Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: A Guide to Writing Children's Lit.
A great resource for writing, illustrating, and publishing children's literature. Includes articles, guides, and helpful tips to being successful in one or more ventures in children's literature.
Harold D. Underdown
A Glossary of Publishing Terms and Jargon
An extensive and detailed glossary of the many words and phrases one may come across in the field of publishing. Includes general and basic terms as well as "jargon" only publishers understand.
Harold D. Underdown
Getting Started: The Basics of Writing & Illustrating
A fantastic resource for getting started in publishing a children's book. Provides information about writing, sending and submitting your manuscript, choosing an agent, and more.
Harold D. Underdown
The How Do I Get It Published Quiz
A fantastic quiz for answering questions about getting your writing piece published. Pertains specifically to children's literature, but may also be relevant for other types of writing.
Harold D. Underdown
Children's Book Awards/ Award Winning Children's Books
Site includes information about the Caldecott Medal, the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and other National Awards from 2002-current. Includes a page on each award, links to press releases, and...
Harold D. Underdown
Chatting Them Up: Tips for a Successful Interview
Taken from the perspective of a children's literature writer, this website offers several tips and suggestions for conducting an efficient interview. A detailed and informational article.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon Blog: Questions About Publishing
An updated blog dealing with common and frequently asked questions concerning publishing children's literature.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Writing Picture Books, the Basics
A detailed and informational look at the process of writing a picture book. From the writing process to the submission of a manuscript, this site will show an aspiring writer how to write and submit a picture book worth reading.
Harold D. Underdown
Self Editing Your Middle Grade Book
An excellent resource for writers who have completed a young adult novel or book. Includes links to helpful websites and "tried and true self-editing secrets."
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Researching the Folktale
An excellent informational page concerning the origins of the folktale. Addresses questions such as "where did it [the folktale] come from?" and discusses dates, sources, and examples. Great site for anyone looking to research the basic...
Harold D. Underdown
How to Make Editors Eager to Read Your Picture Book
A great resource for attempting to publish a picture book. Includes tips and helpful advice for writers.
Harold D. Underdown
Write Descriptive Passages to Die For
Provides excellent examples of descriptive writing for one needing inspiration. Site is written for those who write literature for children, but can also be applicable to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
Are You a Writer Looking for Inspiration?
A very helpful article for writers looking for inspiration. Presents advice about inspiration from the past, present, and future. Article written for children's literature but may also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
How to Write a Picture Book With Fabulous Rhyme & Meter
An excellent resource for elementary writers looking to create or season a picture book with rhyming or metrical elements. Includes good advice and tips, as well as examples and links for further information.
Harold D. Underdown
How to Find Words That Jump Off the Page
An excellent resource for a writer struggling to come up with the exact words for which they are looking. Includes very helpful advice and information. Aimed at writers of children's literature, but can also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
The Secret to Becoming a Published Writer
A very good article providing "secrets" to those writers hoping to get published. Includes tips, secrets, quotes from published writers, and links for further information.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Getting It Out of the "Slush Pile"
The "slush pile" is a publisher's sizeable reading stash, and this site is a great resource for attempting to get a publisher to get your manuscript OUT of the pile. Includes several pieces of advice concerning the story itself, your...
Harold D. Underdown
Rites of Submission: Cover & Query Letters in Publishing
A fantastic reference for how to format a cover or query letter when submitting a manuscript for publication. Includes examples of good letters, what NOT to write, and general guidelines for success.
Harold D. Underdown
Caldecott Medal Winners, 2002 Current
A list of the children's books to win the esteemed Caldecott Medal from 2002 until the present. Includes links to each books page from "Amazon.com" for buying information and additional resources.
Harold D. Underdown
The Newbery Medal Winners, 2002 Current
Site includes a listing of previous winners of the Newbery Book Medal in children's literature since 2002. Shows winners and provides a link to each book's page on "Amazon.com" for buying information.
Harold D. Underdown
Writing Young Adult and Children's Fiction and Fantasy
A great article concerning writing children's literature, especially in the area of fantasy or science fiction. The author provides information concerning how to develop characters, creating literary elements, and discusses some pitfalls...
Harold D. Underdown
Getting Out of the Art File: Tips for Book Illustrators
An excellent resource for illustrators to format their work in order to get the attention of a publisher. Intended for children's literature, but may also apply to other genres.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Books About Children's Writing
A resourceful list of books to consult when writing children's literature. Includes several books from different perspectives, and includes links to each books page on Amazon.com.
Harold D. Underdown
The Purple Crayon: Books About Illustrating
A list of resources concerning illustrating for children's literature. Each link takes you to the book's page on Amazon.com.