By guest writer/editor Rosie McKinlay

There are times when a book just doesn’t make any sense. You start to wonder if it’s just you, or if somehow, someone else has figured it out. Enter ExplainMyBook.com. The site was launched in August (2008) and already has information about six thousand books. Through a recent e-mail interview, I was able to ask the creators, Jaime and David Vogel, about this new resource.

Here’s how it works: Register with the site and search for the book that has left you mystified. If the information you’re looking for is unlisted, you can ask a specific question and it is likely someone will have the answer you seek. To bring this information community full circle, you can register to be a question answerer as well. The information you request and offer is there to stay, the Vogels explain: “Once a question is asked (and approved by ExplainMyBook.com) it will be posted on the website forever, along with any answers to that question. This way future generations of students will be able to read the questions and have the answers in front of them and know that it’s not just them; other readers, even other generations had the same questions about the same book.”

The inspiration for the site came from a desire to help students. On this, the Vogels said, “We want to help students because we would have liked to have had something like this when we were in school, both high school and college,” and “If a student has a teacher that they just don’t understand and can’t communicate with, maybe there is another teacher out there that they could understand and that could explain it in another way.” They hope that the site is “a way to build self-esteem and confidence in anyone learning to read or learning about a new subject.” Though the site was created with students in mind, it is a helpful resource for anyone. As Jaime puts it, “Literacy is important to us, youth or adult.” Privacy is crucial in dealings online, and for that reason everything on this site is anonymous. Further security is established because of Jaime and David’s commitment to making it a safe environment. “We monitor the site closely, and teasing or other harassment will not be tolerated.”

This is a resource with heart. So sign up, spread the word, and watch for David and Jaime Vogel at literary events around town.

Copyright © 2008 Rosie McKinlay

by guest writer Lydia Beyoud

At a time when newspapers and library associations are reporting a huge surge in teen and youth reading, while at the same time we continue to hear alarming reports that fewer and fewer children are reading, it’s important to develop strategies for parents, educators, and publishers to encourage our youth to read.
Cecelia Goodnow, a journalist with online news source Seattlepi.com, reports that with increasing sales and more-sophisticated offerings for older young adult readers, we are living in the “golden age for young adult literature.” Nevertheless, the National Assessment of Educational Progress has recorded that teenage reading continues to drop. Seeking to counterbalance the latter and promote more of the former, parents, educators, and publishers strive to find ways to get kids hooked on reading from an early age and settled into a habit that will continue through adulthood.

Katie O’Dell, School-age Services Manager for the Multnomah County Library System (Oregon), reports that there is a marked decline in children’s reading habits during summer months, which can have startling consequences for their education and learning retention. Research shows that a total drop in reading during the summer months causes children to loose three months’ worth of learning acquired during the school year. This habit has a cumulative effect, meaning that a child who doesn’t read during three summers will enter third grade more than a year behind on their schoolwork.

O’Dell also notes that low-income children (from what the library system refers to as “nonprint households,” meaning families that do not receive newspapers, magazines or maintain home libraries,) are particularly set back during the typical summer reading slump because of limited access to reading materials.

The library understands that the two fundamentals to get kids reading at an early age are a comfortable place to read and easy access to books. While children from higher income families have fewer problems accessing bookstores or procuring transportation to the library and are more likely to come from an environment where books are present in the home and reading is encouraged, low-income children are put at an immediate learning disadvantage due to the probable lack of all of the above.

For this reason, the library targets their programs and outreach to low-income children and school districts through “book talkers.” Book talkers visit the lowest performing counties in the state to promote not just specific books but the pleasures of reading in general, as well as by connecting teachers and school media specialists with the public library directly and providing training to students on how to use the catalogue system.

Research also shows that children reach the developmental stage of becoming proud to be a reader, having surmounted the period of learning to read and transitioning to reading to learn, between third and fourth grades. This nine- to ten-year-old age group is the only one to show an increase in reading compared to all other age groups. Furthermore, reading scores are generally higher during this period than at any other time. As children age and find themselves with dwindling school resources, greater independence, and the pull of other interests and pastimes, reading habits begin to slacken unless actively promoted.

Parents and librarians nationwide are attempting to develop new methods beyond the tried-and-true “read with your children” advice and summer reading programs, incorporating technology like audio books and accepting youth-geared graphic novels, blogs, and Internet reading as acceptable forms of literacy. While educators, according to O’Dell, are slower to incorporate these tactics into their students’ literacy training, all would agree that the best way to get kids to enjoy reading and turn it into a lifelong habit is to allow the freedom of choice in what they read.

And thanks to a move toward more intricate and sophisticated plotlines and diversified genres, kids and teenagers have an increasing array of books to choose from. Though she states “nonfiction has never been better,” fiction receives by far the most requests from children; light romance, fantasy fiction series, and graphic novels remain perennial favorites. Adventure narratives that appeal to both boys and girls as well an emerging Young Adult genre of “Urban” or “Gangster” fiction are proving to be wildly popular, particularly among teenagers in juvenile detention or at-risk-youth programs.

In an article on teen reading trends for About.com, Elizabeth Kennedy writes that libraries are encouraging teens to read by providing them not just with a special section of bookshelves amidst the libraries’ larger collection, but actually creating “Teen Spaces” just for them. Supplied with comfortable furniture, high-speed Internet access, homework help, and an area for group study and school projects, these areas focus on getting kids into the library and keeping there by creating an environment where reading is an enjoyable activity to be shared with peers.

Kennedy cites Phoenix Public Library’s “Teen Central” space as an excellent example of such an environment. Likewise, the Multnomah County Library system helps organize weekly “teen lounges” during which meeting rooms of nine county branch libraries are taken over for teen use: reading, homework help, and computer access.

Laurel Winter, an Adult Reference Librarian at the Hollywood Library (Portland, Oregon) also sponsors that branch’s Teen Council, a group of five students in grades six through twelve who volunteer to create and promote literacy programs among other teenagers. This year they used all of their 2008 budget, provided by the Library Foundation, to create a writing contest for young writers because they “care passionately about literacy.”

Winter comments that these teenagers first approached her with the idea because they were “worried by their classmates’ bragging that they hadn’t read a book in a year” and wanted to do something to get their peers more involved in reading and writing. Eight awards will be given out Wednesday evening, August 27, at the Hollywood Library to recognize the two best writers of poetry and prose in the sixth-through-eighth and the ninth-through-twelfth grade levels. Popular young adult author and current Portland resident Blake Nelson, author of the extremely successful Paranoid Park, helped to serve on the judging committee.

Blake Nelson isn’t the only headliner to participate in local efforts to promote literacy. Rick Riordan, author of the explosively popular mythology/fantasy Percy Jackson and the Olympians series will be conducting an author lecture later this fall for the library’s annual teen readers event. Through private donations and working closely with local schools, nearly a thousand students are expected to attend the upcoming lecture, with the hope that all will be excited to read.

With two young adult titles scheduled for release in 2009, Three Muses Press is also striving to appeal to young adult readers with enticing coming-of-age stories revolving around strong protagonists that readers can relate to. Moreover, these novels quietly inform readers about what it was like to live during certain historical periods; a method for absorbing information with a higher chance of success than facts gleaned from a textbook.

There are many ways for individuals to help promote literacy and turn a young reader into an adult reader. By volunteering your time in a mentorship program, donating books to at-risk youth or children’s hospitals or even just a monetary donation to your local library or grant-giving foundation, you can help turn reading from a chore into a lifelong pleasure.

_______

Public libraries offer many family reading opportunities and summer reading programs for free. The American Librarian Association’s teen page (and blog) YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) also provides information about books, reading, and other topics to teenagers and librarians, though they also publish information that could be useful to educators, publishers, or marketers. http://yalsa.ala.org/blog

Sources:
http://childrensbooks.about.com/od/5youngadultbooks/a/teen_reading.htm
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/books/306531_teenlit08.html

Thank you to those who participated in our survey this August, and an additional round of thanks for your personal feedback/ideas in the last two questions. It is clear that our local publishing community feels strongly about the importance of literacy, though we may not always have the time, energy, or resources to help as much as we’d like.

The closing of Oregon Literacy, Inc. after 40 years of critical service leaves an even greater responsibility on our shoulders for filling in where they can no longer. Ink & Paper Group has compiled a list of resources that allow for participation on a variety of levels, and we invite you to take a look to see where you might fit in.

We Portland publishing folks are clearly a resourceful, ambitious, and cooperative group, and we can leave our mark on Oregon literacy—now and in the future—just as much as we already do via our books throughout the world.

Onward with our mission, and onward with the survey results!

********

1. Do you think that we have an obligation as publishing professionals to be on the forefront of the fight to remedy literacy?
Yes: 100%
No: 0%

2. How interested are you in being directly involved in helping to boost literacy in Oregon?
Very interested: 50%
Somewhat interested: 36%
Interested but too busy: 14%
Neutral: 0%
Not interested: 0%

3. Who do you think is most influential in a child’s life when it comes to literacy?
Parents: 79%
Teachers: 36%
Society / Current Culture: 7%
Government: 0%
All of the above: 14%
Other, please specify: 7% (librarians, friends, family)

4. Is there anything you do now to aid in the fight for literacy?

• Annual book drive to benefit both children and adult readers, volunteering as a publishing mentor for WiPP, reading to my nieces and nephews
• Through Bowler Hat Comics, I seek to promote literacy through graphic storytelling.
• I volunteer at an elementary school, reading with kids.
• I edit, I talk about books, and I write about editing and books on two blogs. But that’s peanuts compared to what should be done.
• Up to this year, was active in parent academic booster club at high school, and support Stand for Children
• Attend book groups
• Try to write interesting books
• Encourage reading
• Yes. I volunteer in my daughters’ schools, participate in book drives, do volunteer editing with youth and adults, and support our library system. I model reading (voraciously!) for my children, and I encourage them to particpate in book groups, writing groups, and literary events around Portland.

5. What’s THE ONE THING you can do with your current lifestyle to improve literacy in Oregon?

• See above. . .
• Donate new and used books to agencies that promote literacy
• I’ve long felt I should volunteer for SMART (www.getsmartoregon.org). But I’m shy and scared of the commitment, I guess.
• Hmmmm . . . good question. I’m actively working on studying, understanding, and publishing in new text formats (primarily electronic) to be sure my publishing efforts can reach consumers regardless of their format preference.
• Keep better track of the kids in my neighborhood/life.
• Move to Oregon and get involved.
• Try to keep my friends reading and talking about what they’ve read; try to be “contagious.”
• Unsure
• WiPP book drive
• Vote Democrat

DONATION & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Books to Oregon Prisoners: Volunteer or donate books. Volunteers work two evenings a week opening letters, finding books in our collection that correspond to the request, and wrapping and mailing parcels. Because of continuing backlog of requests, prisoners sometimes wait up to six months to receive their books. www.bookstooregonprisoners.org

Chemeketa Community College Literacy Volunteer Program: Primary focus is offering literacy consultation and education to adults who are unable to access the college’s regularly scheduled Adult Basic Education and English As a Second Language classes. Through individualized and small group sessions, our volunteers tutor students in reading, writing, and English conversation, focusing on life- and work skills. www.chemeketa.edu/collegelife/service/literacy

Even Start Family Literacy Program: Supports efforts to implement research-based strategies, to improve and expand family literacy levels, and improve family awareness of services available to economically and educationally disadvantaged families with young children. www.ode.state.or.us/search/results/?id=98

Oregon Education Association: ANNOUNCEMENT: Literacy Council of Josephine County (Grants Pass) Needs Volunteer Tutors: Training and materials are free for tutors and the lessons are free for the student. There is a large library of materials to choose from. The student and tutor decide when and where to meet. Generally, people meet at the downtown office a couple times a week for an hour or so; however, some lessons are at the workplace or home. Contact Eleanor Hester, 541.474.0469; Liz Medley, 541.956.8573, or leave a message at 541.472.0355. The office is located at 223 SE M Street, Grants Pass (the blue Victorian building). www.oregoned.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=9dKKKYMDH&b=1468491&ct=2881663

SMART (Start Making a Reader Today): Volunteer-based SMART partners with hundreds of schools statewide to deliver literacy support to K–3 children. Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families. www.getsmartoregon.org

WiPP’s 3rd Annual Book Drive (August 1-September 8): As part of Women in Portland Publishing’s mission to promote literacy in Portland and beyond, it is collecting NEW & USED book donations to benefit: Regence Boys & Girls Club of Portland, Oregon/Portland Books to Prisoners Programs, and the library of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Portland. Go to WiPP’s website for more information on requested donations and local drop sites: www.womeninpublishing.com.

WRAP (Write Around Portland): Workshops are offered at no charge to people living with HIV/AIDS, veterans living with PTSD, survivors of domestic violence, adults and youth in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions, low-income seniors, people in prison, teen parents, and others who may not have access to writing in the community because of income, isolation, or other barriers. Donations of writing journals for workshop participants are encouraged. www.writearound.org

Check here for opportunities in your county: www.oregonliteracy.org/literacyproviders/index.php

Or contact your local school district and ask how you can help boost literacy in your area!

FAMILY READING OPPORTUNITIES

Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library: The Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children, have incorporated the latest research into a series of parent and caregiver workshops to provide public libraries with vital tools to help prepare parents for their critical role as their child’s first teacher. www.ala.org/ala/alsc/ecrr/ecrrhomepage.cfm

Every Family Reads: Every Family Reads encourages families with children in grades K–5 to read together by uniting them around the works of a children’s author. www.multcolib.org/familyreads/index.html

Oregon Reading Association: An organization for teachers, administrators, parents, aides, and others who are interested in reading instruction and the promotion of lifetime reading habits. www.oregonread.org/grants2.html

Summer Reading program through Multnomah County Library System: June 13, 2008–August 31, 2008. www.multcolib.org/summer

MONETARY DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Oregon Community Foundation: Donate to this grant-funding organization that regularly supports literacy programs. http://www.ocf1.org/grant_programs/grant_programs.html

“I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did.”

More From Stet

by Jen Weaver-Neist

I heard the most unsettling news last week—even though it was old news. Oregon Literacy, Inc. closed its doors as of June 20 this year due to lack of funding. After forty years of service—which included work with Oregon colleges and businesses, partnering with Multnomah County Library, and providing a toll-free Literacy Line since 1987—it all came down to an inability to raise $200,000, their annual budget.

Hmmm … how many Starbucks coffees is that? If you go with an average of $3.00 a day for five work days, that’s $15 a week. Accounting for a few weeks of vacation and some holidays, that’s (roughly) 49 weeks per year, or $735 for coffee per year. So, that’s a coffee-free year for about 272 people, or half as much Starbucks for 544 Oregonians for the sake of a literate, functioning, empowered future generation. If you look at it another way, just 5,556 publishing professionals in Oregon sacrificing 1 cup of coffee every month for a year would greatly benefit future buyers of our books, and this industry could use all the help it can get!

Some would say we’ve been under attack for years now, with television, video games, a growing lack of interest in “the ancient-language classics,” and now the internet taking all our young readers prisoner. Back in my day, I remember Mom hollering toward the backseat to “Crack the window! Crack the window!” when I’d start getting woozy from reading plain ol’ books on our road trips. My technological alternative then was a Speak N’ Spell and, later, a chunky (cassette) Walkman, but the first was so annoying that she’d soon option books again “to save on batteries.” As long as I had a book as a companion, I always had something legitimate (and parent-friendly) to do.

The teachers and librarians who stopped by our booth at BEA this year provided another angle to this timeless issue. They were drawn in by our Kid Beowulf banner (showcasing Bowler Hat’s premiere graphic novel) and the newly released copies of Visibility (a YA illustrated novel with a strong female lead). Not only did they like the idea of both, but more than one suggested that Bowler Hat create additional classics so that they could get kids interested in reading the tougher stuff—or any stuff—again. A vice principal in a local high school recently told me that the level of reading today is tragic, and that we’re raising an up-and-coming generation of both nonreaders and “I can’t read(ers).”

We can debate the reasons for all of this until the illiterate cows come home, but the fact remains that our society is going to have to do more than blame the technology, parents, and/or kids themselves. And I’d go even further to say that we, the professionals in publishing, have an obligation to groom our future bread and butter. All you have to do is witness the launch of a big hit book like Stephenie Meyers’s Breaking Dawn (the festivities for which I attended at Powell’s a few weeks ago) to know that the enthusiasm, loyalty, and imagination are still there; we just need to figure out—or remember—how to connect with them.

I’m going to go with the methods of the green movement right now and ask you to consider the one thing you can do today to help with improving literacy. Can you volunteer to be an after-school reader or tutor? Does your bank or grocery store have a program where it will donate points/dollars in support of local schools? Do you have a few books that you can donate to Women in Portland Publishing’s 3rd Annual Book Drive this year? (Ink & Paper Group is one of the drop points, and we invite you to contact us for more info.)

Let’s get the conversation started! (May I suggest a first step of taking the quick survey in this very newsletter?) There has to be more that we can do with the strengths and skills of our publishing community, and making books isn’t enough. And do Oregonians really need their daily coffee served to them each time—even from those bikini baristas that have been in the news? My mom would say you have to first make sure all of today’s youth can spell “bikini,” and then use a book to cover their eyes until they’re 35.

Here’s your chance to give feedback on the issue of literacy in Oregon. Please take this brief online survey (just five questions), and help us to present the publishing viewpoint on this matter. We’ll publish the results—and some further information on how you can become more involved—in the next newsletter later this month.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB2285TUFAJXX

by guest writer, Charity Heller Hogge

Imagine if you were unable to read this sentence. How less wonderful would the world be if the opportunity of learning to read had passed you by?

Though our society is structured around literacy, editors, publishers, and writers are doubly invested. Literacy is to our advantage: we need people who can read to buy books. But we must do more than create young consumers of books. We have a duty to extend ourselves beyond the workplace and share our bibliophilic passion.

Maybe this means volunteering for S.M.A.R.T. (Start Making a Reader Today), Oregon’s volunteer-based elementary school literacy project. Maybe it means donating a few pro bono hours of editing time to writers who can’t otherwise afford the service. No time? Consider donating children’s books to one of the many organizations who pass them along to underserved public schools: Women in Portland Publishing’s summer book drive, Willamette Writer’s “Books for Kids” program (http://www.willamettewriters.com/1/books-for-kids.php), or S.M.A.R.T.’s book collection program (http://www.getsmartoregon.org/), to name just a few.

We lovers of the written word take a lot of pleasure from the significant books in our lives. Let’s spread the love!

Charity Heller Hogge teaches the upcoming “Business of Editing” class, to be held Saturday, August 16. She owns The Mighty Pen, LLC (http://www.mightypenediting.com/), a book-editing company.

by guest writer, Erin Murray

The recent closing of Oregon Literacy, Inc., due to fundraising issues marks a sad moment for literacy advocates in Oregon and elsewhere. As information becomes more and more accessible due to constantly changing technology, literacy has become a more important issue than ever, both in terms of general literacy and information literacy. Not only is it crucial to be able to read, but also to understand why people read and what makes reading appealing.

On that note, compiled below is a list of sites, blogs, and newsletters that one may find useful in terms of keeping informed about the goings-on in the world of words. By maintaining a strong level of information literacy about their crafts, writers, publishers, marketers, designers, and other individuals can continue to make reading a fun and appealing activity and support childhood and adult literacy.

LITERACY

Catalyst
http://www.nifl.gov/
This newsletter released by the National Institute for Literacy is a great resource not only for keeping up with news about literacy, but also for learning about literacy and what teachers, parents, tutors, mentors, and other influential individuals can do to help reluctant readers.

Information Literacy blog
http://information-literacy.blogspot.com/
This blog defines information literacy as “the adoption of appropriate information behaviour to identify, through whatever channel or medium, information well fitted to information needs, leading to wise and ethical use of information in society.” First we learn to read, then we read to learn. Somewhere along that continuum, we learn to find, access, and manage the information available to us. Then, and maybe only then, do we learn to use what we have read for the benefit of all, particularly those who cannot read. Thought-provoking blog content; well worth your time.

GENERAL

Shelf Awareness
http://shelf-awareness.com/
This wonderful daily newsletter offers tidbits of news and information from all across the publishing sphere. Not only is it free, but they have archived their entire collection of newsletters on their website dating back to 2005, allowing you to access a veritable wealth of knowledge.

Powell’s Daily Dose
http://www.powells.com/features/dailydose.html
The Daily Dose is a feature that Powell’s bookstore has set up that benefits both the people posting reviews and those who subscribe to the daily feature. Readers can go online and write reviews for books, and each day Powell’s selects a recent review to be displayed on the Daily Dose page (you can also sign up for an e-mail version). If the reader’s review is selected, they get a $20 gift certificate to use on Powells.com. Not only that, if the prize isn’t claimed for the day, it’s added to the winnings of the next day’s reviewer. The incentive makes for high-quality reviews and is a great way to expand your literary canon, as reviews are selected from every genre and topic.

Publisher’s Weekly
https://www.publishersweekly.com/subscribe.asp?screen=ai1
Available in both print and electronic forms, the wide-ranging Publisher’s Weekly offers pages and pages of reviews of upcoming releases, author interviews, literary events, industry news, and much more through its print version and its free e-newsletters. Click on the Newsletters tab to sign up for PW Daily, Religion BookLine, Children’s Bookshelf, and PW Comics Week. These publications are excellent resources for publishers, writers of all genres, marketers, and anyone wanting to keep abreast of the latest happenings in the literary world.

DESIGNING

The Book Design Review
http://www.thebookdesignreview.com
This blog focuses on book covers and the design trends that appear in book covers. Blogger Joseph Sullivan posts various covers and writes a brief discussion about them, often closing by asking his readers what they think, sparking a conversation amongst his readers. Sullivan often includes both US and UK versions of the covers, and groups similar covers within one post. This blog is a great way to become acquainted with the names of various designers, and also includes links to useful sites, articles, and other items that make a great resource for any designer.

EDITING

Evil Editor
http://evileditor.blogspot.com/
This hilarious blog written by a mutton-chopped curmudgeon has two main features: “Face-Lifts” for synopses that authors plan on sending to publishers or agents that the Evil Editor comments on, and “New Beginnings,” a feature in which authors submit the first 150 words of their book and readers can continue the story, telling the author how they think the story should continue. Peppered throughout are cartoons, writing exercises, and other features relating to writing. The great thing about this blog is the interaction the author has with his readers—its success depends on contributions from readers for the blog to work, which means an active community as well as opportunities for you to get personalized advice (or admonishment).

MARKETING

O’Reilly’s Tools of Change for Publishing
http://toc.oreilly.com/
The goal of O’Reilly’s TOC blog is to not only provide readers with information about trends in the publishing industry, but also to encourage discussion—at the end of many of the blog posts the author poses a question that can be discussed in the comment section. The writers of the blog also discuss a wide range of topics, at times looking beyond the world of publishing for new and creative ideas that can still be used in publishing. The blog is well-organized, displaying related articles beneath each entry, and using a tagging system for easy navigating.

Sproutwire
http://www.sproutwire.com/
Moderated by a team of business owners and bloggers, Sproutwire works to bring readers the best articles about small businesses. While articles can be submitted by anyone, they are only posted to the site after being approved by moderators, resulting in a high-quality pool of information. On the site’s main page are brief descriptions of each article, a link to the original source, and a counter that keeps track of how many times people have clicked to read the article. The information on Sproutwire doesn’t necessarily relate directly to publishing, but the articles do have gems of information that can nevertheless be applied to the efforts of anyone within the publishing industry.

Lifehacker
http://lifehacker.com/
Cool tech to help organize your life. Really. Lifehacker wants to help you get things done, and to make that happen, this site has tech savvy to spare. Great feature articles and commentary. Writing, reading, managing, living…

YPulse Daily Update (see YA/TEEN)

WRITING

The Practicing Writer
http://practicing-writer.com/
Created in 2004, this free monthly newsletter from writer Erika Dreifus is written in a personable style and is full of useful information for writers at all levels of skill and experience. Each issue includes a letter from the editor, articles on writing, and announcements of contests, calls for submission, and other opportunities that are free or have a small fee. The newsletter also features a calendar of literary events, and Dreifus keeps her readers informed about her own personal experience as a “practicing writer” through highlights from her own blog.

Purdue Online Writing Lab
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/681/01/
The Purdue OWL deals with the nuts and bolts of writing, and is designed to help writers in all genres of writing. Readers can post questions to be answered either by OWL tutors or by other newsletter readers (the posted answers are moderated so that they aren’t wildly inaccurate). This is a great resource to check out when polishing up your writing.

Evil Editor (see EDITING)

CHILDREN’S

School Library Journal
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
The School Library Journal website has a number of opportunities for newsletters and journals. The primary publication is the Journal itself, which is available both in print and on the web. It contains articles, letters to the editor, news on children’s and young adult literature, book reviews, and a special technology section that helps keep you updated on the latest trends in technology relating to books. In addition, the SLJ website offers three different newsletters, all of which are archived online: SLJ Teen, discussing all things teen- and book-related; Curriculum Connections, a resource for K-12 educators, librarians, and other professionals; and Extra Helping, offering “news, views, and resources” from SLJ editors.

FICTION

Fiction Factor
http://www.fictionfactor.com/
The Fiction Factor is an online magazine published on a monthly basis. Each issue contains articles about writing, class opportunities, book reviews, and market listings. The site also supports a fairly active forum for a more day-to-day information exchange.

Fiction Fix Newsletter
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/fictionfix/current.html
The fully archived Fiction Fix Newsletter is published once a month and aims to provide fiction writers with articles, tips on various aspects of writing, discussions of happenings in the writing world, and other topics. It offers information on a wide variety of subjects, and also provides an opportunity for fiction writers to submit articles about their own experiences as a writer.

GRAPHIC NOVELS/COMICS

Newsarama
http://newsarama.com/
Newsarama is a must-read website for anyone with an interest in comics or graphic novels, whether a publisher, writer, illustrator, purveyor, or fan. This site’s main page has updates about comics (both online and in print), graphic novels, film adaptations, movie trailers, television shows, games, news articles, and pretty much anything else related to the world of comics and graphic novels. In addition, the Newsarama Blog offers opinions and editorials about a wide range of topics written in a more personal style and providing the opportunity for readers to comment.

Pony Express
http://www.darkhorse.com/Newsletter/Current
The Pony Express newsletter, published by Dark Horse Comics, is marketed more for fans than writers/publishers/other professionals, but it is still a great way to keep up with news in the comic world. Each newsletter features an editorial as well as information about upcoming book and comic releases, new products, comic-related events, and a letter from the publisher.

SCIENCE FICTION

Locus Online (Locus magazine’s online site)
http://www.locusmag.com/
Locus Online is the web home of Locus Magazine, a top-notch science fiction & fantasy resource for writers, readers, and publishers. While this is actually their website rather than a newsletter or blog, Locus does a great job of posting recent news and events—particularly SF&F conventions—author interviews, and book reviews.

Tobias Buckell’s Blog
http://www.tobiasbuckell.com/
Tobias Buckell, speculative fiction author and blogger, knows how to promote his work and his genre. The blog is widely read and admired for its ability to lift the veil on inside information about writing and publishing in the science fiction and speculative fiction genres.

Boing Boing
http://www.boingboing.net/
Boing Boing started life as a zine, but has morphed into a blog of cutting-edge technology, gadgets, science fiction, futurism, and intellectual property. The original editors were proponents of the cyberpunk subculture, and their content remains techy, exciting, and geared for both present and future. The four Boing Boing editors are contributing writers for Wired Magazine, and co-editor and SF author Cory Doctorow’s craphound.com is another great blog to frequent for related news and commentary.

POETRY

Sharp Sand
http://www.sharpsand.net/
Referring to the coarse sand used in mixing concrete, Joseph Duemer’s Sharp Sand is a bluntly honest blog about poetry, politics, teaching, and life as an artist. Duemer’s entries themselves have a kind of poetic quality to them—he doesn’t forget that even in the anonymous world of the Internet, he is still a quality writer. This is a good blog for learning about how Duemer draws upon his environment, especially in terms of politics and his work as a college professor, and uses it to feed his own artistic hunger.

Silliman’s Blog
http://www.ronsilliman.blogspot.com
Better warm up your scroll button before clicking over to this blog because it is overflowing with links. The first time I accessed the site, Ron Silliman’s most recent post consisted of no less than 158 (yes, I counted) links to articles, videos, reviews, blogs, and other items relating to modern poetry or the world of writing—and that was just one day’s worth of linkage. In addition, Silliman includes his own articles on theory, famous poets and writers, and other topics. This blog is a great way to dive into the contemporary world of poetry.

YA/TEEN

School Library Journal (See CHILDREN’S)

YPulse Daily Update
http://www.ypulse.com/
The YPulse newsletter is an easy way to get all the information from a day’s worth of posts on the main website delivered in one neat little e-mail. It includes information on media, entertainment, technology, and advertisements aimed at teens, and discusses how teens can be better marketed to. This is a great resource for anyone looking to get better acquainted with a teenage audience.

YPulse Books
http://books.ypulse.com/
“Insight, news, and trends for young adult and children’s book industry.” Like its cousin, YPulse Daily, the YPulse Books newsletter is packed with information about marketing to the YA/children’s audience, but centered on books. Excellent resource!