CAN YOU USE ILLUSTRATION NOTES FOR YOUR PICTURE BOOK MANSUCRIPT?

   I'm currently working on another picture book project. Now, that the first draft is done, I'm in the revision stage and really trying to look at the manuscript visually and envision what text can, if (and should) be replaced by illustrations. I found several pages where illustrations can very easily, and perhaps more engagingly, show what the words are telling the readers. This requires the use of illustration notes, otherwise the text doesn't make much sense. I've heard conflicting opinions about authors using illustration notes in the manuscript, but I've found a very helpful post on this subject, so check it out and let me know your thoughts or experience on illustration notes.

Kidlit · Should You Include Illustration Notes in Your Picture Book?

From what I gather, the consensus seems to be: use illustration notes if you need to, but use it sparingly.

Happy Writing!

71 WAYS TO PROMOTE AND MARKET YOUR BOOK

   I've been thinking a lot about promoting and marketing lately. Well, actually, I think about it all the time. I'm still learning and exploring ways to promote SACAJAWEA OF THE SHOSHONE, like participating on a panel of Redwood Writer's Club children's authors reading our books at Copperfield's Books in Santa Rosa on July 31st. 

From L. to R.: Natasha Yim (Sacajawea of the Shoshone), Helen
Sedwick (Coyote Winds), Nina Tepedino (If you Lived in Sam's Neck),
Sandy Baker (Dead Butterflies Diary)

   With GOLDY LUCK AND THE THREE PANDAS coming out though, I've been wondering what I haven't tried and what other creative ways there are to promote. See the red banner at the top of this blog boldly announcing Goldy Luck's release date? That's from HelloBar and you can create your own HelloBar for free. That, by the way, is one idea I got from YourWriterPlatform blog. So, check out some of their marketing tips. You may just find one you've never tried before. I'll also be posting some of my trials and tribulations of promoting and marketing in future blogs. I'd love to hear what your ideas, flops and triumphs are. Let's share the journey!

71 Ways to Promote and Market Your Book | Your Writer Platform

SACAJAWEA'S SONG

   Here's a catchy tune about Sacajawea by Jonathan Sprout. Apparently, it's been around for awhile, but I've just discovered it. If anyone knows of any other Sacajawea music, I'd love to hear it. Composer Phillip Glass was commissioned a few years ago to write a piece for the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition entitled "After Lewis and Clark". It's in 3 movements. The second movement, "Sacajawea", features a Native American flute. I'd love to listen to it but can't seem to find a recording anywhere.

Sacajawea's capture by a Hidatsa warrior, Sacajawea of the
Shoshone (Goosebottom Books, 2012)

WHO BUYS CHILDREN'S BOOKS -- SOME INTERESTING STATS.

Here's some interesting statistics on book buying habits:

Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually.

A FEW THINGS ABOUT AGENTS...

   From the date of my last post, it's obvious that Summer vacation is here. Which means kids are out of school and my writing time has shrunk to very brief chunks usually at unGodly hours. With that little time to spend on writing-related activities, current projects haver priority and blogging and social media stuff takes a back seat because, you know, they can be a real time suck. 
   So, now that I'm back (sort of. It's still summer vacation), I have a goody for you from the Writer Unboxed website about what makes a good author/agent relationship. 

How to Maintain a Healthy Author/Agent Relationship | @scoopit http://t.co/01v96xNQ80
— Natasha Yim (@natashayim) August 3, 2013

   Speaking of agents, check out my blog post on Chuck Sambuchino's Writer's Digest Column: How I Got My Agent in which I talk about my journey and challenges to finding my wonderful agent Karen Grencik of Red Fox Literary. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of SACAJAWEA OF THE SHOSHONE.