CHAPTER 4

Furthering Your Education

There are several venues open to writers to help them strengthen their skills, get answers to their questions, and learn more about the craft. Whether you are a beginning writer or a seasoned author, you will benefit from taking advantage of one or several of the options explored in this chapter.

Opening Yourself to Criticism

Before you sign up for any course, workshop, or writers' group, you need to first accept that your work is going to be criticized. This isn't to say that people are going to shout out how awful it is, but it does mean that people will assess your work and its imperfections.

Learning to accept criticism is not an easy thing to do. Your work is a part of you, and it is easy to regard criticism as a personal insult. But your close relationship with your work can hinder you from looking at it objectively. That's where criticism steps in. Once you finally decide to release your work from the shelter of your safekeeping, it is open to interpretation. Getting the objective opinion of several people before sending your work off to a publishing company will help to make your work the best it can be. It will also prepare you for the criticism that you will most likely face from an editor.

Outside the Family

While it is always good for the ego to get the opinion of family and friends, unless they are willing to be honest with you, their opinions are probably going to be biased. They might exclaim that it is the best story they have ever read or shower you with other such praise. This of course is always pleasant to hear, but it really isn't going to help you better your work. If you truly want constructive criticism, show your work to people who don't know you, or at least don't know you very well. They will be more likely to give you an honest opinion. Writers' groups, classes, and workshops are good places to learn from criticism. In these forums, people work together, providing valuable feedback and support. The advantage of these settings is that feedback is generally monitored and controlled by a moderator or group leader, so you needn't ever feel as though you are being attacked. Remember that group members are there first to help themselves, and second to help you. Keep that in mind and open yourself to the ideas of others. Remember to be kind when you give your honest appraisal of the work of your fellow group members or classmates.

It's All Yours

As you actively seek constructive criticism of your work, you will soon learn whose opinions are well-thought-out and supported and whose are watered down and vague. Use your judgment. You needn't feel as though you should make every change that others suggest. With this in mind, you will find criticism helpful, and may even come to welcome it.

Get used to criticism before submitting your work to an editor or agent.

Since these people hold the key to your dreams, you may be quite sensitive to their criticism. However, if you have learned to take criticism in stride, you can use their feedback to improve your work.

Of course, the story is always your own and you have the final authority. You can either take or leave the suggestions of others. But if you truly want to make your work the best it can be, you will at least consider any advice given.

Writers' Groups

A writers' group is an excellent forum for feedback and sharing information. Here you will meet other writers who are facing the same challenges you are. It is always comforting to know that you aren't the only one out there struggling to make your dreams come true.

Several communities have writers' groups already established. In your local area, check with libraries, schools, and community bulletin boards for information. If you come up empty-handed, start your own group!

Writers' groups don't have one set agenda. Some gather solely to critique one another's works. Some are open to anything concerning the publishing industry, such as discussions about market trends, contracts, editors, and reviews. Some will bring in guest speakers from time to time, such as a published author or editor. Some simply combine all these elements and go with the flow. Whatever type of group you choose to join (or start), you will find it a rather casual and comfortable atmosphere in which to further your knowledge of the writing process.

Benefits of a Writers' Group

As an aspiring author, you will benefit tremendously by joining a writers' group. Not only will you learn from shared information, but you will also find the support that you might not otherwise receive. If you work in a busy office, you may constantly have the support of your colleagues, even if the support is only in the form of their physical presence. Writing, on the other hand, often leaves you with a feeling of isolation and lack of support. Since writing can be a very lonely occupation, it helps to get out of the house and meet with others who are traveling a similar path. Getting comfortable talking about writing will also help develop your critical reading skills, which will in turn aid in improving your work.

Once enmeshed in your writers' group, take advantage of the shared information and listen to speakers carefully. Your group is likely to be made up of people from a variety of professions and personal backgrounds, which means the scope of information available will have a wide range. Perhaps one member is a former editor and can give you insider information on the publishing industry. Another may be the mother of three children who can give you advice on how to make your child characters more realistic. Be an active and supportive member of your group, and you may both improve your writing and score some invaluable contacts.

Don't forget that you need to give gently as well as take. Don't sit silently in the corner until you are called upon to read your work. Share your opinions and ideas, even if you believe your contribution won't be earth-shattering.

Making Friends

You will probably become good friends with other members of the group. Though it sounds counterintuitive, this may actually put a dent in the usefulness of the group. Friends may be hesitant to tell you anything negative. During a critique of your work, you may find that your newfound friends only praise you. This is nice to hear, but defeats the purpose of the group. Another hazard is that a disagreement between friends can trigger an unnecessarily harsh critique that may damage the self-esteem of the aspiring author.

Don't be afraid to ask questions of the members of a writers' group. Everyone has different levels of experience in the writing process. Never feel as though your question is stupid; it is quite likely that another member of the group needs it answered as well.

If you feel that friendship is affecting the usefulness of the group, say something. Let it be known that you are open to and welcome constructive criticism. If there is a tiff affecting the critique, try to get it solved or at least reach an agreement that it will not carry over into the group.

Consider a Class

Perhaps you have fantastic ideas for children's books, but when you sit down to actually write them, you find that your writing skills aren't so fantastic. Don't take this as an omen telling you to stop writing. Instead, congratulate yourself for recognizing a weakness and do something about it!

Sometimes professors will allow you to sit in on a couple of their classes before you actually decide to sign up. If you are unsure whether a class is appropriate for you, contact the professor or admissions office and see if this option is available.

Visit local colleges and universities and pick up a copy of their course listings (you may want to check out the adult education or continuing education departments for these). Browse through and highlight classes that could help you strengthen your skills.

Before you rush to sign up for a full course load, consider the time you have available to devote to a class. Make sure you take into consideration the time it will take to commute to and from the school. Keep in mind that to get your money's worth out of a class, you have to actually learn something. This means attending every class you possibly can, devoting your attention to the instructor during class time, and, of course, doing your homework. Taking a class is a big responsibility. Make sure you can dedicate the time and energy before signing up.

Degree Programs

After considering your options, you may decide that you want to go beyond a single course or writers' group. You may want to consider a full degree program. In recent years, the scholarly study of children's writing and literature has widened, and now the options for continuing your education in writing for children and young adults are numerous. The Children's Literature Association lists more than twenty-five colleges and universities offering degree programs in the field of children's literature. There are also a handful of schools offering Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in writing for children. This list is not comprehensive, but merely a place to begin your research.

• The New School, offering a traditional residency MFA program

• Hollins University, offering both an MA and MFA, both brief-residency

• Spalding University, offering a brief-residency MFA program

• Vermont College, offering a brief-residency MFA program

• Hamline University, offering a brief-residency MFA program

• Simmons College, offering a traditional residency MFA as well as a dual degree in Children's Literature and Writing for Children, MA/MFA

• Whidbey Island Writers Association, offering a brief-residency MFA program run by a writers' association, not a college or university

The Institute of Children's Literature offers a quality course in children's writing. Visit its website at www.institutechildrenslit.com to take a free aptitude test, view a sample lesson, and receive additional information.

Other writing programs offer courses in writing for children as part of a broader creative writing curriculum. However, MFA programs are on the rise, and in the next few years, you can expect to see a number of additional writing for children and young adult degree program options.

For help finding the degree program for you, check the Children's Literature Association website (www.childlitassn.org), Poets and Writers Magazine (www.pw.org), and the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (www.awpwriter.org) for updated listings.

Writers' Organizations

There are several writers' organizations that provide information on the ins and outs of writing and publishing, and some are specific to children's books. This is a very competitive field, and the more information you can arm yourself with, the easier it will be to set yourself apart from other writers. The catch is that some writers' organizations require you to be published before you can join. But even those that do require publishing history may offer information and activities to nonmembers (for a fee, of course).

The following sections highlight a few, but there are others out there, so don't limit yourself to just these.

Writers' conferences are great places to meet valuable contacts, and sometimes for an extra fee an agent or editor will read a short manuscript. Never force your manuscript on anyone you meet here. Exude professionalism and politeness and you may just meet a helpful contact.

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is an international organization devoted to children's literature. It offers extensive information on all areas of children's publishing and publishes the bimonthly Bulletin, which provides up-to-date market information. Members also receive free literature on topics such as contracts, copyright information, author's rights, and agents. The organization offers lists of publishers. The SCBWI sponsors writers' conferences, and members receive discounts for these conferences. Members report that SCBWI events are very helpful.

The SCBWI is an invaluable source of information, and if you are serious about becoming an author of children's books, it is recommended that you join. Membership is open to both published and unpublished writers and illustrators. For more information about SCBWI, visit its website at www.scbwi.org; write to SCBWI, 8271 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048; or call 323-782-1010.

The Authors Guild

The Authors Guild is a professional organization devoted to advocating the rights of writers. Membership is open only to those who have been published by an American publisher. It offers useful information and tips for writers interested in protecting their rights by addressing issues such as contract negotiation and electronic publishing.

It publishes The Authors Guild Bulletin, which features articles covering issues specific to authors as well as current news (and gossip) about the publishing industry. You will also find a section devoted to personnel changes in the publishing industry, such as who has left what company and title changes.

For more information about the Authors Guild, visit its website at www.authorsguild.org; write to The Authors Guild, 31 East 28th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016; or call 212-563-5904.

The Children's Book Council

The Children's Book Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to children's literature. Its members consist of publishers and packagers of trade children's books in the United States. While individual writers are not allowed membership, you can access its publications, some free of charge, some requiring a small fee. Many writers find the Council's publications to be very informative and a good source for market and publishing company research.

The Children's Book Council publishes a list of its members. This list includes a general description of the company, its address and telephone number, and submission guidelines. The list includes the names of personnel to contact. The Children's Book Council also publishes information specific to writers and illustrators about the children's publishing world and offers tips on how to best present your material.

For more information about the Children's Book Council, visit its website at www.cbcbooks.org; write to The Children's Book Council, 12 West 37th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018; or call 212-966-1990.

Seminars and Workshops

Writers often find participating in workshops and seminars to be great learning experiences. The advantage of formal seminars and workshops over writers' groups is that you will most likely meet different people each time you attend. Therefore, you will be getting more critiques, more information, and more contacts. However, while writers' groups are often free, you will almost always pay a fee for attending a seminar or workshop. If money is a little tight, go as far as you can with free critiques and information-sharing before paying to rub elbows with strangers.

Getting Your Money's Worth from Seminars

Seminars are often conducted in a manner similar to classes. Normally the main attraction is the speaker. Seminars featuring best-selling authors and top editors are often advertised nationwide. Therefore, if you attend one of these seminars, chances are you will have the opportunity to meet and make friends with people from all over the country. The more widespread your friends, the more widespread your contacts — and it always helps to have friends in the industry.

There are also more localized seminars that feature experienced authors or editors, but depending on where you live, perhaps not as well-known. However, these are no less educational than the others, so don't snub them. You probably won't have to pay as much for these as you would for the nationally advertised seminars.

Seminars are often advertised in trade publications and through writers' organizations, as well as online. If you are interested in attending a seminar, make sure it covers a topic of interest to you before signing up.

Workshops Can Work for You

Workshops run from one afternoon to several weeks long, to accommodate the spectrum of attendees. Sometimes these events are even tied into a vacation activity, such as skiing, or take place at fancy spa resorts or rustic farms. The activities are often very similar to those of writers' groups. While the agenda varies, you will almost always have an opportunity to discuss your writing with a group (to “workshop” your work). You may also have an opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional in the industry.

If you are interested in attending a writers' workshop, search the Internet, look through trade publications, and ask around. But make sure you know what you are getting into. Who will be conducting the workshop — is it an experienced author or editor? How much does the workshop cost? What is included in the cost? What is on the agenda? How much personal attention will you receive? While you will certainly gain some knowledge from any workshop, try to get the most for your money.

Because you will be paying an admission fee, you probably should have a finished (or at least close to finished) manuscript to take along with you before attending a workshop. You don't want to walk in there with just a bunch of jumbled ideas.

Working One-on-One

At any stage in your writing journey, you may wish to work one-on-one with an experienced author or editor. The detailed feedback you receive working individually can build your confidence as a writer as much as it can strengthen your abilities.

If you want to strengthen your general writing abilities and brush up on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and structure, an author or editor could help you, regardless of whether or not he is involved in children's publishing. However, if you want to learn the specifics of children's writing, you should probably look for someone who specializes in that field.

Many professional editors, writers, and writing teachers offer one-on-one manuscript consultation services. These services vary depending on the needs of the client; one emerging writer may want to hire someone to copy-edit her work before she queries it for publication, while another may want support during the early writing process — this person may seek more a writing “mentor” or “coach.” There may be mentors living in your area available to discuss the work in person, while others from around the country will work over mail, e-mail, and the phone.

These are all great options, but before handing over your money, be sure to do a little background research. Remember that anyone can set up a website, and don't rely solely on one source of background information (especially not personal web pages). What books has this person worked on? What is the quality of these books? How long has this person worked in the children's publishing industry?

If you are satisfied with the results of your research, you can proceed to contact this person. Send a brief letter that states where you got his name and what type of instruction you are interested in, and inquire whether he has the time and desire to meet with you, or to see your work. Keep the letter simple and polite. Include your contact information and times when you can be reached. Fees will vary with the type and amount of work to be done. Some professionals have a set hourly rate, while others determine their fees on a per-project basis. Be sure to verify the fee structure before sending your work.

If you have trouble locating a suitable writer or editor to work with, check local colleges and universities. Editors sometimes advertise their services through university bulletins, and teachers in writing and English departments may offer one-on-one services on the side.

With luck, you will receive a positive response. If you do, set up a meeting in which you will discuss the specifics of the tutoring session(s) — time, place, fee, and so on. During this initial meeting, make sure you are very specific about what it is you hope to accomplish. If you are a good writer but need help with character development, say so. If you are just getting started following your dreams of writing books for children, tell him that. The more this individual knows, the more he can help.