Today I offer a reminder of the word ‘forswunk’ (13th century): exhausted from too much work. To be ‘foreswunk’ (my own version) is to be exhausted before you even begin.

Are there topics you really wish you could get a presentation on from an editor at a conference, but they never seem to be covered? Let me know! I'm doing some plotting. Gathering ideas.

If there’s an author you appreciate, one of the simplest, most helpful, least expensive things you can do for them is ask your public library to add that author’s newest book to their collection. Many library websites have a form for that. So give it a try, and make an author’s day!

Have a kid who's just not a reader? Have they seen YOU reading lately? If it's not a priority for you, why would they think it should be a priority for them?

Getting ready to query or self-publish can be daunting. You don't need to do it alone. If you're looking for professional guidance from query letter to line editing, I'm taking bookings now. Find my services here. If you have questions, please reach out. alisonweisseditorial.com

Have a kid who's just not a reader? Have they seen YOU reading lately? If it's not a priority for you, why would they think it should be a priority for them?

Picture book creators! Confused about the difference between self-ended & separated-ended picture bks in traditional trade publishing? Why paginating your mss can help you figure out pacing & more? Also feel free to download my free templates: debbieohi.com/2025/09/pict... #KidLit #PictureBooks101

Here’s something nobody told me: you can “make it” in publishing and still feel insecure. Success doesn’t erase doubt.

Heck yes. I've had an influx of high-word-count requests come in wanting to start within a couple of weeks (or worse: wanting to be DONE within a few weeks). Editing takes time, so we often book out a bit. If there's an editor (or other professional) you know you want to work with, ask early!

Getting ready to query or self-publish can be daunting. You don't need to do it alone. If you're looking for professional guidance from query letter to line editing, I'm taking bookings now. Find my services here. If you have questions, please reach out. alisonweisseditorial.com

The publishing process doesn't get easier, and even if you have multiple books under your belt, you're still going to feel like an impostor. But at some point, you'll be in the middle of dealing with an annoying process challenge or working at a plot issue,

Anyone want an #askkidlit? I'd love to help!

The publishing process doesn't get easier, and even if you have multiple books under your belt, you're still going to feel like an impostor. But at some point, you'll be in the middle of dealing with an annoying process challenge or working at a plot issue,

Need new eyes on your work in progress or getting ready to query? With 15+ years in trade publishing, I can help navigate #kidlit publishing's confusing rules. Let's make your work shine! I'm booking for fall and winter. Please reach out if you have any questions! www.alisonweisseditorial.com

One of my quirks when I'm editing historical fiction is that I will research if the slang (and other vocabulary) being used was actually in use at that time. And if it's not, I will make a big deal of it. Words matter for authenticity, folks.

Some phrases are so well-known, you don't need to say the whole thing to be understood. E.g., you can say "birds of a feather" without saying "flock together." -“When life hands you lemons…” -“Great minds…” -“When in Rome…” Such partial phrases are called 'anapodotons.'

Go, #kidlitchat, go!

the # of people who seem to forget that the agent/editor/author that they're talking to/about is an actual person truly is at an all-time high 🙃 I can't speak for everyone, but a not-insignificant number of us are exhausted little burned out gremlins who are just trying to survive 1 day at a time

Let’s Get Those First Pages Ready to Hook an Agent or Editor! We’ll talk about what to include in your opening pages and how to critique them respectfully. Participants can share their first 250 words with the audience for feedback. #kidlit #scbwi Register Here: www.scbwi.org/events/novel...

I suppose I should not admit this, but I watched a cheesy romcom this past weekend where an editor helps a bestselling author fix the romance in his book. I tried not to, but I ended up studying it for how to teach writing a romantic build . . . and now I'm using the lesson in edits. . . . ::hides::

Know what creates empathy? Books. Reading about people unlike ourselves and experiences we'll never have. Which is why some people want to remove those books and discourage reading. Kids and adults should read widely. Most spend their spare time online, which is where indoctrination often begins.

The publishing industry is a very twisty maze. Bring your pressing questions to #askkidlit, and let's try to get some clarity. If you'd rather DM, just let me know.

The publishing industry is a very twisty maze. Bring your pressing questions to #askkidlit, and let's try to get some clarity. If you'd rather DM, just let me know.

Read the best book(s) this weekend in the coziest spot possible with all the accoutrement (coffee, tea, cookies, scones, chips, blankets, pillows, pets, people, etc.) that make you happy!

Read the best book(s) this weekend in the coziest spot possible with all the accoutrement (coffee, tea, cookies, scones, chips, blankets, pillows, pets, people, etc.) that make you happy!

as someone who loves to indulge in media meant for kids, a pet peeve is critics of that media who don't seem to understand the target audience IS kids and what kids are like "why are we making yet another 'racism is bad' movie" Cuz this might be the first one 6yo Billy has ever seen, dipshit

I am determined to have a joyful editing day, adding to the stories that will make kids laugh, learn, imagine, swoon, dream, and refuse to be cowed, even in the darkest hour. May you find joy today. And if you're lucky, may you spark it in others.

Obviously, this was "of your heart." I was on the Peloton bike. Forgive me.

Write the book if your heart. Write the books you needed. But remember that there can be a big difference between what you think kids need and what they want. The world today isn’t the world of when you were growing up. Kids can spot preaching, however sneaky you are, a mile away.

Write the book if your heart. Write the books you needed. But remember that there can be a big difference between what you think kids need and what they want. The world today isn’t the world of when you were growing up. Kids can spot preaching, however sneaky you are, a mile away.

Your monthly reminder: Keep writing. When no one cares, persist. When things appear to be crumbling, keep at it. When it's difficult, push through. When you feel alone, listen to the stories in your blood. Just write. The world needs your stories.

Go read something for yourself tonight. Even if it’s just a page. Even if it’s just a paragraph. Build a habit of refilling your well. Model how great reading can be and make others want to get in on the game.

Have you heard of the Kidlit Chuckle Challenge? It's a humor writing contest hosted by #KrisDeCaro, @aprilberrybooks.bsky.social, @juliehauswirth.bsky.social, & @brilawyer.bsky.social. Submissions are open Sept. 14-16th, and you can win great prizes (like my book)! (Details at AprilBerryBooks.com)

Writing your manuscript and putting it out into the world is hard. Sometimes, all you need is a little help. From full edits to query letter and synopsis review to coaching, let's get you to the next step. Booking fall and winter now. Reach out with questions! #kidlit #ya alisonweisseditorial.com

Anyone up for an #askkidlit? Send your most pressing publishing questions!

Come #askkidlit! Don't be shy!

Come #askkidlit! Don't be shy!

Writing your manuscript and putting it out into the world is hard. Sometimes, all you need is a little help. From full edits to query letter and synopsis review to coaching, let's get you to the next step. Booking fall and winter now. Reach out with questions! #kidlit #ya alisonweisseditorial.com

Check out this blog written by Jennifer Swanson: "5 Ways to Make Your Nonfiction Manuscript Capture an Editor or Agent’s Attention" 🗓️ Join Jennifer online this October for Intro to Writing Nonfiction: History, Biography, STEAM, and Much More! www.highlightsfoundation.org/2025/08/06/5...

Opening up #askkidlit for any takers. Don't be shy!

Happy long weekend! Take 10 minutes and read for joy. It can be addictive and infectious. Good.

Only a few more days to have your pick of workshops. Browse the offerings and grab the ones that make sense for your creative needs!

Lotta talk about engagements on here, when you should be engaging with that synopsis.

I was watching a clip this morning where the video maker described a veteran talking about how film depictions of war can capture the sights and sounds, but not the smells. It was the smells he would never forget. It made me think about sensory imagery in my editing.

I was watching a clip this morning where the video maker described a veteran talking about how film depictions of war can capture the sights and sounds, but not the smells. It was the smells he would never forget. It made me think about sensory imagery in my editing.

Only a few more days to have your pick of workshops. Browse the offerings and grab the ones that make sense for your creative needs!

I was rereading something I wrote last summer to process my thoughts about the (continuing) difficult state of children's publishing, and as we head back to school (or are settling in), there are a few points that feel worth sending out to the void:

@writersloftma.bsky.social is replaying the greatest hits of this year's classes, and you can pick the ones that interest you. (Please pick one of mine: graphic novels or revision tricks or both!) But you can only get access for a limited time! www.thewritersloft.org/loft-workshops

Opening #askkidlit. Bring your pressing publishing questions and don't be shy. I've got you!

Opening #askkidlit. Bring your pressing publishing questions and don't be shy. I've got you!