Showing posts with label Leap Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leap Books. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Curiouser and Curiouser: BEWARE THE LITTLE WHITE RABBIT

With 2015 marking the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND, Leap is excited to launch our own homage to Alice: BEWARE THE LITTLE WHITE RABBIT. 

Loyal LEAPers have surely seen the stunning book cover created by Gaetano with lettering by Ashley Poston. Perhaps you know the book releases April 14th (you deserve something wonderful before taxes are due). You may even know we have 13 kickass stories in the anthology.

Perhaps you are so lovingly stalkerish that you know the names of those lucky 13 authors (and that many, many more submitted but were gently turned away). Maybe you've read some works of our 13 authors before. If so, you truly rock our socks!

But, curiouser, and curiouser, we're giving away some copies of BEWARE THE LITTLE WHITE RABBIT on Goodreads, and hosting a Facebook party, and a Twitter event (watch #Beware)! 

With authors. And prizes.

Do you know the titles of the BEWARE THE LITTLE WHITE RABBIT stories? Have you seen the title pages? 

No?

Well, we're going to fix that. 

Over the next two weeks we'll be introducing you to our amazing anthology authors and kicking off our events. We'll be sharing t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, and whatnots, in our new online store. 

If you love Alice-in-Wonderland, if you're hoping for your chance to follow a white rabbit into a Wonderland… Stick around!

Buy the book on Amazon, iTunes, or Smashwords!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Need Help with Story Structure?





Registration Information
Click to register
April 28 - May 25, 2014


About the Workshop
 
An interesting and exciting beginning will draw readers in, but how do you keep their interest high throughout? A well-plotted story will keep them turning the pages and make them eager to read your next book. Both plotters and pantsers can benefit from knowing how to structure a story that readers can’t put down. Learn about different story structures that can keep your novel riveting from beginning to end and prevent sagging middles.

But story structure isn't only about plotting. A novel needs other basics to give it structure -- thematic resonance and character change. Adding these underlying elements can take any story from good to outstanding. If your goal is to write a bestselling novel, this is your opportunity to learn from an experienced editor. 

Cost: Premium Member $20 / Basic Member $30

About the Instructor

 
Kat O’Shea is Editor-in-Chief at Leap Books, a small, innovative publishing house for teen and tween novels. She has 20+ years of editing experience with a variety of publishers, and she has been published under several pseudonyms in both the YA and adult markets.




Friday, February 8, 2013

What Are You Doing to Go Green?

From now until the end of April, schools around the country are working on going green. If you want information on a start-up kit for your school, you can contact GEF, the Green Education Foundation. The site also offers lesson plans and ideas. Be sure to share your results with GEF to be entered in a drawing for a Green in Action award.  Winners get $250 for their classrooms.

Here's what one school did:



Leap Books supports environmental action in many ways. We've gone green in our book printing and office practices. And we publish authors who not only write about environmental themes, but are active in helping the planet.

Bonnie J. Doerr researches endangered animals, but she doesn't just get the facts. She helps the organizations by participating and doing fundraising. A portion of the sale of Doerr's books have gone to assisting the National Key Deer Refuge and the Turtle Hospital.




Doerr was recently featured as a green author on Linda Martin Andersen's blog and enjoyed this opportunity to promote "green" writing / living and National Green Week. To find out more about Doerr, vist her at Bonnie Blogs Green or read all about her the Girls Scouts website, where she is a featured author. Bonnie's books include Stakeout and Island Sting. She's researching in the Florida Keys right now on her next eco-mystery on pelicans.




Sunday, January 13, 2013

Shiny New Website and Free Books

We're thrilled with our new website design. We hope you will be too.

To celebrate the launch of our redesigned website as well as Leap Books' third anniversary, we're offering free books.We'll be drawing 3 names (one for each year we've been in business).  Just leave a comment here about our new site, friend us on Twitter and/or Facebook, and let us know. You'll get one entry each time you spread the word.

Be sure to mention which of our books you'd like to receive and whether you'd prefer a print or ebook. If you don't mind waiting, you can request a future release, such as Maria V. Snyder's book, Storm Watcher, coming in the fall of 2013.

Winners will be chosen at midnight on January 31, 2013.

We also have some terrific new releases, giveaways, and special plans for this year. So watch for more exciting news later this month.


Sunday, December 2, 2012

What to Buy for the Teens on Your Gift List

Not sure what to give those favorite teens on your gift list? Here are some special holiday treats, they're sure to love. Check out our selection of books for teens and tweens at the Leap Books store. And if you don't know what title(s) to choose, why not give them a gift certificate* (or two) and let them select their own? E-books are also available.**

Happy Holidays from Leap Books!!



* Gift certificates are available at the Leap Books store.
**Ebooks are available through Amazon.

Leap Books can help with all your holiday needs...


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Leap Books Accepting Unagented Submissions April 2013

Leap Books is looking for great authors for our new e-novella line. And we're offering a rare, once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity for unagented authors to submit to us. (Agented manuscripts will be accepted as well.)

Do you have a high concept story suitable for YA? One that's too short for book-length fiction?

We want manuscripts of 35,000 to 40,000 words for e-novellas.Stories may be any genre, but must be fast-paced, well-written, and exciting with commercial appeal. Romantic elements are a plus.

Polish your submission until it SHINEs and then send it to:
 submissions@leapbks.com

ONLY during the month of APRIL 2013.

Come SHINE with us.



Sunday, April 1, 2012

Fortune Cookies, Cherry Coke, and Proms

What do fortune cookies, Cherry Coke, and proms have in common? Read on to find out. Leap Books (LB) interviewed author Kitty Keswick (KK), who has something to say on all three subjects. She even throws in some chocolate cake and a free story for her blog readers.Not to mention a chance to win a free copy of the Spirited anthology.

LB: What was your most embarrassing moment?


KK: Which one do you know about? Wouldn’t want it getting out...can we make a deal? How does chocolate cake sound?

LB: What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self?

KK: Don’t give up your dreams for anyone. Fortune cookies with Cherry Coke is not a major food group. And lay off the midnight college pizza parties.  Your metabolism will slow down, trust me on this one. :-)

LB: What super power do you wish you had?

KK: Like, I don’t already have enough? Oh, you weren’t supposed to know that…errr, secret identity and all. (Ix-nay-on-the-super-powers-nay.) Hmm, super power, super power. Well, a photographic memory would be nice. My memory is sorta bad of late. Teleportation, because I love to travel and who wouldn’t want to go to Europe in the blink of an eye. (Ah, British accents are drool worthy, truly.) And to see future danger…only if I could avoid it or change it. Because just knowing the future without being to change it would really stink. Oh and invisibility, because you never know when you might need it. I am not asking too much, am I? So when can I expect my super powers? Seven to ten business days?? How will they be delivered? Can I request Thor from the Avengers?

LB: What’s hiding in your closet?

KK: I hope nothing deadly…I don’t have any silver spikes. It’s pretty packed. So if there was a monster lurking in there, it was probably crushed by the weight of my clothes and shoes.

LB: Have you ever climbed into or out of a window?

KK: Yes, on several occasions. Not sure what that says about me…lol. I used to climb out the bathroom window and sit on the roof above the sunroom and watch nature. I also had to use a ladder to get into that same house through a second story window, because I was locked out. I’ve also jumped fences, too. Some pretty big ones…into some very intriguing places. I will let your mind wander because I am not telling where. I am full of interesting secrets. :-)

LB: Who would you cast to play your life in a movie?

KK: Sarah Rue, because people say she looks like me. She’s also quirky like me and a talented actress.

LB: What is something most people don't know about you?

KK: That I have a twisted sense of humor. Really. I am not kidding.  You would never have guessed, huh?

LB: What's one question you wish interviewers would ask?

KK: Not a clue…I get some pretty strange and bizarre questions; nothing seems to be off limits with me. TMI? Eh, maybe.
----
Kitty Keswick's story in the Leap Book anthology Spirited is "Death Becomes Her." If you have any other questions for our featured author, be sure to leave them on the blog or ask them on the Spirited Facebook page. Each question or comment earns you a contest entry (see below).

About the Story, "Death Becomes Her"

Willow Martin’s life is a fairytale. Only problem is she's Cinderella before Prince Charming shows up. She has a real life evil stepmonster and stepsister, who take great pleasure in making sure Willow's story is a nightmare. As her dance draws nearer, a dress and a haunting spirit forever change her story. Will it be a Happily Ever After?

For a free paranormal prom story by Kitty Keswick, click on this title: My Prom Date's a Vampire.


About the Author

Kitty Keswick grew up on her grandfather's California vineyard, where her imagination was her best friend. At a very tender age, she started writing her stories and reading them to the grapes. Kitty has been an Anglophile since age four when she saw Robin Hood and fell head over heels in love. Robin Hood inspired the hero of her first book, Freaksville, part of a trilogy that includes Furry and Freaked and Freaked No More. Kitty lives with a bossy tabby cat and maybe even a few ghosts. She spends her days with werewolves, Valkyries, vamps and other creatures that go bump in the night. Kitty is also the proud owner of an Indie bookstore in Peru, Indiana. Visit her at her website or her blog.

And if you'd like to know a few more secrets about the Spirited authors, read some early posts on the Spirited Facebook page and Leap Books blog. Anyone who posts a link to one of those secrets will be entered in a drawing for a free book. You may leave a comment or question for each author for an additional entry for a print copy of Spirited.

One winner will be drawn after all 13 blogs about the authors are posted. Enter as often as you'd like by linking to author secrets or leaving comments or questions.

And for a limited time get the Spirited ebook
Regularly $8.99
On sale for $.99
Until April 8, 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

Do Phantoms and Proms Mix?

Linda Joy Singleton's story in the Leap Book anthology Spirited is "Phantom of the Prom." We've asked her to answer a few questions for us. If you have any other questions for any of our featured authors, be sure to leave them on the blog or ask them on the Spirited Facebook page. Each question or comment earns you a contest entry (see below).


What was your most embarrassing moment? 
 
At one of the first writing talks I ever gave for #SCBWI, I didn't realize until I got to the conference that I had two different white shoes on. I was panicked, afraid everyone would notice once I stood in front of the audience. So while listening to other speakers, I made a list of things I could do, including going barefoot, sneaking out during lunch to a nearby mall to buy new shoes, or just announcing it was "mismatched shoes" day and how come I was the only one cool enough to wear two different shoes? When it came time to speak, I admitted my error, then read off my list -- and everyone laughed. It turned into one my best talks ever. 
 
What advice do you wish you could give to your younger self?  

Not to be so insecure and needy when it came to relationships, also to take more time for education instead of jumping into marriage-work-life. But mostly I'd just tell myself to believe in myself and trust all my intuition, and that things that seemed impossible (like a happy marriage, great kids, living in the country, selling my writing) would come true.

What's one question you wish interviewers would ask?

Since SPIRITED is an anthology, it might be nice to share that I was 14 years old when I submitted my first short stories to a magazine. I didn't have any writing classes so my father, who was a little interested in writing himself, took a writing class at a local college. He came home with information on how to submit professionally and taught me about double spacing, salutations, etc. I never sold any of these stories but still have a very encouraging rejection letter which I have shown to kids when I speak at schools. The rejection made me feel like a real writer.

About the Story

Psychic Sabine Rose from THE SEER series has solved mysteries of tragic ghosts, toxic spirits and malevolent magicians. But now she’s faced with new challenges—convincing her boyfriend Dominic to take her to the prom and banishing an angry ghost from a castle. With the help of good friends and her spirit guide, Opal, she enters a creepy castle in search of answers—and the ghost of a killer.

About the Author

Linda Joy Singleton is the author of more than thirty-five books, including THE SEER series, DEAD GIRL trilogy, and BURIED: Goth Girl Mystery. Free short stories, a contest, book excerpts, and writing advice, can be found at her website. Click here for a story, The Dark Lifer's Revenge: A Short Story, by Linda Joy. It's free for a short time.*

And if you'd like to know a few more secrets about Linda Joy, read some early posts on the Spirited Facebook page and Leap Books blog. Anyone who posts a link to one of those secrets will be entered in a drawing for a free book. You may leave a comment or question for each author for an additional entry for a print copy of Spirited.

One winner will be drawn after all 13 blogs about the authors are posted. Enter as often as you'd like by linking to author secrets or leaving comments or questions.

* Click on the title for another free story, this one by Kitty Keswick, My Prom Date's a Vampire.


And for a limited time get the Spirited ebook
Regularly $8.99
On sale for $.99
Until April 8, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

Only 99 Cents

Limited Time: Spirited ebook
Regularly $8.99
On Sale $.99
Until April 8, 2012

To help us celebrate the launch of the print version of Spirited, Leap Books has the $8.99 ebook version on sale for $.99 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. All proceeds from the anthology will be donated to charity. Read more about that charity, 826 National, here.

We're also featuring each of the 13 anthology authors over the next few weeks on our blog. Learn more about the superstars behind Spirited--talented authors who are willing to donate their time and talent to help encourage literacy and writing. We'll also include some sneak peeks at their stories.

And if you'd like to know a few more secrets about each author, read some early posts on the Spirited Facebook page and Leap Books blog. Anyone who posts a link to one of those secrets will be entered in a drawing for a free book. You may leave a comment or question for each author for an additional entry for a print copy of Spirited.

One winner will be drawn after all 13 blogs about the authors are posted. Enter as often as you'd like by linking to author secrets or leaving comments or questions.

And if you're in the Alberta, Canada, area, you can attend a live launch party with three of the authors: Judith Graves, Dawn Dalton, and Hallie D. Lilburn on April 21. Exciting details below:

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Reaching Your Dreams

Leap is drawn to authors who lead creative lives. We strongly believe that authors who are involved, engaged, and giving bring something extra to the pages of their work. When Leap Books opened, we sent out the following opening to our press release:


Once in blue moon, a publisher comes along who does things in an innovative way. Leap Books opened their doors on the night of the blue moon, expecting something magical to happen. And it did.

We launched our debut authors in the direction of their dreams. Now we invite you to take a Leap with us. You’ll be glad you did...

Not only have we launched several first-time authors, but we've been lucky enough to help one teen author reach her dream of publication.

For all of our authors, though, publication isn't their only dream. We've found that creative people tend to dream big, so for the next week or so, we'll be featuring some of the ways are authors are living their dreams. We hope it will inspire you to reach for the stars...

Friday, May 6, 2011

Want a Free Book?

 One of the authors who is contributing to Leap Books forthcoming Spirited anthology, Linda Joy Singleton, has a FREE YA paranormal romance available for the month of May only. You can check out the book trailer HERE. Better yet, just pick up your FREE copy of Dead Girl Walking for the Nook and Kindle at Amazon.


And watch for Spirited this October.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Canadian Book Week

To celebrate Canadian book week, we're featuring our Canadian authors and illustrators.

TAKE 2--

Next up is our award-winning, Canadian graphic artist, Val Cox...

Val is responsible for the cool and edgy designs in two of our paranormal books, Freaksville and Under My Skin. Watch for more of Val's work in upcoming books.

Here are a few of Val's designs:



Monday, March 28, 2011

A Great Way to Help Japan

I support Kidlit4Japan Children's authors, illustrators, and publishers are banding together to help Japan. They've donated goods and services that are being auctioned at Children's Authors and Illustrators for Japan. Everything from books to prints to editorial services are available.


Leap  Books editor Kat O'Shea is offering three critiques. Not only can you take advantage of her expertise, but if you've been dying to submit to Leap Books, here's your chance. Normally we only take agented submissions, but the three lucky authors that Kat critiques will have an opportunity to submit their completed manuscripts to Leap Books after they've revised them. We hope you'll leap at this chance to get your foot in the door. Watch for Kat's offering to come up. Here are the details:

Auction #67
From Thursday 3/31 @ 11:00AM EDT to Tuesday 4/5 @ 11:00AM EDT
Kat O'Shea: critique-50 pages
Value:  $250

And while you're there, be sure to look at all the other great items. Nab a badge to show your support. Better yet, pop over to the website now and start bidding.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Skype Visits Anyone?


If you aren't sure how to use Skype for author visits, author Judith Graves will demonstrate this free technology that allows schools and libraries to host inexpensive author visits via the Internet.

See her presentation at:

 October 4, 2010: Parkland Regional Library School PD Day (Lacombe, Alberta, Canada). Session on Skype Author Visits and making the most of author related videoconferencing in a library setting.

If you aren't able to attend this session, contact Judith about a presentation for your organization. And remember, all our Leap Books authors are available for Skype visits. Contact Cathleen Cartwright, Public Relations Assistant, at cathleencartwright@leapbks

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Meet Editor Kat O'Shea

If you've been longing to submit a manuscript to Leap Books, this may be your opportunity. As you know, Leap Books only accepts agented manuscripts. They do make exceptions for attendees at conferences where any Leap Books editor speaks. If you haven't been able to attend conferences to meet one of our editors, you can meet Kat O'Shea, Editor-in-Chief, online at Savvy Authors during October.

Kat will be teaching at:






If you attend her workshop Handling Backstory the Right Way, you can submit one manuscript directly to Kat following the four week class.


Here's a brief blurb:

You only have a paragraph or two to capture an editor’s or reader’s interest. If you don’t draw readers in quickly, it’s hard to make a sale. Get your story off to a more exciting start by eliminating backstory. Discover how to identify backstory, when to cut it, where and how to use it effectively.

WHEN: Oct 4 - Oct 31
COST: $15 for Premium Members
$25 for Basic & NON-Members

So head on over to Savvy Authors to register.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Blogmania Winners

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Blogmania giveaway. We're so glad to have you as friends!

Leap Books had three winners during the Blogmania giveaway. We're pleased to announce the following winners:

1) Video camera: Betty: Reflections with Coffee
2) Leap Books and gift certificate: Tea
3) Victorian gift box and soaps: Kalia_Kane

Hope you enjoy your prizes. And for those who didn't win, we have a consolation gift prize of 20% off any Leap purchase. If you email leapcontests AT gmail DOT com, we'll send you a code to use when purchasing.

We hope you all enjoy your prizes and keep stopping back for more Leap Books. We have some exciting new books debuting soon.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Latest Leap Contest

School's out for summer--or it soon will be. And Leap Books is hoping you'll dive into some summer fun at your local library. This year the theme is Make a Splash @ Your Library for tweens or Make Waves @ Your Library for teens. In keeping with that theme, Leap's holding a contest to get books out to libraries and to give prizes to teens. All you have to do is read one of the excerpts posted on the Leap Books website and tell us what you think happens next in 250 words or less. Official Contest rules are posted below. They'll also be available on our website.

Ready to Make a Splash? Then Leap in!


2010 SPLASH! Official Contest Rules


NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.

The following Contest offer is good in the United States and Canada only and shall be construed and evaluated according to the laws of the United States.

The “SPLASH!” Contest (“Contest”) begins at 1:00:00 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST), Tuesday, June 1, 2010, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. (CST), Tuesday, August 31, 2010 (“Contest Period”), and is sponsored by Leap Books, LLC. (“Sponsor”). The Contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. All applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. By participating in the Contest, each participant is required to be 18 years of age or older and a library employee (“Library Employee”) at the time the entry is submitted. Library Employee agrees that he or she has read, understands, and agrees to be bound by the Official Rules and the final decisions of the Sponsor.

HOW TO ENTER: All registrant information must be for a Library Employee who is 18 years of age or older, or entry will be disqualified. Enter online at leapcontest@leapbks.com between June 1, 2010, and August 31, 2010. Limit one entry per eligible library. Multiple entries submitted on behalf of the same library will be posted online, but will be disqualified from winning an additional prize. Using the entry form or a Word document, Library Employee should enter his/her first and last name, Library Name, complete address, phone number, and e-mail address. The entry form must be accompanied by an ending (no greater than 250 words) to one of the excerpts posted online at www.leapbks.com. This ending must be composed by one or more teens or tweens and must be submitted by a Library Employee. All entries are subject to verification.

Pictures of the contestants may be included with the entry, but permission must be obtained from all parents/guardians to post the photograph(s) containing pictures of any teens/tweens under the age of 18. First names of teens/tweens may be included as identification for a photo caption, but no other identifying information should be included with the entry. In lieu of a contestant photo, a photo of the library may accompany the entry. Lack of a photograph will not disqualify any entry.

PRIZES: Three (3) Grand-Prize Winners will be selected from all eligible entries received. The endings will be judged by the authors of the excerpts, who will each select one (1) finalist from all eligible endings to the excerpt from his/her book. Entries will be judged on creativity (How unusual is the ending?) and uniqueness (How different is the ending from any of the other submissions?), both of which will be weighted equally. In the event of a tie, a panel consisting of three Leap Books editors will rejudge, breaking any ties and basing their decision on the original judging criteria.

In addition, names will be drawn randomly from all entries to receive free books from Leap Books.

PRIZES: Each Grand Prize consists of a Leap T-shirt, a special prize from the book’s author, an opportunity to collaborate with the author on a writing project, and a set of three (3) Leap Books for each teen/tween who participated in creating the winning entry. The winning library will also receive a set of three (3) books and a free ½-hour Skype visit (or online chat) with the author of the excerpt for which the ending was created.

One Hundred and Fifty (150) winners, whose names will be drawn at random, will receive free Leap Books. Total ARV of all prizes is $4725.00.

ELIGIBILITY: Contest open to legal U.S. residents that are age 18 or older on or before January 1, 2007. Employees of American Girl; Inc., Mattel, Inc.; their respective affiliates; subsidiaries; parent companies; partner companies; advertising and promotion agencies; printing and mailing companies; judging organization; and immediate family and household members of each are not eligible to win. Void where prohibited by law. All federal, state, and local laws apply.

GENERAL: By entering this Contest, participants agree to abide by and be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the judges. Grand-Prize Winners will be required to execute an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release (except where prohibited), which must be signed and returned to the Sponsor within 14 days of attempted delivery of same. Noncompliance within this condition will result in forfeiture of prize. Unclaimed prize will not be awarded. Winner will be notified by email. If prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, the prize will be forfeited and will be awarded to an alternate winner. No substitutions or cash redemption of prize as offered except as provided herein. Prize is non-transferable. Tentative Prize Winners will be notified by telephone and/or e-mail. If a Tentative Prize Winner cannot be reached within fourteen (14) business days from the time of first notification attempt, such person will be disqualified and an alternate entry will be randomly selected. Once contact has been made with a Tentative Prize Winner, prize will then be sent by mail. Contest entries become the property of Leap Books, LLC, and will not be returned. Library Employee agrees that winning essays may be reproduced, in whole or in part, by Sponsor, in any and all media, for any and all purposes, including purposes of advertising and trade, without further compensation. In case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize of equal or greater value. By accepting the prize, winner consents, for him/herself and for the winners, to the use of their names (first names only for participants under age 18), photos and/or likenesses for advertising and trade purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited. Participants waive the right to assert as a condition of winning any and all costs of redemption and any liability, which might arise from redeeming or seeking to redeem said prize. By accepting the prize, Library Employee releases Leap Books, LLC, and their respective advertising, promotion, and provider companies; and each of their respective officers, directors, agents and employees from any and all liabilities with respect to the prize and acknowledges that said parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, expressed or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the prize, including but not limited to, its quality, condition, or fitness for a particular purpose. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this Contest should any computer virus or other technical difficulty beyond the control of the Sponsor corrupt the administration, security, or proper play of the Contest and award prizes from among all eligible entries received prior to action taken by Sponsor. Participants must provide a valid e-mail address when entering online. Sponsor is not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate entry information, whether caused by Internet users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest or by any technical or human error that may occur in the processing of the entries in this Contest. Sponsor is not responsible for computer system, phone line, hardware, software or program malfunctions, or other errors, failures, or delays in computer transmissions or network connections that are human or technical in nature. In the event of a dispute regarding the identity of the person submitting an electronic entry, the entry will be deemed to be submitted by the “authorized account holder,” person in whose name the e-mail account is registered, provided that person meets all eligibility criteria set forth in the Eligibility section of the Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process. This Contest and these Official Rules are governed, construed, and interpreted under the laws of the State of Wyoming and any or all claims pursuant to these shall be brought in the courts of the State of Wyoming.

Winner List: For the names of the winners, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to 2010 SPLASH! Contest, c/o Leap Books, P.O. Box 112, Reidsville, NC 2720-0112. Request must be received by September 30, 2010.

Sponsor: Leap Books, LLC, Beartooth Ct., Powell, WY 82435

Friday, June 4, 2010

Author Bonnie J. Doerr Appearing at SCBWI

If you live in or near Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia, check out the Leaps of Imagination: Fact, Fiction, & Fantasy! conference for children's/YA writers sponsored by the regional SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) on July 17 & 18, 2010. They have a fabulous lineup of speakers and breakout sessions for authors and illustrators at all stages of their craft--from beginners to the multi-published. Click here for more details, a brochure, and a downloadable registration form.

We're excited because Leap Books author Bonnie J. Doerr will be one of the speakers. If you'd like Bonnie to visit your library or group while she's in the area, contact the Leap Books marketing department.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010


One of the most successful and largest book festivals in the United States is the Virginia Festival of the Book—a celebration of the written word in all forms that enriches the city of Charlottesville, VA, for nearly a week. On March 20th, Leap Books author Bonnie J. Doerr was privileged to serve on a panel at this festival. But before the day of her panel, she was determined to make the most of this book extravaganza. Let’s listen in:

I’d barely unpacked when on Thursday, March 18, I hoofed it to UVa’s campus (asking students every two blocks where the heck I need to go) to hear authors discuss their Mentors, Muses, & Monsters. Wow, when Alice Randall (Rebel Yell) said she is inspired by and writes country music, I was hooked. Gotta love that lady.

Then on Friday, I ran from the Central Library to the City Council Chambers and then to an actual bookstore (YAY!) to soak up wisdom from more authors and get a glimpse of the inside story in the life of book reviewers. Listening to Ron Charles, The Washington Post Book Reviewer, describe how books are chosen for review, I realized there was no magic involved.

Here’s how it goes: Do they like the cover? Yes. Maybe that one will get reviewed. Oops, one fell on the floor. Sorry. That one won’t get reviewed. Didn’t we just review one similar to this last month? Yes. So, negative on that one. Hey, good ol’ so and so likes to review books like this, right? Yes. Send it to her. And you better hope you’ve already gotten a couple good reviews or your book won’t make the cut. Honestly, it was kind of depressing. And then there was the big discussion about what we already know—that with budget cuts, print reviewers are few and far between. And you know what? Reviewers get edited over and over also and don’t make much money. Just like authors! Does that make you feel better? Didn’t think so.

An air of celebration permeated every event and every business. The festival, beloved by hoteliers, restaurateurs, and retailers had been nearly served a death sentence mere days before it opened for what would have been its last season. However, the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, the organization that runs the festival, escaped a House of Delegates proposal to eliminate its state funding that very week. The people complained to their legislators, and the festival, though severely injured, survived.

Saturday there were several events for children’s book enthusiasts. Finally, my kind of people. It was sheer pleasure listening to my fellow authors and friends (Kathy Erskine, Fran Cannon Slayton, Sara Lewis Holmes, Sue Corbett, and Irene Latham) discuss their novels for the panel on Terrific Kids’ Novels Adults Will Love Too.

And then it was my turn. I shared the table with some amazing people: Ruth Spiro ( Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist), whose articles and essays have been published in the Writer, CHILD Magazine and Disney's Family Fun. Emily Ecton, author of Night of the Living Lawn Ornaments and Boots and Pieces, writer and producer for the NPR news quiz, Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!: Deborah Heiligman ( Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith, National Book Award Nominee for Young People's Literature (2009), School Library Journal Best Book of the Year (2009), and Printz Honor (2010)), and Laura Rennert ( Buying, Training, and Caring for Your Dinosaur and Emma, the Extraordinary Princess), senior agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, representing several New York Times bestselling authors. I was seriously awestruck by the talent at that table.

Questions were asked and in answer we shared our collective and varied experience along the path to publishing. Do you need an agent? Not necessarily, but it’s recommended. (Two of us were published without one, but would now like to be represented.) What is the process for query letters? Depends. Read what each editor requires and follow it to a T. Big publishing house vs. small? Big house—more money, wider distribution. Small—(Finally, my chance to brag about Leap Books.) I love the easy and fast communication with my editor and the opportunity to influence cover and book design. Best advice for aspiring authors and illustrators? Join SCBWI, read the trades, attend conferences, take workshops, study the craft, develop a thick skin, read your genre, don’t try to gauge the market. Oh, and keep your day job!

Finally, I enjoyed listening to David Macinnis Gill, Jennifer Hubbard, Amy Brecount White, and Paul Chase Hyman talk about their Hot Young Adult & Teen Fiction. Awesome!

The next day I packed my bags and took my energized brain and inspired soul off to Maryland to chill with my dear friend and fellow author, Edie Hemingway (Road to Tater Hill, Parents Choice Gold 2010). What beats a gourmet campfire cookout, served by a charming man, complete with wine and s’mores. The perfect ending to an brilliant trip.