Time for THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED Cover Reveal, Preorder Webinar Announcement, & GIVEAWAY all in one!
@StephLewArt
outdid herself with this cover & I am THRILLED to share it!
Like & RT for a chance to WIN a ticket to one of the webinars!
More info at:
I am beyond thrilled to announce that I am now represented by the amazing
@EmilyKaitlinnn
of
@bookendslit
🎉 I can't tell you just how grateful and excited I am to be joining Emily's team! Her passion & excitement for my work still feels like a dream.
I don’t have the words to tell you how very excited I am that KID MADE has found the perfect home w/
@Holliambria
of
@FeiwelFriends
@MacmillanUSA
. A million thanks to the incomparable
@EmilyKaitlinnn
for believing in this story and working so hard to get it into the right hands!!
Someone PLEASE tell me you know what these costumes are, because I’m stressed that my little nieces will be disappointed… this is what happens when you super over estimate your sewing abilities and end up adding lots of hot glue… 🤣🤣🤣😳😳😳
SO excited to announce I SEE COLOR from
@HarperChildrens
winter 2024!
Writing with my dear friend
@valerie_bolling
was truly a dream. And we can't wait to see how
@ukelaylie
brings our words to life with her amazing art.
Thank you to Luana Horry for truly believing in this one!
THE MONSTER *ABOVE* THE BED is basically MONSTERS INC x CREEPY CARROTS & all I hoped for as my PB debut w/
@ClarionBooks
! If you like a lot of silly fun, mixed w/ a bit of "what if YOU are the monster?!" then this one's for you. Can't wait to introduce you to Blossom!
#kidlit
1/
The
#KidLitWritingContest
will be open to all
#kidlit
authors, PB, MG, & YA, pre-published, pre-agented, published, agented, anyone who writes for kids! I can't wait to share all the details on Friday, but for now, who is planning on entering? This contest will be judge by KIDS!
This was my face when the amazing super agent Emily Forney told me we had an official book deal. If you haven’t read the full story, catch it below. Today is the last day to enter my celebratory book deal giveaway! Details here:
THE
#CoronaCritiqueGiveaway
IS OPEN!
More details:
To win 1 of 45 (!) PB or Query Critiques simply:
Like and Retweet this Tweet!
OPTIONAL:
For 5 Bonus entries, follow every donor tagged in this thread & comment below so I know you did.
#PBChat
#kidlit
*
#kidlit
GIVEAWAY*
As a
#PitMad
success story, I fully believe in putting yourself out there. W/ the event just over a week away, I'm offering 3 winners their choice of a Pitch Critique (up to 5 pitches) or a PB MS Critique. Follow & RT to enter. Winners announced 2/25
Are you doing
#PBPitch
tomorrow? I found my dream agent
@EmilyKaitlinnn
through a pitch event, so I highly recommend all pitch events! If you missed my post a few weeks back, sharing again a few ideas to help get some attention in a pitch event!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY!
Am I the only one whose mental health has crashed the last 2 weeks? To lift spirits, I’m giving away your choice of a PB MS or NF MG 5 pages critique plus a 20 min zoom call.
No requirements to enter. Just comment below so I add your name to the mix.
Honored and thrilled to announce that my MG debut, KID-VENTORS by me and
@shannondrewthis
has been named a
@JrLibraryGuild
Gold Standard Selection!
Thank you SO much to JLG!!
I cannot wait to share these stories with you!
Available for preorder now anywhere books are sold!
Just signed preorders made through my local indie bookstore, Literally a Bookshop. Overwhelmed with gratitude for supporting local indie. And thank you to ALL who have preordered! Today is your LAST chance to PREorder!
Published authors! Where were you when you received news of an offer for publication??
Every day I wake up hoping it will be the day I get good news from my awesome agent. But until that day comes, let me live vicariously through you!! 🤣
#kidlit
I have been writing 9+ hours a day working on my MG revision and I don’t know how people write full time all the time. I’m exhausted mentally and physically but also like… really proud of myself and this book?
TOMORROW is the big day!!! To say I am excited is an understatement.
Tell me,
#PBRisingStars
friends, what is something you’ve learned about yourself through the process of applying?
@ebonylynnmudd
Any PB writers out there who would be interested in a “Guinea Pig” mentorship? I have books coming out starting next year and would love to give back as a mentor some day after that, but don’t know what I’m doing and would love an informal “practice” run that would hopefully…1/4
My agent and my daughter’s teacher have the same first name. So I get all excited thinking there is *news* in my inbox only to find a reminder about school picture day. 😐
Tell me about your path to publishing
16: wanted to be an author
18: studied music therapy instead
21: switched majors
23: graduated in human development
24: taught reading in a juvenile detention program
25: wanted to be an author again
30: landed an agent, sold some books
Me editing my
#PB
today:
Take word out.
Put it back.
No, take it out again.
Actually, it should just be a different word.
Yes, that’s it.
No, no it’s not.
Put original word back.
Take it out.
#amediting
Want to know how I got my book deal? Or how KID MADE went from PB to MG? Or how
@EmilyKaitlinnn
is a rock star & didn't drop me even when I was an emotional, needy mess?? Read to the end for a giveaway opportunity!
#kidlit
#WritingCommunity
#PBChat
Who entered the
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
this year??
We had a record breaking 281 entries!!!
Drop a gif below to tell me how you’re feeling about your entries being sent to the KID judges this weekend!!
Beyond thrilled to announce that my debut MG NF is now titled KID-VENTORS & is being illustrated by ⭐️THE⭐️
@shannondrewthis
Publication is now set for spring 2024.
I can't wait for you to learn about these 35 amazing kids & their incredible inventions!
That's a wrap,
#PBRisingStars
!
CONGRATS to our Mentees, Runners-Up, & HMs.
We can't wait to connect!
And to EVERY applicant, THANK YOU for applying! Honestly, putting yourself out there is a WIN.
And always remember:
"YOUR ART IS THE PRIZE!" -
@ebonylynnmudd
In the query trenches, I wondered what others had been through. So I'm starting a new blog series,
#TuesdayFromTheTrenches
to help querying authors see the many paths to representation & feel inspired to keep going! I'll share my own story next week & the series kicks off in Oct!
Guess what it's time to announce....
The 2nd annual
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
WOO HOO!!!!!
Find all the details in this blog post!!
RT and tag a friend for a chance to WIN a PB MS critique from me.
Sign kid judges up for a chance to win a book!
It's time!! Announcing the 2022 Kids' Choice Kid Lit Writing Contest WINNERS!! A huge congrats to all and thank you to ALL who entered. And especially, THANK YOU to our AMAZING kid judges!!
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
I still can’t believe I’m a Bookends Client!! Thank you
@EmilyKaitlinnn
for making my dreams come true! Can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together!
Guess who just finished emailing your amazing work and judging forms to over 120 kid judges??
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
Join me in giving these kid judges a cheer and a HUGE thank you! Leave a comment below for me to pass on to these amazing kids!
#kidlit
So grateful for many new faces around here! Thought it was time I introduced myself again. I'm Kailei (pronounced KayLee). My debut MG is the true story of 40 kid inventors, coming to you from
@FeiwelFriends
@MacKidsBooks
. I can't wait for you to meet these amazing inventors!
The 1st Annual
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
is OPEN!!! I can't wait to see what you've prepared & I'm so excited to pass the entries off to our amazing KID JUDGES! Get your entries in on my blog, then come back here to tell us how you feel!
#kidlit
Exciting news!
In this time of uncertainty, I want to spread the good, focus on hope, & give people something to look forward to.
Next week, I'll be hosting the
#CoronaCritiqueGiveaway
17 author and agent critique donations so far and growing!
#kidlit
#PB
#WritingCommunity
Some of my favorite comments coming in from our kid judges are about how YOU have inspired them to be writers:
"I want to make my own book - one of those types of stories"
"This was fun! I might want to be a writer when I grow up."
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
BEYOND thrilled to officially introduce the
#PBRisingStars
Mentorship!
@ebonylynnmudd
& I have had so much fun making this happen & our mentors are 🔥
Check out my blog for details on how this will work & links to our official website & then... 1/
I just found out today that my child was taught to NOT use the Oxford comma at school last week and I…
1. don’t think I’ll ever recover from this
2. might have to request a room change
3. will absolutely add it back in when I check homework assignments
#OxfordCommaForever
I have learned that I should not be doing school visits for my debut, launching 2 new books, promoting
#pbrisingstars
, AND doing
#kidschoicekidlitwritingcontest
all at the same time. I am SPENT 🤣 but wanted to give an update that winners will be announced Mon or Tues!!
Well...THIS JUST HAPPENED!
Just met w/
@ebonylynnmudd
to plan the 2023
#PBRisingStars
Mentorship!!
Some highlights:
- Looking for TWENTY (20!) Mentors this year
- 5+ Webinars w/ industry professionals
- OPEN applications (with an emphasis on personalization)
WHO IS EXCITED??
It's HERE! Announcing the 3rd annual Kids' Choice KidLit Writing Contest!
Who's excited??!
Read ALL the details and register your kid judges here:
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
It’s apparently
#KidlitAgentWeek
so THANK YOU
@EmilyKaitlinnn
, I love you to pieces!
In 18 months, Emily has:
- sold 5 books for me
- let me cry happy and sad tears to her
- listened to me sing to her
- been in my corner 5000%
Emily clearly works her tail off & I adore her!
Preschool.
Really.
Met at 3 years old, grew up as best friends, officially started dating at 21, married at 23.
About to hit 10 years married, and 30 years as best friends.
I legit don’t remember life without him.
⭐️ IT’S TIME⭐️
All 25 (!)
#PBRisingStars
mentors have been revealed!!
A HUGE thank you to
@inkyelbows
for hosting us today.
You do NOT want to miss this list
#kidlit
friends!
Tell me below… how do you feel? Are you applying???
@ebonylynnmudd
New Twitter Header!! Things are getting more and more real!
So grateful to Alyssa De Asis,
@StephLewArt
and
@shannondrewthis
for making these GORGEOUS book covers. Can't wait for you to see all the internal art!!!
Today is the day!!! THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED by me and
@stephlew
is on sale NOW anywhere Books are sold.
Snag your copy here:
(And thanks to my friends for sending these awesome videos!)
To celebrate my Goodreads author profile, I'm offering a PB MS critique PLUS Zoom to 1 winner!
To enter:
1. Follow me on Goodreads:
2. Mark THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED "want to read"
3. Comment below
4. RT/tag friends for BONUS entry
After years of working, dreaming, & crafting, it's finally DEBUT YEAR!
@StephLewArt
completely knocked it out of the park on this one. I cannot wait to share her gorgeous cover with you on May 8th!
In the mean time, get an amazing preorder deal here:
**Giveaway Opportunity**
To celebrate my bday month, I’m giving away a SET of PB MS critiques to a full critique group (up to 6 members) PLUS a 30 min zoom Q&A for the group.
No requirements to enter, just comment if you want your group thrown in the mix. Winner announced 10/22
Thrilled to announce my PB, BY YOUR SIDE will be part of KiwiCo's Panda Crate mid 2022! A huge thank you to
@EmilyKaitlinnn
for never giving up on this one &
@tarynalbright
for truly getting it! Can't wait to work w/ Alyssa De Asis to bring this book of my heart to life!
Alright
#kidlit
fam. A little heavy news today…everyone is safe, but
@ebonylynnmudd
& her fam are dealing w/ a bad home flood. Insurance can’t come out for many days. If you are able, please consider donating to relief funds. Or help spread the word!
Finished my
#PBChat
applications! If nothing else, I worked a 1200 word NF MS that I was *certain* needed every single one of those words down to 975 words and it is SO.much.better!! That alone is a win! Thanks to
@JustinRColon
and all of the amazing mentors!
Congratulations to our first rising star,
@Tamarahq_writes
🎉
Welcome to the
#PBRisingStars
mentee class of 2022! You will be working with
@MarziehAbbas
for the next three months 💫
🌟 Please check your email tonight for important info regarding the mentorship.
Congratulations to our next rising star,
@jasmineifang
🎉
Welcome to the
#PBRisingStars
mentee class of 2022! You will be working with
@SylviaiChen
for the next three months 💫
🌟 Please check your email tonight for important info regarding the mentorship.
Congratulations to our next rising star,
@aimeesatterlee
🎉
Welcome to the
#PBRisingStars
mentee class of 2022! You will be working with ME for the next three months 💫
🌟Please check your email tonight for important info regarding the mentorship.
BIG NEWS!
@KaitlynLeann17
&
@valerie_bolling
have teamed up to create a virtual
#KidLitHolidayDanceParty
! I'm honored that they've asked me to host! We'll Dance, Connect, & Learn about their inspiration in writing & agenting.
Read more & register here:
8 Years!
I looked 16 then and I still look 16 now 🤣
Maybe when I'm 50 I'll look 30...
But in all seriousness, sure love this man of mine. He has supported every dream I've ever had and he's the reason I have time to write. He believes in me more than I believe in myself.
The numbers are in! Thank you ALL for making the 1st annual
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
a smashing success! Our final numbers are:
217 PB
42 MG
24 YA
Now to organize & send entries off to our kid judges!
In the meantime, read all the entries here:
TODAY is the LAST day to apply to
#PBRisingStars
Let's make this a FUN & CONNECTED day of CELEBRATION. Drop a happy GIF, pic, some advice, a link to a joyful story, or anything that will give us a smile below!
@ebonylynnmudd
& I are blown away by YOU!
Just finished sending out some comments from the kid judges to the
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
finalists and don't mind me over here just sobbing at this thoughtful and super kind comment from one of our MG aged judges 😭😭😭
Keep writing, friends!
#Kidlit
#amwriting
Our awesome judges finished Round 1 of voting last week & I just sent off links to vote in Round 2!
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
36 PB & 19 MG entries moved on to round 2. YA is going straight into the finals!
On March 2nd, I will announce the finalists in all categories!
Some days, I read my WIPs and think "Yes! This is awesome. I'm TOTALLY gonna land an agent." And then the next day it's "this is all crap, why do I even write???" And I'm pretty sure that's an important part of the process.
#kidlit
I finished organizing the
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
entries & will be sending them off to the judges later today! W/ a huge number of PB entries, I'm hoping to find some more PB readers. If anyone is interested in getting their kids or classes to judge, please DM!
THE LITTLE MERMAID was fantastic. I loved every moment and can’t stop thinking about it 3 days later. In fact, we already have plans to go back and see it again! If you get the chance, don’t miss it!
To everyone filling out
#PBRisingStars
applications this weekend: you got this! Can’t wait to read your words!
I’ll be in and out today, but if anyone has questions, I’ll answer anything on this thread throughout the day!
Dream me wrote a new MS, landed an agent, and sold 2 stories last night.
Real me stared at the screen for my hour of writing time today.
I think I should go back to sleep! 😂
#kidlit
PSA-- I learned through the
#KidsChocieKidLitWritingContest
that Google Docs and Microsoft Word count words differently... so be VERY careful when submitting to a contest with word count limits that you know for sure how many words your entry is.
Exciting things are happening behind the scenes at
#PBRisingStars
Mentors are reading an UNPRECEDENTED number of apps!
And let me tell you... you all put your entire selves into this and you should be SO proud of yourselves!!
A thread on what comes next: 1/7
SO excited that the release date for THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED is now Oct. 24!
I'm obsessed w/ Halloween & being able to introduce you all to Blossom Halloween week is the thing of dreams!
Don't forget: preorder between now & Aug. 15th to get a FREE query critique from me
Does the cycle of...
This is great!
This is crap!
This is SO great!
This is TOTAL crap!
This is the greatest thing I've ever written!
Why do I even write??
...ever end???
THANK YOU all for the love today! Launching THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED by me and
@StephLewArt
was an absolute dream. I was able to visit 3 classrooms, We sold out of books at the launch event, and all of YOUR kind messages brought me so much joy. THANK YOU!
IT'S LIVE!
Now accepting entries for the 2nd annual
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
Please read the post carefully, fill out the attached form, comment on the blog, & then come back here to celebrate,
#kidlit
friends.
Good luck and have fun!!
Give it up for this
#PBRisingStars
mentor:
THE
@ebonylynnmudd
People, she does it ALL & is SUPER open: humor, lyrical, prose, NF, & MORE!
And her teaching skills? 🔥🔥🔥
You seriously NEED to apply to her.
So get those apps ready and apply TOMORROW!
Over 200 books just arrived at my house! So excited to get these mailed to the
#KidsChoiceKidLitWritingContest
judges!! Thank you SO much to everyone who donated to make this possible.
And thank you to the kids for your patience since this will be a JOB 🤣
Congratulations to our next rising star,
@sarahskolfield
🎉
Welcome to the
#PBRisingStars
mentee class of 2022! You will be working with
@andrewchacket
for the next three months 💫
🌟 Please check your email tonight for info regarding the mentorship.
Excited to see the PW announcement today! It’s getting more and more real! Seriously cannot wait to introduce you all to Blossom!
#kidlit
#amwriting
#WritingCommunity
THE MONSTER *ABOVE* THE BED is basically MONSTERS INC x CREEPY CARROTS & all I hoped for as my PB debut w/
@ClarionBooks
! If you like a lot of silly fun, mixed w/ a bit of "what if YOU are the monster?!" then this one's for you. Can't wait to introduce you to Blossom!
#kidlit
1/
Doing the important work of featuring all of the
#PBRisingStars
mentor’s books for the Meet the Mentors event tonight. Now if only I could figure out how to make them all visible on zoom!
Also super sad that my copy of
@MaishaWrites
BUSTER THE BULLY didn’t get here on time 😭
October means LAUNCH MONTH for THE MONSTER ABOVE THE BED!!!! In the spirit of launch month, I'm absolutely GIDDY to be using my new author photo created by the incredible
@StephLewArt
. We hope you'll snag a copy of our book, available 10/24!
Congratulations
@TVSandra
, you are
@ebonylynnmudd
's runner up! You have won 2 picture book critiques from Ebony. Watch for an email with details to claim your prize.
#PBRisingStars
I have absolutely loved doing work for hire with
@tarynalbright
and
@kiwico_inc
☺️ this concept book about imaginative play and love between kiddos and their grownups has my heart. Check out this beautiful cover by Alyssa De Asia 😍 available next year exclusively in KiwiCo boxes
Starting to organize the
#PBRisingStars
applications and you all are hitting me in the feels. Thank you for taking the time to put your hearts & souls into these applications. It shows and you should be so proud of yourselves. This is going to be a hard decision for all mentors.
Congratulations to our next TWO rising stars,
@TreniseFerreira
and
@RenaissanceMars
🎉
Welcome to the
#PBRisingStars
mentee class of 2022! You will be working with
@Tabaris_World
for the next three months 💫
🌟 Please check your email tonight for info regarding the mentorship.
Congratulations
@tumara
, you are
@kaileipew
's runner up! You have won two zoom calls and a picture book critique from Kailei. Watch for an email with details to claim your prize.
#PBRisingStars
Congratulations
@midfreeman
, you are
@audreyperrott
's runner up! You have won a Zoom call and a critique from Audrey. Watch for an email with details to claim your prize.
#PBRisingStars
I have a few friends saying "I've always wanted to write a book too. Can you help me get it published?"
But when I explain the process they either check out or ask if I'll send my agent their (not yet written) book. (no)
How do you respond to well-meaning friends like this?
Congratulations to our next rising star,
@ahillmanwrites
🎉
Welcome to the
#PBRisingStars
mentee class of 2022! You will be working with
@jstremer
for the next three months 💫
🌟 Please check your email tonight for important info regarding the mentorship.
It's time for another
#TuesdayFromTheTrenches
! The amazing author/agent
@KaitlynLeann17
talks about her journey to rep & even throws in a few agent perspectives!!
Check out the blog for a chance to WIN a Query or MS Critique from Kaitlyn
#kidlit
fam!
I'm so excited to feature
@ebonylynnmudd
in this week's
#TuesdayFromTheTrenches
. Ebony's story is amazing, unique, and inspirational! AND she's generously offering an ENTIRE PB Submission Packet Critique Giveaway! Find the details on the blog.
#kidlit
I get to do my first ever author visit for a school literacy night tonight and I am so excited but also SO nervous! Tried to take my mind off the nerves by making shirts! Help me decide! Which one should I wear tonight??
Woke up at 2 AM with the “perfect idea for a picture book!” based on some wacky dream I was having. Jotted a quick note so I wouldn’t forget. This morning at 7, I read:
Alligator
Curator
Epic
And... I have NO IDEA what it all means!
#kidlit
#pbchat