Facebook Groups YOU Should Join by Kathy Halsey

Back in my college days, it was cooler not to join a sorority than to join one. We proudly called ourselves "GDI's." Now, as a pre-pub writer with a year and a half under my belt, I created my own college curriculum for free by joining a plethora of writer-driven Facebook groups. Yup, now I'm a joiner! I am so enthusiastic that I belong to FIFTEEN groups. I am featuring some of these groups so you can pick and choose what's best for you.

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!