Master Class Wrap-Up: “Hooks, Queries and Proposals”

We had a blast with Kim Peterson during last weekend’s Master Class as she taught “Hooks, Queries and Proposals!” While writing these sales pitches can be overwhelming, Kim taught us how to focus our messaging and taught us how to reel in the necessary elements that make up query letters and book proposals. “The topic … More Master Class Wrap-Up: “Hooks, Queries and Proposals”

What We Are Thankful For by the Write2Ignite Team

Penny Reeve, our “Next-Steps” Facebook Group Coordinator I’m thankful for opportunities to think about my faith in God, for the miracle of salvation and the wonder of grace – and then to be able to write for children and young people in a way that might honour these precious gifts!  I’m thankful for the network … More What We Are Thankful For by the Write2Ignite Team

Your Author Brand, Part 2: Nailing Your Style Guide

You should be purposeful about creating your author brand. Consistency in your brand — the way you appear to others — brings a level of professionalism, quality and even trustworthiness to book buyers. … More Your Author Brand, Part 2: Nailing Your Style Guide

Your Author Brand, Part 1: Nailing Your Focus

I overthink everything. But I knew that Cindy Lynn Sawyer, Wannabe Author of Several Genres, just would not be an appropriate branding title or tagline. As a journalist-turned-marketer-turned-aspiring author, I am diverse in my writing skills. But how do I harness this tangled web of ideas and genres and messaging to create a beautiful, focused … More Your Author Brand, Part 1: Nailing Your Focus

PB Master Class Takeaway: From Frustration to First Draft

The video clip is adorable. A racoon dips a chunk of cotton candy into water, anticipating the scrumptious morsal. but it disappears! He frantically looks for his dissolved treat, unable to comprehend the science between water and the fluffy confection. This is the inspiration for my picture book. Unfortunately, I discovered that it was extremely … More PB Master Class Takeaway: From Frustration to First Draft

The 2021 Author Platform: Back to Basics by Cindy Lynn Sawyer

Struggling with building your author platform? Here are a few simple steps to help you get started. … More The 2021 Author Platform: Back to Basics by Cindy Lynn Sawyer

Part IV of “How to Lose an Editor in 10 Ways” BELIEVE YOU ARE PERFECT

Whew! There’s a lot to learn when you’re striving for rejection. Here is your last round of ideas to help you to master the art of losing an editor in ten ways. [spacer height=”20px”] Way 8: Don’t Edit Your Work No one’s work is perfect. So, to seal a rejection of your manuscript, skip editing. … More Part IV of “How to Lose an Editor in 10 Ways” BELIEVE YOU ARE PERFECT

Part III of “How to Lose an Editor in 10 Ways” COMPLICATE YOUR CONTENT

We’ve been talking about some of the top 10 ways to lose an editor, based on interviews I conducted with editors at four Christian children’s publications. (Part I: SKIP THIS STEP, Part II: HOW TO MESS UP YOUR CHARACTERS) In this section we are going to cover four more ways to lose an editor through … More Part III of “How to Lose an Editor in 10 Ways” COMPLICATE YOUR CONTENT

Part II of “How to Lose an Editor in Ten Ways” HOW TO MESS UP YOUR CHARACTERS

Welcome to part 2 of my blog series. (Click here if you missed PART I: SKIP THIS STEP) Let’s delve into a couple more ways you can lose an editor. Incorporating some of these flaws into your characters will almost always guarantee a rejection. Here’s how: [spacer height=”20px”] [spacer height=”20px”] Way 2: Make Your Characters … More Part II of “How to Lose an Editor in Ten Ways” HOW TO MESS UP YOUR CHARACTERS

How to Lose an Editor in Ten Ways

Anyone can sabotage their writing career. It takes less skill to fail as a freelance children’s writer than it does to succeed. I’ve interviewed four editors from popular Christian children’s magazines who reveal details on what to do to increase your chances of staying out of print. In this four-part series, you will learn 10 … More How to Lose an Editor in Ten Ways