Ask an Editor: Query Letter and Cover Letter

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cover letter, editor, queries, query letter

“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered as part of our quarterly Kite Tales blog.

Dear Editor – What is the difference between a query letter and a cover letter?

—Marissa, the Valley

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Ask an Editor: Word Count for Middle Grade and Young Adult

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editor, editors, middle grade, word count, young adult

“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered as part of our quarterly Kite Tales blog.

Dear Editor – Word count requirements confuse me. Should I try to reach a certain number before I submit my novel? Does it really matter?   —Rob, Studio City

Dear Rob – An ideal reference for word count is SCBWI’s annual publication, The Book: The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, available to SCBWI members at https://www.scbwi.org/online-resources/the-book/. The printed version is a bargain at $6.25 plus shipping, or download the PDF for free.

Ask an Editor: Why are Picture Books Printed Vertically?

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editor, illustrators, picture books, writer

Welcome to “Ask an Editor” where our wonderful SCBWI members send in questions that are answered as part of our quarterly Kite Tales blog.

Dear Editor – I am writing and illustrating a picture book. Do my illustrations need to fit a vertical (tall) layout? I can’t find a book that’s horizontal, but that’s my preference when painting.  —Ann, Los Angeles

Dear Ann – Great question! Industry experts respond.

Ask an Editor: Why are Picture Books 32 pages?

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editor, page count h, picture book, writing

Welcome to our newest feature, “Ask an Editor,” where our wonderful SCBWI members send in questions which may be answered in an upcoming Kite Tales blog. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

Have a question to submit? Log in to your SCBWI account, then either click on the “Ask an Editor” image at the left or follow this link  http://losangeles.scbwi.org/ask-an-editor/ and fill out the form. It’s easy!

Dear Editor – I write picture books. Why picture books are almost always 32 pages? Is this something I even need to care about while I’m writing? It’s all about writing the best story and staying within the word count, right?

—Notta Paige Counter

Stephanie Stein: Editor’s Perspective

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editor, HarperCollins, middle grade, publishing, Stephanie Stein, writing tips, YA

HarperCollins Children’s Books editor Stephanie Stein works on a range of YA and middle grade fiction by authors including Kiera Cass (the Selection series), Erin Hunter (Warriors), and Cynthia Hand (The Last Time We Say Goodbye). As faculty for this year’s SCBWI Los Angeles Writer’s Day, Stephanie gave a compelling keynote address, “Writing Your Book (Not Someone Else’s)” and a breakout session on what to expect from an editor when you’re revising your work together. Kite Tales caught up with her after LAWD16 for a follow-up on defining your writer’s voice, why that’s essential to getting published, and why everyone’s path to publishing looks different.