After the Fact

If you do decide to send your work out to an editor or art director then you still have a chance to get an agent after receiving a contract (but before signing the contract). I have two friends who recently went with this method and both got an agent quickly after the fact. This somewhat decreases options as you will have to go with the house that has offered you a contract.

Small Publishers

There is the option to send work to smaller publishers. They are a bit easier to publish through. Advances and royalties may be expected to be lower (at least at first). A popular Small Press book may be in run for decades and may be a good source of passive income. 

PAL Memberships

Make sure that your publisher is a PAL member. PAL membership allows you to become a full member of the SCBWI. Do your research. Just because a publisher is a PAL member it does not mean that it's the right fit for you. If you have friends who have published with a particular publisher first ask them about their experience. PAL publishers have a list of guidelines to follow. These do not mean that a publisher is perfect by any means. To read more about these guidelines look here: https://www.scbwi.org/about/pal-guidelines/ There is also a list of pal publishers here: https://www.scbwi.org/list-of-pal-publishers/

Sending Out Work

If you want to send your illustrations for publishers to consider for their books you can send that directly to publishers. I asked on #kidlitart chat on Twitter (Follow @kidlitart and search #kidlitart Thursday nights at 9pm ET and 6pm PT) and everyone who was asked said they sent their work directly to both art directors and editors (you could do the same with the full dummy). It should be also noted that many publishing companies have Acquisitions editors that have the ability to acquire books for their publishing companies.  

Even More Winners!

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