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May 19, 2009, 06:35 PM
|  | Senior Member  | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indiana
Posts: 588
| | | The Institute of Children's Literature
I was wondering if this is a scam. I received a pamphlet in the mail saying to send it in and they'll send me an aptitude test to take. I took the test, sent it back and, of course, they say i'm "more than qualified" for their course. It costs $600 to take and I was just wondering what's up with it. It seems kind of shady to me and I don't want to get scammed. Plus, I find it hard to believe that I am SO qualified. I just don't want to get taken with this. any help would be appreciated.
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Answers
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May 19, 2009, 06:43 PM
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#2
| | | Jobs & Parenting Expert
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicago - western suburbs
Posts: 8,020
| I did the same thing years ago when I was home with kids. I never signed up for the course. In fact, I've wanted to write a really awful story for them and see if I am still qualified. The whole thing is, if you are that good of a writer, you don't need them. I did write and sell stories and articles on my own after that. And yes, it is basically a scam. |
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May 19, 2009, 08:19 PM
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#3
| | Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indiana
Posts: 588
| Thank you so much for your reply. | |
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May 19, 2009, 08:25 PM
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#4
| | | Jobs & Parenting Expert
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicago - western suburbs
Posts: 8,020
| I'm sure they do what they say -- connect you with a legit children's author who becomes your mentor (but then, it won't be a known author, I betcha), proofread and edit your writing after assigning story topics, and take your $600+. You can achieve as much on your own, say, in a writers' group or by writing and submitting. | |
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May 19, 2009, 08:45 PM
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#5
| | Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indiana
Posts: 588
| Thanks. Are there any other tips I could use. I have written a Children's book already and I think it's quite good but could use a little 'polishing'. | |
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May 19, 2009, 09:02 PM
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#6
| | | Jobs & Parenting Expert
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicago - western suburbs
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| Quote:
Originally Posted by hollylovesbrandon  Thanks. Are there any other tips I could use. I have written a Children's book already and I think it's quite good but could use a little 'polishing'. | For what age child? | |
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May 19, 2009, 09:08 PM
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#7
| | Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indiana
Posts: 588
| Well, that's another thing I'm not sure of. I myself have no children. I know the book is a children's book but I have a problem deciding what age group it's for. I would venture to say about age 7. | |
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May 19, 2009, 09:11 PM
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#8
| | Jobs & Parenting Expert
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicago - western suburbs
Posts: 8,020
| Go to your local public library and request this book (it might be in the collection or they may have to request it from another library)--
How to Write a Children's Book and Get It Published by Barbara Seuling
One of her tips is to cut 8-1/2"x11" paper lengthwise into wide strips (maybe in half), staple them together in the center, and print out your story (so many words of the story per page), adding simple pictures or at least imagining them -- to give yourself an idea as to layout and flow. | |
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May 19, 2009, 09:30 PM
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#9
| | Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indiana
Posts: 588
| Thanks so much for all the help! | |
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May 19, 2009, 09:32 PM
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#10
| | Jobs & Parenting Expert
Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicago - western suburbs
Posts: 8,020
| Maybe I'll be cataloging it at my library one of these days? | |
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