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Writing book on assignment for trade publishers.

As I worked on my plan/goals for 2011 last week, that's one of the things I decided to pursue. Don't get me wrong. I'll also be writing my heart out on my own manuscripts, hoping one or more of those sells, too. But I'm aiming to break in with more trade publishers by writing books for the series/lines they've already created and need writers for. I know several people who have done this kind of writing, but I hate to put them on the spot for editor names.

If you know of a specific editor who assigns books to writers, would you send me an email or message me through LiveJournal or Facebook or any way you like? I'm comfortable with fiction up through chapter book level, picture books of all kinds, poetry/rhyming books of all kinds, and nonfiction up through 8th-grade. I'm responsible and professional and have a lot of experience writing to a publisher's specs. And of course I'm happy to audition for any project.

If you've worked with the editor before or know her/him personally, will you let me know if I can use your name (I won't do anything that reflects poorly on you!) in my introductory letter? If I can, great! If you're not comfortable with that, I understand. I'd still really appreciate the contact info.

And if you just know an editor's name and some projects they've assigned for, that's still really helpful, even if you don't know them or haven't worked with them. I'm just not sure how to go about breaking in to this closed arena.

My agent is keeping her ears open, but I think you guys are my best resources. Thanks!

In this next-to-last video demo of my Party Animals painting contribution, I show you one way that I like to use metallic paint. I also give tips on adding texture to your painting, and how a little shading can help elevate your work.
> Enter my Party Animals book giveaway

Nancy Traversy is the CEO of Barefoot Books, which has landed a deal to open a boutique in FAO Schwarz in New York. (Globe Photo/Travis Dove)

Barefoot Books opening boutique in NYC's FAO Schwarz.
(From Boston.com)