Discount on PW for SCBWI-ers

Publishers Weekly has once again extended their offer for great discounts to SCBWI members! The offer expires on January 31, 2015, so now is the time to subscribe if you're so inclined. SCBWI co-founder Steve Mooser wanted to spread the word to all members.    We are happy to once again extend SCBWI members the opportunity to pre-order Publishers Weekly's Spring 2015 & Fall 2015 Children's Announcements Issues -This year, we've made it easier than ever to take advantage of this special offer. RESERVE YOUR COPY OF THE PW CHILDREN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS ISSUES.  Click here to order the 2015 Announcements Issues for only $25.     SUBSCRIBE TO PW FOR 1-YEAR AT YOUR SPECIAL MEMBER RATE - 60% OFF REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION RATE A one-year subscription to PW is your best way to easily stay in touch with the children's book market.  You get the 2 Children's announcements issues, PLUS every issue includes PW's Weekly Children's Bestsellers Lists & Weekly Children's Reviews (pre-publication reviews of children's and teen books in all genres). Click here to subscribe and SAVE $150. See below for subscription details. You can also call us at: 1-800-278-2991between 5 am & 5 pm, Mon-Fri (PST) and refer to promotion code: J5SCB25 Offer expires 1/31/15. Note: Please indicate what offer you would like. Regular Subscription Rate:$249.99 SCBWI Rate-$99.00 (Savings of $150!)

Lois and Laurie in PW!

Lois Brandt, you earned a shout-out for a fantastic spotlight appearance of your book, Maddi's Fridge, in today's Publisher's Weekly/Children's Bookshelf! Lois' book shows up as a "click to win a copy" promotion, and it's smack in the middle of today's Children's Bookshelf news section. To see it in all its glory, click here.

Laurie Thompson, not to be outdone, also appears in the In Brief section, which shows a photo from last weekend's terrific launch party for Be a Changemaker.


To see the fabulous visual, click here.


So exciting to see our local talent recognized and shown to such a huge audience! High fives!

Classic controversy

When is a book a "classic"?


Publisher's Weekly’s ShelfTalker blog brings up the issue of publishers marketing books as “instant classics.” Elizabeth Bluemle at ShelfTalker makes a great case for there being no such thing.

What do you think? Join the discussion here.


––Contributed by Kjersten Anna Hayes

PW discount

Publishers' Weekly offers SCBWI members a discount on its Spring and Fall 2014 Children's Announcements, which can be helpful for keeping tabs on industry trends, what's selling, and when it'll be released. Both announcements issues are available for only $25. Members are also eligible for discounted full-year subscriptions that are 60% off the regular rate. Click here to take advantage of either offer and make 2014 a more informed year!

John Skewes interview in PW

By John Skewes

John Skewes, author and illustrator of the Larry Gets Lost series published by Sasquatch Books, takes his turn in the spotlight in this recent Publisher's Weekly interview. The honor comes in the wake of Sasquatch Books' announcement that they will launch a new children's imprint, Little Bigfoot, next spring.

Exciting news for John and Sasquatch Books, not to mention kid lit in this corner of the world!

The Perfect Article for Monday Morning

Before you pull out your WIP or get ready to create something new and amazing, grab your cup of coffee (or tea) and take a few moments to read this Publishers' Weekly article, "Giving Birth to Bitterblue." BITTERBLUE is Author Kristin Cashore's third novel (which was #2 on the New York Times Bestseller list two weeks after it's release on May 1).

This article not only tells the story of how the book was written, but it also shows an amazing relationship between an author and her editor. Check it out! You'll feel inspired for the week ahead! Thanks to Laurie for sending it in!

Race in the Industry

Publisher's Weekly recently had a post about race in the children's literature industry. The author, Elizabeth Bluemle, writes:

It is our responsibility—as people who create, produce, and distribute the lion’s share of books that reach and teach and entertain children—it is our highest calling to provide written, illustrated worlds that embrace and prioritize all children, books that resemble the playgrounds and classrooms and homes of this country and the rest of the world.

A great post to read, which features artwork from our own Kevan Atteberry, and other illustrator friends.

Another post addressing race is on She Writes. The article talks about how there is segregation among authors in bookstores. The author, The Salonniere, writes:

What's needed, of course, is a more conscious and intentional approach to diversity, not for diversity's sake, but for quality's sake.

Check out both of these posts for more on this timely issue.

For Sale: PW and School Library Journal

From Media Bistro:

In a memo to staffers today, Reed Business Information Global CEO Keith Jones revealed a plan to divest a bulk of the company's U.S. publications. RBI will hold on to Reed Construction Data US & Canada, RS Means, Variety, Marketcast, LA411 and Buyerzone, Jones said. The rest of the U.S. titles will be sold, including Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News.

Read the rest.

PW Reviews Children's Books

From PBs to YA novels, what fall books got stars from PW? Lucy Cousins, Jane Smiley, and Kristin Cashore, for starters.