Hey 12 x 12ers! Tim here.
I started writing picture books way back in 2009. I flailed around for 3 years, studying the industry and practicing my craft. By the time I joined 12 x 12 in January of 2012, I was a hungry, handsome, unpublished writer with a big binder full of rejection letters. Five years later, I now have an agent, I’ve sold nine picture book manuscripts, and I drive a Lamborghini. (Okay, I drive a Honda Odyssey. A guy can dream though.) The point is, I want anyone out there in 12 x 12 Land who is just getting started, or has been at it for a while and feels like they’re not making headway to know that you can go from NO books published to SOME books published with time and persistence. If you want it, it can happen.
Let me share five tips to help you get closer to your goal…
SLOW DOWN
Slush piles? Form rejection letters? Silence means a ‘no’? This industry can be really cruel and frustrating sometimes. Especially when you’re anxiously hoping for good news day after day. There are certainly things you can do to take control of your destiny, but there’s also a bit of accepting the realities of the system and going with the flow. Publishing takes time. Agents and editors are constantly inundated with submissions, and the cream invariably rises to the top. If you can reach a Zen place with how the business works and just focus on being the best writer you can be, you’ll save yourself a lot of heartache. Try to forget about how much time it takes. Let’s all agree: IT TAKES A LONG TIME. Concentrate on DOING stuff. Write, revise, research, and read. These are the fun things writers do.
WRITE 1000 STORIES
Seriously. Never stop writing new stories. Forget about that last one you just wrote. I don’t care how special you think it is. Write the next one. The book you haven’t written yet is about to be the best book you’ve ever written. Isn’t that exciting? By writing and writing all kinds of stories, you’re building up those muscles and gaining the experience to know what it feels like to write a ton of duds. Then, you’ll be able to recognize what it feels like the moment you finally pop out a sellable story that actually clicks. Good news: Failure IS an option. You have to write the bad ones to get to the good ones. I know this from experience. Besides, an agent doesn’t want to sign you if you’ve only got one picture book to offer. They want to see that you’re serious and that you’ve got the potential for more sellable work. Allow yourself years (and I mean YEARS) to experiment and play with voice and style and subject matter. Let go of any notions of how quickly you want to get published, and just practice the art of writing. I guarantee if you put in a substantial amount of effort, a wide range of rewards will come when the time is right.
FORMAT LIKE YOU MEAN IT
I am obsessive about manuscript formatting. You should be too. It matters. It’s the difference between showing up to a job interview in a suit or sweatpants. Take pride in how your manuscripts look. No fancy fonts. No glitter in the mailing envelope. It’s simple and boring: Name and contact info at top left and word count at top right of the first page; Title halfway down in all caps with ‘by your name’ under it; Start your story text in the bottom third of page one; Font = Times New Roman, 12pt. double spaced; Header at the top of pages 2 through the end with your name, story title and page number; italicize art notes and put them in brackets. DONE! (And no, don’t put a copyright line on your manuscript. That’s a rookie move. Look it up.) Sometimes you might be asked to paste your manuscript into the body of an email or an online submission field. In that case, formatting kinda goes out the window. Just keep it clean and flush left to avoid irregular spacing as best you can. Oh yeah, and quadruple-check your spelling, typos, and punctuation, please.
PUT THAT RHYMER THROUGH THE WRINGER
Don’t you dare submit a rhymer to an agent or editor if the meter is lazy. I mean it. I’m watching you. Meter is what separates successful rhymers from the wanabees. Every line, every stanza, every beat must be consistently PERFECT. Settle for nothing less. If you’re slipping in extra syllables, twisting phrases, or using wonky words to satisfy a rhyming couplet, you’re forcing it. Go read Julia Donaldson’s The Snail and the Whale, Chris Van Dusen’s Circus Ship, Angela DiTerlizzi’s Some Bugs, and Sue Fliess’ A Fairy Friend. Study the flow of their text. Admire how the lines end on unique, satisfying rhyming words. Marvel at how fun and easy it is to get into the rhythm of their phrases. This stuff is not easy, but that’s the bar that has been set. With practice, you can develop your own filter for quality control. In the meantime, have a reliable writing colleague read your work OUT LOUD back to you without you coaching them. You might be surprised what you hear. If it doesn’t quite work, fix it, or cut it, or rewrite it completely. Rhyming manuscripts get a bad rap because the stinkers really stink, and the sharp ones are few and far between. Don’t waste your time submitting a rhymer that hasn’t gotten the thumbs up from your trusted peers.
GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
This writing stuff is a lonely business. You can only rattle around in your own head for so long. We all need information and feedback and moral support sometimes. SCBWI conferences and regional events are great for that. But, I’ve never liked the word “networking.” It feels counterintuitive to an introvert like me. It sounds like you’re out to get something from somebody. Let’s not think of it like that. Let’s just call it “meeting people.” Go meet people. Writers, illustrators, librarians, teachers, bookstore managers, and yes, agents and editors. Don’t go in thinking you’re adding them to some little black book of contacts that will help you climb the publication ladder of success. Don’t approach an editor at a conference with the mindset that if you can squeeze in a quick elevator pitch it could be your big break. Yuck. Just meet people. Talk to them. Ask them about themselves. Make a couple friends. Form a critique group. Lucky for us, children’s book people are super nice and supportive. We need each other to survive!
Tim McCanna is the author of Bitty Bot, Watersong, Barnyard Boogie, and Teeny Tiny Trucks. His upcoming picture books include Jack B. Ninja, Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway, and Boing! Tim also serves as assistant regional advisor of the SCBWI San Francisco/South chapter. He lives in San Jose, CA with his wife, two kids, and their dog, Millie. Visit him at www.timmccanna.com. You can watch Tim’s 12×12 Success Story video here: http://12X12challenge.com/2016/01/14/12-x-12-success-story-tim-mccanna/.
Tim is giving away a free personally signed copy of Bitty Bot, Watersong, and Barnyard Boogie to three randomly selected 12 x 12 members who leave a comment below and check-in at the end of June.
233 Responses
Thanks for the encouraging post and reminding us that it does take time and that perserverence is key!! And if we do keep on this journey, perhaps a Lamborghini awaits each of us;) wishing you the best of everything!
Hi Tim,
thanks for sharing a little of your journey. It is always nice to know it doesn’t just “happen”. I love your advice on keep writing even if you think the last story is amazing. I need to hear that.
Danielle
Fantastic post, Tim. Thanks for your encouraging words. You know, I drive a honda Odyssey too. Now all I must do is write 978 stories. 🙂
Great post, Tim! Thank you for the encouragement to remain patient. I totally agree that writing new stories is the key… I don’t have 1,000 but so far I have written 226, with 1/3 them waiting to be taken from a “sloppy copy” to first draft status.
Instead of a Lamborghini I think I’d opt for an Excalibur Phanton 🙂
Thanks for the savvy and helpful insights, Tim!
Thanks, Tim! Loved the comment about finding the Zen place in the business. And also how your next story will be the best one. Isn’t that the truth? Every time.
I know that I will be referring to this post for month’s to come! I was hooked at “Slow Down.” After successfully writing for kids’ magazines, the change in turn-around time to writing PBs is h-u-g-e. I’ve learnt that the hard way, but now I know it’s not me, it’s the business. And you’re right-the next story I write will be the next best one. In fact, I already have a working title 🙂 Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Thank you for this. Great reminders. And I’m a long time fan of Teeny Tiny Trucks. Can’t wait to read the rest of your works.
Thanks for sharing your practical tips and optimism.
Time to reformat my MS and to give myself permission to write MORE stories.
I love love love this post and totally needed it today. As someone somewhere in the middle, all of this advice hit home. I love the “just meet people” part too. So much more fun to make friends than to jump up and down trying to get noticed. Thank you Tim!
Tim:
Thanks for sharing the knowledge. I’m going to apply everything and I can’t wait to see what manifests.
Great tips that I will put into practice today. Thanks!
Tim, this is the perfect advice that I needed today. At this moment in time.
Your books make me smile!
Thanks for your insightful ‘to do’ list! I need to print it and refer to it often. I’ve already put your recommended rhyming books on hold and can’t wait to read Barnyard Boogie.
Thanks, Tim. Common sense advice here. That’s the best kind.
Thanks for the inspiring post, Tim! I actually took a deep breath and sank back into the pillows to enjoy just “being here”. Slowing down now…
Tim, thank you for this. I very much appreciate your advice to just keep writing stories.
I’m an introvert too, and shy – probably major reasons why I’ve not attended those big meetings. Overwhelming is not fun for me.
I look forward to reading more of your work.
Wow! Thanks Tim! 1000 stories just might be the key. Congratulations on your hard work and success.
Tim, thank you for telling it like it is. Getting published is a long, slow journey. When unpublished authors like myself hear that, its reassures us. We realize even published authors went down the same winding roads to find the road that led to success. We have to want its bad enough to hang in there and give it the time it deserves. I thoroughly enjoyed your post. Congratulations on all your success.
This is a very encouraging post, Tim. Thanks for the shot in the arm!
Wow! Thank you for the encouragement and great advice. This is the most complete and helpful advice on formatting I have seen. Thank You! And congratulations on your success!
Thanks, Tim! Helpful advice and “voice” is crystal clear!
Great info and a positive outlook!
Awesome advice, Tim. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you so much!
“Lucky for us, children’s book people are super nice and supportive.” Exhibit A: Tim McCanna. This was a great read for me heading into a weekend SCBWI conference – time to ratchet back the angst and expectations, and relax into an opportunity for learning craft and industry, and enjoying fellow writers / artists.
Thanks, Tim! This is great advice, especially for the unagented writer such as myself. Just keep writing and writing and writing. And then keep revising and revising and revising. Hard work and patience is what it takes!
Thank you Tim for your realistic and encouraging post! Wishing you much continued success! Bitty Bot is one of our favorites! 🙂
I feel SO much better about how long this journey to publication takes after this encouraging post! Thanks, Tim!
Congratulations on your successes, too! Happy June!! 🙂
Tim, this is stellar advice. I especially like how you write about continuing to write. In your words I feel the undercurrent of those years of experimentation, struggle, and refinement–and eventual success. It’s heartening! I’m glad for your success, glad you’re my regional assistant advisor, and glad you took the time to write this article for us. Thanks.
Great to hear these stories of success. I have kept up with the 12X12 and today worked on three new ms. I love getting in to it and being a writer, writing and writing. NOW i have to market.
Fabulous post, Tim. I definitely need to remember to slow down. It’s so easy to think I have to do it all now now now but I plan to be in this for the long haul and there’s no rush.
Tim,
i”ll print out your formatting suggestions and get into the habit of using them every time. Thanks for the rhyming titles. i”m about to order rhyming books form the library. Check, take time, check be patient, check keep working.
looking forward to reading your books.
sue
This post was very helpful minus the Lamborghini or Tesla or any special car. I picked up several good ideas from what you said and especially the formatting on the manuscripts that need to be in the body of an e-mail. Thanks, love your books, and the Katie Davis and other musical intros you do. And I am getting a good idea what I need to do after years of trying and trying to make a sound picture book manuscript.
Tim, thank you for all of this AWESOME info. And for all the encouragement and reminders. I’m a rhymer too and, man, it is a STRUGGLE to get it right. But darn it, its so freakin’ FUN! 🙂
Thanks for your post Tim! And congratulations on your many books. Watersong is wonderful. We are lucky to be in such a supportive community. Go kidlit writers!
Thank you for such an encouraging post, Tim! Such good advice and reminders to persevere.
Congratulations on your success!
Reading this post was the exact encouragement I needed today. Thank you, Tim.
I just copied some of your advice for reference. Thank you!
Nice to “meet you”, Tim! I love your work. Excellent post! I am encouraged.
Thank you Tim! I appreciate your advice, words of encouragement, and humor…I so needed to read this today:> TY, TY, TY!!!
Thanks for the grounded encouragement, Tim! I don’t know if this link will work, but it’s along the theme of Doing the work and Writing 1000 stories…
Ira Glass: “It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions.”
Yes, TIm. Everything you say is true. I’m trying to develop a Zenlike mindset, so I keep re-reading Jon Muth’s stories. One day I’ll be Stillwater. You books are lovely, by the way. Congrats!
Wonderful words of encouragement mixed with reality…Thanks:)
Tim, thank you for these true tales – especially the bits about waiting and running that rhyme through the wringer. These are crucial – especially for us just starting out.
Thank you Tim for the encouragement. It does get solitary and times heavily depressive to be a writer. I love the advice to “meet” people and you mentor texts for rhyming. Congrats on your books. I adore Watersong.
Thank you Tim for your very wise words. I love the idea of writing 1000 stories and to “just keep writing, just keep writing” and to become the best writer you can be.
Thanks, Tim, for the encouragement to keep at it no matter how long it takes. And the manuscript format tips.
Thanks for the tips Tim! Spot on! 🙂 Wishing you much continued success.
What an excellent, honest post, Tim. Your manuscript formatting tips are especially helpful. Thanks and I wish you continued success your hard work deserves.
Wow! Thanks for this post, Tim. I’ve been writing a long time but haven’t hit the thousand mark yet. Guess I’d better get cranking out the stories!
Great post! Thank you, Tim. Wonderful timing, I just read a rymer to my crit group
and when you read things out loud you can tell where it was forced. Back to the ‘ol drawing board!
“Failure is an option”
So says that one manuscript about the peony wars…. thanks for the tips!
Thanks for sharing. To quote Dory, “Just keep swimming!”
THANK YOU! Thank you! Thank you! I have heard this many times before but this time, thanks to your way of expressing it- I get it ! BTW, I drive a 2001 Honda CRV with 200,00 miles on it- 100,000 miles to go!
If I can keep driving that, I can keep writing to 1,000!
Wishing you all that you wish for.
Pearls of wisdom, for sure. My favorite part was the quick summary on formatting. I think writers are largely type A when it comes to grammar, by the nature of the beast – but formatting is a cousin too easily ignored. I’ve copied that paragraph into my notes for quick future reference. Thank you!
You’re blog post is soooo helpful! I really appreciate the explanation and photos of the exact manuscript format. I also like your command to write 1000 stories to build our writing muscles.
Fun and encouraging post. Thank you, Tim!
Wonderful advice! Thank you for sharing the proper formatting techniques. I also appreciate your call to write 1000 manuscripts. I admit I get caught up in social media and building my platform to a point where I realize I haven’t written a new manuscript in a while. That is why I appreciate 12×12 so much, it hold me accountable.
Thanks Tim for the great advice. All very down-to-earth while being inspiring at the same time.
Hmmm, only 975-ish stories to go….
Great advice, Tim! Thanks for a great post–I always love learning about other people’s writing journeys.
Thank you Tim McCanna for the great advice. Have you really written 1000 stories? Wow! You’re ultra prolific!
Thank you Tim. I really needed the “Slow Down” part today!
Tim, I loved this post. The specific advice about formatting. Thank you. The rhyming mentor texts. Thank you. The warm fuzzy encouraged feeling I had while reading it. Thank you.
Great Post Tim! I love your sense of humor. Thank you for reinforcing that the process can be long and lonely but also the tips you give to move on through. Thank you too, for the the good tips and practical advice you shared. I am so happy for you and your success story. It’s writers like you who make this such a warm and supportive community. Best wishes.
Thanks, Tim, You have given some excellent advice we all should take to heart.
Tim, Thank you for simplifying the formatting etiquette. I get asked it from some new SCBWI members and you describe it perfectly. I have copied your description and credited you for it so when I am asked again, I can share it. Ditto on the rhyming texts as I have two critique group members who write in rhyme. I do not as I totally stink at it and will leave to those of you who rock at it.
Best of luck to you with your newest endeavors. I think you have found your niché!
I loved reading your post! Thank you for the description of formatting; that is really useful to me. Your story is inspiring and now all I need to do is write a few more stories. Well…maybe more than a few if I want to get to 1,000!
thanks for the encouraging post.
Maybe one day you’ll have that Lamborghini.
This post is CHOCK FULL of helpful information! Thank you!
As an introvert, also, I’ve run away from networking, but it is so crucial to being successful. Thanks for re-framing it as simply meeting people — that makes it less scary.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It’s inspiring to hear a success story! (and congratulations, too!)
I appreciate your suggestions, as well.
YAY! I am pumped! Thanks. Great to know that eventually, hard work pays off:)
Put your rhymer through the wringer!!!!! Oh My Gosh! You are BRILLIANT, Tim. Thank you so much for this amazing post…I appreciate you sharing the insights you have gathered along your writing journey. And all good wishes for all of your wonderful books!
Very helpful reminders, and I love all the pictures from your books.
Wise words! Thanks for sharing how you navigated the wild journey of publication, Tim. Best of luck with all your books!
Thank you, Tim, for the wonderful words of encouragement!!!
Thanks Tim for the fabulous advice!
Tim, congratulations on your success! Thank you so much for sharing your tips for success in such a friendly, straight-forward way. Best wishes for your blossoming writing career.
Tim, thanks for posting this! So helpful. I agree with you about slowing down. After 6 years of writing I have finally reached the Zen place you talked about and it feels great. It has made my writing much more effective. Best wishes to you.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m ready to write.
P.S. I love Bitty Bot
Love Watersong! Thanks, Tim, for sharing your inspirational insight with us. 🙂
Such wonderful advice! Great to hear when hard work and perseverance pays off. It’s easy to lose one’s way on this long journey. You relate how to stay on course and authentic to yourself.
Congratulations on your success Tim! I moved out of my basement workspace and set up space on my backyard deck. Soaking up the sunshine and reading your sage advice is exactly what I needed today. Thank you!
*are
Wine and grammar do not mix well. Lol
Motivating post! Thank you Tim.
Love these lines: “Write, revise, research, and read. These are the fun things writers do.” Thank you, Tim, for the tips and inspiration to never give up.
Excellent advice, thank you so much!
Thanks, Tim! Great advice:)
Excellent advice about patience combined with focused persistence in writing, including a dollop of encouragement to keep every writing working toward the goal publication. Thanks, Tim!
Thanks, Tim. Your post is encouraging and your tips so helpful.
Tim! Great post. Especially the part about enjoying the process of writing and reading. When we all accept that the waiting game is part and parcel of the whole experience of becoming a published author, we can use that time wisely. Thank you!
Fabulous and sensible advice. Just good advice for living a worthwhile life really. Excellent.
So much good advice here! What resonated with me today especially was this: “But, I’ve never liked the word “networking.” It feels counterintuitive to an introvert like me. It sounds like you’re out to get something from somebody. Let’s not think of it like that. Let’s just call it “meeting people.” Go meet people. Writers, illustrators, librarians, teachers, bookstore managers, and yes, agents and editors. Don’t go in thinking you’re adding them to some little black book of contacts that will help you climb the publication ladder of success. Don’t approach an editor at a conference with the mindset that if you can squeeze in a quick elevator pitch it could be your big break. Yuck. Just meet people.”
Thank you for your work as a critique Ninja recently, Tim, as well as this lovely postings. Keep on keeping on. ~ Carrie
Perfect. Now THAT’S a hard act to follow! Thanks Tim.
Great advice, thank you! I particularly appreciate your take on “networking.”
Thank you Tim! It’s so good for us to keep all of these points in mind!
Thanks so much for all your encouragement! It helps so much. Looking forward to reading your books.
Thanks for a great article and all of the reminders on being professional and “staying the course.” Isn’t it Kyle Cease who says, “Just show up and stay in the room.” Yeah – good advice for all endeavors.
This was a great post. I loved the variety of information of this post and the supportive voice. Nice work
Great post Tim – I love ‘Write 1000 books’ and ‘Failure is an option.’ I’m also going back to check and double-check my rhyme and syllables. This post has really resonated with me. Thank you!
Tim –
I want to remember when you said, “You have to write the bad ones to get to the good ones!” Great motivator for keep writing! Thank you and congratulations on all your book successes!
Thanks so much for this great advice!
Thank you so much! All great advice!
What a fun post! Thank so much for the great tips. More books on my to read list!
Thanks for this encouraging post! it’s a great reminder that we need to keep writing and keep getting better!
Thanks for the great advice, even though I already knew it, it sounded better and more convincing from you. Congrats on your success!! Looking forward to reading more of your books!
Thanks Tim for the straightforward advice, especially about meeting people rather than “networking.” You just made getting out there and connecting with children’s book people a whole lot easier for me!
Tim what great advice. I would love to see a copy of hoe you format your anuscript to make sure I am on the right track. I look forward to meeting you someday. Congratulations , on all your hard work. Your diligence and patience has paid off. Thank you for the pep talk.
This is a great pep talk! I got going fast and furious at the start of the year, but I’m definitely in some summer doldrums right now. I appreciate the injection of a little extra energy, Tim!
Tim: Thanks for the post. It was just want I needed today. I’ve been in a writing slump for a few weeks so I needed to be reminded to give myself and my work all the time it deserves.
Thank you for the “pep talk”. It is something I really need right now to “pick myself up, dust myself off, and get back in there again”. It is so encouraging to hear authors speak of their difficulties and how they work through them. It helps to get through the pity party. Thanks again.
Thanks for the hefty dose of inspiration, Tim! This is exactly what I needed to hear today.
Tim,
I really liked your comments about finding a Zen state with the pace of our industry, since I’ve been pretty proud of myself for doing that lately. 🙂
Also, you’re completely right about the importance of meeting peers, sharing information about ourselves, and finding gems in critique groups and author friends. I’ve been so lucky in the tribe I’ve found through SCBWI and 12×12!
Thanks for sharing your advice and inspiring us all!
Thanks, Tim, your post was helpful and encouraging, especially knowing you do indeed have to “write the bad ones to get to the good ones,” and your advice to “just meet people.” I find that much easier than “networking” – I dislike that term as well!
It’s good to know that effective work (and the other things you mention) will get me where I want to be.
Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement, Tim! I appreciate it, and liked learning about your path to success. Congrats on that and all your books! I especially love Watersong.
Tim, thanks so much for your words of encouragement.
I definitely agree with you about just meeting people.
I have met so many wonderful people at events and critique group meetings.
Thanks for the pep rally!
Thank you for being so honest and motivating me to keep on. Publishing books isn’t easy. Your advice is very helpful. I’ve found by experience that I did need to slow down and enjoy the small victories (publishing a poem, a story or an article here and there) and keep learning and growing.
Success to you.
You are the cream that’s risen to the top, for sure, and SO inspiring. Thank you, Tim!
This post is like comfort food for the writer’s soul. Thank you. I needed this today. Hugs! 🙂
Great post Tim! My daughter is a dancer. She knows the importance of muscle memory. I never thought about it applying to writers as well. Thanks for your honest and insightful comments. Jack B. Ninja! Can’t wait! <3
What an excellent post! Thank you Tim for your encouraging words and great advice.
Wonderful article! The formatting stuff is all new to me so I’m definitely bookmarking this one. Thanks so much!
“Write 1,000 stories.” I’m not there yet, but I’m into three digit numbers now!
Tim,
Love your sense of humor! Thanks so much for the great tips and encouraging words. “Write 1,000 Stories” is my favorite bit of advice.
Thank you for the sage advice. I need to let go of self-imposed time restraints and just dig in!
So pleased to meet you and become acquainted with your fun books 🙂
Great advice! I LOVE Watersong!
Thanks, Tim, for your encouragement and wise advice! I’m not a fan of “networking” either but I like the idea of getting out and “meeting people.”
Tim, thank you for sharing reality with us in a constructive way. Especially your advice on how to cope with rejection and to keep working. I’m also glad to know that there’s room for shy people in this business. Your suggestion to “just meet people” sounds so much nicer than “networking”. Your post was just what I needed!
This is so helpful and positive. Thank you. I especially loved the practical tips on formatting a manuscript – you describe it so well – and the reminder to be patient. I need that one every day.
Great post! I’m sure I’m not the only one who appreciates your words of advice and encouragement. Thanks for sharing.
Great info. Write 1000 stories. That’s a great challenge.
Thanks, Tim. I appreciate the encouragement and your 1 – 5.
Love your advice. Write, write, write — advice to live by. Thank you for sharing.
Tim, Love your work, especially your music ❤️
Thank you Tim for the encouragement and discouraging us from sending in work that is not ready. I’ve done that. I cannot wait to read these three books and look forward to your soon to be published ones.
Tim, this is such GOOD ADVICE. I am going to check out the quality rhyming books your mentioned since I do some writing in rhyme. So happy for all your successes. I have Watersong; it is a classic.
I’ve heard some of these tips many times, but enjoyed the creative way you emphasized them, ie., slowing down, writing continuously, getting out and meeting contemporaries…I especially like the formating information outlined. Thanks Tim for the information! Hope you get that Lamborghini in the future!!
Great advice Tim! Congrats on your success.
Thank you for youre whole blog with tons of vaulable information. Two things that stood out for me:
1- Formatting like you mean it
2- Get out of the house! I am out of the house as I write this! (local library)
I appreciate the commentary on rhyme and have checked out the books recommended. Thanks!
I truly appreciate your words about balance, pacing, and persistence. Not to mention rhyme and format…I thought I had the proper formatting for manuscripts down, and then discovered I’d be using 1.5 spacing instead of double. Oi vey, where is my brain. Thanks again for sharing, Tim!
“The book you haven’t written yet is about to be the best book you’ve ever written.” My new mantra!!! Thank your for such an inspiring post.
Truly Inspiring!
1000 stories – I may be almost there! Great advice, Tim, thanks!
Thanks for the list of great rhyming books to add to my study list! [Including yours!]
Must. Write. More. I appreciate the kick in the pants!
Thanks for your insight, Tim. I’ve enjoyed reading your books (borrowed from the library) and would love to won my own copies! I also love the song and graphics you have designed for the 12X12 webinars. In my opinion, you are a Picture Book Writer Rock Star!!
“Failure is an option” is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten, at multiple junctures in my life. It’s so so true, and especially in anything creative. Thanks, Tim!
Tim,
Thank you for hitting upon the negative voices we all hear as we take this journey. “You have to write the bad ones to get to the good ones.” Write, write, and write some more. Great post. Thank you for the pep talk.
Tim, thank you for these tips! I especially appreciate, “The book you haven’t written yet is about to be the best book you’ve ever written.” Looking forward to your new books!
Great post. Thanks for actually showing us what correct formatting looks like.
Thank you for sharing your helpful observations and experience!
Thanks so much for the wonderful advice, Tim! I’d go on about how great it is, but have to get busy writing the next story …
What a great post! Thanks for all the good advice, Tim.
Though it’s true, the wording of this line made me laugh:
Rhyming manuscripts get a bad rap because the stinkers really stink, and the sharp ones are few and far between. (my imagination led me to a group of writing skunks. LOL)
Thank you so much for this inspiring post! I look forward to reading your books.
Thanks, Timm. Always good to be nudged back into the “write” direction! : )
Thanks, Tim. Always good to be nudged back into the “write” direction! : )
What a great article. I’ve read it three times now, and get something new from each reading. 1,000 PB’s sounded overwhelming initially. On reflection however, it made perfect sense to me. It’s just about 10 years worth of work (hopefully compressed for us), the amount of time needed to really hone a skill. I’m going for the 1,000 – only 995 to go. Thanks for a great article/post.
Thanks, Tim, for the wise counsel. I will review this post when I prepare to format my children’s books for submission. I too liked your comments about
meeting people at events such as SCBWI conferences.
I look forward to sharing your books with my grandsons. Fellow Honda Odyssey Owner, good choice!
Thanks for cracking the whip on this moping writer. It’s easy to give into Yahoo! news, grumpy thoughts, and Amazon.com instead of writing MORE, BETTER stuff. Your pep talk inspired me to move on from my funk. It helps to remember that the process, however long, is actually enjoyable – that’s why we do it! p.s. Can’t wait to read your books.
Sage advice and great encouragement. Persist, persist, persist (all while working on our craft). Thanks!
Thanks for the encouragement and great reminders, Tim. I appreciate the reminder about formatting, too.
I’ve ben doing this since about 2007 and have one one published book. Unfortunately, it went out of print eleven months later after selling the publisher went out of business. Right now I’m in God’s Waiting Room but on the upside, I did get an agent last year. Your advice lifted my spirits today.
Thanks for the encouragement and great reminders, Tim. I appreciate the reminder about formatting, too.
I’ve ben doing this since about 2007 and have one one published book. Unfortunately, it went out of print eleven months later after selling the publisher went out of business. Right now I’m in God’s Waiting Room, but on the upside, I did get an agent last year. Your advice lifted my spirits today.
Thanks Tim! Great post and great advice!!
Love your advice, Tim! Keep on – yes – that’s the best advice! Congratulations on your wonderful books!
Write on! Such wonderful advice to write, and write, and write some more! Thankfully, we have the 12×12 community offering support & motivation, and, for many lucky folks like myself, wonderful critique partners, too. To your continued success!
This was a useful, encouraging post. Thank you, Tim.
Really great! Thank you so much for your wise words, Tim.
Love your advice, Tim! Wise indeed!
This is such helpful perspective. Yes, write 1000. I love that this is what 12×12 pushes us to do. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks, Tim! Great advice to just keep writing. Whenever I “finish” something, I always try to put it down and work on something else.
Thank you for sharing some great advice Tim. 🙂
I’ve read this post multiple times. Spot on. Filled with chastening facts and rules but also with joy and excitement. Wonderful!
Thanks so much for such useful advice!
Tim, your post is sooooo helpful – full of the best advice, and better still HOPE for those of us still slogging away in learning-to-write-picture-books-land. Thank you so much!
Lots of great advice and helpful tips here. Thank you, Tim!
Super post! Thank you, Tim.
Thanks for sharing your story and for the words of encouragement. I absolutely love Water Song!!
So glad to learn of your well deserved success. Thanks for sharing your journey–I’m inspired on my own trek.
Thanks for the encouraging post and constructive suggestions. I’m working toward 1,000 manuscripts!
What an inspiring post! I wish I had read it at the beginning of June, but I’m putting your suggestions to work for July!! Thank you.
Thank You for both the inspiration and the tools. I have to get to work- have to work up to 1000 manuscripts .
I love your energy, Tim!
Thank you for explaining to me why I never liked “networking” either (it feels like you’re out to get something from people); I *much* prefer the notion of “making friends.” In fact, I really *like* making friends! This community is gracious!
Also, thanks for the recap on formatting! Your tips strike a chord!
Great post! Great advice! Thanks for the encouragement, Tim.
Fantastic post- practical and inspiring! Thank you for your advice and congratulations on all your success!
Love your advice, Tim. Congratulations on all the success you’ve had since joining 12×12 and here’s to much more!
So happy for your success. I like all of your advice, but I especially like the formatting reminders. Thanks!
Your advice is so helpful, your journey is so inspiring, your books are so well-written, and your theme song is so catchy. Thank you for all of your insight!
Always good to see another artist’s journey!
Thank you!!! So positive, inspirational and refreshing to hear! I’m a fan of bringing sounds to life. Love WATERSONG!
Thanks, Tim, for your realistic yet encouraging post! I love your suggestion to “reach a Zen place” so we can focus on writing and revising. I’m always reminding myself to enjoy the journey! And congratulations on your PB success!
Thanks for the inspiration Tim and congratulations on your hard earned success!
I’ve been at it way longer than 6 years, Tim, nevertheless, I persist — and appreciate your and all the encouragement I can get. Thanks!
Thanks, Tim, for all the good nuts and bolts advice and the great pep talk. (I find it hard to believe that you’re an introvert.)
Really cool post, it is neat to read about all the hard work and patience that goes into getting a quality children’s book out there!
Thanks very much for the advice and encouragement! Congratulations on all of your books, too. They are so fun to read.
Put that rhymer through the wringer! Love it!
Tim,
I needed to hear your comment about your next book is yet to be your best book. Sometimes I feel like I have a number of drafts going and resist starting something new. Thanks for the recommendations on the authors for rhyming. Lastly, I need to get involved with more conferencing, I do most of my professional development online. I also need to step into a critique group
Tim’s words were just what I needed to hear/read. I am semi-new to 12 x 12, and have struggled a bit with the technology part, but I’m making progress. I have written, since March 2017, 4 drafts, plus, many more (he said, “Write 1,000 Stories’). His word ‘flailed’ hit me hard, because it’s how I’ve felt about getting my ducks/words/stories in a row. I’m also comforted by his knowledge that we can go from “No to Some”. I’m counting on that! Even as I type, I know I’ve probably put my writing progress in the wrong place, but I shan’t give up. Thank you, Tim and 12 x 12 team.
Hi Tim – so many gems of wisdom in this post, from writing 1000 stories to getting out of the house to my favorite about the next book you write may be the best one ever. Thanks for the encouragement and good luck with all your upcoming books!
Thanks for the great post Tim! I read this at a time I’m feeling pretty discouraged. I feel I’ve sent out polished stories but stink at query letters and pitches no matter how many times I rewrite them. But, I’ll just keep writing and next month my revising might just be all the query letters I’ve sent out. Thank you.
Thanks for the great advice Tim. I will try to remember that my next book may be the best, so I’ll keep writing and revising.
Wonderful article on being down to earth about your writing and getting published. I appreciate the re-terming of the word “networking” – meeting people just sounds less stressful and much more enjoyable! I also appreciate the reminder about proper formatting and being careful about rhyming manuscripts. Thanks so much!
Tim, thank you so much for such an awesome post and all the encouragement (and for such lovely books–my four-year-old *loves* Bitty Bot!) I really appreciate all your suggestions, particularly the encouragement to just give it time and do your best. Our society is so result-oriented that it’s easy to forget the reasons why we got into writing in the first place–that is, because it’s fun! I needed to hear that 🙂 Thank you, and all the best!
Thanks Tim- copied segments of your advice into my writing files for repeated reference! I need to hear to continually go after the “no”. Great post!!
Awesome post! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Really comprehensive set of honest and helpful tips. Thanks so much for sharing. At a time when writing has slowed down for me just because life has taken over I need to hear sound, solid advice such as yours!!
This is such wonderful advice to read! I especially loved the first one about being patient. I find I can accept the speed of the publishing business (if I must!) but being patient with myself is the hardest part. I must keep reminding myself that writing un-perfect stories is the only way to get to the mostly-perfect stories. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks for the encouraging post!
You sound like you’d make a great teacher — high standards, but encouraging! Thanks for being a critique ninja.
So much good information here! I love the write 1000 stories bit. I’m working hard now to write more. I know I can write well. So much bad stuff coming out right now. Hopefully it will become good if I write more. Thanks for everything!
Great post! Thank you for reminding us that we might not be able to control other factors, but we can pick a helpful mindset. And that makes all the difference!
Thank you so much, Tim! I needed that! It’s funny how often great advice and encouragement, such as yours, is needed to keep my boat afloat. I’m gonna keep on truckin’. And, by the way, I’m a big (introverted) fan!
Great advice, thanks!
Thanks Tim for sharing some solid writing tips.
I love your advice…..”never stop writing new stories”. Stories are my favorite. I always have a new one brewing, but I do not always write it down. Thanks!! It is always encouraging to hear success stories too. Thanks again.
Thanks Tim! Just keep writing! This has been a major goal of mine and has been working so far!!!!
Thanks, Tim McCanna! And indeed, trying to be Zen about hearing / not hearing. Keeping on writing new stories. Being careful with craft, format, rhyme. And adding walkarounds, looking outward between bouts of sitting in chair. Thanks for the clear, concise wisdom, as well as the music of your books.
Your tips are great, thank you so much Tim! I’m always afraid that I’ve been passed over due to a formatting snafu, so I’m taking your word as law from now on. Thanks again.
Encouraging AND firm! Strikes the right balance for me!
Thanks for the advice and congratulations on your success!
Thanks for your honest advice on how long the writing process is. I’ve been at it for awhile too and enjoy seeing other writers like yourself succeed. Congratulations on your picture books! I look forward to reading them this summer. Write On!
Thank you for the great advice.
So informative! After learning from Renee LaTulippe’s webinar, I really need to read more rhyming books including yours, Watersong!
Love your tips, and your work. Bravo for a guy who is so not one of the stinkers.
Thanks for such an inspiring and educational post.
Thank you for this post–these are good tips, and your enthusiasm and persistence are inspiring!
Thank you for your advice! I loved Bitty Bot!
Thanks for the advice/reminders/encouragement!
Great advice! Thanks!
I especially liked your section on,”Format Like You Mean It!” Thanks!