Occasionally, I like to mention great websites and blogs that I enjoy reading, which leads to Harold Underdown's website (including his blog), The Purple Crayon. This website is so full of information that it'll make your head whirl. You'll find articles on all aspects of children's writing and publishing. And what's really great about it is that Harold is such a nice fellow. I had the pleasure of meeting him at an SCBWI summer conference one year (for more details on this year's conference, click here).
Harold Underdown has been on the editorial side of the business for many years and is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books. He is warm, friendly and takes time to respond to questions or comments. He's just one of those "all-around nice guys"--and it's reflected in his website.
He recently posted a fascinating article on the Acquisition Process, which clearly explains WHY it takes so long for most editors to respond to our submissions. If you find yourself tapping your foot or feeling forgotten, read the article and you'll feel better--or at least you'll understand why you aren't getting that snappy response you'd hoped for.
Happy reading!
