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The good news? Most website mistakes are fixable—and once you know what to look for, you'll never make the same mistakes again.

I read so many manuscripts now that I can spot craft issues almost instinctively. I know why something works and why it doesn’t. I’ve seen enough submissions to recognize pacing problems, exposition dumps, and arcs that fizzle out instead of soaring. That level of immersion in story after story makes you sharper. It’s like living in a constant writing masterclass. But—and this is a big but—knowing something isn’t the same as being able to execute it. Because in writing

The moment a publishing offer comes in, everything feels electric. An author’s phone buzzes. I get to deliver the news: You did it. Someone wants your book. And for a minute, it feels like we both won the lottery. But almost immediately, the practical part of my brain kicks in. Because an offer is just the beginning. Now it’s time to talk numbers, rights, clauses, and timelines—the unglamorous fine print that shapes the author’s future.

Below are four excellent writing conferences (including ours!) that picture book writers should keep on their radar—plus two kidlit writing organizations that are just too good to leave out. 👇

In publishing, the wins aren’t just the book deals or the big moments. They’re the people who hand you coffee. The mentors who show up. The gut feelings that say, this one’s worth it.

As someone who designs websites for authors, I've seen firsthand how a strategically built website can become a review-generating machine.

If you’ve spent any time in the world of children’s publishing, you’ve probably heard the name Kirkus whispered in hushed tones—like a legendary creature that can make or break a book. For over 90 years, Kirkus has been one of the most respected names in book reviews. Their critiques are known for being sharp, honest, and sometimes… well, a little intimidating. For self-published authors, the big question is: 👉 Should you pay for a Kirkus Review?

Children’s book authors, on the other hand, face a unique challenge. We must write a book that appeals to two very different audiences: 4-8 year olds with limited vocabularies and the attention span of a fruit fly; and adults who may have already maxed out on the amount of Bluey they can handle in one day.

Write because you want to write, not because you want to be published. Because that is the one thing that is truly under your control!

Your Amazon book listing doesn’t need to be perfect on Day 1 — but the more polished and professional it is, the better your chances of making a sale. Use this checklist to audit your book’s page today (and revisit it regularly after launch). A few thoughtful tweaks can make a big difference!

If you know me at all, you know that school visits are one of my absolute favorite parts of being a children’s book author. The hugs, the high fives, the curious questions like “How long does it take to write a book?” and “Do you know Mo Willems?” (yes, that’s a real question I’ve been asked)… I live for this stuff.

Not just royalties. But smart money moves. Tiny financial shifts that make a big difference. And most of all, let’s talk about building stability—one choice at a time.