PR 365

PR 365...The Art of the Interview Request

If you're a popular mom blogger, parenting expert or an author, you will most likely find yourself in a position where reporters and even TV producers might be interested in featuring you in a segment or news story. However, before you agree to share your story, I wanted to talk about the interviews you should stay away from at all costs. You see, not every interview request is reason for you to get your name out there. Some publicists will argue that any publicity is good publicity but I beg to differ. If you have an image you want to protect or if you value your time, then you should evaluate each and every opportunity and wait for the one that will bring out the best in you.

So let's take a few scenarios into account. If you many of you are subscribing to Peter Shankman's HARO (Help A Reporter Out) you will see a treasure trove of opportunities each day. But some of those queries are down right dangerous. I'm not going to out some of the offenders, but here are some tried and true tips to avoid the wolves in sheeps clothing.

Query: Looking for a family who has been hit hard by the economy - experienced a job loss, home foreclosed upon and is in dire straits. If you fit that profile, we want to feature you national television.
Response: Okay, you may be just that person. You have bills mounting, you're out of a job and you think, hey if I go on TV, maybe I'll find a job and maybe someone will help me out of this mess. Unless the TV outlet is Dr. Phil or Oprah, our advice is be careful. Any other news or talk show will just want to share your tale of woe offer you some empty advice and then send you on your merry way. And all you're left with is a clip of you talking about being in a really bad situation. Resist the urge and do not offer yourself up for this opportunity.

Query: I'm doing a story on the merits of mom blogging - especially want to talk to a mom blogger who does product reviews and gets paid for them.
Response: If you are getting paid to review products on your blog, please cease and desist - it is completely unethical to get paid to write a product review unless you specify clearly on your blog that the content is sponsored. Just as journalists don't get paid to write reviews, the same goes for your blog. And if someone sends you an Amazon gift card to post a review, then that's not acceptable either. Before you agree to an interview think about whether participating will help you or hurt you.

Query: Doing an investigative story on moms who work from home. - looking for a work at home mom willing to share their story on national television.
Response: Again - investigative story should tip you off. They are looking to feature two sides of the story. So that means that even though your story may be positive, the show may really be interested in hearing about people who have been scammed by work at home job leads. Talk shows look for conflict - if you're story is completely positive, then it might be a bit boring for them. However, if you were scammed, got out of the situation and then made a mint by taking the high road, more power to you. Bottom line - stay away from investigative reports!

Query: Looking for moms to sit in our audience to ask questions of our medical expert.
Response: If you have plenty of time on your hands, then feel free to respond and attend every talk show in New York City. However, if you think this will be your chance to make your mark on a talk show, think again. Being an audience member will not land you a big break, it'll just cost you about three hours of your time. Of course, there are talk shows that are fun to attend, like Rachel Ray, Regis & Kelly and Martha Stewart - so if you do get the chance to attend one of those shows, then definitely go - it's a fun experience.

For more media tips, visit our new column, PR 365.

Posted in: Blog, PR 101 for Moms, PR 365 on 09/24/2011

Twitter for Beginners

I recently got the opportunity to speak at Tory Johnson's amazing Spark and Hustle conference in New York City along with Twitter master marketer Ted Rubin. The event brought together female business owners and entrepreneurs and offered tons of great information and advice that we can all apply to help our own businesses grow and flourish.

Our presentation focused on growing your business through social media and I tackled the topic of Twitter and Facebook.

While I have 1000's of virtual followers/friends on Twitter, my immediate friends and professional colleagues have yet to dive in. Some just don't get it, others don't have time for it, while still more think that it's another time sucking activity that they just don't need. If you're an entrepreneur, small business owner or writer and haven't yet signed up for a Twitter account, it's time to dive in.

Don't worry about what to say in your first tweet - the key at first is to listen.

Here are some of tried and true tips for navigating Twitter and Facebook for your business or brand:

1. If you have a local business, search hashtags for your local area or your specialty and join the discussion. Many local cities do regular Tweet ups both online and in person - Twitter offers a great way to connect in real time with fellow entrepreneurs. The key is then connecting offline and solidifying the relationship. In fact, if you live in Westchester, NY you can join #WestChat on Thursdays at 9pm for a lively discussion with like-minded business owners, writers and residents. Visit www.tweetchat.com, enter the hashtag for your Twitter party and start tweeting!

2. Facebook should be utilized for your customers and fans. Create a fan page that people can not only like, but can share their experiences and opinions. My neighbor has a Facebook page called Kimberly's Confections. Think Ace of Cakes in your own backyard. Every time Kim comes up with another amazing creation, she posts it on her Facebook Fan page and her customers and fans share comments. She has hundreds of comments from satisfied customers and the only problem she has now is not having enough time to keep up with all the orders!

3. Create a Facebook Group if you'd like to start an ongoing discussion or chat with friends or people in your field. You can select your group from your Facebook friends. Facebook groups enable you to streamline the discussion. Think of it as a virtual Board of Advisors and/or a focus group who can help you as you make important business decisions. Also - invest in Facebook Ads where you can target your demo - make sure you select the cost per click option rather than cost per impressions. That way, you know that people are actually visiting your website!

5. If you have a compelling story to tell, start blogging. Create a blog function on your site or blog right on Facebook and start sharing your story. Offer tips from your area of expertise, comment on other like-minded blogs and join online blogging communities where you can potentially contribute content and share your experience in a larger venue. If writing isn't your thing - hire an experienced blogger and social media expert who can blog for your site and connect with your core demo via Facebook and Twitter.

Most importantly, don't feel like you have to be all over the place - better to have a targeted approach with regard to social media than to spread yourself thin. Through blogging, listening and participating in discussions on Twitter and engaging your consumers and fans via Facebook, you'll be surprised at how you can drive sales and exposure to your business and your brand.

If you haven't followed us on Twitter yet, then now's your chance, simply click on our @Rolemommy handle and follow us today! If you're interested in joining our Project You Facebook group, we've got the link to that too.

Posted in: Blog, PR 365 on 03/17/2011

Bloggers, Brands and Compensation: That is the Question?

As a publicist, I have been watching the fallout over the latest blogger brouhaha involving the founder of Mommy Networks - a former HR representative who decided to try her hand at "PR" by providing gift cards to bloggers to post, tweet or "Like" positive reviews relating to Toyota. Within a matter of hours, the blogger was called out by the social media community as well as Toyota, which confirmed the company had no relationship with her.

After readily admitting she had no experience in public relations, the blogosphere heaved a collective sigh of relief and then took the woman to task for tainting the perception of bloggers as potential shills for major brands (the woman shuttered her site within 24 hours of the debacle). While there are plenty of PR firms that engage bloggers in a meaningful way to become brand advocates for their clients, there are certain practices that as a publicist, I don't feel comfortable pursuing.

In my opinion, I do not believe that bloggers should be paid to review products. I'd like to add that the Role Mommy Writer's Network does compensate bloggers. However, the posts that are sent to our members include excerpts from books, information about contest opportunities and advertorials relating to a topic that might interest their readers. All compensated posts clearly state that the content is sponsored by our network.

While we do compensate bloggers to syndicate content or adapt an article from our site for their readers, we do not believe that blogger reviews should be compensated. A payment for a review post can potentially taint the perspective of the writer. And if the blogger decides to slam the product after reviewing it, then the project is a bust in the eyes of a client and the PR firm can then find themselves in hot water.

While there are plenty of influential blog sites that review products for free (including Role Mommy), publicists should continue to pitch reviews for products and services just as they would a traditional media outlet. If a blogger responds that they will consider reviewing the product if you compensate them, you should consider another path to reach their readers - perhaps through advertising on their blog or compensating them to write a post that is sponsored by the brand but does not include a review of their product. It is possible to get your message across in a meaningful way without having a blogger become a shill for your products or services.

With marketers honing in on PR by compensating bloggers to post reviews, the role of the public relations professional has become completely marginalized - unless you are able to set aside a budget to compensate bloggers for their time. How can you expect a blogger to review your product if they are being paid to do so by one of your competitors? What I do advocate to clients is to offer creative content (print or video) that a blogger might be more interested in utilizing or adapting for their readers. Or, compensate a blogger to share their personal experience in a post that is sponsored by the brand. Tell a story, don't wax poetic about how amazing your new front loading washer is. Authenticity is the name of the game.

Nevertheless, just as I would never set foot into a dentist's office and claim I know how to perform a root canal, the same holds true for marketers or former HR reps who believe they are now doing PR by compensating bloggers to review products. I wish we could go back to the days where advertisers and PR executives knew which side of the fence they were supposed to stand on, but sadly, we can't. As a result, as this space continues to evolve, as writers, we should strive to provide quality content on our sites without compromising our ethics.

Posted in: PR 365 on 02/26/2011

PR 365: TV Media Training 101

It's been a while since I offered up some fresh PR advice to budding authors, entrepreneurs, parenting and lifestyle experts. Well, I'm back and the reason is simple. I've been watching lots of bloggers hit the airwaves - from the "Today Show" to local TV and many are doing a great job. Others definitely need work. So before you get ready for a TV appearance, here are some of my tried and true tips:

1. Prepare a page of talking points. I'm sure you think you know everything about your book, product or service but trust me, once the camera starts rolling, if you have not written a series of talking points, you could wind up rambling on during your segment causing the producer and host to spontaneously combust in front of your eyes. There's not much time to get your message across so why not have your answers prepared in advance? Prepare for your on camera experience just like you would if you were studying for a test. Practice makes perfect!

2. Cut out the ums!!! I can't tell you how many times I've watched a magazine editor or author on a morning news show and in between questions or phrases, the person fills in the dead air with "um" and "like." Well, I'm here to tell you that if you feel like you're about to say "um" on TV, please cease and desist. There's no place for "um" on a network morning show. Think of another word you can use to fill the space or don't say anything. Strike the "ums" from your commentary and you'll be on your way to a perfect appearance.

3. Is that what you're wearing? Do not, under any circumstances wear white with stripes on television. In fact, avoid pattern tops completely - it can be incredibly distracting. Instead, pick a neutral color or flattering shade that'll brighten your look. Of course, in New York, black or grey are definitely two can't miss wardrobe selections. Plus - avoid wearing dresses since it's hard to place a microphone pack on a dress. Instead, wear a skirt, blazer, sweater or pants.

4. If the segment feels uncomfortable, then don't do it again!!! I've always found that if my heart isn't into a segment, it typically doesn't come out as well as a segment that's more conversational. For me, I love participating in segments involving entertainment, travel and parenting issues. When it hits close to home and I can share a story that'll be relatable for viewers, then that's when I've hit my stride. The moment you feel out of your element during a segment, either you need more training or it just might not be the right fit for you.

5. If at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. For every person who has appeared on "The Today" show 20 times, it took a while for them to get there. Before you go after the big guns, my suggestion is to appear on your local station on a regular basis. The more you become comfortable in front of the camera, the easier it will be when you're finally selected for a guest spot on a major network morning show.

Have any PR questions for me? Feel free to comment and we'll get right back to you! And stay tuned, because we'll be sharing information about an exciting Media Training event for budding authors, entrepreneurs and lifestyle experts!

Posted in: Daily Shout Out, Events, PR 365 on 01/14/2011

PR 365: Preventing Social Media Entitlement Syndrome

After cruising through Twitter this morning, I happened upon Joey Fortman's blog who discovered a great article about SMES - Social Media Entitlement Syndrome - a case by which an individual who lives a great deal of their life online, believes they are entitled to attend VIP events, receive tons of swag, and get an all access pass into the lives of real life influential individuals just because they have a multitude of Twitter followers or Facebook fans.

Once I read Joey's post, I then clicked over to Lalawag for the full article and have to say, it is so on the money! Especially the part about social climbers who consistently use other people who have influential connections in real life for their own personal gain.

As someone who has been taken advantage of by social climbers, I have to say that I am now a lot more guarded with my professional contacts and personal connections. I have built strong relationships over the years through professionalism and trust and that does not give a social climber the right to have access to these individuals just because they've friended me on Facebook. Earn my trust and respect first and then I may share a contact or two. But if you continually ask me for my contacts without truly wanting to have anything to do with me, then sorry social climber, you're going to have to DM or FB someone else.

Have you been taken advantage of by a person suffering from SEMS? Inquiring moms want to know? And want to order the book above? Then visit Amazon to pick up a copy of I See Rude People: One woman's battle to beat some manners into impolite society.

Posted in: News, PR 365 on 06/27/2010

*New! The Role Mommy Writer's Network

If you are a member of The List, then over the past two years, you've been receiving all kinds of great opportunities - from media inquiries, to event invites, to product reviews and much more. We are committed to building upon the incredible network of bloggers, freelance writers, authors, experts and entrepreneurs who are all members of our community and as a result, we are thrilled to launch the Role Mommy Writers Network, a syndication platform that will offer you the opportunity to feature paid advertorial content on your blog.

Please be advised, we will not be compensating bloggers to post reviews and will continue to offer you the opportunity to have access to products and services before they hit the mainstream market so that you can share this exclusive information with your readers.

Advertorial posts will be advice driven and at times, will feature videos, photos and/or podcasts that have been written exclusively by bloggers. These articles can be utilized in its entirety on your blog or adapted as you see fit. All members of the network must fully disclose that the posts are sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer's Network.

In addition, this incredible group will have the opportunity to attend writer workshops, events, retreats, interview best selling authors and entrepreneurs and network with like minded women and men who love to write. If you have't already been in touch with us and if you'd like to apply to become a member of The Role Mommy Writer's Network, please fill out the application below and we will notify you if you have been accepted into this exciting new program.

Posted in: Events, News, PR 365 on 06/23/2010

Quitting Blogging

I'm sure I got you there. No, I haven't decided to pack it in and give up my blog but I have seen a lot of women making the conscious decision to walk away from this world in order to spend more time with their families or pursuing careers IRL (in real life for those of you new to the whole bloggy/tech scene). You see, when you first start blogging, it can actually be really cathartic. You share your innermost secrets that you can't tell your real friends, you connect with like minded souls across the country, you plan to meet them in person and you do, and then you start getting contacted by publicists to attend events, review products, possibly go on all expense paid trips, the memories can be priceless. But what do you have to show for it?

Have you been able to turn your passion for blogging into a business or have you tried for years and for some reason, something just doesn't seem to be clicking? Do you get frustrated when you see other bloggers succeeding while you're struggling to make a dent in a world that already seems pretty overpopulated at the moment? Let's get down to the heart of the matter shall we?

Blogging certainly means different things for different people.

For many women who are pioneers in this world, blogging is about great writing. It's about storytelling, as we instantaneously share those intimate moments when something incredible or heartbreaking happens in our lives.

For others, it's about marketing and branding. A blog is a wonderful platform builder for budding authors, photographers, artists, manufacturers, food mavens, savings experts and entrepreneurs.

A blog can be a forum for individuals who are passionate about causes to band together to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than themselves.

A blog can be a mom's connection to individuals in the outside world who might be going through the same thing she is - sleep deprivation, post partum depression, parenting a child with special needs.

It's a wonderful motivator - just look at Bookie Boo and her Mamavation campaign which has swept through the Internet encouraging women to take back their bodies and lose weight!

And speaking of bodies - blogs even takes on taboo subjects like sex - with blogging pioneer Kristen Chase leading the charge with the release of her new book The Mominatrix's Guide to Sex.

It's a place where women who are struggling on the homefront might find a forum for themselves to succeed. As a writer, a marketer, connector and a friend.

Blogging can be a hobby and it can also be an addiction.

When your child is begging you to get off the computer so that you can help them with their homework, school project or take them off to buy clothes for summer camp - it's time to step away and return back to life as we know it.

For me, blogging has been an amazing and surprising experience. I have met some of the most talented writers in our nation - many of them humor writers, since that's my passion, and have made lasting relationships that I am certain will endure throughout my life. I have been inspired by the bloggers who rally against adversity and protect their own when tragedy strikes. I have been incredibly disappointed and shocked by women who hurl mean-spirited comments on Twitter and ascend to their own bully pulpit via their own blogs. And I have also felt incredible respect toward the women who have managed to turn their passion for blogging into a successful business. (Still trying to figure out that one as I write this post - damn how I wish my hubby was an IT guy).

As my children continue to grow and need me more (trust me new moms, it doesn't get easier, it just gets harder), what I've come to realize is that I need to keep my blogging in check. I will never give it up because writing is my passion, but I am finding ways to bang out blog posts when my kids are fast asleep (um, that would be now), at a friend's house for a play date or during my work day when inspiration strikes.

If you believe that you will be able to build a brand because you have a blog, just know that the work you have in front of you is incredibly arduous. I'm not saying you should give up - just don't try everything at once. You don't need to criss cross the state attending dozens of conferences - just choose the ones where you'll get to connect with your online friends while learning how to take your passion for blogging to the next level.

And it's perfectly fine to continue blogging as a hobby. This is not a race - it is a marathon - an uphill one at that, and the more you blog, the more you build a loyal following who may be interested in what you say or might just be entertained by your writing.

Don't get down if people don't comment. There are amazing bloggers who are great at engaging their audience. Others may have lurkers on their blog who read and move on - either way - if you are happy with your writing, don't look for validation online. Connect with other writers you admire and respect and find out how they've managed to perfect their craft.

Join a writer's group or a book club. Step away from the laptop and meet people in real time where you can discuss the things you love or help one another achieve your personal or professional goals.

Spend time with your family and friends. I remember one old friend telling me she keeps up with me through my Facebook and blog posts. That's not how I want her to keep up with me - I want to see her more. Get the chance to have dinner or a glass of wine and laugh the way we used to when we were back in high school.

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. It can enrich your life by exposing you to opportunities and friends you never even knew existed. But it can also suck time away from the ones we love. At the end of the day, blogging should not be all consuming. And as you're cruising for Facebook friends and Twitter followers, you should know that in your own home live the most important people who would really like to know your status right about now:

Status:
"Mom is about to wake me up so she can make me breakfast, fix my lunch and take me to school."

One day, they'll be too old for me to wake them up, cheer them on at ball games or kiss them on the cheek before they fall off to sleep. And I don't want to miss a minute of it. Am I quitting blogging? No way. Just doing it in moderation so that I can get back to the real world.

Find more videos like this on Role Mommy

Posted in: Blog, News, PR 365, TV on 06/21/2010

PR 365: Free Vs. Fee that is the Question

Over the course of one day, I get tons of emails offering me everything under the sun. Some requests are simple and genuine - asking me if I'd be interested in receiving a product for review on my blog (totally fine in my book), while others wonder if I'd like to host a review and giveaway (again not a deal breaker at all). But as the day progresses, the "opportunities" seem more and more like things I would have eagerly said yes to if I were an unpaid intern looking to break into a new career.

Except I am not.

I have over 20 years experience in media relations and PR.

I have a master's degree in journalism.

I currently get paid by a number of websites and print publications for my work.

And yet, I have been asked time and time again to contribute content to corporate websites for free. Or make media appearances on behalf of a brand - you guessed it...for free. Perhaps the person on the other end of the email thinks I'll be thrilled to get the opportunity to appear in print or on TV - except appearing on television is not fun. You spend the night before fretting about what you're going to wear. Your hair inevitably doesn't come out looking the way you'd like on camera and you're convinced that HDTV has added at least 30 pounds to your frame (even though what you really need to do is go on a massive diet). You can only speak in soundbites on camera because if you are long winded, the producer will start freaking out and will give you the high sign that you only have a few seconds left. And if you bomb, well, don't ever expect to be invited back.

When you are booked for a TV segment and are representing a brand, you have to go through stringent media training so that you can get the brand's message across in an organic manner. And sometimes, even when you try to get that messaging in, it winds up on the cutting room floor (if the segment is taped). Plenty of celebrities and authors are paid big bucks to appear on television and in print on behalf of brands. But parenting bloggers? In the wild wild west known as the Internet, bloggers are continually offered opportunities to appear on TV on behalf of a brand for free.

It's one thing if you willingly enter a contest in the hopes you're going to be plucked out of obscurity and then wind up in a magazine spread or on a talk show because you're the grand prize winner. But when someone gets in touch with you and makes you an offer filled with nothing but promises of media exposure, this is definitely an offer you can refuse.

Your time is worth something. If you write a blog post about a product on your site, then you've decided that it's something worthwhile that readers might enjoy hearing about. If you choose to attend an event either online or in real life because you believe the experience is worthwhile, then throw caution to the wind and enjoy yourself! But if that brand then reaches out to you, asks you to write for their own website and then promises to place you on a talk show - taking many many hours away from your day, your work and your family, then it's time to raise a red flag.

I am making it my business to stop saying yes to things that come my way that are not so much opportunities as they are time suckers. If you ask me to go beyond the call of duty without compensating me for my time and efforts, then don't be surprised if I politely decline your offer. I have spent way too many years getting paid for my experience. And if I miss out on some golden opportunity with no money attached, then I guess I am better for it. I'd rather spend my free time with my family anyway. Last I checked, Con Edison doesn't accept media exposure as payment for my electric bill.

Posted in: PR 101 for Moms, PR 365 on 06/09/2010

PR 365 - Nice Girls Finish First

Throughout my life I have come across mean girls - whether it was the girls in elementary school who teased me about my weight, the competitive girls in high school sports and theater, the girls you met your freshman year who were nice to you for about two weeks and then dropped you like a hot potato when you told them you didn't have fake ID. The list is endless.

No matter where we go in life, there will always be mean girls - but just as the mean girls attempt to claw their way to the top by backstabbing those around them, standing on the sidelines are the nice girls - the ones you always want to root for no matter what. The ones you want to hug the moment you see them and the ones who are praised whether they are in the room or not.

When it comes to blogging, it's high school all over again. There are the popular girls who believe they are pseudo celebrities. There are the brilliant writers and photo essayists who keep their noses to the grindstone and churn out unbelievable blog posts every day of the week. And then there are mean girls. Let me re-phrase this - there are mean women out there who are intent on ridiculing other moms who may not be as prolific but are finding their way online by discovering innovative ways to earn a living. There are mean girls who attend cocktail parties who clearly believe they are above the rest of the crowd that's there. There are cliquey mean girls who only hang out with their group while gossiping about everyone else around them. You get the picture.

But here's the deal. If you are a mean girl and have treated someone disrespectfully in the last month, then it's time for a personality makeover. You may not realize this, but if you're a mean mom, you probably have a mean kid too. If you delight in seeing other people stumble while you rise to the top, then how will your daughters behave when their only role model is a competitive cutthroat?

While you may not think you're doing anything wrong when you hurl an insult at an unsuspecting blogger or snub someone at a party or put someone down with a comment or twitter post, think again. If you truly want to be a part of a community that pays it forward then jump in and join the team. The only way to truly achieve success and satisfaction is by helping one another as we each pursue our individual goals. Nice girls understand that mantra and cheer each other on every step of the way. So who are you and who do you hope your kids will become? Mean or Nice...that is the question.

Posted in: Blog, PR 365 on 05/17/2010

Tips for Getting Your Children's Book Manuscript Published

Tips for Getting Your Children's Book Manuscript Published
by Robin Preiss Glasser, Illustrator of FANCY NANCY

In the four years that I have been illustrating Fancy Nancy, I have had the opportunity to meet literally thousands of people who love children's books, which is a real perk for me. I adore speaking to new people and swapping stories. And invariably, wherever I go, people tell me that they have written a children's book, or they know someone who wants to be an illustrator, and they look to me for advice. Although I don't have all the answers - everyone's success story is different - I do have some basic tips and bits of advice for those of you who are interested in trying to get a children's story published.

The first thing you should know is that it isn't easy or for the feint of heart. Be prepared for rejection. After four years of art school, it took me another five long years before I got my first book deal. And even after that it wasn't instant success. People weren't knocking down my door! But I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and with a lot of hard work and perseverance, I finally made it.

Tip #1
In my opinion, poets are our best children's book writers. I'm not suggesting that the best children's writing is in poetry form - it's just that poets know how to express so much in so few words, something you find in the most successful children's books. So poem or prose, if your manuscript is longer that one to three pages, double spaced, start editing.

Tip #2
If you are a writer, but not an illustrator, do not feel that you need an illustrated manuscript to send in to a publisher. That's the job of the editor, who matches manuscripts to the right illustrator. Case in point is my work on Fancy Nancy. I did not even know author Jane O'Connor before our wonderful HarperCollins editor Margaret Anastas put us together. Jane works in New York City, and I am located in Southern California. Isn't technology great?

Tip #3
Take classes in writing children's books. As in any profession, you need to be a specialist of the form. Despite popular belief, not everyone can successfully write a children's book. You need to learn the basics of what works and what doesn't, and then you need to write, write, write.

Tip #4
Talk to the people in your class to see if they want to form a writing group. Peer feedback can be very constructive. In addition, it can be hard to stay motivated in a vacuum. Setting deadlines keeps you going!

Tip #5
Talk to your local children's librarian. They can offer suggestions on what to read. It is important to know what is out there, and you learn so much from reading other people's work. In addition, children's librarians are often passionate readers of children's literature themselves, and may have some wonderful insights to offer on the subject. In addition, look over the books that are on "best of the year" lists and objectively compare your work to what you are seeing.

Tip #6
Find out where the nearest book festivals are being held in your area. Try to attend as many panel discussions as you can so you can hear different writers talk about their work and their approach. (I live near Los Angeles, so I recommend the L.A. Book Festival. It is one of the biggest and best in the country. People come from as far away as Arizona to attend. Plus I'm always there, so stop by to say hello!)

Tip #7
Look into joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) www.scbwi.org. SCBWI hosts two annual conferences - one in New York in the winter and one in L.A. in the summer - as well as regional conferences and panel discussions. These conferences are excellent places to hear talks by people in the field, attend workshops, and garner opportunities to talk to editors, agents, and published authors and illustrators.

Tip #8
Don't just stick to one favorite story or idea that you have. Instead of sending out the same manuscript over and over, send out lots of different stories, so editors or agents can see you are versatile and maybe start to remember you. Look for trends. This can be a good way to get your foot in the door.

Tip #9
Check out the book Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market by Alice Pope, updated and published annually. This invaluable manual is filled with everything you need to know about getting published, as well as current names of publishers, addresses, and the editors who work there. Editors move around a lot, so you need to have up-to-date information.

Tip #10
Once you have a manuscript that is in the proper form -- something you can learn from the book Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market -- send it out to publishers and agents. When you receive rejection notices, keep them. If that princess story you wrote back in 1992 is resurrected and sold in 2010 now that pink and girly subjects are a hot trend, these will be fun to show at book talks!

Final Tip:
If your 10-year-old wrote a manuscript that you think is brilliant, remember that publishers are looking for more mature authors. (My first grader wrote and illustrated my favorite story of all time, The Three Little Tushies and the Big Fat Head. I thought it was genius, but refrained from sending it to my editor at Simon & Schuster.)

And finally - good luck. I've been making art my whole life, but now, at 54, I feel like I am finally getting the hang of it. Don't give up, because eventually someone might take notice!