Blogs to Follow

© Judy Elizabeth Wilson

Recommended blogs & Substacks for children's writing & illustrating.

A Fuse 8 Production - the blog of well-known librarian blogger Betsy Bird

Picture Book University- Pam Calvert A fantastic blog that takes you through the elements of picture book creation.

Celebrate Science - resources for teaching science and writing nonfiction

Alayne Kay Christian blog about all things picture books

Our Stories, Ourselves -  Editor & consultant Emma D. Dryden's blog about all things kid lit.

Dear Editor A place for writers—published or not—to ask an editor questions about the craft of writing and/or the publishing industry… and get direct answers and actionable suggestions.

E Train Talks: middle grade reviewer, interviewer and literary advocate

From the Mixed Up Files blog focusing on trade middle school books

GROG Blog - a group blog of children's nonfiction writers sharing resources and information

Deborah Halverson- Deborah has been working with authors—bestsellers, veterans, debut, and aspiring—for over fifteen years. Look no further than Deborah Halverson and her amazing website. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

Susanna Leonard Hill A blog dedicated to picture book writing with a Perfect Picture Book Friday feature. Do not miss!

Keep Writing Kid Lit - uplifting writers on their journey toward agenting and publication

Kid Lit Craft - a craft blog for kid lit writers by kid lit writers

Mary Kole - Former agent Mary Kole has an awesome website full of information. Runs Good Story Company.

Ms. Yingling Reads - reviewing middle grade books

Renee LaTulippe - No Water River - Just named as a "kidlit blog to visit before you die" in SCBWI's THE BOOK!

Tara Lazar host of annual Storystorm

True Story Bookshop-  helping parents and educators find true stories that match kids' interests

Literary Rambles Natalie Aguirre and Casey McCormick's blog highlighting kid lit agents

Kate Messner - Award winning author blogs about writing and craft.

Debbie Ohi- INKYGIRL - A great site for children's/YA Book authors and illustrators

Picture Book Builders: a collaborative website with amazing authors & illustrators dissecting what makes picture books work

#PicturesMeanBusiness - highlights the benefits of crediting illustrators for their work

Rate Your Story- Comprehensive website and the opportunity to receive feedback

Realm of Books - book review site for young readers

Teresa Robeson  Author/Illustrator. Teresa is a brainiac of all things quirky and scientific. She is a picture book author with a huge heart.  

SCBWI- Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators- the international professional organization for writers and illustrators of children's literature since 1971. 

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Jules Danielson's literary salon where writers and artists converge to talk about children’s books. She features interviews, reviews, and other information with an illustration focus.

Sub It Club - a blog dedicated to the art and science of submissions; great information and resources

Teaching Authors - 6 children's authors who teach writing

Uplift Newsletter, a monthly Substack newsletter that uplifts the AANHPI kidlit community. 

Harold Underdown- Children's book editor's website, The Purple Crayon, includes articles covering writing, illustrating, marketing, and editing. An incredible collection of resources. Highly recommend. 

Writers Rumpus - a blog by children's illustrators and writers writing for all ages; blog posts on Tuesdays and Fridays

Writing and Illustrating Kathy Temean’s blog provides daily posts on children’s writing and illustrating, including news of agents looking for work, contest and submission opportunities, writer and illustrator interviews, and much more.

Write, Edit, Repeat - freelance editor and writer Lara Willard shares writing tips, editor interviews, and more

Don't Have Time to Read? Check out these kid lit podcasts or channels:

Brain Burps, by Katie Davis, all about the the craft and business of publishing, creating a market, and more. (Episode 191 is an interview with Kidlit411)

Kidlit Drink Night a monthly conversation for adults about kid lit

Legit Kidlit - highlighting kid lit creators

Let's Get Busy, by Matthew Winner of the Busy Librarian- interviews with authors, illustrators, and others in the kid lit industry; sharing the love of kid lit to the world

Story Concierge with Stephanie Bourbon - Youtube channel of writing tips from creative coach and writer

Alexa Donne - Youtube channel with a plethora of writing and publishing tips from YA author  

Kid Lit These Days - Book Riot's podcast

You May Contribute a Verse - kid lit podcast, interviews with authors, illustrators, agents, and editors to share the ups and downs of the kid lit world

20 Podcasts for Authors on Writing, Publishing, and Book Marketing

Co-Marketing Groups to Follow

MG Authorcade: 16 traditionally published middle grade authors run monthly giveaways of school visits

Spooky Middle Grade: group of middle grade authors working to prove that spooky stories serve an important role all year round. 

Steam Team Books: STEAM related books for young readers

Las Musas: a collective of Latinx women and otherwise marginalized people whose gender identity aligns with femininity, writing and/or illustrating in traditional children's literature. 

 

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