[HaroldU Posts: 879 Status: Offline WWW]

I've posted a review of Cheryl Klein's Second Sight: An Editor's Talks on Writing, Revising, & Publishing Books for Children and Young Adults on my site.

As you may know, Cheryl is an editor at Arthur Levine's imprint at Scholastic, and the book is a collection of workshops, essays, and presentations from the past 10 years, ranging from the personal (how she got into children's publishing) to the practical and beyond to the philosophical. It's a wonderfully quirky book that does more to show you the mind of a dedicated children's book editor than ANY other book I've read.

Has anyone else read it?

[olmue Posts: 4,208 Status: Offline WWW]

I loved her book, too, Harold! I kept stopping to look at a manuscript and try out her ideas while reading, too. Just excellent.

I've posted a review here as well: http://rose-green.blogspot.com/2011/01/second-sight-by-cheryl-klein-review.html

[Mike Jung]

I decided to outline my next manuscript first (a new thing for me), and I've actually had SECOND SIGHT open in front of me the whole time. A terrific and incredibly helpful book.

[Mrs. Jones Posts: 1,840 Status: Offline]

I agree with you, Harold. As a matter of fact, I bought a couple copies to give away to friends, also. Because it's taken from the talks she's given over the years, there is repetition. But I've found repetition is a great thing when it comes to learning the big (and little) concepts she discusses. Excellent book to tuck under the Christmas tree for a writer friend, that's what I'm thinking.

[lauriew Posts: 172 Status: Offline WWW]

Cheryl is going to be giving a FREE workshop during the novel track of the NJ SCBWI craft day on November 5th. She'll be selling and signing her book after the workshop.

For more information, see: http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2011/07/09/november56writingandillustratingevent/ To reserve a spot, email me at laurie@newjerseyscbwi.com Laurie

PS: The Sunday mentoring workshop is sold out.

[Jenn Posts: 21 Status: Offline]

Wow, this post is perfect timing for me!

 I've been debating about this book for a while and, since I now have a gift card to Amazon, it's been sitting in my shopping cart. I normally like to browse through the first pages of a book I buy in the bookstore or online and this book doesn't have that availability. So this helped A TON. I'm ready to roll out the gift card now. Thanks Harold (and everyone else)!   

[J.Ro Posts: 290 Status: Offline People talk in my head. Sometimes I listen.]

I just got it last week, and like the perfect bar of dark chocolate, I'm savoring it a few pages at a time.  I love it.

[bechick108 Posts: 92 Status: Offline]

SECOND SIGHT has been instrumental in my latest WIP. Her views on the emotional plot alone are worth the money. LOVE this book!

[YAchicka Posts: 698 Status: Offline Don't quit before the miracle! WWW]

Read it poolside this summer!  So helpful as I worked on my revisions (and tan!)

[217mom Posts: 1,206 Status: Offline "Keep the child in view"- Charles Dickens WWW]

Cheryl has been immensely helpful and generous on her website, and many of the articles now in Second Sight appeared there. How neat to have it in one volume. 

[anita Posts: 403 Status: Offline I love kids' books! WWW]

I have it, but haven't had a chance to read it. I understand an article I wrote (and conduct workshops on) about revising is mentioned in it, though!

anita

[HaroldU Posts: 879 Status: Offline WWW]

Wow, I see I'm not the only person who is enthusiastic about this book!

[Lenoreva]

I read it last month and it gave me lots of great stuff to think about as I revise!  I especially loved her thoughts on voice.

[MegM Posts: 428 Status: Offline WWW]

I have it, too. I was happy to have the chance to support its publication via the Kickstarter program because I have benefited so much from Cheryl's generous posts on her blog and I love the way she talks about structure in particular (something I am very bad at). I haven't read the book cover to cover, but do keep it on my desk and dip in and out of it reasonably regularly.

[austenwrites Posts: 101 Status: Offline Author/agent/social media strategist WWW]

This is an excellent book! Great review, Harold (and Olmue)!

T.

[jennygoebel Posts: 40 Status: Offline WWW]

Have it. Read it. Loved it. AND keep returning to all my bookmarked pages.  Like Harold pointed out, it is chocked full of PRACTICAL advice.

[Cali Posts: 218 Status: Offline Twitter: (csuefrye) WWW]

Gotta have it!!!

[hairaplenty Posts: 1,737 Status: Offline Don't ever quit!]

So excited to come this eve to this on my doorstep!  Can't wait!





             

[HaroldU Posts: 879 Status: Offline WWW]

MegM, you deserve special thanks for helping Cheryl publish the book--Kickstarter is a great thing.

And thanks everyone else for your comments....

[Nora Posts: 110 Status: Offline]

I decided to outline my next manuscript first (a new thing for me), and I've actually had SECOND SIGHT open in front of me the whole time. A terrific and incredibly helpful book.

I'm doing this too. I've found her book very helpful!