Thanks Simon. You're totally right - there are lots of other things you need too but they definitely won't get you far without a healthy dose of grit. Glad you enjoyed my publication journey - it wasn't until I wrote it all down that I realised quite how long it had taken me!
Thanks Danielle. Ideally you want to find a mentor/editor who writes/edits for the same age group as you i.e. picture books/middle grade. You can approach companies that offer this service such as Cornerstones, Jericho Writers and Write Mentor (I work for all of them so can recommend them but there are many more that offer this service too.)
The other option is to work directly with a writer you like (this is often a more cost effective option in all honesty as the company doesn't take a cut). Not all authors offer mentoring but some do. It's just a case of a google search, checking out individual websites and emailing people to ask them if they're currently working with writers.
Thank you for this post, chock full of wisdom and inspiration. A lovely thing to discover at the start of a new year. I've long wanted to write a picture book and have been daunted (with good reason, clearly) but am still determined.
Couldn't agree more. One needs other things too, but they count for little without (lots of) determination, persistence and resilience.
Loved reading about your journey to becoming published too, Naomi!
Thanks Simon. You're totally right - there are lots of other things you need too but they definitely won't get you far without a healthy dose of grit. Glad you enjoyed my publication journey - it wasn't until I wrote it all down that I realised quite how long it had taken me!
I hope it gave you a sense of satisfaction to reflect on how hard you worked to get there! :)
Such a useful and inspiring post, thank you. Would love to know more about the different routes you can take to find a mentor if possible.
Thanks Danielle. Ideally you want to find a mentor/editor who writes/edits for the same age group as you i.e. picture books/middle grade. You can approach companies that offer this service such as Cornerstones, Jericho Writers and Write Mentor (I work for all of them so can recommend them but there are many more that offer this service too.)
The other option is to work directly with a writer you like (this is often a more cost effective option in all honesty as the company doesn't take a cut). Not all authors offer mentoring but some do. It's just a case of a google search, checking out individual websites and emailing people to ask them if they're currently working with writers.
Hope that helps x
Really helpful. Thank you so much.
Thank you for this post, chock full of wisdom and inspiration. A lovely thing to discover at the start of a new year. I've long wanted to write a picture book and have been daunted (with good reason, clearly) but am still determined.