State of the Union? How About the State of Children's Publishing?...

I hope you all got a change to watch history in the making today. Alas, I was at a meeting during the inauguration, but I'm planning to watch it later in the day with Murray (who will have his Air Force One made of Legos in tow).

In between inauguration TV coverage, online news and Twitter updates, you can read Harold Underdown's rundown of what's happened in children's publishing over the last few months as well as his take on how the current recession will affect those working in the children's book industry.

The Latest Updates on The Purple Crayon...


Just saw a listserv post by The Purple Crayon's Harold Underdown. Here's what's new on his wonderfully useful website which include something like 300 articles and other materials providing information and guidance about writing, illustrating, agents, trends and more.

• A book review of Minders of Make-Believe by Leonard Marcus "one of the most engrossing books I've read in a long time--a fascinating history of American children's publishing," says Harold.

• A book reivew of 2009 CWIM, edited by yours truly, which Harold calls "an essential market guide. "

• Who's Moving Where updates (editors moving houses, leaving the business, or starting new jobs).

You can always visits Harold's What's New Page to see what's been added to the Purple Crayon. (Why not bookmark it!)

New Edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books...

Harold Underdown has just come out with a revised and updated version of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books. Harold reports that the latest edition of this very helpful and info-packed guide has updated chapters, a new chapter on finding a good writing how-to, a new chapter on self-publishing, and a revised and reorganized marketing and promotion section, as well as revisions and added material throughout. TCIGtPCB is a great companion book to CWIM (although the initials don't exactly roll off the tongue).

And if you haven't been to Harold's website, The Purple Crayon, in a while, stop in. He's recently updated his Guide to Children's Book Agents and Artist's Representatives page.