https://www.authorlearningcenter.comAward-winning author Laurie Schnebly Campbell will teach how to grab readers from your first paragraph and how to finish strong.Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:d2e77ccc-849a-461a-982f-fd64a55fad4dAuthor Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. How can you make sure your book will draw readers in from the very first paragraph, through the next several pages, continuing into further chapters until they realize they’ve been reading so fast and so deep they can’t put this story down? How can you leave them, after reaching The End, so wonderfully satisfied with the book they just finished that they’re already vowing to read whatever else you’ve written and are going to write next? That’s what this class with award-winning author Laurie Schnebly Campbell is about. About the Presenter: After winning Romantic Times’ “Best Special Edition of the Year” over Nora Roberts, Laurie Schnebly Campbell discovered she loved teaching every bit as much as writing...if not more. Since then she’s taught in-person and online workshops for writers from six continents (still waiting for Antarctica!) and keeps a special section of her bookshelves for novels developed in her classes. With 50+ titles there so far, she’s always hoping for more. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/webinars/c/e/2362Tue, 25 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c57a2876-7404-4dff-a635-92b2a72ab781Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. You’ve done the hard work of writing. Now it’s time to market your title to potential readers. For many authors, marketing is a mystery and creates some unique challenges. Unlock that mystery by joining us for this webinar session where ALC President Keith Ogorek presents the three phases of an effective book marketing campaign. You will learn the crucial questions to ask as you build your marketing plan and craft an action plan to help you connect with potential readers. In this session, Keith will cover the following topics and more: • Developing an audience profile • Creating the right title and subtitle, which is one of the first marketing decisions you’ll make • Using social media and mailing lists to cultivate a reader base • Planning events to celebrate the publication of your book • Plus, other important elements of an integrated book marketing campaign About the Presenter: As an industry thought leader, Keith has helped drive a number of significant innovations in the self-publishing industry and is featured in the book, 'Innovation--How Innovators Think, Act and Change Our World'. He has helped launch and operate supported self-publishing imprints for traditional publishers and Fuzeframe, which identifies and options self-published books for development in Hollywood. Keith has authored several books and has written a number of helpful white papers including ‘The POEM Method of Book Marketing’, the '4 Paths to Publishing' and 'Three Phases of an Effective Book Marketing Campaign'. You will also find him speaking at leading industry events such as Singapore Writer’s Festival, California Creative Writers Conference, LatinX Storytellers Conference, Archway New York Writer’s Workshop, and Hay House Book Writers Boot Camp just to name a few. In addition, he is a regular webinar presenter for The Author Learning Center. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comFreelance publicist Lindsey Gobel will provide step-by-step instructions for creating a dynamic author one-sheet and biography.Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:4634f831-5527-4e93-87a2-7e12093aeef9Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. One of the most essential tools for marketing your book is a one-sheet (also known as a sell-sheet). It exemplifies professionalism and gives a potential publisher, agent, or member of the media a polished summary of what you and your book are all about, in just a few seconds – which is sometimes all you have! In this webinar, publicist and communications professional Lindsey Gobel will review how to easily create a one-sheet, as well as another essential marketing tool – your author bio. She will discuss the key elements of each, and how to assemble a dynamic version of both on your own, to give you the edge over your competition. She will provide easy-to-follow, systematic instructions to confidently and professionally create these crucial marketing pieces, as well as where to find additional help and resources when needed. About the Presenter: Lindsey Gobel is a freelance publicist and communications professional with over 15 years of experience. She creates and manages publicity campaigns for clients in multiple industries, as well as works on a consulting basis with various firms to assist with branding and marketing strategies, creative concepts and business plans. Gobel’s services have been contracted to ghostwrite books for two professional athletes, which have been published and are sold at national retail chains. She wrote a Tedx Talk that was performed in September of 2018, and her work has been featured in numerous print publications, as well as national media outlets such as ESPN, FOX News, The Today Show and Wake Up with Al. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comBook marketing expert A.G. Billig will provide strategies and a plan for building a successful email marketing system.Tue, 18 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:638f314b-be32-4a9c-a8a9-fe84aebd3986Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Your email list is one of the most valuable marketing assets you'll ever build as an author. Unlike social media, where algorithms determine who sees your content, your email list gives you a direct line of communication with readers who have chosen to hear from you. In this webinar with book marketing expert A.G. Billig, you'll learn how to build an engaged email list from the ground up, attract the right subscribers, create newsletters readers actually want to open, and use automation to save time while strengthening reader relationships. We'll also cover lead magnets, welcome sequences, launch campaigns, and proven strategies for turning casual readers into loyal fans who buy your books, leave reviews, and eagerly anticipate your next release. Whether you're just starting your author journey or looking to make your email marketing more effective, you'll leave with actionable strategies and a clear plan for building an email marketing system that supports your long-term publishing success. About the Presenter A.G. Billig is a bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction, book coach, and founder of the award-winning educational center Self-Publishing Mastery. A former radio and television host, editor-in-chief of glossy magazines, and public relations and branding expert, A.G. brings decades of experience in publishing, marketing, and audience building. She has helped countless authors gain clarity about their writing goals, build compelling author brands and platforms, and develop effective marketing strategies that connect with readers and increase book sales. Drawing on both industry expertise and hands-on publishing experience, A.G. is passionate about empowering authors with practical, results-driven strategies that help them build sustainable, successful author careers. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comJan Zucker will show how to define your purpose, identify your audience, and determine what success looks like for your book.Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c0c9ef07-5df7-4a4b-ae34-54436b46170eAuthor Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. The Author's Journey is a practical, step-by-step course designed by ContentKitchen founder Jan Zucker to help aspiring and experienced authors navigate the path from idea to published book with clarity and confidence. Before writing a single word, you'll learn how to define your purpose, identify your audience, and determine what success looks like for your book. From there, we'll explore the different publishing options—traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid—so you can make the right choice for your goals. You'll also gain an inside look at the professional publishing process, including editing, design, production, distribution, and launch. Along the way, you'll discover how a book can become more than a finished manuscript—it can become the foundation for your credibility, your business, and your long-term legacy. Whether your goal is to share your story, educate others, grow your career, or build your authority, this course will give you the knowledge and roadmap to move from idea to impact with confidence. NOTE: While this session focuses on nonfiction writers and books, there will also be valuable tips for fiction writers and books. About the Presenter: Jan Zucker is the Founder and CEO of ContentKitchen and has spent more than 40 years helping authors turn ideas into published works that inform, inspire, and create lasting impact. Throughout his career, Jan has witnessed the publishing industry evolve from traditional print to today's AI-powered landscape, while remaining committed to one belief: everyone has a story, a message, or a lifetime of knowledge worth sharing. Through ContentKitchen, Jan has helped authors uncover their authentic voice, organize their ideas, and navigate the publishing process with confidence. His approach blends decades of publishing experience with modern technology, making it easier for aspiring and experienced authors alike to transform their knowledge into books they are proud to publish. His passion is helping people tell the story only they can tell. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comPublishing expert Michele DeFilippo will share her 50 years of experience & the ins & outs of book cover & interior design.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:aba77c79-2f87-40db-b21a-1c1de3f4137bAuthor Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Authors have many questions as they embark on their indie-publishing journey. Most feel at least a little overwhelmed, and for good reason: never in book publishing history have so many choices been available! In this presentation, we’ll discuss the “big publisher” thought processes for book cover and interior design, and share the tried-and-true principles that quality book publishers have followed for generations. By the end of the webinar, authors will feel empowered to discuss these issues with their chosen professionals, leaving the stress behind and enjoying their ideal publishing path. About the Presenter: Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in book publishing. Her company, 1106 Design, makes it easy for authors to release a top-quality book, keep control of it, and earn more money every time they sell a copy. Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions and make informed decisions when they search for publishing service providers. A PDF of her 88-page guide, Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing, can be downloaded for free at https://tinyurl.com/Publish-Like-the-Pros . To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/traditional-publishing/w/advantages-disadvantages/8504/the-role-of-an-associate-publicist-at-simon-schuster-children-s-publishingWed, 05 Aug 2026 20:10:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:367fde16-48af-4f4c-8151-9c3e23cff98aMaryam AhmadAs an Associate Publicist at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Maryam Ahmad works with authors on various publicity campaigns, while also supporting managers and other team members with their publicity campaigns. Her role Includes pitching books to media outlets, coordinating bookstore events and signings, planning school visits, securing book tour stops, creating book launch events, and more. To an outsider, it might look like the role is tasked with only media outreach and event planning, but behind the scenes she and her team are also creating seasonal catalogs, sending out early book copies for reviews, and building detailed itineraries for on-the-road book tours or festivals. Her goal as an Associate Publicist is to create a smooth experience for authors. In addition, Ahmad shares her early experiences as a Publicity Assistant, supporting publicity campaigns and learning the ropes. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheRoleofanAssociatePublicistatSimonSchusterChildrensPublishing.mp4https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/marketing/public-relations/w/publicity-campaigns/8508/how-pitch-angles-and-community-can-help-debut-authors-garner-media-attentionWed, 05 Aug 2026 20:05:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:493d21cd-2929-4f42-9814-b270beebdcd0Maryam AhmadIt can be challenging for debut authors to create awareness for their work or find media opportunities. When working with debut authors, Maryam Ahmad, Associate Publicist at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, brainstorms publicity campaign strategies including book pitch angles that are newsworthy or that align with cultural movements. She also encourages her authors to build a platform and start reaching readers through a dedicated author website and consistent social media content. In addition, Ahmad puts a lot of emphasis on community engagement. She recommends authors connect with local libraries for readings, local book clubs for talks, and local bookstores for signings. She says being involved with your local community consistently can build a buzz that expands to other markets. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowPitchAnglesandCommunityCanHelpDebutAuthorsGarnerMediaAttention.mp4https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/marketing/public-relations/w/publicity-campaigns/8507/how-media-outreach-is-tailored-for-children-s-books-and-channelsWed, 05 Aug 2026 20:02:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:4354a69b-31f5-4bea-bfb8-8530192def81Maryam AhmadAs an Associate Publicist at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Maryam Ahmad researches media outlets and creates pitch angles for the books that she supports. Part of her role is brainstorming and tailoring her pitches based on the themes or messages contained in a book, and determining which media outlets are a good fit. She will often pitch a book to both general media outlets and to content-specific or niche outlets. She also works closely with the in-house marketing team to reach out to the vast network of kid-focused social media influencers. Many of the influencers in these channels have blogs or podcasts where they share book reviews or help create awareness for books. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowMediaOutreachisTailoredforChildrensBooksandChannels.mp4https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/marketing/events/w/book-fairs/8506/the-importance-of-local-in-person-events-for-children-s-authorsWed, 05 Aug 2026 19:59:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:ac2e8526-24e6-4f0f-91bf-690bcb1a7f08Maryam AhmadMaryam Ahmad, Associate Publicist at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, encourages authors to focus locally when it comes to in-person events. People enjoy bringing their children to events where they can meet authors face-to-face, which builds community engagement. Her experience has shown that local events such as book signings and festivals produce better sales results because people want to support their local authors. Ahmad explains that authors are more likely to get a return on their event investments if they start locally. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../TheImportanceofLocalInPersonEventsforChildrensAuthors.mp4https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/traditional-publishing/w/advantages-disadvantages/8505/how-in-house-publicists-support-and-encourage-authorsWed, 05 Aug 2026 19:33:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:b4f07d5b-08a1-40ba-93fd-4d44e6daa5e4Maryam AhmadFor Associate Publicist Maryam Ahmad, author care is a priority at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. She typically gets involved with a book once it has gone through the editing process and is close to being finalized. During this time, she creates a publicity campaign that includes pitching the book to media outlets, creating press materials, and submitting the book for relevant awards and festivals. The focus is on what is newsworthy about the book or how it is culturally relevant. In addition to her own outreach, Ahmad encourages her authors to reach out to their connections and network, as they may be able to leverage these relationships to start a conversation, or introduce their connections to her team. Media interviews are often an important part of book publicity campaigns, so Ahmad recommends authors prepare for these interviews by watching video interviews with other authors and practicing answers in advance when given the questions prior to the interview. She reminds authors that they know their books best, often working on them for years before she gets involved, and they should feel confident in their expertise. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowInHousePublicistsSupportandEncourageAuthors.mp4https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/children-s-books/w/age-groups/8503/age-group-classifications-for-children-s-booksWed, 05 Aug 2026 19:25:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:f6d037c8-8df6-4176-88b0-9cc0d7d0f665Maryam AhmadMany new authors misunderstand how children's books are grouped and classified by the publishing industry. Maryam Ahmad, Associate Publicist at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, explains there are four main categories: board books, picture books, middle-grade, and young adult. Board books, she says, are for ages 0-3, and picture books are for kindergartners up to third graders. The middle-grade and young adult categories may have some age overlap, depending on the content and focus. Per Ahmad, children's books are typically classified during the editing process when the content is reviewed and the reading level is determined. Even if a book is labeled as 13+ or young adult in the editing process, it may get additional classifications if it can also be read by upper middle-grade readers, for example. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AgeGroupClassificationsforChildrensBooks.mp4https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/points-of-view/8502/getting-under-their-skin-mastering-deep-point-of-viewWed, 05 Aug 2026 19:01:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:62534b3d-cb50-4ab7-979a-57115b3f57b8Jennifer CrosswhitePoint-of-view (POV) mistakes drain emotion from a scene and put a barrier between you and your reader. In this webinar session with author, editor, and book coach Jennifer Crosswhite, we cover the most common mistakes, how to choose the right POV, and how to use senses to anchor your readers in a scene--things you can apply to your manuscript today. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Deep-POV-Handout_5F00_ALC.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../GettingUnderTheirSkinMasteringDeepPointofView26.mp4 About the Presenter: Jennifer Crosswhite is owner and CEO of Tandem Services, an author services company that empowers influencers to harness the transformative power of story to spread their message, create an impact, and leave a legacy. Her twenty years’ experience spans both sides of the publishing desk, from managing editor to author of 20 books and counting.fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/i-have-an-idea/w/researching-your-idea/8501/murder-mystery-parties-inspired-this-novelMon, 03 Aug 2026 13:06:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:60ca5483-2f30-4892-9174-0a542aca52f6Nafissa Thompson-SpiresAuthor of The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford , Nafissa Thompson-Spires explains how murder mysteries inspired her writing. For more on this award-winning author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Nafissa-Thompson-Spires/2125430166 . www.youtube.com/watchMystery – Thriller – SuspensefictionTeen and Young Adultvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-m-interested-in-writing-books-for-children-what-are-some-things-i-should-keep-in-mind-as-i-start-this-new-writing-journeyMon, 27 Jul 2026 15:06:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:9ae46ab9-bac2-4bfb-b24e-8f90c6489c15Author Learning CenterQuestion: I’m interested in writing books for children. What are some things I should keep in mind as I start this new writing journey? Answer: Writing for children presents some unique nuances because of industry category and age group classifications that affect recommended page counts, word counts, language usage, subject matter, and more. Many new authors make the mistake of thinking a children’s book is easier to write than a book for adults because it is much shorter in length and the content is much less complex. The truth is, writing a book for children can be just as challenging and in some respects, even more challenging than writing a book for adults. Whether you plan to write fiction or nonfiction for children, if the content is too advanced, too preachy, or too dull, children will likely lose interest. Every word, sentence, and scene in a children’s book must be carefully chosen, and pitfalls such as “writing down” and underdeveloped characters must be avoided. Here are ten common misunderstandings and mistakes to consider when writing books for children: 1. Writing for children of all ages rather than for a specific age group: One of the biggest mistakes is writing without a clearly defined audience. This is especially important for children’s books, which are specifically categorized by the target age of the reader and other details such as length, vocabulary, themes, pacing, and complexity. Here is a summary of children’s book genres and age classifications: Board books: For ages 0 to 2, with thick cardboard pages meant for babies to hold and flip the pages. They have very few words (under 100) and bright, simple illustrations and basic concepts. Picture books: For ages 2 to 8, with detailed illustrations to tell the story. They often share experiences related to emotional intelligence (empathy, forgiveness, kindness), relationships, and social connections. These books typically have 500 to 1,000 words. Easy/early reader: For ages 5 to 8 and are targeted at children who are just learning to read by themselves . They have short, uncomplicated story lines told with words and illustrations. These books typically have 1,000 to 2,000 words. Chapter books: For ages 6 to 10, with more complex language and content, and a few black and white illustrations. They are broken into chapters for better comprehension and typically have 4,000 to 12,000 words. Middle grade: For ages 8 to 12, with more advanced characters, plot lines, and themes, and little to no illustrations . The main character is around 10 to 12 years old, and the books typically have 20,000 to 40,000 words. Young adult: For ages 13+, with mature themes around identity and growing up. They must hold the attention of the target age group and speak to them emotionally and intellectually by being very relatable and relevant to their lives. The more advanced plot lines and themes often appeal to ages 18 to 25 as well , and sometimes even adults, and can be written in any subgenre—romance, fantasy, historical, mystery, etc. They typically have 50,000-80,000 words. Before embarking on the journey to write a children’s book, it’s crucial to determine exactly who your target readers are. Ask yourself how old they are, whether they'll read independently or be read to, and what experiences are typical for their age. Knowing your audience will influence every creative decision, from word count to character age to sentence structure. 2. Preaching a lesson over telling a good story: One of the biggest misconceptions is that a story for children must explicitly teach a lesson or moral. A preachy narrative or heavy-handed message will actually alienate and bore younger readers. The focus should be on writing an engaging story with relatable characters and a narrative arc. Any themes or messages should be subtly woven into the plot. While children's books frequently contain valuable life lessons , young readers will quickly lose interest when being lectured. Rather than outright explaining the lesson, let the story demonstrate it through characters' choices and growth. A story about empathy, for example, is far more effective when readers see empathy in action than when characters repeatedly talk about why it's important. 3. Restricting conflict, tension, and suspense: As with stories for adults, children’s stories need conflict to make readers care about the characters and outcome. Good stories have a narrative arc with rising tension and obstacles, moving the plot forward. For children, this conflict and tension don’t need to be dangerous or intense. It may be as simple as making a new friend, overcoming a fear, or learning a new skill. Shielding children from realistic stakes and natural consequences will make them feel disconnected from the story. Alternatively, watching characters face challenges and grow as a result can help young readers engage emotionally with the story. 4. Forgetting the child's perspective: Many new children’s authors unintentionally write stories that appeal more to the parents than to the young readers. While it is adults that make the majority of book purchases, authors must prioritize the connection with their target audience. When writing, ask yourself what children of that age want to read or enjoy. They often seek adventure, humor, mystery, friendship, and discovery. If the children are having fun and are enjoying the story, the adults will as well. 5. Underestimating children’s emotional or intellectual intelligence: Children are capable of understanding more complex emotions and themes than adults give them credit for. When these are presented clearly and in age-appropriate ways , it establishes curiosity and interest. The goal shouldn’t be to “write down” to their level, but to communicate directly while respecting their intelligence and life experience. 6. Giving young characters adult voices: Young protagonists should sound and behave like children, not miniature adults. An eight-year-old shouldn't speak like a college professor, and most teenagers don't consistently communicate with perfect emotional maturity. Children are curious, impulsive, imaginative, and still learning how the world works. These qualities make them believable and relatable. Listening to children, observing how they interact, and reading contemporary children's books can help authors create authentic dialogue and behavior. 7. Not allowing illustrations to help tell the story: This mistake is most common in illustration-heavy books such as picture books. Authors that are new to writing picture books often provide too much description and explanation in the narrative. Excessive descriptions aren’t necessary when you work with an experienced illustrator that knows how to enhance and complement the story through the artwork. For example, instead of listing clothing colors, eye colors, or every visual element, focus the narrative on what only the words can communicate, such as emotions, tension, or internal thoughts. This leaves room for the illustrator's creativity and will result in a more engaging book. 8. Underdeveloped characters: Authors that are new to writing for children often think they can take a shortcut when it comes to character development. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If your character lacks depth, whether it’s a toad, a dump truck, or a little boy, readers will likely forget it by the next page turn. Flesh out your characters and give them likes, dislikes, quirks, and more . Young readers must connect with the characters in order to care about the story. 9. Forcing rhyme: Many authors default to rhyming as a story structure, which can actually restrict a story or character’s potential, especially if the rhythm is off. Unless you have a strong understanding of poetic meter, it’s better to write a strong prose story. Forced rhyming can lead to unnatural phrasing, weak storytelling, and poor reading flow. 10. Chasing publishing trends: It's tempting to want to follow in the footsteps of successful children’s books and try to write the next bestselling pigeon adventure, diary of a middle-schooler, or teen’s fight for survival in a dystopian world. The challenge with this is that by the time you write the book and get it into the marketplace, what’s popular may have changed, or the market becomes saturated with that type of book. Rather than chasing what's currently popular, focus on creating memorable characters, compelling plots, and a distinctive voice . Original stories have a much longer lifespan than imitations of existing successes. Writing a quality book for children requires more than using simple language or shortening a manuscript. It requires an understanding of child development, reading levels, and the expectations of each age group classification. Many children's manuscripts are rejected by agents, publishers, or readers not because the writing is poor, but because the author misunderstands the nuances of the children's book market. Whether you're writing a picture book, middle grade story, or young adult novel, keep your target reader at the center of every decision. Each word, sentence, and scene must be carefully crafted to engage your audience while remaining appropriate for their age and developmental stage. When authors create relatable characters and engaging journeys, children will often return to their favorite reads over and over. In addition to the “ Children’s Books" section on The Author Learning Center , organizations like the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators offer community resources and guidelines specific to children’s authors. Photo credit: PeopleImages from Getty Images; Photo credit: damircudic from Getty Images; Photo credit: Wavebreakmedia from Getty Images GO BACK TO THE MAIN BLOG PAGEarticlefictionNonfictionTeen & Young AdultChildren's Bookshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/webinars/c/e/2354Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:9568f3ab-1d87-4b30-8260-c1cf35395a10Author Learning CenterPRACTICE: Authors have many questions as they embark on their indie-publishing journey. Most feel at least a little overwhelmed, and for good reason: never in book publishing history have so many choices been available! In this presentation, we’ll discuss the “big publisher” thought processes for book cover and interior design, and share the tried-and-true principles that quality book publishers have followed for generations. By the end of the webinar, authors will feel empowered to discuss these issues with their chosen professionals, leaving the stress behind and enjoying their ideal publishing path. About the Presenter: Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in book publishing. Her company, 1106 Design, makes it easy for authors to release a top-quality book, keep control of it, and earn more money every time they sell a copy. Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions and make informed decisions when they search for publishing service providers. A PDF of her 88-page guide, Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing, can be downloaded for free at https://tinyurl.com/Publish-Like-the-Pros.https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/design/w/cover/8500/behind-the-stunning-cover-art-of-silvia-park-s-luminousMon, 20 Jul 2026 14:14:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c747a97f-cbee-4f0e-83fa-96a3062ccccaSilvia ParkDebut author Silvia Park shares the history behind the tiger in Korean culture and how this centuries-old symbolism plays a part in "Luminous." For more on this author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Silvia-Park/199518275 . www.youtube.com/watchCommercial FictionfictionAction and AdventureScience Fiction and FantasyLiterary Fictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/marketing/events/w/book-fairs/8046/how-to-have-a-successful-book-eventFri, 17 Jul 2026 19:00:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:7afbcc05-3ef2-4276-bd7d-e792e8961c64Russell NoheltyNow that in-person events such as conventions, fairs, and festivals are back in full swing, it's time to shake off the rust and prepare for the rush of shows in the second half of 2026, into 2027, and beyond. Join USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty as he walks you through: - How to set up your table for success - How to market yourself as an exhibitor - How to make every event a success Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../5633.Nohelty_5F00_Book-Events_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowtoHaveaSuccessfulBookEvent26.mp4 About the Presenter: Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press ( www.wannabepress.com ) and is the author of many novels and graphic novels including 'The Godsverse Chronicles', 'The Obsidian Spindle Saga', and 'Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter'. Russell is also the author of the nonfiction book series 'The Author Stack', and is the editor of The Hapitalist online magazine. He has exhibited at over 150 events during his career.fictionNonfictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/marketing/marketing-plan/w/finding-your-platform/8497/why-author-platform-is-about-becoming-findable-and-practical-ways-to-build-oneFri, 17 Jul 2026 15:39:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:13ca78bf-22bd-4c4e-8dac-25088e59a8f5Elizabeth BreedenThe term "author platform" can be intimidating, especially if authors think they need to become a social influencer. Elizabeth Breeden, Senior Marketing Director at Simon Element and Simon Acumen, wants to assure authors that platform isn't about being famous, it's about being "findable." She believes platform is about visibility and credibility, and not about building an audience of thousands. To start building an author platform, Breeden recommends authors first Google themselves to see how discoverable they are. At a minimum, you want to have a professional-looking website and social media presence that are up-to-date and consistent. Second, she encourages authors to not just build an audience, but own their audience. They can do this by creating a newsletter or starting a podcast to stay in contact. Finally, she advises authors to share their expertise consistently. One way to come up with content ideas is to make a list of twenty questions people ask about your topic or area of expertise. The responses to these questions can become twenty pieces of content you share in your email newsletter or in social media posts. It's not frequency that keeps readers and followers coming back, it's consistency. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../WhyAuthorPlatformisAboutBecomingFindableandPracticalWaystoBuildOne.mp4fictionNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/marketing/book-reviews/w/others/8494/how-to-tap-into-audiences-and-communities-to-get-reviewsFri, 17 Jul 2026 13:34:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:0d20cbca-3b67-4603-8b32-41de175fab1fElizabeth BreedenOne of the most common questions Elizabeth Breeden gets from Simon Element's and Simon Acumen's author clients is, "How do I get book reviews?" She wants authors to know that reviews are much more attainable than they think. She first encourages authors to start garnering reviews early on in the process by identifying the audiences and communities they already have access to in their network. These can be people on your email list, followers on social media, members of professional organizations, work colleagues, or peers. When you acquire positive feedback and reviews early on, you can use them on your book sales pages, in social media posts, or in advertisements. Breeden also recommends building an advance review copy (ARC) team. This can include twenty or more people you trust and enlist to read an early copy of your book and help build excitement for your book at launch. You will want to give them guidance on leaving reviews online as soon as the book goes on sale, sharing the book on social media, and providing quotes for advertising and promotions. All of this is cumulative and adds up over time, she says. www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowtoTapintoAudiencesandCommunitiestoGetReviews.mp4fictionNonfictionvideo