FYI for Writers' Facebook Groups
Writers' groups have several characteristics in common.
1. They are usually "closed" groups so you must be approved by an administrator or invited by a friend to join. Don't worry, it's not like sorority rush, you will be accepted. (Vetting folks keeps spammers out.)
2. Most groups have rules about what can be posted. Self-promotion is usually not accepted. Sure, share your successes but make sure you contribute useful content for all.
3. Sometimes, a group is formed for a specific month, such as PiBoId Mo (Picture Book Idea Month in November) or RhyPiBoMo (Rhyming Picture Book Month in April).
4. Some groups require paid subscriptions, but they offer so much. 12x12 hosted by Julie Foster Hedlund is worth every penny. I joined at the "newbie" level, but "Little Golden Book" members have the privilege of submitting to agents monthly!
Great Groups One and All
In no particular order, here are some of my favorite groups. Note that I'll continue with this list next Tuesday, June 10.
1. Agent/Editor Discussion from their page: "This board is for picture book authors. We discuss agents/editors, sending manuscripts, cover letters and queries. We support the successes and celebrate the rejections (that means we are one step closer to a yes). For those asking to join: If you are a writer, it would be helpful if your Facebook timeline or profile (if available to public) indicated that you are a writer. Writers only please."
2. Sub It Club from their page:" Sub It Club is a support group for writers and illustrators who are submitting (or thinking about submitting) their work. Writers of any genre are welcome to join us! We do check all requests before approving members so if you are hard to find online send us a quick message at subitclub(at)gmail(dot)com to help expedite the process and please check your message folder (including your others folder). We will send you a message either before or after approval. You can find out more about Sub It Club at subitclub.wordpress.com." This is a great place to get feedback on pitches, queries, or synopses and members offer detailed feedback.
3. Platform Building for Children's Authors from their page: "This is a site for those who write for children to learn from one another, share resources and assist one another in building and expanding their platforms. The site is set up to allow members to invite and approve new members. Feel free to share as you see fit. I look forward to working with you." Advice about creating web sites, blogs or even if a platform is really necessary...it's all here and very helpful.
More to come next Tuesday! In the meantime, check out these groups and share some of your favs in the comment section!
More to come next Tuesday! In the meantime, check out these groups and share some of your favs in the comment section!
Incredibly helpful for new and experienced writers. Joining groups like this was the single biggest kick in the butt for me as a writer. Thank you Kathy!
ReplyDeleteYes, Todd, it is an incredible community.
DeleteGreat info, Kathy. Thanks for including Platform Building for Children's Authors. :) I'm sure your post will drive new people our way with whom we can share info.
ReplyDeleteCindy, we all help each other! Love the writing community.
DeleteGreat post, Kathy! I have joined several groups this year, and doing so has inspired and motivated me. It has also connected me to terrific people I would not have met otherwise. My only caveat is this: don't let FB groups take the place of actual writing time.
ReplyDeleteHa, you pin-pointed my exact problem. Do I write, read, connect? TY for stopping by, Jane.
DeleteGreat post, Kathy. :D When I was college, I too did not join a sorority. I ran around sounding my own call and proclaiming that I have my own sorority "Me-Phi-Me". Joining the FB writer's groups have been helpful. I am an administrator for a few of the groups and the camaraderie, support, and resources is amazing. I belong to a few groups. Thanks for posting. :D
ReplyDeleteYup, Jackie, you are my inspiration...I kinda follow what groups you follow.
DeleteThat is great that you do that. I choose my groups strategically. I am selective in my process when choosing. I research the group. Then I ask myself these questions, "How can I benefit from this group? What is their mission and vision? Do they support my goal is becoming a writer." I am part of some awesome groups and I look forward to see which ones you showcase.
DeleteJoining the group, then actively participating in these groups is so beneficial AND a lot of work. Work that is so useful in honing skills, getting support, learning the business of writing and so much more. I think that the people I've met in the kidlit community through groups will be life-long friendships. I'm especially talking about the two of you, Kathy and Jackie!
DeleteI enjoy meeting you also, Pam Courtney. Life-long friendships indeed.
DeleteNice post, Kathy. The single best thing I've done for my kidlit writing career is connect with like-minded people through social media, Twitter, and Facebook groups. It started with PiBoIdMo for me, then 12x12, and then a whole bunch of others. The kidlit community is so warm and supportive.
ReplyDeleteSylvia, Thank you for reading this post. I will be featuring KidLIt 411 and some others next Tuesday. MY biggest problem is fitting in writing time and I know it's the most important.
DeleteKathy...great post! I am part of over a dozen...all that you mentioned except the platform building one...I will go and check that one out right now. :) I agree...the FB groups provide support, resources, answers to questions and help keep you abreast of what is going on...when you are time-short, they help to point out special blog posts that merit your time (like THIS one!).
ReplyDeleteHI, Vivian. I am glad that am not the only big "joiner." It's so much fun to get to know writers like you.
DeleteKathy: I belong to two out of three that you featured. I sent a request for the third one. I so agree with Jane's comment. Finding a balance between time to write and time to keep up with everything on the Internet is something that I still need to work on.
ReplyDeleteYup, that ever-elusive balance!
DeleteHope we both can find THE *balance* together, Kathy! ~Suzy
DeleteThanks, Kathy! Most of the Facebook groups I belong to focus on poetry. I think it's time to diversify.
ReplyDeletePatti: Please share the poetry FB groups that you belong to, when you can find a moment or two. Thank you. ~Suzy
DeleteJoining groups online has been the best way for me to connect with writers. I love talking subbing, sharing info, and doing query letter critiques at Sub It Club, for sure. It's great to talk to so many writers and illustrators who are working to get their creations out on submission. Thanks so much for including the group in your post!
ReplyDeleteHeather, th pleasure is mine.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy. What would we do without these amazing groups? The writing community is fabulously supportive and generous.
ReplyDeleteYour post is very helpful, Kathy! I never joined any sorrorities as well, but those groups will be really helpful to me. The information about different groups are also helpful, though some might not be familiar with the fact that paid groups exists. Anyway, I hope your post helped others as much as it did me. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteChris Hatcher @ Red Stick SEO